That the great child of honour, cardinal Wolsey, Grif. Yes, madam; but, I think, your grace, Out of the pain you suffer'd, gave no ear to't. - Kath. Pr'ythee, good Griffith, tell me how he died: If well, he stepp'd before me, happily, For my example. Grif. Well, the voice goes, madam: For after the stout earl Northumberland Arrested him at York, and brought him forward (As a man sorely tainted,) to his answer, He fell sick suddenly, and grew so ill, He could not sit his mule. Kath. Alas, poor man! Grif. At last, with easy roads, he came to Leicester, So went to bed: where eagerly his sickness Of an unbounded stomach, ever ranking Ty'd all the kingdom: simony was fair play; His promises were, as he then was, mighty; The clergy ill example. Grif. Noble madam, Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues Kath. I were malicious else. Grif. Yes, good Griffith; This cardinal, Though from an humble stock, undoubtedly And found the blessedness of being little: Now in his ashes honour: Peace be with him!- Sad and solemn musick. Grif. She is asleep: Good wench, let's sit down quiet, For fear we wake her;-Softly, gentle Patience. The Vision. Enter, solemnly tripping one after another, six personages, clad in white robes, wearing on their heads garlands of bays, and golden vizards on their faces; branches of bays, or palm, in their hands. They first congee unto her, then dance; and, at certain changes, the first two hold a spare garland over her head; at which, the other four make reverend court'sies; then the two, that held the garland, deliver the same to the other next two, who observe the same order in their changes, and holding the garland over her head: which done, they deliver the same garland to the last two, who likewise observe the same order: at which, (as it were by inspiration,) she makes in her sleep signs of rejoicing, and holdeth up her hands to heaven: and so in their dancing they vanish, carrying the garland with them. The musick continues. Kath. Spirits of peace, where are ye? Are ye al. gone? And leave me here in wretchedness behind ye? It is not you I call for. None, madam. Saw ye none enter, since I slept? Grif. Kath. No? Saw you not, even now, a blessed troop Invite me to a banquet; whose bright faces Cast thousand beams upon me, like the sun? They promis'd me eternal happiness; And brought me garlands, Griffith, which I feel Assuredly. Grif. I am most joyful, madam, such good dreams Possess your fancy. Kath. Bid the musick leave, They are harsh and heavy to me. [Musick ceases. Pat. Pat. Heaven comfort her! Knowing, she will not lose her wonted greatness, Mess. I humbly do entreat your highness' pardon; My haste made me unmannerly: There is staying A gentleman, sent from the king, to see you. Kath. Admit him entrance, Griffith: But this fellow Let me ne'er see again. [Exeunt GRIFFITH and Messenger. Re-enter GRIFFITH, with CAPUCIUS. If my sight fail not, You should be lord ambassador from the emperor, Cap. Madam, the same, your servant. But, I pray you, Noble lady, Cap. Who grieves much for your weakness, and by me And heartily entreats you take good comfort. Kath. O my good lord, that comfort comes too late; 'Tis like a pardon after execution: That gentle physick, given in time, had cur'd me; Cap. Madam, in good health. Kath. So may he ever do! and ever flourish, When I shall dwell with worms, and my poor name |