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Enter KING HENRY, QUEEN MARGARET, GLOUCESTER THE LORD PROTECTOR, CARDINAL, and SUFFOLK, and ATTENDANTS, with FALCONERS hallowing.
Enter KING HENRY, QUEEN MARGARET, GLOUCESTER THE LORD PROTECTOR, CARDINAL, and SUFFOLK, and ATTENDANTS, with FALCONERS hallowing.
QUEEN MARGARET
Believe me, lords, for flying at the brook
I saw not better sport these seven years’ day.
Yet, by your leave, the wind was very high,
And, ten to one, old Joan had not gone out.
QUEEN MARGARET
Believe me, lords, for flying at the brook
I saw not better sport these seven years’ day.
Yet, by your leave, the wind was very high,
And, ten to one, old Joan had not gone out.
KING HENRY , to GLOUCESTER
5
But what a point, my lord, your falcon made,
And what a pitch she flew above the rest!
To see how God in all his creatures works!
Yea, man and birds are fain of climbing high.
KING HENRY , to GLOUCESTER
5
But what a point, my lord, your falcon made,
And what a pitch she flew above the rest!
To see how God in all his creatures works!
Yea, man and birds are fain of climbing high.
SUFFOLK
No marvel, an it like your Majesty,
10
My Lord Protector’s hawks do tower so well;
They know their master loves to be aloft
And bears his thoughts above his falcon’s pitch.
SUFFOLK
No marvel, an it like your Majesty,
10
My Lord Protector’s hawks do tower so well;
They know their master loves to be aloft
And bears his thoughts above his falcon’s pitch.
GLOUCESTER
My lord, ’tis but a base ignoble mind
That mounts no higher than a bird can soar.
GLOUCESTER
My lord, ’tis but a base ignoble mind
That mounts no higher than a bird can soar.
CARDINAL
15
I thought as much. He would be above the clouds.
CARDINAL
15
I thought as much. He would be above the clouds.
GLOUCESTER
Ay, my Lord Cardinal, how think you by that?
Were it not good your Grace could fly to heaven?
GLOUCESTER
Ay, my Lord Cardinal, how think you by that?
Were it not good your Grace could fly to heaven?
KING HENRY
The treasury of everlasting joy.
KING HENRY
The treasury of everlasting joy.
CARDINAL , to GLOUCESTER
Thy heaven is on Earth; thine eyes and thoughts
20
Beat on a crown, the treasure of thy heart.
Pernicious Protector, dangerous peer,
That smooth’st it so with king and commonweal!
CARDINAL , to GLOUCESTER
Thy heaven is on Earth; thine eyes and thoughts
20
Beat on a crown, the treasure of thy heart.
Pernicious Protector, dangerous peer,
That smooth’st it so with king and commonweal!
GLOUCESTER
What, cardinal, is your priesthood grown
peremptory?
25
Tantaene animis caelestibus irae?
Churchmen so hot? Good uncle, hide such malice.
With such holiness, can you do it?
GLOUCESTER
What, cardinal, is your priesthood grown
peremptory?
25
Tantaene animis caelestibus irae?
Churchmen so hot? Good uncle, hide such malice.
With such holiness, can you do it?
SUFFOLK
No malice, sir, no more than well becomes
So good a quarrel and so bad a peer.
SUFFOLK
No malice, sir, no more than well becomes
So good a quarrel and so bad a peer.
GLOUCESTER
30
As who, my lord?
GLOUCESTER
30
As who, my lord?
SUFFOLK
Why, as you, my lord,
An ’t like your lordly Lord Protectorship.
SUFFOLK
Why, as you, my lord,
An ’t like your lordly Lord Protectorship.
GLOUCESTER
Why, Suffolk, England knows thine insolence.
GLOUCESTER
Why, Suffolk, England knows thine insolence.
QUEEN MARGARET
And thy ambition, Gloucester.
QUEEN MARGARET
And thy ambition, Gloucester.
KING HENRY
35
I prithee peace,
Good queen, and whet not on these furious peers,
For blessèd are the peacemakers on Earth.
KING HENRY
35
I prithee peace,
Good queen, and whet not on these furious peers,
For blessèd are the peacemakers on Earth.
CARDINAL
Let me be blessèd for the peace I make
Against this proud Protector with my sword!
CARDINAL
Let me be blessèd for the peace I make
Against this proud Protector with my sword!
GLOUCESTER , aside to CARDINAL
40
Faith, holy uncle, would ’t were come to that!
GLOUCESTER , aside to CARDINAL
40
Faith, holy uncle, would ’t were come to that!
CARDINAL , aside to GLOUCESTER
Marry, when thou
dar’st!
CARDINAL , aside to GLOUCESTER
Marry, when thou
dar’st!
GLOUCESTER , aside to CARDINAL
Make up no factious numbers for the matter.
In thine own person answer thy abuse.
GLOUCESTER , aside to CARDINAL
Make up no factious numbers for the matter.
In thine own person answer thy abuse.
CARDINAL , aside to GLOUCESTER
45
Ay, where thou dar’st not peep. An if thou dar’st,
This evening, on the east side of the grove.
CARDINAL , aside to GLOUCESTER
45
Ay, where thou dar’st not peep. An if thou dar’st,
This evening, on the east side of the grove.
KING HENRY
How now, my lords?
KING HENRY
How now, my lords?
CARDINAL
Believe me, cousin Gloucester,
Had not your man put up the fowl so suddenly,
50
We had had more sport. (Aside to GLOUCESTER.)
Come with thy two-hand sword.
CARDINAL
Believe me, cousin Gloucester,
Had not your man put up the fowl so suddenly,
50
We had had more sport. (Aside to GLOUCESTER.)
Come with thy two-hand sword.
GLOUCESTER
True, uncle. (Aside to CARDINAL.) Are you advised?
The east side of the grove.
GLOUCESTER
True, uncle. (Aside to CARDINAL.) Are you advised?
The east side of the grove.
CARDINAL , aside to GLOUCESTER
I am with you.
CARDINAL , aside to GLOUCESTER
I am with you.
KING HENRY
55
Why, how now, uncle Gloucester?
KING HENRY
55
Why, how now, uncle Gloucester?
GLOUCESTER
Talking of hawking; nothing else, my lord.
(Aside to CARDINAL.) Now, by God’s mother, priest,
I’ll shave your crown for this,
Or all my fence shall fail.
GLOUCESTER
Talking of hawking; nothing else, my lord.
(Aside to CARDINAL.) Now, by God’s mother, priest,
I’ll shave your crown for this,
Or all my fence shall fail.
CARDINAL , aside to GLOUCESTER
60
Medice, teipsum;
Protector, see to ’t well; protect yourself.
CARDINAL , aside to GLOUCESTER
60
Medice, teipsum;
Protector, see to ’t well; protect yourself.
KING HENRY
The winds grow high; so do your stomachs, lords.
How irksome is this music to my heart!
When such strings jar, what hope of harmony?
65
I pray, my lords, let me compound this strife.
KING HENRY
The winds grow high; so do your stomachs, lords.
How irksome is this music to my heart!
When such strings jar, what hope of harmony?
65
I pray, my lords, let me compound this strife.
Enter a man from ST. ALBANS crying “A miracle!”
Enter a man from ST. ALBANS crying “A miracle!”
GLOUCESTER
What means this noise?—
Fellow, what miracle dost thou proclaim?
GLOUCESTER
What means this noise?—
Fellow, what miracle dost thou proclaim?
MAN
A miracle, a miracle!
MAN
A miracle, a miracle!
SUFFOLK
Come to the King, and tell him what miracle.
SUFFOLK
Come to the King, and tell him what miracle.
MAN
70
Forsooth, a blind man at Saint Alban’s shrine
Within this half hour hath received his sight,
A man that ne’er saw in his life before.
MAN
70
Forsooth, a blind man at Saint Alban’s shrine
Within this half hour hath received his sight,
A man that ne’er saw in his life before.
KING HENRY
Now, God be praised, that to believing souls
Gives light in darkness, comfort in despair.
KING HENRY
Now, God be praised, that to believing souls
Gives light in darkness, comfort in despair.
Enter the MAYOR OF SAINT ALBANS, and his brethren, bearing the man SIMPCOX between two in a chair, followed by SIMPCOX’S WIFE and OTHERS.
Enter the MAYOR OF SAINT ALBANS, and his brethren, bearing the man SIMPCOX between two in a chair, followed by SIMPCOX’S WIFE and OTHERS.
CARDINAL
75
Here comes the townsmen on procession
To present your Highness with the man.
CARDINAL
75
Here comes the townsmen on procession
To present your Highness with the man.
KING HENRY
Great is his comfort in this earthly vale,
Although by his sight his sin be multiplied.
KING HENRY
Great is his comfort in this earthly vale,
Although by his sight his sin be multiplied.
GLOUCESTER
Stand by, my masters.—Bring him near the King.
80
His Highness’ pleasure is to talk with him.
GLOUCESTER
Stand by, my masters.—Bring him near the King.
80
His Highness’ pleasure is to talk with him.
The two bearers bring the chair forward.
The two bearers bring the chair forward.
KING HENRY
Good fellow, tell us here the circumstance,
That we for thee may glorify the Lord.
What, hast thou been long blind and now restored?
KING HENRY
Good fellow, tell us here the circumstance,
That we for thee may glorify the Lord.
What, hast thou been long blind and now restored?
SIMPCOX
Born blind, an ’t please your Grace.
SIMPCOX
Born blind, an ’t please your Grace.
WIFE
85
Ay, indeed, was he.
WIFE
85
Ay, indeed, was he.
SUFFOLK
What woman is this?
SUFFOLK
What woman is this?
WIFE
His wife, an ’t like your Worship.
WIFE
His wife, an ’t like your Worship.
GLOUCESTER
Hadst thou been his mother, thou couldst
have better told.
GLOUCESTER
Hadst thou been his mother, thou couldst
have better told.
KING HENRY
90
Where wert thou born?
KING HENRY
90
Where wert thou born?
SIMPCOX
At Berwick in the North, an ’t like your Grace.
SIMPCOX
At Berwick in the North, an ’t like your Grace.
KING HENRY
Poor soul, God’s goodness hath been great to thee.
Let never day nor night unhallowed pass,
But still remember what the Lord hath done.
KING HENRY
Poor soul, God’s goodness hath been great to thee.
Let never day nor night unhallowed pass,
But still remember what the Lord hath done.
QUEEN MARGARET
95
Tell me, good fellow, cam’st thou here by chance,
Or of devotion to this holy shrine?
QUEEN MARGARET
95
Tell me, good fellow, cam’st thou here by chance,
Or of devotion to this holy shrine?
SIMPCOX
God knows, of pure devotion, being called
A hundred times and oftener in my sleep
By good Saint Alban, who said “Simon, come,
100
Come, offer at my shrine, and I will help thee.”
SIMPCOX
God knows, of pure devotion, being called
A hundred times and oftener in my sleep
By good Saint Alban, who said “Simon, come,
100
Come, offer at my shrine, and I will help thee.”
WIFE
Most true, forsooth, and many time and oft
Myself have heard a voice to call him so.
WIFE
Most true, forsooth, and many time and oft
Myself have heard a voice to call him so.
CARDINAL
What, art thou lame?
CARDINAL
What, art thou lame?
SIMPCOX
Ay, God Almighty help me!
SIMPCOX
Ay, God Almighty help me!
SUFFOLK
105
How cam’st thou so?
SUFFOLK
105
How cam’st thou so?
SIMPCOX
A fall off of a tree.
SIMPCOX
A fall off of a tree.
WIFE
A plum tree, master.
WIFE
A plum tree, master.
GLOUCESTER
How long hast thou been blind?
GLOUCESTER
How long hast thou been blind?
SIMPCOX
O, born so, master.
SIMPCOX
O, born so, master.
GLOUCESTER
110
What, and wouldst climb a tree?
GLOUCESTER
110
What, and wouldst climb a tree?
SIMPCOX
But that in all my life, when I was a youth.
SIMPCOX
But that in all my life, when I was a youth.
WIFE
Too true, and bought his climbing very dear.
WIFE
Too true, and bought his climbing very dear.
GLOUCESTER
Mass, thou lov’dst plums well, that
wouldst venture so.
GLOUCESTER
Mass, thou lov’dst plums well, that
wouldst venture so.
SIMPCOX
115
Alas, good master, my wife desired some
damsons, and made me climb, with danger of my
life.
SIMPCOX
115
Alas, good master, my wife desired some
damsons, and made me climb, with danger of my
life.
GLOUCESTER
A subtle knave, but yet it shall not serve.—
Let me see thine eyes. Wink now. Now open them.
120
In my opinion, yet thou seest not well.
GLOUCESTER
A subtle knave, but yet it shall not serve.—
Let me see thine eyes. Wink now. Now open them.
120
In my opinion, yet thou seest not well.
SIMPCOX
Yes, master, clear as day, I thank God and
Saint Alban.
SIMPCOX
Yes, master, clear as day, I thank God and
Saint Alban.
GLOUCESTER
Sayst thou me so? What color is this cloak of?
GLOUCESTER
Sayst thou me so? What color is this cloak of?
SIMPCOX
Red, master, red as blood.
SIMPCOX
Red, master, red as blood.
GLOUCESTER
125
Why, that’s well said. What color is my gown of?
GLOUCESTER
125
Why, that’s well said. What color is my gown of?
SIMPCOX
Black, forsooth, coal-black as jet.
SIMPCOX
Black, forsooth, coal-black as jet.
KING HENRY
Why, then, thou know’st what color jet is of.
KING HENRY
Why, then, thou know’st what color jet is of.
SUFFOLK
And yet, I think, jet did he never see.
SUFFOLK
And yet, I think, jet did he never see.
GLOUCESTER
But cloaks and gowns, before this day, a many.
GLOUCESTER
But cloaks and gowns, before this day, a many.
WIFE
130
Never, before this day, in all his life.
WIFE
130
Never, before this day, in all his life.
GLOUCESTER
Tell me, sirrah, what’s my name?
GLOUCESTER
Tell me, sirrah, what’s my name?
SIMPCOX
Alas, master, I know not.
SIMPCOX
Alas, master, I know not.
GLOUCESTER , pointing
What’s his name?
GLOUCESTER , pointing
What’s his name?
SIMPCOX
I know not.
SIMPCOX
I know not.
GLOUCESTER , pointing to someone else
135
Nor his?
GLOUCESTER , pointing to someone else
135
Nor his?
SIMPCOX
No, indeed, master.
SIMPCOX
No, indeed, master.
GLOUCESTER
What’s thine own name?
GLOUCESTER
What’s thine own name?
SIMPCOX
Sander Simpcox, an if it please you, master.
SIMPCOX
Sander Simpcox, an if it please you, master.
GLOUCESTER
Then, Sander, sit there, the lying’st knave
140
in Christendom. If thou hadst been born blind,
thou mightst as well have known all our names as
thus to name the several colors we do wear. Sight
may distinguish of colors; but suddenly to nominate
them all, it is impossible.—My lords, Saint
145
Alban here hath done a miracle; and would you
not think his cunning to be great that could
restore this cripple to his legs again?
GLOUCESTER
Then, Sander, sit there, the lying’st knave
140
in Christendom. If thou hadst been born blind,
thou mightst as well have known all our names as
thus to name the several colors we do wear. Sight
may distinguish of colors; but suddenly to nominate
them all, it is impossible.—My lords, Saint
145
Alban here hath done a miracle; and would you
not think his cunning to be great that could
restore this cripple to his legs again?
SIMPCOX
O master, that you could!
SIMPCOX
O master, that you could!
GLOUCESTER
My masters of Saint Albans, have you not
150
beadles in your town and things called whips?
GLOUCESTER
My masters of Saint Albans, have you not
150
beadles in your town and things called whips?
MAYOR
Yes, my lord, if it please your Grace.
MAYOR
Yes, my lord, if it please your Grace.
GLOUCESTER
Then send for one presently.
GLOUCESTER
Then send for one presently.
MAYOR
Sirrah, go fetch the beadle hither straight.
MAYOR
Sirrah, go fetch the beadle hither straight.
A man exits.
A man exits.
GLOUCESTER
Now fetch me a stool hither by and by.
155 One brings a stool.
Now, sirrah, if you mean to
save yourself from whipping, leap me over this
stool, and run away.
GLOUCESTER
Now fetch me a stool hither by and by.
155 One brings a stool.
Now, sirrah, if you mean to
save yourself from whipping, leap me over this
stool, and run away.
SIMPCOX
Alas, master, I am not able to stand alone.
You go about to torture me in vain.
SIMPCOX
Alas, master, I am not able to stand alone.
You go about to torture me in vain.
Enter a BEADLE with whips.
Enter a BEADLE with whips.
GLOUCESTER
160
Well, sir, we must have you find your
legs.—Sirrah beadle, whip him till he leap over
that same stool.
GLOUCESTER
160
Well, sir, we must have you find your
legs.—Sirrah beadle, whip him till he leap over
that same stool.
BEADLE
I will, my lord.—Come on, sirrah, off with
your doublet quickly.
BEADLE
I will, my lord.—Come on, sirrah, off with
your doublet quickly.
SIMPCOX
165
Alas, master, what shall I do? I am not able to
stand.
SIMPCOX
165
Alas, master, what shall I do? I am not able to
stand.
After the BEADLE hath hit him once, he leaps over the stool and runs away; and they follow and cry “A miracle!”
After the BEADLE hath hit him once, he leaps over the stool and runs away; and they follow and cry “A miracle!”
KING HENRY
O God, seest Thou this, and bearest so long?
KING HENRY
O God, seest Thou this, and bearest so long?
QUEEN MARGARET
It made me laugh to see the villain run.
QUEEN MARGARET
It made me laugh to see the villain run.
GLOUCESTER , to the BEADLE
Follow the knave, and take this drab away.
GLOUCESTER , to the BEADLE
Follow the knave, and take this drab away.
WIFE
170
Alas, sir, we did it for pure need.
WIFE
170
Alas, sir, we did it for pure need.
GLOUCESTER
Let them be whipped through every market town
Till they come to Berwick, from whence they came.
GLOUCESTER
Let them be whipped through every market town
Till they come to Berwick, from whence they came.
The BEADLE, MAYOR, WIFE, and the others from SAINT ALBANS exit.
The BEADLE, MAYOR, WIFE, and the others from SAINT ALBANS exit.
CARDINAL
Duke Humphrey has done a miracle today.
CARDINAL
Duke Humphrey has done a miracle today.
SUFFOLK
True, made the lame to leap and fly away.
SUFFOLK
True, made the lame to leap and fly away.
GLOUCESTER
175
But you have done more miracles than I.
You made in a day, my lord, whole towns to fly.
GLOUCESTER
175
But you have done more miracles than I.
You made in a day, my lord, whole towns to fly.
Enter BUCKINGHAM.
Enter BUCKINGHAM.
KING HENRY
What tidings with our cousin Buckingham?
KING HENRY
What tidings with our cousin Buckingham?
BUCKINGHAM
Such as my heart doth tremble to unfold:
A sort of naughty persons, lewdly bent,
180
Under the countenance and confederacy
Of Lady Eleanor, the Protector’s wife,
The ringleader and head of all this rout,
Have practiced dangerously against your state,
Dealing with witches and with conjurers,
185
Whom we have apprehended in the fact,
Raising up wicked spirits from under ground,
Demanding of King Henry’s life and death
And other of your Highness’ Privy Council,
As more at large your Grace shall understand.
BUCKINGHAM
Such as my heart doth tremble to unfold:
A sort of naughty persons, lewdly bent,
180
Under the countenance and confederacy
Of Lady Eleanor, the Protector’s wife,
The ringleader and head of all this rout,
Have practiced dangerously against your state,
Dealing with witches and with conjurers,
185
Whom we have apprehended in the fact,
Raising up wicked spirits from under ground,
Demanding of King Henry’s life and death
And other of your Highness’ Privy Council,
As more at large your Grace shall understand.
CARDINAL
190
And so, my Lord Protector, by this means                      
Your lady is forthcoming yet at London.
Aside to GLOUCESTER. This news, I think, hath turned
your weapon’s edge;
’Tis like, my lord, you will not keep your hour.
CARDINAL
190
And so, my Lord Protector, by this means                      
Your lady is forthcoming yet at London.
Aside to GLOUCESTER. This news, I think, hath turned
your weapon’s edge;
’Tis like, my lord, you will not keep your hour.
GLOUCESTER
195
Ambitious churchman, leave to afflict my heart.
Sorrow and grief have vanquished all my powers,
And, vanquished as I am, I yield to thee,
Or to the meanest groom.
GLOUCESTER
195
Ambitious churchman, leave to afflict my heart.
Sorrow and grief have vanquished all my powers,
And, vanquished as I am, I yield to thee,
Or to the meanest groom.
KING HENRY
O God, what mischiefs work the wicked ones,
200
Heaping confusion on their own heads thereby!
KING HENRY
O God, what mischiefs work the wicked ones,
200
Heaping confusion on their own heads thereby!
QUEEN MARGARET
Gloucester, see here the tainture of thy nest,
And look thyself be faultless, thou wert best.
QUEEN MARGARET
Gloucester, see here the tainture of thy nest,
And look thyself be faultless, thou wert best.
GLOUCESTER
Madam, for myself, to heaven I do appeal
How I have loved my king and commonweal;
205
And, for my wife, I know not how it stands.
Sorry I am to hear what I have heard.
Noble she is; but if she have forgot
Honor and virtue, and conversed with such
As, like to pitch, defile nobility,
210
I banish her my bed and company
And give her as a prey to law and shame
That hath dishonored Gloucester’s honest name.
GLOUCESTER
Madam, for myself, to heaven I do appeal
How I have loved my king and commonweal;
205
And, for my wife, I know not how it stands.
Sorry I am to hear what I have heard.
Noble she is; but if she have forgot
Honor and virtue, and conversed with such
As, like to pitch, defile nobility,
210
I banish her my bed and company
And give her as a prey to law and shame
That hath dishonored Gloucester’s honest name.
KING HENRY
Well, for this night we will repose us here.
Tomorrow toward London back again,
215
To look into this business thoroughly,
And call these foul offenders to their answers,
And poise the cause in Justice’ equal scales,
Whose beam stands sure, whose rightful cause
prevails.
KING HENRY
Well, for this night we will repose us here.
Tomorrow toward London back again,
215
To look into this business thoroughly,
And call these foul offenders to their answers,
And poise the cause in Justice’ equal scales,
Whose beam stands sure, whose rightful cause
prevails.
Flourish. They exit.
Flourish. They exit.

Original Text

Modern Text
Enter KING HENRY, QUEEN MARGARET, GLOUCESTER THE LORD PROTECTOR, CARDINAL, and SUFFOLK, and ATTENDANTS, with FALCONERS hallowing.
Enter KING HENRY, QUEEN MARGARET, GLOUCESTER THE LORD PROTECTOR, CARDINAL, and SUFFOLK, and ATTENDANTS, with FALCONERS hallowing.
QUEEN MARGARET
Believe me, lords, for flying at the brook
I saw not better sport these seven years’ day.
Yet, by your leave, the wind was very high,
And, ten to one, old Joan had not gone out.
QUEEN MARGARET
Believe me, lords, for flying at the brook
I saw not better sport these seven years’ day.
Yet, by your leave, the wind was very high,
And, ten to one, old Joan had not gone out.
KING HENRY , to GLOUCESTER
5
But what a point, my lord, your falcon made,
And what a pitch she flew above the rest!
To see how God in all his creatures works!
Yea, man and birds are fain of climbing high.
KING HENRY , to GLOUCESTER
5
But what a point, my lord, your falcon made,
And what a pitch she flew above the rest!
To see how God in all his creatures works!
Yea, man and birds are fain of climbing high.
SUFFOLK
No marvel, an it like your Majesty,
10
My Lord Protector’s hawks do tower so well;
They know their master loves to be aloft
And bears his thoughts above his falcon’s pitch.
SUFFOLK
No marvel, an it like your Majesty,
10
My Lord Protector’s hawks do tower so well;
They know their master loves to be aloft
And bears his thoughts above his falcon’s pitch.
GLOUCESTER
My lord, ’tis but a base ignoble mind
That mounts no higher than a bird can soar.
GLOUCESTER
My lord, ’tis but a base ignoble mind
That mounts no higher than a bird can soar.
CARDINAL
15
I thought as much. He would be above the clouds.
CARDINAL
15
I thought as much. He would be above the clouds.
GLOUCESTER
Ay, my Lord Cardinal, how think you by that?
Were it not good your Grace could fly to heaven?
GLOUCESTER
Ay, my Lord Cardinal, how think you by that?
Were it not good your Grace could fly to heaven?
KING HENRY
The treasury of everlasting joy.
KING HENRY
The treasury of everlasting joy.
CARDINAL , to GLOUCESTER
Thy heaven is on Earth; thine eyes and thoughts
20
Beat on a crown, the treasure of thy heart.
Pernicious Protector, dangerous peer,
That smooth’st it so with king and commonweal!
CARDINAL , to GLOUCESTER
Thy heaven is on Earth; thine eyes and thoughts
20
Beat on a crown, the treasure of thy heart.
Pernicious Protector, dangerous peer,
That smooth’st it so with king and commonweal!
GLOUCESTER
What, cardinal, is your priesthood grown
peremptory?
25
Tantaene animis caelestibus irae?
Churchmen so hot? Good uncle, hide such malice.
With such holiness, can you do it?
GLOUCESTER
What, cardinal, is your priesthood grown
peremptory?
25
Tantaene animis caelestibus irae?
Churchmen so hot? Good uncle, hide such malice.
With such holiness, can you do it?
SUFFOLK
No malice, sir, no more than well becomes
So good a quarrel and so bad a peer.
SUFFOLK
No malice, sir, no more than well becomes
So good a quarrel and so bad a peer.
GLOUCESTER
30
As who, my lord?
GLOUCESTER
30
As who, my lord?
SUFFOLK
Why, as you, my lord,
An ’t like your lordly Lord Protectorship.
SUFFOLK
Why, as you, my lord,
An ’t like your lordly Lord Protectorship.
GLOUCESTER
Why, Suffolk, England knows thine insolence.
GLOUCESTER
Why, Suffolk, England knows thine insolence.
QUEEN MARGARET
And thy ambition, Gloucester.
QUEEN MARGARET
And thy ambition, Gloucester.
KING HENRY
35
I prithee peace,
Good queen, and whet not on these furious peers,
For blessèd are the peacemakers on Earth.
KING HENRY
35
I prithee peace,
Good queen, and whet not on these furious peers,
For blessèd are the peacemakers on Earth.
CARDINAL
Let me be blessèd for the peace I make
Against this proud Protector with my sword!
CARDINAL
Let me be blessèd for the peace I make
Against this proud Protector with my sword!
GLOUCESTER , aside to CARDINAL
40
Faith, holy uncle, would ’t were come to that!
GLOUCESTER , aside to CARDINAL
40
Faith, holy uncle, would ’t were come to that!
CARDINAL , aside to GLOUCESTER
Marry, when thou
dar’st!
CARDINAL , aside to GLOUCESTER
Marry, when thou
dar’st!
GLOUCESTER , aside to CARDINAL
Make up no factious numbers for the matter.
In thine own person answer thy abuse.
GLOUCESTER , aside to CARDINAL
Make up no factious numbers for the matter.
In thine own person answer thy abuse.
CARDINAL , aside to GLOUCESTER
45
Ay, where thou dar’st not peep. An if thou dar’st,
This evening, on the east side of the grove.
CARDINAL , aside to GLOUCESTER
45
Ay, where thou dar’st not peep. An if thou dar’st,
This evening, on the east side of the grove.
KING HENRY
How now, my lords?
KING HENRY
How now, my lords?
CARDINAL
Believe me, cousin Gloucester,
Had not your man put up the fowl so suddenly,
50
We had had more sport. (Aside to GLOUCESTER.)
Come with thy two-hand sword.
CARDINAL
Believe me, cousin Gloucester,
Had not your man put up the fowl so suddenly,
50
We had had more sport. (Aside to GLOUCESTER.)
Come with thy two-hand sword.
GLOUCESTER
True, uncle. (Aside to CARDINAL.) Are you advised?
The east side of the grove.
GLOUCESTER
True, uncle. (Aside to CARDINAL.) Are you advised?
The east side of the grove.
CARDINAL , aside to GLOUCESTER
I am with you.
CARDINAL , aside to GLOUCESTER
I am with you.
KING HENRY
55
Why, how now, uncle Gloucester?
KING HENRY
55
Why, how now, uncle Gloucester?
GLOUCESTER
Talking of hawking; nothing else, my lord.
(Aside to CARDINAL.) Now, by God’s mother, priest,
I’ll shave your crown for this,
Or all my fence shall fail.
GLOUCESTER
Talking of hawking; nothing else, my lord.
(Aside to CARDINAL.) Now, by God’s mother, priest,
I’ll shave your crown for this,
Or all my fence shall fail.
CARDINAL , aside to GLOUCESTER
60
Medice, teipsum;
Protector, see to ’t well; protect yourself.
CARDINAL , aside to GLOUCESTER
60
Medice, teipsum;
Protector, see to ’t well; protect yourself.
KING HENRY
The winds grow high; so do your stomachs, lords.
How irksome is this music to my heart!
When such strings jar, what hope of harmony?
65
I pray, my lords, let me compound this strife.
KING HENRY
The winds grow high; so do your stomachs, lords.
How irksome is this music to my heart!
When such strings jar, what hope of harmony?
65
I pray, my lords, let me compound this strife.
Enter a man from ST. ALBANS crying “A miracle!”
Enter a man from ST. ALBANS crying “A miracle!”
GLOUCESTER
What means this noise?—
Fellow, what miracle dost thou proclaim?
GLOUCESTER
What means this noise?—
Fellow, what miracle dost thou proclaim?
MAN
A miracle, a miracle!
MAN
A miracle, a miracle!
SUFFOLK
Come to the King, and tell him what miracle.
SUFFOLK
Come to the King, and tell him what miracle.
MAN
70
Forsooth, a blind man at Saint Alban’s shrine
Within this half hour hath received his sight,
A man that ne’er saw in his life before.
MAN
70
Forsooth, a blind man at Saint Alban’s shrine
Within this half hour hath received his sight,
A man that ne’er saw in his life before.
KING HENRY
Now, God be praised, that to believing souls
Gives light in darkness, comfort in despair.
KING HENRY
Now, God be praised, that to believing souls
Gives light in darkness, comfort in despair.
Enter the MAYOR OF SAINT ALBANS, and his brethren, bearing the man SIMPCOX between two in a chair, followed by SIMPCOX’S WIFE and OTHERS.
Enter the MAYOR OF SAINT ALBANS, and his brethren, bearing the man SIMPCOX between two in a chair, followed by SIMPCOX’S WIFE and OTHERS.
CARDINAL
75
Here comes the townsmen on procession
To present your Highness with the man.
CARDINAL
75
Here comes the townsmen on procession
To present your Highness with the man.
KING HENRY
Great is his comfort in this earthly vale,
Although by his sight his sin be multiplied.
KING HENRY
Great is his comfort in this earthly vale,
Although by his sight his sin be multiplied.
GLOUCESTER
Stand by, my masters.—Bring him near the King.
80
His Highness’ pleasure is to talk with him.
GLOUCESTER
Stand by, my masters.—Bring him near the King.
80
His Highness’ pleasure is to talk with him.
The two bearers bring the chair forward.
The two bearers bring the chair forward.
KING HENRY
Good fellow, tell us here the circumstance,
That we for thee may glorify the Lord.
What, hast thou been long blind and now restored?
KING HENRY
Good fellow, tell us here the circumstance,
That we for thee may glorify the Lord.
What, hast thou been long blind and now restored?
SIMPCOX
Born blind, an ’t please your Grace.
SIMPCOX
Born blind, an ’t please your Grace.
WIFE
85
Ay, indeed, was he.
WIFE
85
Ay, indeed, was he.
SUFFOLK
What woman is this?
SUFFOLK
What woman is this?
WIFE
His wife, an ’t like your Worship.
WIFE
His wife, an ’t like your Worship.
GLOUCESTER
Hadst thou been his mother, thou couldst
have better told.
GLOUCESTER
Hadst thou been his mother, thou couldst
have better told.
KING HENRY
90
Where wert thou born?
KING HENRY
90
Where wert thou born?
SIMPCOX
At Berwick in the North, an ’t like your Grace.
SIMPCOX
At Berwick in the North, an ’t like your Grace.
KING HENRY
Poor soul, God’s goodness hath been great to thee.
Let never day nor night unhallowed pass,
But still remember what the Lord hath done.
KING HENRY
Poor soul, God’s goodness hath been great to thee.
Let never day nor night unhallowed pass,
But still remember what the Lord hath done.
QUEEN MARGARET
95
Tell me, good fellow, cam’st thou here by chance,
Or of devotion to this holy shrine?
QUEEN MARGARET
95
Tell me, good fellow, cam’st thou here by chance,
Or of devotion to this holy shrine?
SIMPCOX
God knows, of pure devotion, being called
A hundred times and oftener in my sleep
By good Saint Alban, who said “Simon, come,
100
Come, offer at my shrine, and I will help thee.”
SIMPCOX
God knows, of pure devotion, being called
A hundred times and oftener in my sleep
By good Saint Alban, who said “Simon, come,
100
Come, offer at my shrine, and I will help thee.”
WIFE
Most true, forsooth, and many time and oft
Myself have heard a voice to call him so.
WIFE
Most true, forsooth, and many time and oft
Myself have heard a voice to call him so.
CARDINAL
What, art thou lame?
CARDINAL
What, art thou lame?
SIMPCOX
Ay, God Almighty help me!
SIMPCOX
Ay, God Almighty help me!
SUFFOLK
105
How cam’st thou so?
SUFFOLK
105
How cam’st thou so?
SIMPCOX
A fall off of a tree.
SIMPCOX
A fall off of a tree.
WIFE
A plum tree, master.
WIFE
A plum tree, master.
GLOUCESTER
How long hast thou been blind?
GLOUCESTER
How long hast thou been blind?
SIMPCOX
O, born so, master.
SIMPCOX
O, born so, master.
GLOUCESTER
110
What, and wouldst climb a tree?
GLOUCESTER
110
What, and wouldst climb a tree?
SIMPCOX
But that in all my life, when I was a youth.
SIMPCOX
But that in all my life, when I was a youth.
WIFE
Too true, and bought his climbing very dear.
WIFE
Too true, and bought his climbing very dear.
GLOUCESTER
Mass, thou lov’dst plums well, that
wouldst venture so.
GLOUCESTER
Mass, thou lov’dst plums well, that
wouldst venture so.
SIMPCOX
115
Alas, good master, my wife desired some
damsons, and made me climb, with danger of my
life.
SIMPCOX
115
Alas, good master, my wife desired some
damsons, and made me climb, with danger of my
life.
GLOUCESTER
A subtle knave, but yet it shall not serve.—
Let me see thine eyes. Wink now. Now open them.
120
In my opinion, yet thou seest not well.
GLOUCESTER
A subtle knave, but yet it shall not serve.—
Let me see thine eyes. Wink now. Now open them.
120
In my opinion, yet thou seest not well.
SIMPCOX
Yes, master, clear as day, I thank God and
Saint Alban.
SIMPCOX
Yes, master, clear as day, I thank God and
Saint Alban.
GLOUCESTER
Sayst thou me so? What color is this cloak of?
GLOUCESTER
Sayst thou me so? What color is this cloak of?
SIMPCOX
Red, master, red as blood.
SIMPCOX
Red, master, red as blood.
GLOUCESTER
125
Why, that’s well said. What color is my gown of?
GLOUCESTER
125
Why, that’s well said. What color is my gown of?
SIMPCOX
Black, forsooth, coal-black as jet.
SIMPCOX
Black, forsooth, coal-black as jet.
KING HENRY
Why, then, thou know’st what color jet is of.
KING HENRY
Why, then, thou know’st what color jet is of.
SUFFOLK
And yet, I think, jet did he never see.
SUFFOLK
And yet, I think, jet did he never see.
GLOUCESTER
But cloaks and gowns, before this day, a many.
GLOUCESTER
But cloaks and gowns, before this day, a many.
WIFE
130
Never, before this day, in all his life.
WIFE
130
Never, before this day, in all his life.
GLOUCESTER
Tell me, sirrah, what’s my name?
GLOUCESTER
Tell me, sirrah, what’s my name?
SIMPCOX
Alas, master, I know not.
SIMPCOX
Alas, master, I know not.
GLOUCESTER , pointing
What’s his name?
GLOUCESTER , pointing
What’s his name?
SIMPCOX
I know not.
SIMPCOX
I know not.
GLOUCESTER , pointing to someone else
135
Nor his?
GLOUCESTER , pointing to someone else
135
Nor his?
SIMPCOX
No, indeed, master.
SIMPCOX
No, indeed, master.
GLOUCESTER
What’s thine own name?
GLOUCESTER
What’s thine own name?
SIMPCOX
Sander Simpcox, an if it please you, master.
SIMPCOX
Sander Simpcox, an if it please you, master.
GLOUCESTER
Then, Sander, sit there, the lying’st knave
140
in Christendom. If thou hadst been born blind,
thou mightst as well have known all our names as
thus to name the several colors we do wear. Sight
may distinguish of colors; but suddenly to nominate
them all, it is impossible.—My lords, Saint
145
Alban here hath done a miracle; and would you
not think his cunning to be great that could
restore this cripple to his legs again?
GLOUCESTER
Then, Sander, sit there, the lying’st knave
140
in Christendom. If thou hadst been born blind,
thou mightst as well have known all our names as
thus to name the several colors we do wear. Sight
may distinguish of colors; but suddenly to nominate
them all, it is impossible.—My lords, Saint
145
Alban here hath done a miracle; and would you
not think his cunning to be great that could
restore this cripple to his legs again?
SIMPCOX
O master, that you could!
SIMPCOX
O master, that you could!
GLOUCESTER
My masters of Saint Albans, have you not
150
beadles in your town and things called whips?
GLOUCESTER
My masters of Saint Albans, have you not
150
beadles in your town and things called whips?
MAYOR
Yes, my lord, if it please your Grace.
MAYOR
Yes, my lord, if it please your Grace.
GLOUCESTER
Then send for one presently.
GLOUCESTER
Then send for one presently.
MAYOR
Sirrah, go fetch the beadle hither straight.
MAYOR
Sirrah, go fetch the beadle hither straight.
A man exits.
A man exits.
GLOUCESTER
Now fetch me a stool hither by and by.
155 One brings a stool.
Now, sirrah, if you mean to
save yourself from whipping, leap me over this
stool, and run away.
GLOUCESTER
Now fetch me a stool hither by and by.
155 One brings a stool.
Now, sirrah, if you mean to
save yourself from whipping, leap me over this
stool, and run away.
SIMPCOX
Alas, master, I am not able to stand alone.
You go about to torture me in vain.
SIMPCOX
Alas, master, I am not able to stand alone.
You go about to torture me in vain.
Enter a BEADLE with whips.
Enter a BEADLE with whips.
GLOUCESTER
160
Well, sir, we must have you find your
legs.—Sirrah beadle, whip him till he leap over
that same stool.
GLOUCESTER
160
Well, sir, we must have you find your
legs.—Sirrah beadle, whip him till he leap over
that same stool.
BEADLE
I will, my lord.—Come on, sirrah, off with
your doublet quickly.
BEADLE
I will, my lord.—Come on, sirrah, off with
your doublet quickly.
SIMPCOX
165
Alas, master, what shall I do? I am not able to
stand.
SIMPCOX
165
Alas, master, what shall I do? I am not able to
stand.
After the BEADLE hath hit him once, he leaps over the stool and runs away; and they follow and cry “A miracle!”
After the BEADLE hath hit him once, he leaps over the stool and runs away; and they follow and cry “A miracle!”
KING HENRY
O God, seest Thou this, and bearest so long?
KING HENRY
O God, seest Thou this, and bearest so long?
QUEEN MARGARET
It made me laugh to see the villain run.
QUEEN MARGARET
It made me laugh to see the villain run.
GLOUCESTER , to the BEADLE
Follow the knave, and take this drab away.
GLOUCESTER , to the BEADLE
Follow the knave, and take this drab away.
WIFE
170
Alas, sir, we did it for pure need.
WIFE
170
Alas, sir, we did it for pure need.
GLOUCESTER
Let them be whipped through every market town
Till they come to Berwick, from whence they came.
GLOUCESTER
Let them be whipped through every market town
Till they come to Berwick, from whence they came.
The BEADLE, MAYOR, WIFE, and the others from SAINT ALBANS exit.
The BEADLE, MAYOR, WIFE, and the others from SAINT ALBANS exit.
CARDINAL
Duke Humphrey has done a miracle today.
CARDINAL
Duke Humphrey has done a miracle today.
SUFFOLK
True, made the lame to leap and fly away.
SUFFOLK
True, made the lame to leap and fly away.
GLOUCESTER
175
But you have done more miracles than I.
You made in a day, my lord, whole towns to fly.
GLOUCESTER
175
But you have done more miracles than I.
You made in a day, my lord, whole towns to fly.
Enter BUCKINGHAM.
Enter BUCKINGHAM.
KING HENRY
What tidings with our cousin Buckingham?
KING HENRY
What tidings with our cousin Buckingham?
BUCKINGHAM
Such as my heart doth tremble to unfold:
A sort of naughty persons, lewdly bent,
180
Under the countenance and confederacy
Of Lady Eleanor, the Protector’s wife,
The ringleader and head of all this rout,
Have practiced dangerously against your state,
Dealing with witches and with conjurers,
185
Whom we have apprehended in the fact,
Raising up wicked spirits from under ground,
Demanding of King Henry’s life and death
And other of your Highness’ Privy Council,
As more at large your Grace shall understand.
BUCKINGHAM
Such as my heart doth tremble to unfold:
A sort of naughty persons, lewdly bent,
180
Under the countenance and confederacy
Of Lady Eleanor, the Protector’s wife,
The ringleader and head of all this rout,
Have practiced dangerously against your state,
Dealing with witches and with conjurers,
185
Whom we have apprehended in the fact,
Raising up wicked spirits from under ground,
Demanding of King Henry’s life and death
And other of your Highness’ Privy Council,
As more at large your Grace shall understand.
CARDINAL
190
And so, my Lord Protector, by this means                      
Your lady is forthcoming yet at London.
Aside to GLOUCESTER. This news, I think, hath turned
your weapon’s edge;
’Tis like, my lord, you will not keep your hour.
CARDINAL
190
And so, my Lord Protector, by this means                      
Your lady is forthcoming yet at London.
Aside to GLOUCESTER. This news, I think, hath turned
your weapon’s edge;
’Tis like, my lord, you will not keep your hour.
GLOUCESTER
195
Ambitious churchman, leave to afflict my heart.
Sorrow and grief have vanquished all my powers,
And, vanquished as I am, I yield to thee,
Or to the meanest groom.
GLOUCESTER
195
Ambitious churchman, leave to afflict my heart.
Sorrow and grief have vanquished all my powers,
And, vanquished as I am, I yield to thee,
Or to the meanest groom.
KING HENRY
O God, what mischiefs work the wicked ones,
200
Heaping confusion on their own heads thereby!
KING HENRY
O God, what mischiefs work the wicked ones,
200
Heaping confusion on their own heads thereby!
QUEEN MARGARET
Gloucester, see here the tainture of thy nest,
And look thyself be faultless, thou wert best.
QUEEN MARGARET
Gloucester, see here the tainture of thy nest,
And look thyself be faultless, thou wert best.
GLOUCESTER
Madam, for myself, to heaven I do appeal
How I have loved my king and commonweal;
205
And, for my wife, I know not how it stands.
Sorry I am to hear what I have heard.
Noble she is; but if she have forgot
Honor and virtue, and conversed with such
As, like to pitch, defile nobility,
210
I banish her my bed and company
And give her as a prey to law and shame
That hath dishonored Gloucester’s honest name.
GLOUCESTER
Madam, for myself, to heaven I do appeal
How I have loved my king and commonweal;
205
And, for my wife, I know not how it stands.
Sorry I am to hear what I have heard.
Noble she is; but if she have forgot
Honor and virtue, and conversed with such
As, like to pitch, defile nobility,
210
I banish her my bed and company
And give her as a prey to law and shame
That hath dishonored Gloucester’s honest name.
KING HENRY
Well, for this night we will repose us here.
Tomorrow toward London back again,
215
To look into this business thoroughly,
And call these foul offenders to their answers,
And poise the cause in Justice’ equal scales,
Whose beam stands sure, whose rightful cause
prevails.
KING HENRY
Well, for this night we will repose us here.
Tomorrow toward London back again,
215
To look into this business thoroughly,
And call these foul offenders to their answers,
And poise the cause in Justice’ equal scales,
Whose beam stands sure, whose rightful cause
prevails.
Flourish. They exit.
Flourish. They exit.
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