_Cran._ Most dread liege, The good I stand on is my truth and honesty:[769] If they shall fail, I, with mine enemies,[770] Will triumph o'er my person; which I weigh not, Being of those virtues vacant. I fear nothing 125 What can be said against me.[771] _King._ Know you not How your state stands i’ the world, with the whole world? Your enemies are many, and not small; their practices[772] Must bear the same proportion; and not ever The justice and the truth o' the question carries 130 The due o' the verdict with it: at what ease[773] Might corrupt minds procure knaves as corrupt To swear against you? Such things have been done. You are potently opposed, and with a malice[774] Of as great size. Ween you of better luck, 135 I mean, in perjured witness, than your master, Whose minister you are, whiles here he lived[775] Upon this naughty earth? Go to, go to; You take a precipice for no leap of danger,[776] And woo your own destruction.[777] _Cran._ God and your majesty 140 Protect mine innocence, or I fall into The trap is laid for me! _King._ Be of good cheer; They shall no more prevail than we give way to. Keep comfort to you; and this morning see You do appear before them. If they shall chance,[778] 145 In charging you with matters, to commit you, The best persuasions to the contrary Fail not to use, and with what vehemency The occasion shall instruct you: if entreaties Will render you no remedy, this ring 150 Deliver them, and your appeal to us There make before them. Look, the good man weeps![779] He's honest, on mine honour. God's blest mother! I swear he is true-hearted, and a soul None better in my kingdom. Get you gone, 155 And do as I have bid you. [_Exit Cranmer._] He has strangled[780][781] His language in his tears.[781][782] _Enter_ Old Lady; LOVELL _following_. _Gent._ [_Within_] Come back: what mean you? _Old L._ I'll not come back; the tidings that I bring Will make my boldness manners. Now, good angels Fly o'er thy royal head, and shade thy person 160 Under their blessed wings! _King._ Now, by thy looks I guess thy message. Is the queen deliver'd? Say, ay, and of a boy. _Old L._ Ay, ay, my liege; And of a lovely boy: the God of heaven Both now and ever bless her! 'tis a girl, 165 Promises boys hereafter. Sir, your queen Desires your visitation, and to be Acquainted with this stranger: 'tis as like you As cherry is to cherry. _King._ Lovell!