The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 6 of 9]Shakespeare, William
General
The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 6 of 9]
Shakespeare, William
English drama
_Wol._ That's somewhat sudden:
But he's a learned man. May he continue 395
Long in his highness' favour, and do justice
For truth's sake and his conscience; that his bones,[624]
When he has run his course and sleeps in blessings,
May have a tomb of orphans' tears wept on 'em![625]
What more?
_Crom._ That Cranmer is return'd with welcome, 400
Install'd lord archbishop of Canterbury.
_Wol._ That's news indeed.
_Crom._ Last, that the Lady Anne,
Whom the king hath in secrecy long married,
This day was view'd in open as his queen,
Going to chapel; and the voice is now 405
Only about her coronation.
_Wol._ There was the weight that pull'd me down. O Cromwell,[626]
The king has gone beyond me: all my glories
In that one woman I have lost for ever:
No sun shall ever usher forth mine honours, 410
Or gild again the noble troops that waited
Upon my smiles. Go, get thee from me, Cromwell;
I am a poor fall'n man, unworthy now[627]
To be thy lord and master: seek the king;
That sun, I pray, may never set! I have told him[628] 415
What and how true thou art: he will advance thee;
Some little memory of me will stir him--
I know his noble nature--not to let
Thy hopeful service perish too: good Cromwell,
Neglect him not; make use now, and provide 420
For thine own future safety.
_Crom._ O my lord,
Must I then leave you? must I needs forego
So good, so noble and so true a master?
Bear witness, all that have not hearts of iron,
With what a sorrow Cromwell leaves his lord. 425
The king shall have my service, but my prayers
For ever and for ever shall be yours.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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