First Gent. Never greater,
Nor, I'll assure you, better taken, sir.
Sec. Gent. May I be bold to ask what that contains,[645]
That paper in your hand?[646]
First Gent. Yes; 'tis the list
Of those that claim their offices this day 15
By custom of the coronation.
The Duke of Suffolk is the first, and claims
To be high-steward; next, the Duke of Norfolk,
He to be earl marshal: you may read the rest.[647]
Sec. Gent. I thank you, sir: had I not known those customs,[648] 20
I should have been beholding to your paper.[649]
But, I beseech you, what's become of Katharine,
The princess dowager? how goes her business?
First Gent. That I can tell you too. The Archbishop[650]
Of Canterbury, accompanied with other 25
Learned and reverend fathers of his order,
Held a late court at Dunstable, six miles off[651]
From Ampthill, where the princess lay; to which
She was often cited by them, but appear'd not:[652]
And, to be short, for not appearance and[653] 30
The king's late scruple, by the main assent
Of all these learned men she was divorced,
And the late marriage made of none effect:
Since which she was removed to Kimbolton,[654]
Where she remains now sick.
Sec. Gent. Alas, good lady! 35
[Trumpets.[655]
The trumpets sound: stand close, the queen is coming.
[Hautboys.
THE ORDER OF THE CORONATION.