First Gent. Let me have it; 145
I do not talk much.
Sec. Gent. I am confident;
You shall, sir: did you not of late days hear
A buzzing of a separation
Between the king and Katharine?
First Gent. Yes, but it held not:[289]
For when the king once heard it, out of anger 150
He sent command to the lord mayor straight[290]
To stop the rumour and allay those tongues
That durst disperse it.
See. Gent. But that slander, sir,
Is found a truth now: for it grows again[291]
Fresher than e'er it was, and held for certain 155
The king will venture at it. Either the cardinal,
Or some about him near, have, out of malice
To the good queen, possess'd him with a scruple
That will undo her: to confirm this too,
Cardinal Campeius is arrived, and lately; 160
As all think, for this business.
First Gent. 'Tis the cardinal;
And merely to revenge him on the emperor,
For not bestowing on him at his asking
The archbishopric of Toledo, this is purposed.
Sec. Gent. I think you have hit the mark: but is't not cruel[292]165
That she should feel the smart of this? The cardinal
Will have his will, and she must fall.
First Gent. 'Tis woeful.
We are too open here to argue this;
Let's think in private more. [Exeunt.[293]
Scene II. An ante-chamber in the palace.
Enter the Lord Chamberlain, reading a letter.[294]