King Henry VIII | Page 7

more than others?
But you frame Things that are known alike, which are not wholesome
To those which would not know them, and yet must Perforce be their
acquaintance. These exactions, Whereof my sovereign would have note,
they are Most pestilent to the hearing; and, to bear 'em, The back is
sacrifice to the load. They say They are devis'd by you; or else you
suffer Too hard an exclamation.

KING. Still exaction! The nature of it? In what kind, let's know, Is this
exaction?
QUEEN KATHERINE. I am much too venturous In tempting of your
patience; but am bold'ned Under your promis'd pardon. The subjects'
grief Comes through commissions, which compels from each The sixth
part of his substance, to be levied Without delay; and the pretence for
this Is nam'd, your wars in France. This makes bold mouths; Tongues
spit their duties out, and cold hearts freeze Allegiance in them; their
curses now Live where their prayers did; and it's come to pass This
tractable obedience is a slave To each incensed will. I would your
Highness Would give it quick consideration, for There is no primer
business.
KING. By my life, This is against our pleasure.
WOLSEY. And for me, I have no further gone in this than by A single
voice; and that not pass'd me but By learned approbation of the judges.
If I am Traduc'd by ignorant tongues, which neither know My faculties
nor person, yet will be The chronicles of my doing, let me say 'Tis but
the fate of place, and the rough brake That virtue must go through. We
must not stint Our necessary actions, in the fear To cope malicious
censurers; which ever, As ravenous fishes, do a vessel follow That is
new-trimm'd, but benefit no further Than vainly longing. What we oft
do best, By sick interpreters, once weak ones, is Not ours, or not
allow'd; what worst, as oft, Hitting a grosser quality, is cried up For our
best act. If we shall stand still, In fear our motion will be mock'd or
carp'd at, We should take root here where we sit, or sit State-statues
only.
KING. Things done well, And with a care, exempt themselves from
fear; Things done without example, in their issue Are to be fear'd. Have
you a precedent Of this commission? I believe, not any. We must not
rend our subjects from our laws, And stick them in our will. Sixth part
of each? A trembling contribution! Why, we take From every tree lop,
bark, and part o' the timber; And, though we leave it with a root, thus
hack'd, The air will drink the sap. To every county Where this is
question'd send our letters, with Free pardon to each man that has
deni'd The force of this commission. Pray, look to't; I put it to your
care.
WOLSEY. A word with you. [To the Secretary, aside.] Let there be

letters writ to every shire, Of the King's grace and pardon. The grieved
commons Hardly conceive of me; let it be nois'd That through our
intercession this revokement And pardon comes. I shall anon advise
you Further in the proceeding.
[Exit Secretary.]
[Enter Surveyor.]
QUEEN KATHERINE. I am sorry that the Duke of Buckingham Is run
in your displeasure.
KING. It grieves many. The gentleman is learn'd, and a most rare
speaker; To nature none more bound; his training such That he may
furnish and instruct great teachers, And never seek for aid out of
himself. Yet see, When these so noble benefits shall prove Not well
dispos'd, the mind growing once corrupt, They turn to vicious forms,
ten times more ugly Than ever they were fair. This man so complete,
Who was enroll'd 'mongst wonders, and when we, Almost with ravish'd
list'ning, could not find His hour of speech a minute; he, my lady, Hath
into monstrous habits put the graces That once were his, and is become
as black As if besmear'd in hell. Sit by us; you shall hear-- This was his
gentleman in trust--of him Things to strike honour sad. Bid him recount
The fore-recited practices, whereof We cannot feel too little, hear too
much.
WOLSEY. Stand forth, and with bold spirit relate what you, Most like
a careful subject, have collected Out of the Duke of Buckingham.
KING. Speak freely.
SURVEYOR. First, it was usual with him, every day It would infect his
speech, that if the King Should without issue die, he'll carry it so To
make the sceptre his. These very words I've heard him utter to his
son-in-law, Lord Abergavenny; to whom by oath he menac'd Revenge
upon the Cardinal.
WOLSEY. Please your Highness, note This dangerous conception in
this point. Not friended by his wish, to your high person His will is
most malignant;