Page 1657 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

And free us from his slavery.

NORFOLK
We had need pray,
And heartily, for our deliverance,
Or this imperious man will work us all [45]
From princes into pages. All men’s honours

Lie like one lump before him, to be fashioned
Into what pitch he please.

SUFFOLK
For me, my lords,
I love him not, nor fear him − there’s my creed.

As I am made without him, so I’ll stand, [50]
If the King please; his curses and his blessings
Touch me alike; th’re breath I not believe in.
I knew him, and I know him; so I leave him

To him that made him proud − the Pope.

NORFOLK
Let’s in,
And with some other business put the King [55]
From these sad thoughts that work too much upon him.

My lord, you’ll bear us company?

CHAMBERLAIN

Excuse me,
The King has sent me otherwhere. Besides,
You’ll find a most unfit time to disturb him.
Health to your lordships.

NORFOLK
Thanks, my good Lord Chamberlain. [60]

Exit Lord Chamberlain
The King draws the curtain and sits reading pensively

SUFFOLK