Page 1675 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Be gladded in’t by me. Then follows that [195]
I weighed the danger which my realms stood in
By this my issue’s fail, and that gave to me
Many a groaning throe. Thus hulling in

The wild sea of my conscience, I did steer
Toward this remedy, whereupon we are [200]
Now present here together; that’s to say,
I meant to rectify my conscience, which

I then did feel full sick, and yet not well,
By all the reverend fathers of the land
And doctors learnèd. First I began in private [205]
With you, my lord of Lincoln. You remember

How under my oppression I did reek
When I first moved you.

LINCOLN
Very well, my liege.

KING
I have spoke long; be pleased yourself to say
How far you satisfied me.

LINCOLN

So please your highness, [210]
The question did at first so stagger me,
Bearing a state of mighty moment in’t,
And consequence of dread, that I committed
The daring’st counsel which I had to doubt,

And did entreat your highness to this course [215]
Which you are running here.

KING
I then moved you,
My lord of Canterbury, and got your leave

To make this present summons. Unsolicited
I left no reverend person in this court,
But by particular consent proceeded [220]
Under your hands and seals. Therefore, go on,