ACT 2 SCENE 2
Lines 1-68: The Lord Chamberlain is reading a letter that describes how his servant was bringing him some horses when one of the Cardinal's men took them, saying "his master would be served before a subject, if not before the king." He reflects that the Cardinal wants to have everything. The Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk arrive and ask how the king is. The Lord Chamberlain replies that his "conscience" is troubled by his marriage, but Suffolk jokes that Henry's "conscience / Has crept too near another lady." Norfolk agrees and blames the Cardinal. Suffolk says the king will learn the truth one day. Norfolk accuses Wolsey of advising Henry to divorce Katherine who loves him and has been "like a jewel" around his neck for "twenty years" "yet never lost her lustre." Wolsey's plan is for Henry to marry the French king's sister. They should pray for deliverance since he'd turn them all from "princes into pages" and he'll do whatever he wants. Suffolk doesn't care about Wolsey: he'll leave him to the Pope to deal with. They go in to talk to the king.
Lines 69-162: Henry appears sad but he's angry with them for disturbing him. Wolsey and Cardinal Campeius enter. Henry greets them and dismisses Norfolk and Suffolk. Wolsey praises Henry's moral scruples and the justice of his case before introducing Campeius. Henry welcomes him. Campeius says that he and Wolsey will judge the case between him and the queen impartially. Henry wants Katherine to have the best representation and sends for Stephen Gardiner, his new secretary. While Henry and Gardiner speak, Campeius asks Wolsey about Gardiner's predecessor, the virtuous and learned Doctor Pace, saying that Wolsey is blamed for sending him away out of envy and malice. Wolsey replies that he was a fool, whereas Gardiner will do as he asks. Henry says that Blackfriars seems the "most convenient place" to hear the case, lamenting that he must leave Katherine according to his conscience.
ACT 2 SCENE 3
Lines 1-60: Anne is discussing Katherine's situation with an Old Lady. She pities her and respects Katherine's virtue, believing it better to be content to live humbly. She "would not be a queen." The Old Lady disagrees and says she would and so would Anne: she's being hypocritical since she's an attractive woman and hence ambitious. Anne denies it--she wouldn't be a queen "for all the riches under heaven." The Old Lady says she would and asks Anne if she'd like to be a duchess then; Anne says "No." The Old Lady mocks her, saying she's weak, she'll never get anywhere with that attitude.
Lines 61-127: The Lord Chamberlain enters and tells Anne that Henry commends her and has made her Marchioness of Pembroke and given her "A thousand pound a year, annual support." Anne accepts graciously but says she can offer nothing in return but "prayers and wishes." In an aside the Chamberlain confides that the king has been caught by Anne's mixture of "beauty and honour." He hopes she may provide "a gem / To lighten all this isle." On his departure the Old Lady complains that she's "been begging sixteen years in court" but has never had Anne's good fortune. Anne says she doesn't understand and the Old Lady mocks her asking if she's heard the one about the woman who wouldn't be queen for "all the mud in Egypt." Her companion continues to tease her about her good fortune. Anne tells her to think what she pleases. She doesn't know what to think but they should return to comfort the queen. She asks the Old Lady not to repeat what she's heard.
ACT 2 SCENE 4
Lines 1-71: The hearing of the case between the king and Katherine. When Katherine is called she "makes no answer" but goes and kneels before Henry. She asks him why he's trying to get rid of her since she has always been "a true and humble wife" to him. Both their fathers were wise men and the validity of their marriage was thoroughly debated beforehand. She asks to be spared till she can be advised by her "friends in Spain." Wolsey says that she has her chosen advocates to represent her so there is no need to wait. Cardinal Campeius agrees.
Lines 72-143: Katherine accuses Wolsey of being her "enemy": it is he who has "blown this coal" between her and Henry, and she refuses him as her judge. Wolsey denies the charge and says everything has been done according to "the whole consistory [formal meeting of Roman Catholic cardinals] of Rome." He cites Henry as witness to the truth of this. Katherine replies that she is not cunning like him: Wolsey appears "meek and humble-mouthed" but his heart is "crammed with arrogancy, spleen and pride." He has been fortunate and enjoyed the king's "favours" but he cares more for worldly honor than spiritual qualities. She again refuses him as her judge, insisting that the Pope alone can judge her case. She curtsies to Henry and starts to leave. Cardinal Campeius accuses Katherine of being stubborn. Henry calls her back but Katherine refuses to listen and vows not to appear in their courts on "this business" in future.
Lines 144-259: After her departure Henry praises Katherine's "rare qualities," her gentleness, piety and nobility: she is "the queen of earthly queens." Wolsey demands his name be cleared, for Henry to admit that he never broached the subject to him. Henry says that is so and that Wolsey has many enemies and it is they who have incensed the queen against him. He goes on to say that on the contrary, Wolsey tried to prevent this. Henry then goes on to explain his reasoning and justify himself. It was the Bishop of Bayonne who first caused him to question his marriage during marriage negotiations between Henry's daughter Mary and the Duke of Orleans, when he demanded assurance that Mary was legitimate given that Henry had married his deceased brother's wife. Henry's conscience was pricked and he asked himself whether this was the reason that all their male children had died. It was then he started to question the legality of his marriage, approaching the Bishop of Lincoln and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Cardinal Campeius says they cannot proceed without the queen's presence. In an aside Henry suspects the Cardinals of deliberate delay, before he breaks up the court.
ACT 3 SCENE 1
Katherine is with her women and asks one of them to sing to "disperse" the "troubles" that make her soul "sad." Griffith enters to say that the "two great cardinals" have come to see her. They ask to speak to her in private but she says she has nothing to hide--"truth loves open dealing." When Wolsey starts to speak in Latin Katherine stops him. He continues in English, assuring her that they come in good faith to give her honest advice and "comforts." She again asks for friends to represent her since no Englishman may go against Henry's wishes. They tell her to put her trust in "the king's protection." She's angry and says she will put her trust in God alone and warns them to take care that the "burden" of her "sorrows" doesn't fall on them. She has always been loving, faithful, and obedient, and this is her reward, to be cast aside now that she is old. Nothing will make her give up her position as Henry's wife: she is "the most unhappy woman living." They try to persuade her to be patient and accept her situation and not make the king hate her. Katherine tells them to do what they will, apologizing for and excusing her "unmannerly" treatment.
ACT 3 SCENE 2
Lines 1-98: A group of lords have come together to complain about Cardinal Wolsey. The Earl of Surrey (Buckingham's son-in-law) is happy for any opportunity for revenge. Wolsey has no respect for the nobility and passes them all over. The only way to bring him down, though, is to stop him getting to Henry: his "tongue" has "witchcraft" over the king. Norfolk and Suffolk explain that that's no longer the case. By chance Henry has a letter of Wolsey's to the Pope advising him not to grant Henry the annulment of his marriage to Katherine since he's "tangled in affection" with Lady Anne Bullen. Henry sees how Wolsey is playing for time in the matter but it's too late--he's already married Anne and there are orders for her coronation. The lords are all pleased. Cardinal Campeius has now left and they're awaiting the return of Stephen Gardiner, who has consulted all the learned authorities in Europe who agree to Henry's divorce. Katherine is henceforth to be known as "Princess Dowager," "widow to Prince Arthur." Gardiner will be made archbishop as a reward for his services.
Lines 99-172: Cardinal Wolsey enters with Thomas Cromwell. He asks him if the king has received his "packet" and looked over the papers inside. Cromwell says he has and asked Wolsey to attend him this morning. In an aside Wolsey say
s he wants the king to marry the Duchess of Alencon, the French king's sister, not Anne Bullen. The watching lords comment on how "discontented" Wolsey appears. Wolsey continues his complaints against Anne and Cranmer. Henry enters, reflecting on the "piles of wealth" Wolsey has "accumulated." He asks the lords if he's arrived. They say he has but seems upset. Henry suggests it may be due to "a mutiny in's mind" and tells them about the inventory in his state papers of all Wolsey's goods. He is disillusioned, having believed that Wolsey's thoughts were on spiritual rather than earthly matters.
Lines 173-250: The king takes his seat and sends Lovell to speak to Wolsey, who greets the king apologetically. Henry says he must have been running over the inventory of his "best graces" which scarcely leaves him time for his "earthly audit." Wolsey says he has time for both. Henry tells him how highly his father valued him and how close Wolsey has been to himself and how well rewarded. Wolsey replies that he has always done all he could for the king and thanks him for his generosity. The king says he has a "loyal breast" and gives him two papers to read, and leaves, frowning at the Cardinal.
Lines 251-412: Wolsey is puzzled, not knowing what has brought about the king's displeasure. He reads the first paper, the inventory of all his wealth, gathered in order "to gain the popedom" and pay his "friends in Rome." He blames himself for his negligence but believes he can explain it away until he finds the letter addressed "To th'Pope" and realizes that it's all over--he can rise no higher and will inevitably fall. The lords reenter and tell him the king orders him to return "the great seal" (of office as Lord Chancellor) and to be confined at Asher House. Wolsey refuses to return it without their "commission"--the king gave it him and only the king can ask for its return. He knows they are motivated by "envy" and "malice." Surrey accuses him of bringing about Buckingham's downfall. Wolsey insults Surrey, saying he has "as little honesty as honour." Surrey is incensed by his "arrogance." They accuse him of hoarding goods and wealth and of treating the king as a servant, signing letters "Ego et Rex meus" (I and my king). He did things without the king's knowledge such as taking the "great seal" abroad, making a peace treaty with the Duke of Ferrara (an Italian city-state), and sending money to Rome as bribes for titles and honors. The Lord Chamberlain thinks they've said enough: he feels sorry for Wolsey. Surrey says he "forgive[s] him" and Suffolk adds that he is to "forfeit all [his] goods, lands, tenements, / Castles" and everything else--he is no longer under the king's protection. They leave him saying the king will hear of his refusal to return the great seal.
Lines 413-477: Alone on stage, Wolsey speaks a moving "farewell" soliloquy. He reflects on "the state of man" and the transient nature of earthly glory, which he now turns his back on feeling his "heart new opened." He pities those dependent on "princes' favours" who fall "like Lucifer / Never to hope again." Cromwell enters amazed at the news of Wolsey's downfall but Wolsey reassures him that he feels "A peace above all earthly dignities" of which the king has "cured" him. Cromwell's glad and tells him that "Sir Thomas More" has been chosen to replace him as Lord Chancellor, Cranmer has returned and been made Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Lady Anne, to whom the king has been "in secrecy long married" is now openly acknowledged as queen. All the talk is about her coronation.
Lines 478-533: Wolsey believes that it was the king's marriage to Anne Bullen that finally brought him down. He advises Cromwell to leave him and seek service with the king. He has told him of his loyalty. Cromwell weeps to leave his master. Wolsey confesses that he didn't expect to weep for his miseries but losing Cromwell has made him "play the woman." He hopes that out of his fall Cromwell may rise and advises him to "fling away ambition," to "Love thyself last" and "cherish" his enemies. He should be just and honest and then if he falls, he falls "a blessed martyr." He tells Cromwell to make an inventory of his goods, all of which belong to the king and bids "Farewell" to the court; his "hopes in heaven do dwell."
ACT 4 SCENE 1
The two Gentlemen meet again, this time to discuss Anne's coronation. The First Gentleman has a list of all the nobles' ceremonial duties. He relates how Katherine is now divorced and ill. The other pities her but then the magnificent coronation procession passes by. They discuss the participants and Anne's beauty. A Third Gentleman joins them and describes the ceremony and the enthusiasm of the crowd for their new queen. Afterward the procession passed on to Whitehall, formerly called York Place before Wolsey's fall. They discuss the rise of Stephen Gardiner, who was the king's secretary and is now Bishop of Winchester, and Thomas Cranmer, now Archbishop of Canterbury, and the enmity between the two men. Thomas Cromwell has been made "Master o'th'Jewel House."
ACT 4 SCENE 2
Lines 1-88: Katherine, now ill, is led between her servants, Griffith and Patience. She sits down and asks about Cardinal Wolsey's death. Griffith explains how after his arrest he became ill and died on his way to London three nights later, "full of repentance, / Continual meditations, tears, and sorrows" and departed in peace. Katherine pities him but offers a harsh analysis of his character. Griffith in reply offers an assessment of his virtues, of his rise, his learning and generosity, and the good death he made. Katherine praises Griffith, wishing no one but "such an honest chronicler" as him to speak about her. She thinks she has not long to live and asks for music while she meditates on "that celestial harmony" she goes to. They sit by her as Katherine sleeps.
Lines 88-192: While she sleeps, Katherine has a vision of heaven in which the six "personages, clad in white robes" dance before her and offer her a garland. When she wakes, Katherine calls for the "Spirits of peace" but neither Griffith nor Patience have seen anything. They think she has changed, though, and looks near to death. A messenger arrives with Caputius, an ambassador from her nephew the Spanish Emperor Charles V. He greets her and explains he has been sent by the king to tell her to "take good comfort." She says it's too late for that and asks after the king and wishes him well. She gives Caputius a letter for Henry in which she requests him to take care of their daughter, Mary, and to recompense her faithful servants. She asks to be remembered to the king and retires, asking to be "used with honour" after her death and buried, "although unqueened, yet like / A queen and daughter to a king."
ACT 5 SCENE 1
Lines 1-64: It's late and Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, meets Sir Thomas Lovell, who tells him that the new queen is in labor. While the bishop hopes the baby will thrive, he regrets that the situation will not be right while Cranmer, Cromwell, and Anne live. Lovell warns him to be careful: Cranmer is Archbishop of Canterbury and Cromwell has now been made Master of the Rolls, as well as the Jewel House and the king's secretary. Gardiner has told the Privy Council that Cranmer's "A most arch-heretic" and they have spoken to the king. As Gardiner leaves, Henry and Suffolk enter.
Lines 65-183: Henry tells Suffolk he doesn't want to play cards any more and asks Lovell how the queen is. He says she asks him to "pray for her"; her woman says she's suffering greatly. Henry sends Suffolk away and Lord Denny arrives with Cranmer. Henry sends Denny and Lovell away. He tells Cranmer of the complaints made against him that the Privy Council are going to examine in the morning. Cranmer thanks Henry: he knows he has enemies who speak ill of him. Henry is surprised, believing that the archbishop would have demanded to meet with his accusers. Cranmer trusts to his "truth and honesty," without those he is nothing and doesn't care what's said about him. Henry believes in his virtue and gives him a ring to produce at the council if he is in need. Cranmer weeps and Henry sends him away.
Lines 184-207: The Old Lady enters, despite Lovell's protests, to tell Henry the good news. Henry assumes Anne has had a "boy." The Old Lady reassures him that "a girl / Promises boys hereafter" and that she looks like him. He rewards her with a "hundred marks"; as they exit, she's determined to try and get more out of him.
ACT 5 SCENE 2
Lines 1-148: Cranmer arrives to see the Privy Council but finds the door shut against him. The king's physician passes and informs the king. Henry
views the scene from above, displeased by this treatment of the archbishop. A table is brought in and the council members take their seats before Cranmer is finally called in. The Lord Chancellor accuses him of teaching "new opinions, / Divers and dangerous, which are heresies." When Cranmer asks to see his accusers face-to-face, he's told that's impossible because of his position as a member of the Privy Council. Gardiner says the king and the council intend to commit him to the Tower where as a "private man again," he may face his accusers. Gardiner is his severest critic, but Cromwell thinks he's "too sharp" and that they should treat the archbishop with respect. The Chancellor calls them to order and all agree that Cranmer should be taken to the Tower as a prisoner until they know the king's wishes.
Lines 149-250: The Guard is called and when Cranmer is assured there is no alternative, he produces Henry's ring, taking his case out of their hands and placing it directly before the king. They recognize the ring and the implication that Cranmer enjoys the king's support and try to blame each other for starting the action against him. Cromwell tells them it serves them right for trying to manufacture a case against Cranmer, whose "honesty" is well known. Henry enters and Gardiner immediately flatters his wisdom and religious sense and tries to win him to their side. Henry, however, tells him he has "a cruel nature" and that he thought better of them than to leave the archbishop waiting outside the door like a servant. He commands them to embrace Cranmer and treat him with respect in future. Henry then asks him to stand as godfather to the new princess before insisting once more that they all embrace Cranmer, starting with Gardiner, who does so. This causes Cranmer to weep, thereby confirming his virtue in Henry's mind. He tells them to hurry to the baby's christening. Now he has made them friends, they must remain so, which will strengthen him and honor them.