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!
Lov. Sir?[783]