Internet Shakespeare Editions

Toolbox




Jump to line
Through Line Number
Help on texts
About this text
Print this page

About this text

  • Title: Thomas Lord Cromwell (Folio 3, 1664)

    • Copyright Digital Renaissance Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Authors: Anonymous, William Shakespeare
    Not Peer Reviewed

    Thomas Lord Cromwell (Folio 3, 1664)

    Enter Winchester, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedford, Ser-
    1555jeant at armes, the Herald, and Halberts.
    Gar. Halberts stand close unto the water side,
    Serjeant at armes, be bould in your office,
    Herald, deliver your Proclamation.
    Her. This is to give notice to all the Kings subjects.
    1560The late Lord Cromwell, Lord Chancellor of England,
    Vicar general over the Realm,
    Him to hold and esteem as a traitor,
    Against the Crown and dignity of England:
    So God save the King.
    1565Gar. Amen.
    Bed. Amen, and root thee from the land,
    For whil'st thou livest truth cannot stand.
    Nor. Make a lane there, the traitor is at hand,
    Keep back Cromwell's men:
    1570Drown them if they come on, Serjeant your office?
    Enter Cromwell, they make a lane with their Halberts.
    Cro. What means my Lord of Norfolk by these words?
    Sirs, come along.
    Gar. Kill them, if they come on.
    1575Ser. Lord Cromwell, in King Henries name,
    I do arrest your honour of high treason.
    Crom. Serjeant, me of treason?
    Cromwell's men offer to draw.
    Suff. Kill them, if they draw a sword.
    1580Crom. Hold, I charge you, as you love me, draw not a(sword,
    Who dares accuse Cromwell of treason now?
    Gar. This is no place to reckon up your crime,
    Your Dove-like looks were view'd with serpents eyes.
    Crom. With serpents eyes indeed, by thine they were,
    1585But, Gardiner, do thy worst, I fear thee not,
    My faith compar'd with thine, as much shall pass,
    As doth the Diamond excell the glass:
    Attach'd of treason, no accusers by,
    Indeed what tongue dares speak so foul a lie?
    1590Nor. My Lord, my Lord, matters are too well known,
    And is it time the King had note thereof.
    Crom. The King, let me go to him face to face,
    No better triall I desire then that,
    Let him but say, that Cromwell's faith was fained,
    1595Then Let my Honour, and my Name be stained:
    If ever my heart against the King was set,
    O let my soule in judgement answer it,
    Then if my faith's confirmed with his reason,
    'Gainst whom hath Cromwell then committed treason?
    1600Suf. My Lord, your matter shall be tried,
    Mean time with patience content your self.
    Crom. Perforce I must with patience be content:
    O, dear friend Bedford, dost thou stand so near?
    Cromwell rejoyceth one friend sheds a tear:
    1605And whether is't? which way must Cromwell now?
    Gar. My Lord, you must unto the Tower:
    Lieutenant, take him to your charge.
    Crom. Well, where you please, yet before I part,
    Let me conferre a little with my men.
    1610Gar. As you go by water so you shall.
    Crom. I have some businesse present to impart.
    Nor. You may not stay, Lieutenant, take your charg.
    Crom. Well, well, my Lord, you second Gardiners text.
    Norfolk, farewell, thy turn will be the next.
    1615Exit Cromwell and the Lieutenant.
    Gar. His guilty Conscience makes him rave, my Lord.
    Nor. I, let him talk, his time is short enough.
    Gar. My Lord of Bedford, come, you weep for him,
    That would not shed a tear for you.
    1620Bed. It grieves me for to see his sudden fall.
    Gar. Such successe wish I unto Traitors all.Exeunt.
    About
    Contact us
    Content quality
    Site guide
    © Internet Shakespeare Editions
    Copyright details
    Privacy policy
    This site is supported by:
    University of Victoria
    Friends of the ISE
    SSHRC