DEFENDER OF THE FAITH Wh§wfific0mof Mn“. RECHEW S‘W’E it? - 0:3 FE‘Y Alan. V. Kennedy 1966. H Uni-{.tctsity r] 1) PEPE. ""' 4‘ [\L: “g EM- M . ...‘>.i‘. 1‘ u‘.\h DEFENDER OF THE FAITH BY Alan V. Kennedy A PLAY IN THREE ACTS Submitted to Michigan State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS Department of Speech 1966 \) DRAMATIS PERSONAE HENRY VIII. KING OF ENGLAND CATHERINE OF ARAGON, QUEEN OF ENGLAND ANN BOLEYN. LADY IN WAITING TO THE QUEEN CARDINAL WOLSEY, PAPAL LEGATE TO ENGLAND CHANCELLOR OF THE REALM JOHN SKELTON: POET LAUREATE OF ENGLAND LORENZO CARDINAL COMPEGGIO, PERSONAL ENVOY OF THE POPE GUARDS ii INTRODUCTION The purpose of this play is to show the personal and private considerations that motivated Henry VIII which in turn affected the destiny of a nation and to show that Henry was educated, somewhat of a scholar, and certainly interested in the fine arts rather than an uncouth barbarian murdering his wives at his own whim or fancy. It also attempts to show Henry as a pathetic figure with tragic qualities forced by his position in history and life to make decisions contrary to his nature and that political intrigues pressured him into acts of violence necessary to consolidate and perpetuate the Tudor line on the throne of England. It attempts to show Henry in rather intimate surroundings, stripped of the trappings of public display, for it is in this environment that actual decisions are made and the full brunt of the consequences felt. The title, Defender of the Faith, represents the great irony in the life of this monarch. He was given this title by the Pope for the pamphlets he wrote against Luther and for sending actual troops to combat the threat of Protestantism.l As fate would have it, the King who hated Protestants, broke with the church and became the 1E. R. Adair, "Henry VIII," Collier's Encyclopedia, ed. William T. Couch, IX (1956), 646. iii spiritual leader of one of our Protestant denominations. However, he at no time ever considered himself anything less than a staunch Catholic.2 The actual idea for this view of Henry VIII came from an English legend that records that Henry, upon sign- ing the order for execution of one of his wives, had tears streaming down his face and was physically forced from countermanding the order. It is with this image in mind that I have ended my play. Historically the events in the play are accurate with the following exceptions. Catherine of Aragon was not killed by Henry, merely divorced. She was his first wife; his brother's widow, and also the aunt of Emperor Charles v.3 Charles did intercede with Pope Clement VII and blocked Henry's attempt to get the marriage annulled.4 It is probable that it would have been annulled had not Charles interceded on the behalf of Catherine. There was precedence in the marriage of Louis of France and Margaret of Scotland.5 The Pope was disposed to favor this request and did send Lorenzo Cardinal Compeggio to England to hear the suifié. Compeggio, however, was re- . 6 called by the Pope after Charles made his demands. 21bid. 3Edith Simon and The Editors of Time-Life Books, The Reformation (New York: Time, Inc., 1966), p. 80. 5 . 41bid., p. 81. ggig. 61bid. iv Catherine did not try to murder Henry after she found out that Henry had an affair with her Lady in Waiting, Ann Boleyn. This fact was included to heighten the dramatic effect and give Wolsey more of a case to have her beheaded. Ann, however, was pregnant before Henry married her and she did want to be Queen.7 It is presumed that the major reason Henry married Ann Boleyn was precisely because she was pregnant and this was a possi- bility for a male heir. All other events in the play actually happened to Henry. Cardinal Wolsey was an ambitious Chancellor of the Realm, who hoped to be Pope one day, and virtually ran England with Henry's consent. At the height of his power few would oppose him with the exception of Henry's tutor and friend, John Skelton, poet—laureate of England.8 Wolsey was determined to get Skelton for his blasphemous poetry and Skelton had to flee to Westminster and spent the last six years of his life there.9 Henry often liked to play one against the other for his own amusement. The poetry is Skeltons and the episode about the child in church is historically correct. Thus, I have attempted to show a new view or uncommon view of Henry VIII, as a man pressured by his time and 7Ibid., p. 80. 8Phillip Henderson (ed.), The Complete Poems of John Skelton, Laureate (London: J. M. Dent and Sons Ltd., 1931), p. xii. lO . . 9Ibid., p. xiii. Ibid., p. Xi. position to commit acts that made him into a despotic and ruthless monarch. Had he not been King, perhaps he would have been one of the great poets of the period like his friend and tutor, John Skelton. vi r. O.L “NEH! ACT I ACT I (Skelton is in Priest habit.) (As the curtain opens Henry and John Skelton are on stage. Henry is reading from Skelton's manuscript. Skelton is seated, one foot over the edge of a table, drinking from a mug of ale and eating grapes, one at a time, from a bowl on the table, listening to Henry read. Henry moves about the stage as he reads.) Henry (Reading) . . . Haec vates ille, De quo loquantur mille . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . LHe_tLanslates) . . . John Skelton, that poet of whom a thousand Speak . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . Skelton I see you remembered your Latin. Henry ngnaring_thisl . . Your not very humble. Skelton Was I ever? Henry One would think you would at least spare us allusions to yourself. Skelton The ballad singers like it . . . they sing of me in alehouses. Henry It's a good place for you. Skelton Ohhhhhhh . . . moralistic . . . you used to like them. Henry How could I help it . . . you dragged me there for real life tutoring. Skelton Uhgting) . . Oh, the life of a poet . . . to be abused by the King he so loyally served. Henry Hmmmmmmm . . . and you never let me forget it. Skelton I who have been made laureate by the most renowned Univer— sities in the land . . . Henry . . . With my help. Skelton They would have done it any how . . . Henry Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . treading) . . . . . "Too hasty of sentence Too scarce of your expense Too large in negligence Too slack in recompense Too light in intelligence." Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . Cardinal Wolsey will have your head for this. Skelton He's tried before. Henry You've gone too far . . . He's been waiting for just such an excuse. Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . ever since you wrote Colin Clout and said his justice is as crooked as a ram's horns. Skelton Well, it is . . . turn the page . . . I especially like this part . . . Henry (Turns the page and reads.) “He will drink us so dry And suck us so nigh, That men shall scantly Have penny or halfpenny God save his noble grace And grant him a place Endless to dwell With the devil of hell." Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . I can't wait to see his face . . . Skelton Well, at least it's good to see you laughing again . . . You've been somber as a stone these last few weeks. Henry How would you know . .? You're supposed to be at your parish in Norfolk. Skelton Oh . . and that . . a fine protector you have been . . I, Who have just about weaned you since the age of . . . . Henry Nine. Skelton Yes . . . and what is my reward? You let that monkish Cardinal banish me to an obscure parish where 20 ignorant people have the nerve to complain of my irregularities to that bloody Bishop Bix. Henry It's not my fault you took the cloth. You weren't satis- fied with being a scholar . . you had to be a priest—scholar. Skelton 80? Henry I make it a rule never to meddle in church affairs. Skelton Hal Henry I have Wolsey for that. Skelton How about the pamphlets you wrote against Luther? Henry I make an exception where Protestants are concerned. Skelton You're always making exceptions. Henry (Eijrm statement of factQ I'm a King. Skelton (Feeling he may have overstepped himself) Yes my leige. (Changing the subject on purpose) Why have you been so down in the mouth of late? Your groom, old Stephen, tells me you've been jumping around like a dog with the fleas. Henry Humpff . . . oh . . . State Affairs . . . . (trailing gff) Affairs of State . . - WW .Hannyl LLgng_panseJ . . (Forcing mprrimpnt) Let's forget my Henry problems . . (33.9rahs_two_mnga_Q£_ale_irom_a_tra¥_on_a near table) . . . You always did like a good mug of ale . Ha . . Ha . . Ha . . . been bloody boring around here with you up in Norfolk. Skelton Bloody boring in Norfolk. I knew you'd miss me. Henry I miss watching you fight with Wolsey. It's the only bright spot on my dismal days. The d ' Ha . . . Ha . . . . What else have you written? Anymore poems for the Cardinal's benefit? Skelton One at a time is good enough for him. That's all he can digest without having a stroke. How about you? Henry No time. Skelton Too bad . . . you had a token of talent . . if you weren't the King you could be a scholar. Henry If I was a scholar . . I'd take your place . . then what would you do? Skelton I'd try to be the King? Henry Ha...Ha...Ha... Skelton Why not . . . I hear it's the vogue . . Henry What have you heard? Skelton My . . . hit a tender spot . . . . . Henry L13mping_np) . . What have you heard? Skelton My liege . . I was only making merry . . . we've often joked about no heir . . . Henry Well . . it's no joke . . . Skelton It shall never cross my lips again. . Henry I'm in no mood for you . . (Getting ready +n dismi§§_him) Skelton That bad? Henry Francis lst of France has broken his vow of betrothal to my sister and married that bitch Isabella of Portugal. Skelton Hmmmmm . . . Henry LiSten to this note . . . "Dear Henry, Please excuse this impertinence, but really, Isabella of Portugal is worth Henry much more than Mary of England . . and I just thought of what you would do in my place.” signed Francis lst of France. Skelton Lamiling) . . . at least he has a sense of humor . . . and he knows you. Henry It won't be so funny when English troops ravage his shores. Skelton (Shocked) You're not going to invade? Henry Can't afford it. Skelton (Relieved) oh . . . . Henry Besides, I already have troops in France fighting the Huegenots . . . Hummpff . . . I ought to turn them against Francis. Skelton Why don't you? Henry Not enough. Skelton Oh. Well, your sister Mary is nice enough . . . you can find her another . . . Henry I could care less about Mary. Now what am I going to do for an heir? The knights have been satisfied even though I don't have a male heir for they thought my sister could at least hatch something worth while . . . . Now what's going to happen? Skelton Oh, something will turn up . . you've heard these rumors for years and ignored them. Why are you so upset now? Henry As usual you fail to grasp the gravity of the situation. Skelton Don't tell me you're getting into politics! Not the King who liked to drink and hunt and would keep the Star Chamber waiting for days to finish a game of chess. Henry I don't need your sarcasm. Skelton And I used to tell you to take more interest . . . I liked you better the way you were before . . . Henry It's getting worse and worse . . . more problems every day . . If I could only hunt I could rid my mind . . . but the blasted weather . . . . I often dream of living over an alehouse filledwith Elinor Rummings . . . Skelton W...Ha..Ha..Ha..Shewasa lO Skelton figment of my imagination. . . Henry Ahhhh. . . but what a woman. . . and I could read . . . and dance . . . Skelton Alehouse whores are rotten dancers. . . Henry Stop spoiling the image. . . and I could discuss at length . . . . whatever I wanted to discuss. . . Skelton You're a King. . .that doesn't appear as too great a request. . Henry Again. . . you fail . . . Skelton Lflhiming_in) . . to discover the gravity of the situation. . I still don't know why you're so upset. . .Far worse events have not moved you before. . . Henry Well . . . they're moving me now. Skelton What is really bothering you? Ybu can't fool the old tutor. Henry Oh. . . . LLgng_gau§a) . . . if you were a King? . . . perhaps it doesn't make any difference. . . Skelton What . .? ll Henry Do you believe in curses? Skelton Curses. . . 1 Ha . . Ha. . Ha . . I hope not . . . If the good Cardinals more powerful than I suppose . . I'm in trouble . . He's cursed me more times than I can count. . Henry If you'd stop talking for your own amusement . . . Bahhh . There's no one I can talk to in this whole realm. . . Skelton I'm sorry..I've been putting this face on for so long..I don't even know when I'm serious or should be serious. . What is troubling you? 3 3. J J . H Guard E His eminence, Cardinal Wolsey. Wolsey (He does not notice Skelton at Firstll My lord. . . , Excuse the interruption, but . . . (He.sees.5kelton.hut thinks it only a priest) . . oh, I see you're talking to a priest. Skelton Llumping_up) . . . Glory be . . it's the King's chaplain. I won't take your job love . . . just giving his majesty the 47 graces. 12 Wolsey I see it's our famous priest who's more fit for the stage than pew or pulpit. Skelton I'd rather be on the stage than that pulpit you exiled me to in Norfolk . . . hardly fitting for a man of my rank. Wolsey It will teach you humility. Skelton And reinforce my vow of poverty . . . I haven't eaten a decent meal since I've been away. Henry {Enjoying this) Have you read Master Skelton's latest manuscript? (He tosses it to Wolseyi) Skelton (Attempting to retrieve the manuscript) I think this is hardly the time . . . . Wolsey I read major poets . . . not minor poets . . . . Skelton I didn't know you could read . . . my manuscript, please. Wolsey NO . . . (Keenina the manuscript) . . it will give me some entertainment at my leisure . . Henry It is most funny . . . . 13 Skelton It's not quite that funny . . . WoooOhbutitiso..you've never been bashful before . . . in fact . . . He just told me Cardinal Wolsey that he considers it his greatest work . . . Skelton In all due regard to you Sire . . . you are stretching a point. . . Henry In fact I believe he wrote it for your amusement . . . W Wolsey Really. . . Skelton Not really. . . Wolsey I hope I find it most amusing. . . Skelton Oh . . you'll be amused. . . . Wolsey I'm sure. . Skelton I'll take my leave my Lord . . with your permission. . . my parishoners need my guidance. . . . l4 Wolsey Or you . . . theirs . . . Henry Denied! . . . I'm especially fond of people today . . . and since the weather won't permit me to hunt . . . we'll talk... Skelton Yes, my Lord. Wolsey My Lord . . it might be better if I had a word with you . alone . . . . . Henry John Skelton knows better than to repeat what he hears here. Wolsey (Quite agitated at Skelton staying) . . . But my Lord . . . (Henry motions to continue) Yes my lord . . . It is just that I'm amazed you will discuss affairs of state in the presence of this "wandering," so—called priest. Skelton (Reciting) "It is a wondrous case That the Kings grace is toward him so minded And so far blinded That he cannot perceive How he doth him deceive" (flglsey turns threateningly) Henry Quiet you jackanape . . . Ignore him for the present. What news is so urgent? 15 Wolsey As my reports have indicated there is great unrest in the realm . . . . now all my fears have been realized. Henry What . .? Wolsey The Scots are rioting and three of my tax collectors have been killed . . I've sent the Earl of Sussex to put the rebellion down but it will take him at least two weeks to get there . . Henry Why wasn't I informed? Wolsey My Lord, I've just learned myself . . and I'm afraid it could spread . . . the taxes are very unpopular . . . Henry How is a King supposed to get money . . . I can't fight a war and send troops against the Protestants without money. . . Wolsey My Lord . . . I told you the treasury was low when you sent out the last expedition . . . but you insisted. And now that your sister, the princess, is not to be wed . . . there is talk . . . Henry What talk . . . . ? l6 Wolsey Several knights, no doubt following the Earl of Northumberland's example, have been talking about creating an heir to the throne to relieve strife and possible bloodshed in the kingdom. . . Henry How dare they . . Wolsey I am taking steps, my Lord . . . the heresy will be rooted out. Skelton Like the Earl of Northumberland . . that was the fastest beheading in history . . which prompted me to write my eulogy . . . (He recites) "Upon the dolorous death and much lamentable chance of the most honorable Earl of Northumberland." Wolsey (Extremely angry now) . . . This is the individual who is really creating unrest in your realm . . . the ballad singers scoff at your taxes, sing of his praises, and openly laugh at your officers. He encourages them with his little ditties and hundreds are heard singing his heresies from ale house to ale house . . . He makes your subjects laugh at the crown . . . NOrfolk is too good for him . . . Ireland would be a better place and he can compose in the fields for the poppies to sing . . . l7 Skelton At least I'm not an overweening busybody, taking on more than I can accomplish, bungling everything, wasting the country's money on futile schemes abroad and maintaining myself at home in wanton luxury . . . . Why come ye not to court . . .? Which court? Wolsey's court at Hampton Court Palace or the King's court? Wolsey You . . . . You . . . . Skelton My! the Cardinal's face is as red as his cap . . Henry Quiet: Carry on your fued some other place . . I haven't time for you two today . . . . What knights? What people? I want names. Wolsey Yes, my Lord° Henry And I want them quickly. Too long have I left the reins of my crown to others . . I leave everyone alone and now . . . look at my reward . . . rebellion and dissention. Before I'm done they will know who Henry Tudor is in England. (Looking at them both with obvious meaning.) I'll behead anyone, friend or foe, who would but dare to aspire before his star ascends in the sky. Do I make myself clear? I Wolsey Your enemies are in the dungeon my lord, your friends are here. 18 Henry My enemies: Not an hour goes by that they don't Spring up out of some foreign rock or peasant dung . . . or some long. lost bastard son doesn't come back to claim his due. If I had as many bastard sons as are running around in France and England claiming their birthright, I would have died of fatigue 10 years ago . . . nay 20 years ago . . . and 20 years ago I hardly knew what it was for . . . . (Silence.) . . . I will make my own heir . . . a Tudor to follow me . . . even if my wife's scrawny daughter has to ascend the throne. Skelton That would be a bit sticky . . . after Queen Matilda's l9 years of civil strife our populace would love the prospect of another Queen. Wolsey My Lord, the popular impression is that a woman will never rule England again. Henry Popular impression? .1 will decide the next ruler of England. Wolsey Yes, my Lord. Henry (To Skelton) . . And you wondered if I had written any poetry lately . . . you have the life John Skelton . . . even you . . . my good Cardinal . . . You're both worthy adversaries in the game of chess . . . (Both smile) . . . Tomorrow . . . tomorrow . . . we must have a game of chess . . . 19 Henry today I'll devote to the State . . . but tomorrow . . . Guard (Announcgg) Queen Catherine and Mistress Anne - (Catherine and Ann enter. Skelton and WOlsey both partially m.) Catherine Hello Cardinal and you Master Skelton . . I hope I'm not interrupting anything . . . Henry Well, you are . . . what do you want? Catherine What bit you today? I see you've both put my husband in a lovely mood . . . Say hello to the King Ann . . . but at a distance. (In a stage whisper) . . . He's in a bad mood. Ann Good afternoon,your grace. (Bowing) (Smile on her face) Henry What put you in such a good mood today? Catherine You, my Lord . . . YOu. (Henry can't help smiling at this last remark deSpite himself.) Henry I see you still have your foolish tongue. Catherine Oh, yes . . my lord. And I've been saving it all day to talk to you. 20 Henry I noticed it was overactive. Wolsey (Embarrassed.) My lord, we'll take our leave. Catherine Oh my good Cardinal . . . (Mocking) and Master don't leave on my account. I'm only the Queen sure you could find some . . . other games . . my husband's mind off the kingdom he is losing. Henry Skelton . . . I'm to take I'm not losing any kingdom . . . and I asked you to hold your tongue in the presence of others. Cathering I was only . . . Henry Only . . . only . . . if you don't put a girdle on your tongue you'll lose your head. Wolsey My lord. Henry Yes. Take your leave (He waves them away.) Wolsey (Bows and exits) My lord. Skelton (Egfléi My lord. Henry (To Skelton) Don't go too far. We'll talk further today. 21 Skelton Yes, my lord° (Exits) Catherine I wonder where your great tutor is going now . . in which alehouse will you find him Henry? Henry He happens to be more than a tutor. He's my friend. Catherine Some friend. Fine company for a King. He set the Catholic religion back 100 years when he became a priest . . . and then you had the nerve to let him say . . . Mass for your departed brother, Arthur. Henry Arthur didn't mind. He was dead. Catherine Everyone else minded. Henry Meaning you. Catherine Well if you weren't always talking or being with that ill- living wretch you could take more interest in what is happening to your kingdom. (Ann, sensing the coming storm, quietly but obviously to the audience, slips out of the room) Henry Nothing is heppening to my kingdom. 22 Catherine It is. And now Mary isn't going to be married. What are you going to do about that? Henry Nothing. Catherine You're always doing nothing. An insult to the royal family and you're doing nothing . . . just like you've always done. Henry You fail to understand . . . . Catherine I understand. I know you. I've had to push you even to make the match for Mary in the first place. Henry I can't be bothered with match—making and silly quarrels. I have higher duties. Catherine Do you do them? Henry Yes. Catherine No. You'd rather hunt . . . or dance . . . or eat: Henry . . Or read . . . or drink . . . or travel . . . but no. I've got to listen to you. Why are you resting? What are you doing now? You're not going to Windsor again? What is so 23 Henry interesting in Windsor? Why don't you put a book up and I can sign in and out as I please . . . then you'll know where I am. Catherine It might be a good idea. Have you heard petitions in a month . . . two months? Have you attended the Star Chamber? Have you attended to any duties? Henry I've been busy. Catherine Busy . . .? Busy hunting in Ayleshire . . . that only took two weeks. Then you had a three day chess game with Master Skelton. Then you went to Bath for three weeks for your health. Henry You fail to understand that I have Cardinal Wolsey to advise me and take care of my affairs when I'm . . . away. Catherine He's doing somewhat of a bad job° You've had riots over taxes and even the Scots refuse you as their King. Henry It's being taken care of. Catherine How? 24 Henry It may surprise you to know that I know exactly what is going on in my kingdom every minute. Because . . . because I don't get excited . . . or sound the trumpet at each little pitfall . . . you and your . . . friends assume I take no interest. Well, I do. There are different ways to rule. I shall do as I please. Catherine You don't rule. Cardinal Wolsey rules as much as you. Henry True. But the power . . . the power of life and death rests here. And don't you ever forget it. At any moment, I have the power to change . . . And if I'm not pleased . . . (Hg snaps his fingers) . . . I change . . . . Catherine Humpffffffff Henry Like the wind . . Catherine . . . (Snaps his fingers) . . . change . . (Turns the other direction and snaps his fingers) . . . Change . . . . Catherine Well you had better change soon or there'll be nothing left to change . . . Henry Everything is fine. 25 Catherine It's not fine. Your kingdom is all hobbled up . . . Its time you started preparing your daughter and taking charge yourself or she'll have nothing left to rule. Henry You needn't worry about that. She'll never be Queen in England. Catherine She is the rightful heir. Henry She's a princess. What more do you want? We'll find her a good husband and she can be Queen some place else. Catherine She will be Queen after you're gone and if you weren't such a fool you would accept her and support her. Henry How can I support her? England will never accept a Queen on her throne. Two months later and she'd have lost the whole thing. Catherine YOu only have to name her . . . . Henry And what happens when I'm dead? Who's going to let her keep the throne? Catherine She will be Queen then. No one will dare . . . 26 Henry Ha! Don't you realize she would be dethroned within months of my death. Don't you realize that would end the Tudor line . . . my line on the throne. Catherine You exaggerate. Henry Well we're not going to find out. A woman . . . to wage wars . . . consolidate my territories . . . a sniveling, crawling, bawling, emotional wench to lead this ship of state . . . ? Never! I'd rather cut off my codpiece and be a capon. Catherine Then a capon you'll be for no one will set on this throne but a full-blooded princess with your blood in her veins. Henry My blood? In her veins? That piece of slender chalk? It's probably my brother, Arthur's before he died. Catherine You would dare . . . She's your daughter. Henry Some daughter. Why couldn't you bear me a son. All my trouble stems from the fact that you're incapable of producing a male heir. Catherine I could . . . if you had not ceased to lie with me. 27 Henry I would lie with thee lady if I thought there was some use. I feel not like exerting my energy for a pittance instead of a pound. Catherine A pittance? Henry A pittance! Three miscarriages, one—still born, and one piece of chalk is a pittance. With that I quit. Catherine It's obvious to everyone that you have quit . . . or are not able . . . Henry Not able? Ha! It's obvious that I have a simpleton for a wife who can't produce when she's got the blood of Kings in her veins . . . . Catherine It takes two . . . Henry Unfortunately. It's too bad I need you. Catherine Well, you won't do any better yourself. Henry Or any worse. Catherine Well she's first born and first born she shall remain. 28 Henry The only born from your womb. Catherine Nevertheless, the nobles will never allow you to put any- one else on the throne in her place. . Henry We shall see. Catherine It's too bad Arthur died . . . He'd have . . . . Henry Arthur! Ha! That's a score I have to settle . . . . I blame him most incarnate for his untimely death. Had he not died I would not have been plagued with his weeping widow . . . . which is the source of all my problems. Catherine I am no problem. Henry Ha! Catherine Well, I wouldn't be if you'd spend some time at home with me instead of (Mbcking) Master Skelton and your good Cardinal . . . England ought to annoint all three and you could divide the duties up evenly . . . you could be in charge of social affairs. . . . Henry Mouth almighty, chops everlasting . . . your mouth is as big as all outdoors. . One day I'll have it sewn up to Spare your life from your foolish tongue. 29 Catherine My life will do fine, but by my wits, not my tongue. Henry Your wits? They left you when your feeble brain relinquished its reign to your tongue. Catherine No reign has been relinquished, save to you Henry . . . and that was a rainy day in English history. Henry Leave me . . . I sit in bewilderment and disgust that you can't discuss matters larger than your own chamber . . I mourn for my lost wife. Catherine Lost to you but alive for England . . . I go to prepare our future Queen for her tedious chores following your chaos. Henry The only chaos is in your mind thinking she will ever follow me. Catherine That she will. Henry Prepare her for the grave . . . we'll crown her posthumously. Catherine Your own daughter? Henry Henry VIII will have no daughters, only sons. 30 Catherine Well there won't be any sons from me so you had better get to know your only daughter. Henry There are times when an individual must be subordinate to the state. This is one of those times. Catherine If God had wanted you to have a son he'd have given you a son . . . (Henry is caught by surprise and is speechless for a moment.) Henry (Slowly and deliberately) God has nothing to do with it. Catherine It's Providence. Henry It's . . . nothing! I'd have a son if I hadn't married you. Catherine Well . . . you did, Henry. Henry Get out! Catherine It was a wonderful wedding on a beautiful day. Henry Bah! Catherine The sun was shining . . . Henry Out! 31 Catherine Birds were in the sky . . Henry (Threatening) Madam . . . . Catherine I take my leave . . . (She exaggerates and bows very low) I wouldn't dream of interrupting the King. Bye. (Exits) (Quickly) Henry Providence . . . . Humpfffffff . . . . What does she know about Providence? Arthur isprobably smiling in his grave right now . . . Well it wasn't Providence that he died . . it was consumption . . . . Sounds like something Skelton would do . . . marry a bitch then leave her to someone else to care for . . . (He hollers) . . . Guard! (Guard enters) Guard Yes, my lord. Henry Find Master Skelton. Have him sent here. Guard Yes, my lord. (Exi£§) Henry (Thinkingfout loud) And the heavens winced at this dis- respect for propriety . . . (Silence. Picks up Skelton's book (another) (from nearby bookcase) (Reads) "Say Skelton is your Adonis; Say Skelton was your Homer . . . 32 (Hglaughs) (Then continues reading) Henry (Reading) "Christ keep King Henry the Eighth ‘___——‘ From treachery and deceit And grant him grace to know The falcon from the crow the wolf from the lamb." ahhh . . . grant him grace . . . . hmmmmmmm . . . at least I have one loyal subject in my realm . . . grace . . the grace of Leviticus . . . the curse of Leviticus . . Hmmmmmm . . . (Throws the book on the table) . . . Oh, Skelton . . . you are a rogue . . . . Guard His eminence . . Cardinal Wolsey . . (Wolsey enters) Wolsey My lord . . . I've just come from the audience hall... Henry ahhh . . . my good Cardinal . . . I've been thinking about Leviticus . . Wolsey My Lord, I told you to put that out of your mind . . . As we have discussed . . there is no cause for alarm. Henry I wonder . . . Wolsey Did not the Pope himself exercise special dispensation. Henry Yes . . . we've been through it . . What news . . 33 Wolsey I could get another letter from the Pope . . . Henry No . . what news.? WOlsey A wee bit of trouble . . . the Earl of Kent is gathering a number of strong knights to his position that you need to pick an heir now. . . . They've heard of your sisters near-betrothal and there are rumblings. . . Henry Bah . . . Wolsey If you recall my lord . . you did arrange the marriage only to satisfy their demands then . . . now there is to be no marriage. . they are no longer satisfied. Henry I'll satisfy them . . I'll satisfy their heads on the chOpping block. . Wolsey I ordinarily take care of such matters . . but the Earl of Kent is your cousin . . . and the Queen mother's favorite. . . Henry He'll be a dead favorite. . Wolsey That still won't satisfy succession. . . You must act and quickly my lord . . . the knights are balking at every new decree . . I've gone as far as I can go . . . 34 Henry Oh . . how I would love to get even with every one of them that would dare question my authority . . . they never question- ed my fathers . . . . why do they balk and question me . . Wolsey If you would agree my lord . . I could have him arrested and thrown in the tower . . . Henry No . . . that would only fan the flames of discontent . . He is popular . . isn't he? Wolsey Yes my lord . . that's why I hesitated . . . Henry More popular than me. . . Wolsey Oh no my lord . . the populace love you . . . your athletic prowess . . and wit is still talked about in every hamlet and town . . . Henry But how about the knights? Wolsey They get rambunctous . . . but they can be put in their place. I have the means if you would give the word . . Henry Ha . . Ha . . (Henry starts to laugh boisterously) . . Wouldn't that be a joke . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . they want a successor . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . 35 Wolsey My lord . . Henry They want a successor . . . I've got a successor . . . Ha . . . Ha . . .. Ha . . . Wolsey My Lord? Mary? Henry Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . Wolsey, I have decided . . . I want to take from obscurity my only illegitimate son . . . I'll make_him my heir . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . and I'll give him precedence over Mary . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . Ohhhhh, I can hear Catherine now . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . Wolsey But my Lord, you cannot . . the knights would never allow such an act . . A low-born ascend the throne? Never! No one would ever accept him in place of Mary. Henry I'll allow him. I'll create him Duke of Richmond and Somerset. That will make him high-born . . . then I'll leave it to him to carry on the Tudor line. Wolsey The Tudor line from a . . . a . . . Oh, my Lord. It would never be allowed. Why, there would be anarchy . . you could even lose your crown . . . Such conditions would not be acceptable. 36 Henry They wanted an heir. I've given them an heir. Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . I want to tell the Earl of Kent myself. Wolsey You're not serious . . my lord? Henry Why not? Wolsey Why a six year old illegitimate son is hardly better than a nine year old legitimate daughter. We must find another solution. The air is too brisk in England to let Mary or your other heir come to the throne. Indeed, under such circumstances the Tudor line would end with Henry. Henry It still would serve them right for their affrontery. Wolsey It's much too dangerous . . . Henry Ha . . Ha . . Ha . . What a classic joke. WOlsey (Lgoks disapprovingly at Henry) . . If only your sister was to be wed . . I'm sure they won't swallow that line again. Is there no chance? I mean with the Queen . . . my Lord. Henry None. I've been to so many child burials I feel like a Personal emissary of the Plague. 37 Wolsey You have had more than your share of misfortune. Henry Odd . . . Why me . . . Why do you think I have been cursed in this manner . . . Wolsey I don't know my lord. Henry Why not Francis of France . . . his wife keeps popping them out all over the place. Wolsey The Lord works in strange ways. Henry He certainly does . . I should have known Catherine would be sterile . . . she never had any children by Arthur. Wolsey YOu do have a fine daughter my lord. Henry Same thing! . . . Now look at the trouble she has me in ... I still say there's more to this than is apparent. Wolsey My lord? Henry You were the one who said I could marry my brother's widow. Wolsey The Pope said you could marry your brother's widow. 38 Henry At your instigation. Wolsey You needed the alliance with Spain to blunt France. Henry Did it help? NOW Spain has an alliance with France. Wolsey That could not be foreseen. Henry And now I have no heir. Wolsey If worse comes to worse . . . you do have Mary. Henry HOW could it get any worse . . . the curse says its an unclean thing . . . Wolsey You don't really believe in curses. Henry You're a holy man . . what does the curse of Leviticus say? 2 Guard Master Skelton, Poet Laureate of England. (Skelton enters) Skelton And special poet to the King and his Cardinal . . . (Egbows low, exaggerating) . . . and in a particularly good humor under the protection of his majesty, the King. (The last was said for Wolsey's benefit.) 39 Henry Master Skelton . . . Are you familiar with the curse of Leviticus? Skelton (Egth.great pomp) . . . Leviticus XX, 21 . . . "and if a man shall take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless.” (He makes the sign of the Cross) . . . Dominus vobiscum. Henry Childless . . . you see . . . childless . . . that's why I don't have an heir . . . Wolsey You're not childless . . . you have Mary . . Henry I might as well be childless . . . Wolsey We have discussed this before . . . did not the Pope issue a bull exempting you from the curse? Henry I'm being punished by God, not the Pope. Wolsey No one is punishing you. Skelton Surely the Archbishop of York, Chancellor of the realm, and papal legate to England,did not encourage the King of England to defy natural law . . 4O Wolsey Would you kindly keep your remarks to yourself or as a representative of the Pope . . . I'll . . . Henry As a representative of the Pope and as the one who got me into this mess . . . get me out. Wolsey My 10rd: I o o 0 Henry Get me out . . . Wolsey HOW? Henry I want a divorce . . . Wolsey The church doesn't recognize divorce. Henry There is precedence . . why could the divorce not be obtained from Rome as it has for LouisXII of France and Mary of Scotland . . . Answer me that . . Wolsey Well . . . that was annulled . . . Henry Then get mine annulled . . . Wolsey My lord . . you have been married 9 years . . . It would be difficult. 41 Henry But not impossible. Wolsey Not impossible . . .? No. I imagine there are ways. But annullment of a 9 year marriage . . . I just don't know . . Henry Find out . . Wolsey My lord . . you're not serious with this. . . . . Henry Why not . . . ? Wolsey Why . . . Catherine . . the Queen . . what is to become of Henry She's a comely enough lass . . I'll arrange a good marriage for her . . . after all . . an ex-queen should be in demand. Wolsey My lord! Henry Queen Catherine will not have a son. I need a son. A son? I need an heir. Ergo, I need another Queen. . . . . and I doubt its validity. (Quietly, almost under his breath) Wolsey But you did receive special dispensation . . . All proper under canon law. 42 (Henry looks at Skelton for approval or rejection) Skelton It is proper . . . under canon law, my Lord. Henry But not under natural law. It is a base and unclean thing to marry your brother's widow . . . and you shall be childless . . . I should never have married her in the first place. .and since the Pope went against all that's holy . . . He will have to unmarry me to satisfy the holy scriptures . . . I am living proof that the Pope could not override the curse and it is his duty to set it right. Wolsey I don't know . . I'm not sure the Pope will be estactic over your reasoning. Skelton We have a new Pope now . . . Wolsey True . Skelton But Popes don't usually like to admit other Pope's mistakes. Wolsey I don't know. Henry The mistake is obvious. He has no choice but to set it right by public annullment of the marriage. Wolsey Well, at least, he, himself, didn't marry you . . 43 Skelton Surely, Pope Clement would not refuse King Henry of England, who has championed the Papal cause both in arms and written pamphlet against Luther . . one who has earned the title of Defender of the Faith, bestowed by his Holiness, the Pope, himself. Henry Of course. How can he possibly refuse after all I've done for him. If it wasn't for me, the Protestants would be overrunning England and France at this very moment. . . . He owes me . . . at the very least . . . this one favor . . does he not? Wolsey Indeed, my lord . . . it would seem . . . Henry And I have troops chasing down the Huegenots in France at this very moment . . . I'm sure he would be unhappy if I recalled my troops . . don't you think Cardinal Wolsey? Wolsey Yes, my lord. Henry Under the circumstances . .. and since he did it for Louis . . I cannot see any reason why he would not want to ease the conscience of a loyal subject who wants to repent and make his peace with God. Wolsey A most admirable decision my Lord . . . A great King . . 44 Wolsey prostrating himself publicly before the Holy See most certainly would receive grace . . especially in these troubled times . . with Luther and all . . Henry I'm sure his Holiness could see certain . . . propaganda advantages . . . . Wolsey A firm and public resolve to strengthen our great church . . And promises of renewed, vigorous efforts on behalf of his Holiness . . may be looked upon With some interest. Henry You are a most learned and skilled man, Cardinal Wolsey . . . I'm sure this delicate mission could be handled with . . . aplomb . . . and perhaps . . . strengthen your own position in Rome . . Wolsey I see my duty my Lord . . . and Wanting to serve my King and the dictates of my conscience . . . Henry You may grant . . . boons . . you think necessary to help convince the Pontiff . . . and strengthen our great religion. Wolsey Of course, my Lord . . Henry So be it . . . with the help of God and the Pope . . . the marriage of Henry Tudor, King of England, and Catherine 45 Henry of Aragon will be declared null and void under canon law . . . I, Henry, King of England, resolve . . . what Pope Julius II has done, Pope Clement VII can undo! END OF ACT I (CURTAIN) ACT II ACT II (It is three months later. Henry and Wolsey are on stage alone. Wolsey has just returned from Rome and for the present he is so enraged at John Skelton that he neglects to tell Henry the news from Rome.) Wolsey (Pacing) . . I'm gone three months . . . and what does he do . . . it's embarrassing to the church .. to God .. and an affrontery to religion . . . he has desecrated the cloth . . . and I am Papal Legat to England . . what does it look like . . . he's made Catholicism the laughing stock of England . . . I won't stand for it . . . (He is waving Skelton's manuscript around as he talks). And I suppose you have read this . . another piece of trash from Skelton's pen . . . He has gone too far and he has committed a capital offense . . . and for it he should be hanged . . I can't keep religious and civil order with him bandying around the countryside. . . laughing at the cloth he wears and at your laws . . . Henry Ha . . . Ha . . Ha . . (Enjoying this) . . . What has he done this time? Wolsey This time? . . Every time! I have a letter from Bishop Nix that he sent to me all the way to Rome . . . to the 47 48 Wolsey cradle of the Holy See his desecration came . . Henry Ha . . . Ha . . . What is it? Wolsey (He puts the manuscript down) . . . Listen to this . . . Just listen to what this foul barbarian hath done . . . . (He reads from a letter) . . . He's married . . a priest married . . and living with her in the house provided by his congregation at Norfolk. . . Henry Ha . . . Ha . . Ha . . . married? Wolsey Not only is he married which is a capital offense . . but listen . . . listen . . . to what he has done . . . naturally his congregation complained to Bishop Nix . . . upon hearing this he berates the good people in their own church for complaining of him . . . then . . . then . . . he calls his wife forward . . . in church he calls her forward . . . and holding a naked baby up before his parish he says, (Reading) ". . . HOW say you neighbors all . . . is not this child as fair as the best of yours? It hath nose, eyes, hands, and feet, as well as any of yours; it is not like a pig nor a calf, nor like no fowl or monstrous beast. If I had brought forth this child without arms or legs, or that it were deformed, I would never have blamed you to complain to the Bishop about me . . but to complain 49 Wolsey without a cause" . . . (Hardly believing) . . . he says there's no cause . . . (Reading) . . you be and have been knaves to complain of me without a cause reasonable." Henry Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . He didn't . .? Wolsey He did . . . every word of it is from Bishop Nix and when the Bishop called him for it . . . he said it was no different from me and read to him from his own poem . . (He takes manuscript from table) . . . (reading) . . . "like the red cap . . . I spareth neither maid nor wife." . . . about me he said that . . . Henry Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . I didn't know Cardinal. Wolsey (Speaking very fast) He has gone too far . . . and now he has committed a capital offense and he is going to pay if I am to remain in office and as Papal Legat to England I cannot allow this to pass no matter . . . Henry Ha . . . ha . . . ha . . . easy . . . easy . . . Ha . . Ha tell me the news from Rome. Wolsey . . . calling me . . . a Cardinal . . . that I'm . . . and he's married . . and with a child. . . . 50 Henry Ha . . . Ha . . . now . . . what of Rome? Wolsey What of his parishioners . . . what of religion . . . I am going to excommunicate him and . . Henry Fine . . . . Ha . . Ha . . but what of Rome? Wolsey You must rid your realm of him . . . he is a detriment to society . . . to Catholicism . . . Henry Do whatever you like . . . now what of Rome? Wolsey (At hearingfithis Wolsey stops his tirade. He has been waiting for just such an opportunity to get Skelton). Wolsey Yes, my lord . . . I will deal with the matter as you have instructed . . . forgive my anxiety . . Henry Yes . . yes . . . what did the Pope say? Wolsey The Pope? . . . (He smiles) . . . (Slowly, very satisfied with himself) . . . My Lord, after I explained matters to the Pope . . . he indeed seems inclined to honor your request for an annullment. Henry He did? 51 Wolsey Did I not tell you my Lord that he would not refuse the King of England. Henry (Relieved) . . Did ever a King have such a worthy counselor .. Ha . . . Ha . . . We must have a drink. . . (He looks to the table for mugs, then thinks) But how . . . when . . ? Wolsey (Beaming) . . . I accompanied the Pope's emissary all the way from Rome. Henry Here . . he's here . . Wolsey Yes, my lord. Henry Why didn't someone tell me? Wolsey I wanted to give you the news personally, my lord. Henry Oh . . . ah, ha. . . .Cardinal Wolsey . . you are indeed . . a fine, fine . . nay worthy counselor. Wolsey I try to please my lord. Henry And please your lord, you do . . . all the way from Rome . . . all the way from Rome . . (Elated) . . the Pope sent a man all the way from Rome. 52 Wolsey Yes, my lord. Henry (Qancing with Glee . . . oh . . . Ha . . Ha . . . Ha . . . all the way from Rome . . . What's he called? Wolsey Lorenzo Cardinal Compeggio, my lord. Henry (Repeating) . . . Lorenzo Cardinal Compeggio . . . a cardinal . . . . . oh . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . why didn't the Pope let you sever the matrimonial bonds? . . . you're a Cardinal. Wolsey It appears much more . . . sanctified . . . if the Pope's own emissary performed the act. A most wise Pope, my lord. Henry A most wise Pope indeed, Cardinal Wolsey. Wolsey And all for the small promise of a few troops committed to fight Luther in Germany. Henry What? Wolsey A small token of our good faith. Henry Oh . . . Ha . . Ha . . . Ha . . . a small token . . . How small? 53 Wolsey I'll work out the details, my lord. Henry Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . fine . . . What kidn of man is this Compeggio? Have you talked with him? HOW are things in Rome? Wolsey I've talked with him . . . and . Henry And? Wolsey He seems nice enough. Henry (Not looking for that answer). What are his orders? Wolsey I'll let him tell you my lord. He will be here presently. Henry He is here then . . . (Nervous) . . . fine . . . fine . . presently . . . how long is presently? Wolsey I could ask him to repair here now my Lord. Henry No. . . . I should rather wait on the Cardinal's leisure. I have always thought it best not to irritate those from Whom you curry favor. Has his every need been attended to? Wolsey Yes, my lord. 54 Henry Of course it has. Ha . . . Ha . . . Why did I ask? Has there ever been anything for which you did not attend? (Wolsey bows politely) Guard My lord, her Majesty the Queen. (Catherine enters followed by Ann) Henry Oh . . . what bad timing. Catherine Good day, Cardinal Wolsey . . . (To Henry) my Lord. Ann (Bowing) My lord. Catherine Cardinal Wolsey, was your recent trip to Rome a success? Wolsey (Flustered) . . My lady, . . it was pleasant . . . Catherine And his Holiness, the Pope, was pleasant. Wolsey Yes, my lady . . . everyone was most pleasant. Catherine Did you go for your health? Wolsey My lady? Catherine . . . to Rome . . . did you travel to Rome for your health? 55 Wolsey Not exactly . . . er . . . religious matters, my lady. Catherine Oh . . . religious matters . . . Wolsey Yes. Catherine Ann, the Cardinal went to Rome for religious matters. Ann (Smiling) . . . yes, my lady. Catherine Well, I'm glad you went to Rome for religious matters. Henry . . how on earth did you do Without the Cardinal when he was away on religious matters? Henry I managed. Catherine But it must have been an additional strain . . (He ignores her) And just think, Lady Ann, Cardinal Wolsey brought back another Cardinal to help with religious matters . . . (Lady Ann is smiling, enjoying this) . . . Religious matters certainly must have taken a turn for the worst . . have they Cardinal Wolsey? 56 Wolsey They're fine my lady. Catherine Fine . . . . fine. ? Two Cardinals at court and they're fine. Tch . . tch . . someone must have an awful big confession. Do you have an awful big confession Henry? Henry I do not have a confession. Catherine I heard rumors that you did. Henry They're false. Catherine I'm glad to hear that . . . I was worried that they might be true. Henry If you'd stop listening to rumors . . . (He decides better and does not finish) Catherine Oh . . . I will . . . I will . . . Ann, don't you dare tell me another rumor. Ann (Shocked) . . . I, my lady? Catherine Why yes, . . . didn't you tell me that the King . . . I'm sure it was you . . . 57 Ann (Dumbfounded) . . I, my lady? Catherine Wasn't it you . .? Let me see . . . who was it . . . Henry It doesn't matter . . would you kindly go about your business. Catherine But it does matter . . . . My lord . . Why is it you want to divorce me? (Henry and Wolsey are both taken back by her blunt attack) (She is deadly serious now) Well..? Don't I get an answer? a repreive? even your common criminals sometimes get a repreive. (Silence) . . . Ann, the King has lost his tongue . . . Henry . . . the King has not lost his tongue . . . where did you hear that . . . who did you hear that from? Catherine Oh . . rumor. Henry (Henry just shrugs his shoulders) Hupfffffffff . . Catherine You could have told me. Henry Told you What? 58 Catherine That you planned to divorce me . . . (Silence from Henry) And that Cardinal Wolsey went to the Pope to execute the sentence. . . Henry No one is being executed . . . Catherine Cardinal Wolsey, what did the Pontiff say? Wolsey Say? Catherine Speak? . . What did he speak to your question? Wolsey Oh . . . my lady . . . ah . . . not too much . . . he wasn't feeling too well at the time . . . Catherine I thought he was pleasant . . Wolsey He was pleasant . . just not well . . . Catherine Oh . . . . too bad . . . Henry, you had a visitor waiting at the door . . . another Cardinal . . . Henry '0 Now . . . . Catherine Just outside the door . . I'll just sit here and be quiet . O 59 Henry It's personal. Catherine I'm the Queen . . . I should share your intrigues . . . and I won't even interfere . . . Henry Madam, you are always interfering in my affairs . . go to . . you are out of favor . . Catherine I think I'll stay . . Henry You will leave immediately or by God I'll . . . . Catherine No need to get violent Henry . . . . Henry You . . . You . . . Catherine Come Ann . . the King is out of humor . . . My Lord, I'll tell your good Cardinal to come in now . . . farewell, Cardinal Wolsey . . . my Lord . . (They exit) (Henry and Wolsey look at one another) Guard His eminence . . . Lorenzo Cardinal Compeggio of Rome . . (Compeggio enters rather nervously) Compeggio (Egflfi) . . . my lord. 60 Wolsey (Rather shaken but recovering quickly) My lord, this is Lorenzo Cardinal Compeggio, of which we spoke. Cardinal Compeggio, The King of England, Henry Tudor. Compeggio I am most honored. (ngs again) Henry Rise my friend. It is I who am honored to entertain an emissary from his Holiness, the Pope. Compeggio Thank you, my Lord . . . (Nervously) . . (Silence, then blurts out) . . My Lord . . excuse the urgency . . but something terrible has happened. Wolsey (Alarmed) . . I'm sure it can be set right quickly. Henry You have been treated well? Compeggio Oh, yes , . most generously and kindly, my worthy Lord. Henry Then what is your complaint? Compeggio Oh, my Lord, please do not be angry with me. As you know, His Holiness, Pope Clement VII sent me to hear the case between Henry Tudor and Catherine of Aragon. 61 Henry Yes. Compeggio And his Holiness, himself, instructed me personally to hear all the facts and find a favorable decision for all parties consistent with the wishes of his personal champion, Henry Tudor, King of England, Defender of the Faith. Wolsey My lord, didn't I tell you Pope Clement was a most wise Pope? Compeggio Oh yes, he is very wise and very generous of heart . . and he noted that you have been a loyal subject of the church and should be granted this boon as your first marriage was not consistent with canon law. Wolsey Excellent (Smiling, pleased with himself). Compeggio . . . and he said that Pope Julius should never have married you in the first place. Pope Clement said that it now seemed appropriate to correct this former breach of propriety. He also added that Pope Julius was especially taxed with the Protestants at that time which probably accounts for his error in judgment. Henry Yes, . there was a great deal of activity . . . Ha . . Ha . . Ha . . (He laughs boisterously) . . . YOu do not know how 62 Henry this pleases my heart, Cardinal Compeggio. I have been troubled since my marriage with the knawing thought that I am . . . well . . . unclean. Compeggio Oh, yes, my lord° To be out of grace with the Holy Scriptures is to be cast into Hell . . . and then there is that great resurrection of the spirit when you are at peace within yourself . . . when you feel the great . . . burden of calamity lifted from your brow and the joy within your soul of being once more . . . cleansed. Henry Yes . . . (Thinking) . . . (Emphatically) . . yes! That's excatly how I feel. What are you to do? Compeggio My lord, I am to return to Rome. Henry and Wolsey What? Compeggio Oh, don't be angry with me my lord, please. It grieves my heart that I cannot give you grace. I will pray for you every night . . . and day. Henry But you said . . . . Compeggio Yes, my lord . . . but that was before . . in Rome. I have been trying to tell you that I have received a message 63 Compeggio to disptach to Rome immediately. Oh, I am sorry, my Lord. Henry But why? If Clement said to find judgment in my favor . . . he must have . . . Compeggio My lord, the message asked me to explain that Charles V, who as you know is our Holy Roman Emperor, will not allow the casting aside of his aunt, your wife Catherine, and the disinheriting of his cousin, your daughter, Mary, my lord. I'm sure you realize the unpleasant situation in which his Holiness is placed. Henry Damn! Charles! How did he find out about this? Wolsey, you didn't . . . ? Wolsey Not a word, my lord. Henry I wonder if Catherine . . . bah . . how could she? She didn't even know . . . . (Back to Compeggio) . . But what about Canon law? . . . the curse of Leviticus? . . . am I to remain illegally . . . married as a glaring monument against all that is Holy? What does the Pope say about that? Compeggio My lord, he says . . . he is sure God can find forgiveness in his heart . . . particularly since Pope Julius committed the deed. 64 Henry Then, Pope Clement can undo the deed. Compeggio My lord . . . he would like to . . . . Henry He will! . . . and why is he so fond of Charles now? What happened to Henry? Compeggio Oh, my lord . . . Charles the V is our temporal protector. Henry Then what are my troops doing in France? . . . for the second time . . . . Compeggio His Holiness is extremely embarrassed over this turn in events . . . you see Charles has threatened his HOliness that he will not support him in his war against the Lutherans in Germany if your marriage is annulled. Henry Now the fox is changing color. Our Pope needs Charles more than Henry. Well, you can tell his Holiness. . . . that I don't like it. . . (He begins hollering like a boy) I want my marriage annulled and I want it done now. Do you hear me? Wolsey (Castigating) . . My lord. Henry And don't you, "my lord," me. . . you've made a mess of 65 Henry things . . . He would be more than happy . . . Bah . . . What do we do now Cardinal Wolsey? (MOcking) . . . A most wise Pope . . An extremely wise Pope . . . Hmmmm! . . . . NOW, what am I going to do for an heir? Wolsey There must be a way, my lord. Compeggio I wish there was . . . but as his HOliness says . . . he is most embarrassed and wishes he could do something . . . but with things . . . . Henry He can do something and he will . . . or . . or . . I'll send troops to help the Lutherans. Compeggio My lord, you would . . . help . . the Lutherans? Henry Why not? The Pope's not helping me. Let him mull that around for a while. Compeggio Ohhhhhhh . . . . my . . . . Wolsey Perhaps, my lord, we should let Cardinal Compeggio avail himself of our hOSpitality until we draft a note for him to take to Rome. Henry Yes . . . yes . . . There is no need for him to stay further. 66 Wolsey Yes, my lord. (Wolsey motions to Compeggio that it is all right to leave). Compeggio (Backing out) . . . My lord, (Hgyg) . . please do not be too angry. The Pope is most embarrassed . . . and he would like to please the King of England t'were it in his power . . I'm sure you understand his position, my grace. Henry Yes, yes. (Waves him to leave) Compeggio Thank you my lord° (Bows, exits). Henry Some lackluster lackey the Pope sent over! Catherine . . . (Thinking out loud) . . . Catherine got to him. Wolsey My lord? Henry The Queen must have got to Charles . . . How did she . . How could she find out? Wolsey (Defending himself) My lord, I . . . . Henry You leaving for Rome . . . She must have thought it out when you left for Rome. Wolsey There was a great deal of rumor. 67 Henry Yes, one of my errant knights probably Spoke his mind to her . . she would never figure it out by herself. Wolsey If she did tell Charles. Henry What do you mean? Wolsey Perhaps Charles learned of it in Rome. Henry The Pope is smarter than that. Wolsey Still . . . Henry And it's too soon. You just returned. . Wolsey Unless the Pope wanted Charles to know. Henry Hmmmmm . . . . Wolsey Charles has many more troops and better disposed . . The Pope could hardly fight Luther without Charles . . And as you know, there is no great love between them. Henry Yes, Charles swore he'd never fight another church battle . after Clement became Pope. 68 Wolsey And now he's sending troops . . . . Henry You don't think that Clement would use mg. . ? Wolsey It is possible, my lord. Henry It still smacks of Catherine . . . she swore she would embarrass me if she ever got the opportunity . . . Ha! What better opportunity. Wolsey Still, the church . . . Henry Catherine . . I know she did it . . . It is so like her . . . Ohhhhhhh . . . . I'd like to . . . If you ever want to get married Wolsey . . . let me know . . . I'll give you Catherine. Wolsey My lord, it hardly seems fit that . . . Henry Don't take me so seriously . . . that's been your problem Wolsey, you've always taken me so seriously. Wolsey (Flustered) . . Well, you are the King and I . . Henry Ha . . Ha . . Ha . . There you go again. Your mother must have borne you without a sense of humor. 69 Wolsey When there are times for humor, I laugh my lord. This is not one of those times. Henry True. It hardly seems fitting that the King should laugh at his plight . . . isn't that right Wolsey? Wolsey If I were King, I would be concerned with a solution. Henry True again! But you indeed would have a dull kingdom. Wolsey But efficient, my lord. (Henry blanches) (£2223) Henry (Slowly) What would you do, Wolsey? What would the son of a butcher do? Wolsey (Blanches) (£3353). . . My lord, I would call the Pope's bluff. Henry Oh? Wolsey I know Pope Clement. He is merely trying to use you as the pawn in a game he's too little to play. Henry (Interested) Oh . . . ? 7O Wolsey He should never have become Pope in the first place. I told them of his . . . shortcomings . . but they wouldn't listen . . . Christendom will have to answer for this poor choice. Henry It's too bad you didn't become Pope. (Urqing him on) Wolsey Charles promised me three times I would become Pope. Henry Oh. It's too bad you don't work for Charles . . . perhaps that would help. Wolsey (Sensing himself on dangerous ground) My lord, I serve Henry of England . . in all ways. Henry What happened? Wolsey My lord? Henry Why didn't you become Pope? Wolsey Because Clement became Pope. Henry Oh. Wolsey My lord, we still need a solution to your problem. 71 Henry Yes . . . Hmmmm . . . if you were Pope . . . it would solve a lot of problems. Wolsey (Ignoring this) My lord . . expediency is the dog that wags the tail. Right now it is more expedient for Clement to deal with Charles than Henry . . . He needs Charles more than Henry. Thus, he informed Charles of your plans to force Charles to enter this Holy War. Henry You think so? Wolsey Yes, my lord. Henry You don't think it was Catherine? Wolsey The Queen . . ? Hardly my lord. I know Clement. Henry You said that! -- Wolsey Well, it's true. (Long Pause) Henry What do you propose I do? Wolsey The church is out of favor with certain nobles. I'm sure there are ways to persuade them to back you if you were to apply certain pressures on Clement. 72 Henry What pressures? Wolsey Tax church lands! Seize them for the crown! Hold them in chancellory! Henry And you . . . the papal legate to England . . Wolsey And Chancellor of the realm. I hold one duty as high as the other. Henry That is a bit strong. I've never wanted to quarrel with the church. Wolsey Exactly. Its main benefactor and what is your reward. Who was it that wrote pamphlets against Luther? Who sent troops against Luther and the Protestants in France. Look how Clement rewards you my lord. Henry Why it would split my kingdom. Dissention? I could have civil war. Wolsey My lord. There is dissention now. You need money. At this very moment plotters are preparing an heir for your kingdom. Indeed, you may have civil war anyhow. Henry I left governing my internal affairs to you. 73 Wolsey (Retreating) I may have been a bit strong. But you still need an heir and your treasury is bare. Henry I don't like it. The Protestants are waiting for just such a cleavage in the church. If it goes wrong . . . Wolsey Clement has been meddling in Charles' affairs, Francis' affairs, and your affairs. It's time a King called his bluff to stop this nonsense. Henry Oh . . . you'd make a fine Pope. Wolsey (Ignoring this) Clement wouldn't dare let this pass. He would have to do something to keep Catholicism in tact. That something would be your marriage annulled. Then an heir would be no problem and you could continue your plans of consolidating and making a powerful England. Henry I don't know. Wolsey My lord. I know Clement. He would be more than happy to annull your marriage to correct his English affairs . . . lest this blight Spread . . . and to all it would show that Henry Tudor is supreme in England, even over the church if he wishes. 74 Henry I don't want to be supreme over the church . . . just in England. I happen to respect the church. WOlsey Of course. No one will doubt your motive and it will make your case even stronger. Everyone knows how you have champion- ed the cause of the church . . . and there is precedent. Why it would look like the Pope acquieses to Louis of France but not Henry of England. It would certainly put Henry Tudor in the shade of France. Henry You are so convincing . . . so convincing . . . every trick is used to convince me of your point of View . . . Wolsey My lord . . I only try to please you. Henry All right! Granted I need an heir . . . and for this reason and this reason only, I will listen to your foolish plan. But if it goes afoul . . . your star, Cardinal, will become a meteor in the sky. Wolsey Yes, my lord. Henry You're sure it will work. Wolsey Clement will never have the wit to cross you my lord. 75 Henry There is no doubt. Wolsey (Slowly) There is no doubt. I can handle Clement. Henry Ha . . . Ha . . . you can handle Clement. The great test and Henry Tudor is once more the pawn . . . How I work myself into this position . . . every time . . . I'll never know. Wolsey My lord? Henry Now you have me working on your behalf. Wolsey I don't understand. Henry How will it look? If we win it will certainly put Clement in a bad light . . . and the hero is Cardinal Wolsey. You most certainly will gain support for your position as the next Pope of Christendom. Wolsey My thoughts are only to help you. Henry I wonder . . . Wolsey My lord . . . if you doubt . . . Henry I wonder how many people have used Henry Tudor for their own ends while helping Henry Tudor. 76 Wolsey You are loyally served. (Long pause) (Wolsey says cautiously) Shall I draft the note to Rome, my Lord? Henry (Egggg) (Slowly) Yes . . . . Yes . . . go about your business . . . . . (Long pause. Wolsey stands uncomfortably not quite knowingi what to do). Henry (Himself again) Well, Wolsey . . . take your leave. . . Let's see what history will record about this deed. BLACKOUT END OF ACT II ACT III ACT III (Three months later. As the scene opens, Skelton and Henry are on stage alone as in ACT I. There is great difference however in mood. Both are very nervous and melancholy. Skelton is again in Priest's habit.) Skelton I've written an eulogy for you. Henry (Not finding it funny). Why thank you, thank you very much. Skelton I call it, gpon a Dead Man's Head. Henry Bah . . . you're not funny today. Skelton No . . . it's not meant to be funny. I'll read to you. (Reading) "Our days be dated to be checkmated No man may him hide from death hollow-eyed With sinews withered, With bones shivered, With his worm eaten maw, Henry Would you be quiet. Sinews withered . . . worm eaten maw . You're disgusting. Skelton It fits don't you think? Checkmated and all. Henry Hummpfffff. 78 0 79 Skelton Well you must admit the Pope checkmated you . . at least for the time-being. Henry Hummmmpfff! That jingle brains Wolsey. It will be done. He's sure to go along with it. Now look where I am. Skelton Excommunicated. Henry Would you be quiet. I don't need you to remind me. You've always talked too much anyhow . . . mouth almighty, chops everlasting. Skelton Poets are supposed to talk. Henry Compose . . . write . . . not talk. Skelton I've always liked to talk. Henry I know! Skelton What are you going to do now? Henry What are you going to do now. Skelton Oh no, don't answer a question by asking one. 80 Henry Ha! If Wolsey finds you you'll be squealing like a bloody pig. Skelton One would think the King of England could protect him. Henry Times have changed. I have enough trouble protecting my- self. Skelton I'll say they've changed. Me! I had to sneak into court just to talk to you. Henry I heard. Skelton Well, what are you going to do about it? The Red Cap's men have been twice to Norfolk. I'm lucky I got here at all. Or were they your men? Funny, I could have sworn they were wearing the King's livery. Henry You go too far. One day, that tongue of yours is going to be cut out . . . and would I laugh then . . . (Forced laugh). Skelton No you wouldn't. YOu would never let it happen. I'm the only one you can talk to . . . you told me yourself. That's why I came back . . . to give you your last rites. 81 Henry Skelton Ha? You haven't been listening to your worthy Cardinal lately. YOu'll have a civil war before you know it. Catholics and Protestants are arming themselves and drawing and quartering each other. Henry YOu always did exaggerate. Skelton Past tense. Henry Well how did I know the Pope was going to excommunicate me . . . You would think at least he would try to pacify me . . . at least send a messenger . . but no . . he excommunicates me . . . (Raising his voice) . . . and I don't want to be excommunicated. I'm not going to die out of grace. Skelton That's why I came. I thought I could give you extreme unction. Henry You? Ha . . . Ha . . . YOu're a worse curse than excommuni- cation. I'd do better having a murderer at the gallows giving me last rites than you. Skelton I'm still a priest. 82 Henry When the Cardinal gets his hands on you . . . you will be a dead priest. Skelton What are you going to do about it? I'm tired of running from a Cardinal when I've got a King for a friend. Henry I'll do something. Skelton What? Henry I don't know. I've got enough problems. Hide out or some- thing till he cools down. Then I'll talk to him. Skelton Why don't you get rid of him? He's done nothing but tear apart your kingdom sonce he's been chancellor. Henry I can't now. His day will come. He's the only thing I've got between my crown and anarchy. Skelton Ha! He's creating the anarchy. Henry (Raising his voice) His day will come! Now . . . he's my only hope with Rome and with MOre and his bunch. Skelton I heard. Sir Thomas More is very popular. 83 Henry I know. He's threatened to fight my taxing the church and as he says . . . "My break with Christ." I didn't break with Christ . . . he broke with me. All I wanted was my marriage annulled . . . Bah . . . And now Thomas More is crying Tyranny . . . Tyranny . . What tyranny? Skelton He'll sway a lot of people to his cause. I've seen that one in action. Henry Wolsey will handle him. Skelton I hope better than he did with the Pope. Henry That was Charles' fault . . not Wolsey's. Skelton You always defend him . . . don't you? Henry I don't defend him. I need him and he's competent. Skelton We'll see. Henry Well I can't get rid of him now . . . ohhhh . . . worry about your own problems . . leave mine alone . . . . How did you get in here anyhow. Skelton Old Dawes . . your groom, let me in . . . He's the only sensible one in your kingdom. 84 Henry Ha! He's so blind, it's a wonder he recognized you. Skelton Many are blind of late. Henry Have you anything else to say? Skelton Yes. Sit down. You're making me nervous walking around. Henry Bah . . . . Skelton What are you going to do, Henry? Henry (Slowly) I never wanted to break with the church. You know that. Skelton Yes. Henry I rather fancied myself as a church scholar . . . . I did enjoy writing those tracts against Luther . . now I'm about as bad . . Skelton No. . . . . Henry Yes. The Protestants are hailing my excommunication as a new break in Catholocism . . . King Henry has become their rallying cry . . . and I hate Protestants. 85 Skelton Well, there are different roads to the people's hearts. Henry I want the Catholic hearts . . . not the Protestants. Skelton They're all the same. Henry Ha! Skelton Well they're all your subjects. Henry True . . . but I want them to be Catholic subjects . . . and I'm excommuntzated. Skelton Just think . . . if you became a Protestant . . you could start your own revolution . . you might become as famous as Luther . . (Henry scowls at him) . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . that would be irony . . . writing pamphlets and sending troops against Luther . . . then becoming a Protestant. Ha . . . Ha . . . Ha . . . YOu would have to rescind your tracts . . . Henry YOu find humor in anything! Skelton True . . . Ha . . Ha . . Ha . . but it is funny . . Henry Don't kill yourself laughing . . . I wouldn't want you to cheat Wolsey. 86 Skelton I wouldn't want to do that . . Where is he . . . I'd feel safer knowing his whereabouts. Henry Seeing Catherine. Skelton Is she still under guard? Henry Yes, she's still under guard . . What was I to do with her . . . She found out Lady Ann was pregnant by me and tried to kill me. Skelton What did she do to Lady Ann? Henry Well, she isn't her lady-in-waiting anymore. Skelton Court is buzzing with the scandal. It's the best piece of gossip Since your bastard son was discovered. Henry Let them buzz. Skelton What are you going to do with Ann? Henry I don't know. YOu would be surprised . . . that little milktoast girl who always said . . "Yes, my lord . . . NO my lord" . . . she demands a high price for her favors. (all! up. . “HUI, ’f urnsi , i. 5 87 Skelton What? Henry She wants to be Queen . . . She has more spunk than I ever imagined. You Skelton could start a new trend . . . besides Protestanism You could make everyone in your kingdom take two wives. Henry Ha! It almost appeals to me. Skelton How did Catherine find out Ann was pregnant? Henry She used her eyes. Skelton Oh. That big? Henry That big. Skelton Well, maybe she'll have a son. Henry Then I'll have two bastard sons. Skelton True. Henry You're not much help. Skelton I just write poems and mind my own business. 88 Henry Ha! Ha . . Ha . . You haven't minded your own business since the day you were born. Skelton Like every Englishman . . . I'm interested in my country. Henry You're nosey about your country. Skelton I like to know how the river is running . . forewarned is forearmed. Henry I hope you keep that well informed about Wolsey. Skelton I try . . . . I understand he killed Archbishop Fisher . . the Queen's confessor . . Henry He didn't kill him . . . the old man objected to Catherine being under guard . . . he challenged the sentry and lost. Skelton It doesn't look good. Henry I know. What am I to do? I didn't tell him to get himself killed. I rather liked the old man. Now I'm a murderer. Skelton There is some talk to that . . . . Henry Well, I'm not . . . I can't be blamed for every bungling in my court. 89 Henry And now Thomas More has taken Archbishop Fisher as his rally- ing cry . . . he says he died to stop the tragedy that is sundering Christendom . . . . I even had the guard put to death . . . and that bothered me for he was only doing his job . . . anything to placate More . . . but he still foments rebellion and stretches the truth. Skelton You do have your problems . . . More could be a serious threat. Henry He must be stopped . . . . but how? . . . I certainly hope Wolsey can reason with him. Skelton Some chance. Henry The Cardinal is Papal legate to England . . . Skelton He's considered more chancellor than papal legate . . . In fact . . . if I were the Pope . . . I'd excommunicate him too. Henry Bah . . Skelton Well it stands to reason . . . and who gets it in the neck . . . the poor parish priest . . . me. Henry You'll get it in the neck all right. uilruIIIIIIDPE V ,. L»: ‘21,-) t Inwp'flrw I 9O Skelton (Grimaces) ooooohhhhh. Henry You should leave . . . Wolsey should be reporting soon. Skelton I hate to leave a sinking ship. Henry Will you get out of here! Skelton Only teasing . . . what are you going to do? Henry Wolsey thinks I should call the Pope's bluff and . . . delcare myself supreme in England in Church as well as State . . . surely then the Pontiff would come around deSpite Charles . . . and he's been doing badly in Germany . . . so the time may be right . . . he can't excommunicate me again. Skelton True. Henry What could he do? Skelton What would your subjects do? Henry Clement should declare himself before my subjects get wind of it . . . 91 Skelton Cardinal Wolsey certainly has a way of forcing hands . . . I would be sure it was going to work before I ventured on that path. Henry Wolsey has been sounding out selected nobles . . . There doesn't seem to be too much opposition . . . . since I'm already out of grace with the church. Skelton It seems to me that someone around here never learns. Henry Well, I have to do something . . . I can't be excommunicated and say thank you very much. Skelton You could repent. Henry Repent? . . . for asking for an annullment? He used me so now I'm going to use him. Skelton I've got to go . . . your axeman will be here soon . . . . Henry Where . . . ? Skelton I don't know . . . I'll . . Henry Take sanctuary in Westminister . . . he won't touch you there and then I'll know where to find you. . . . 92 Skelton Yes, my lord. Henry Take care . . . I'll see to it that he doesn't touch you. I would be wary of accidents . . . however . . Skelton That I will . . . no wonder you want me to go to Westminister . . . you don't think your Chancellor would go against your orders . . . do You? Henry Never!! . . . And get caught . . . that's why he's so competent. Skelton I'll take my leave . . . take care, my lord. I would like to see the Tudors remain on the throne of England . . . Henry Off with you . . . . friend! Skelton My leige . . . (Skelton bows and exits) (Henry looks fondly after him) (Sits . . Puts his head in his hands. Noise of laughing and giggling off) Henry Who's there? (MOre giggling) Henry Guard! I... n p'itiif‘ 4.: an... 93 (Ann Enters, obviously pregnant, laughing and giggling followed by Cardinal WOlsey close behind her. One Should get the impression he was pinching her bottOm although we _never know) Wolsey Ah . . . my lord (he bows). Ann My worthy lord. (She bows). Wolsey Ann has been telling me the baby has been kicking. Ha . . Ha . . . Ha. WOuld you like to feel my lord? Henry NO, I would not like to feel. Ann Oh . . . but Henry . . . it's your son. Henry Son? How do you know it's a son? Ann It must be . . . it kicks so hard. Wolsey Ha . . . Ha . . . And why not . . . it's probably a strapping son . . . worthy of a King, my lord. Henry It could be anything- Ann Come feel Henry . . she takes his hand and puts it on her belly. 94 Henry I don't feel anything. Ann (She starts moving his hand around on her belly) Oh, but you will. Henry (Pulling his hand away) I don't feel anything. Ann (Serious) When it starts kicking again I'll let you know. Wolsey It was, my lord . . . it was. Henry Did you feel? Wolsey (Embarrassed) Why no . . . no . . . of course I didn't feel . Lady Ann was just telling me . . Henry Oh . . . How is Catherine . . ? Wolsey As she was before . . . estranged . . . I think she must be losing her mind . . . Henry Why? Ann She's always talking about you . . . Henry . . . and how she will revenge her honor . . . 95 Henry That's not too crazy . . . Wolsey She is a threat . . . a threat to you . . . not only physi- cally but by her influence . . . . You must do something about her. Henry What? Send her away or . . . . . . Wolsey (Changing the subject rapidly) . . Let's not talk business now my lord . . Lady Ann is here for your pleasure. Henry I'm not in the mood for pleasure. Wolsey You have been so melancholy . . . I thought . . . Henry I'll seek my own pleasure . . . This is an odd role for you Cardinal Wolsey . . . bringing me pleasure . . Ann My lord . . . he did not bring me . . . we met by the door . we were both coming to you at the same time. Henry Oh. (Not believing them) 96 Wolsey Yes. Lady Ann and I were both anxious over our Sovereign . . . . particularly after the news of the day. Henry What news? Wolsey I've sounded out certain nobles and talked to Sir Thomas More . . . he refuses to take the oath of Supremacy declar- ing you are supreme in England . . . He called it amoral expediency . . . Bahhhhh . . . you should have heard him . . . it was treason. Henry Treason! Wolsey The way he talked . . . flounting his pompous airs . . . the state . . . it is not for the good of the state . . . who is he to decide what is good for the State? Henry Treason . . . that's the first time that word has been uttered . . . treason . . . what an ugly word . . . Wolsey His word is tyranny . . . its been picked up in the market- places . . . alehouses . . . and on the road . . . the populace is getting surly . . . the cry is tyranny. Henry I've heard. 97 Wolsey Have you heard that no heir is adding supporters to Thomas MOre . . . that nobles are talking of removing you from the throne . . . Henry They dare . . . . Wolsey I've done my best to keep them down . . . but now . . with the Pope's refusal . . . and no heir . . . and Thomas More . . . I don't know what's going to happen. Henry Nothing is going to happen . . . What about the Act of Supremacy . . . I thought that was going to sway the Pope. Wolsey It may . . . if you decide on the Act of Supremacy . . You have not given me your decision . . . Henry Abolishing Papal jurisdiction is a big step . . Wolsey A very big step my lord . . . a step that could tear your kingdom asunder. . . . . Henry It was your idea . . . Wolsey And still is . . . Henry You talk in riddles . . . I can't understand you. 98 Wolsey (Almost under his breath) What is to become of Queen Catherine? Henry What? Wolsey (Louder) The Queen. What are you going to do with the Queen? Henry What should I do with the Queen. Wolsey She tried to kill you. Henry So. Wolsey Men have been killed for lesser offenses. Henry Of course . . . a man . . . but she's a woman. Wolsey She's been under guard for over a month . . . You can't go on procrastinating for ever . . . while you ponder your enemies are pounding and soon they'll be at this very door. Henry Bah. Ann It's true, my lord. I've heard rumor of discontent . . Henry Nfidwives tales. 99 Wolsey They are not tales . . . but the fabric of truth . . . Your men are in the countryside every day keeping the popu- lace in check . . . Henry It will pass . . . Wolsey Only if you act . . . Catherine is the only one who stands between you and a united kingdom. Henry (Disbelieving) Catherine? Wolsey If she were not around the Pope would have no cause. You would not need an annullment . . . (Looking at Ann) you could remarry and have a male heir. Henry Wolsey A strapping son to follow Henry . . . (To Ann) (Motioning) Here are the means . . . Henry It is not Catherine's fault . . . . Wolsey Fault? There is no question of fault . . . but expediency . . you yourself have said . . . some must be subordinate to the State . . . in this case . . . Catherine would be sacrificing herself to preserve and consolidate your kingdom. 100 Henry She should not have to pay for my errors. Wolsey Sometimes it happens that way. Henry No. Wolsey And you have every right . . . she did try to kill you. No one will blame you for your actions. Henry It's not right. Wolsey A King cannot be sentimental. You have a kingdom to pre- serve . . subjects to serve . . . you have wanted to consolidate England . . . here are your means . . . (He produces a paper and puts it in front of Henry) Henry What is that? Wolsey Your order . . . Henry My order? Wolsey To do away with Catherine. Henry No! No! No! I won't have it (He throws the paper on the floor) 101 Wolsey (Picks up the paper) My lord . . . It is as you wish . . . I only wanted you to see the solution to your problems . . one o . . woman. Henry I cannot kill a woman. 7'." Wolsey As you wish . . . I hope Sir Thomas More will be as kindly with you . . . Henry More . . . MOre . . . what does he know? Wolsey He knows enough to join forces with her. Henry What is it . . you Speak? Wolsey Catherine . . she is in secret collusion with More . . . Henry How do you know? Wolsey I have eyes and ears. She will topple you. Henry She wouldn't dare. Wolsey She is . . . . I can prove it . . . Henry Prove it. 102 Wolsey You will see . . . you will see the proof . . . Lady Ann saw a letter from Thomas More. Henry IS that true? Ann I saw a letter . . . it could have been Sir Thomas More my lord. Henry IS that your proof? Wolsey I have more . . . Guard! (Guard enters--) Bring in the Queen now. (Guard exits). Henry Here . . . you have her here? Wolsey Outside the door. Henry I don't want to see her. Wolsey You must . . . . you must make your decision . . . . if you make an example out of her . . . No one will dare cross Henry Tudor . . . She will even be a lesson to Thomas More . . . Ann It is not as if you've had a great love between you my lord everyone knows how sterile your marriage has been 103 Ann . . . . her tongue and affrontery to you in public is widely discussed . . . and she has not been able to produce for you a suitable heir . . . I am a woman . . . and under the circumstances I do not hold you to blame. Wolsey My lord, you are excommunicated . . . you are out of grace with the church . . . the curse of Leviticus . . . you can't stay wed to her anyhow . . . this is the solution (He puts the paper back on the desk in front of Henry) A King cannot rule a kingdom . . . a Catholic kingdom and be excommunicated . . . you must act . . now . . . (Two guards enter with Catherine. She is disheveled) Henry No! I don't want to see her. (They stop at the door . . . not knowing what to do) Wolsey Look at her. Henry Take her away! (They attempt to go. Wolsey motions them to stop) Catherine Henry . . will you make them let me go or I'll . . . . Wolsey That is what's standing in your way . . . 104 Catherine Henry? (Trying to get free from the guards) Ann The Cardinal is right my lord. Catherine Henry! Henry No . . . No . . . it's . . . Wolsey You must act now . . . don't lose your resolve . . . a united England . . . an heir to the throne . . . . (As Wolsey talks Catherine is yelling ”Henry" in the background) a chance to Show that Henry Tudor is supreme in England . a way out of your difficulties with Pope Clement . . . (As Wolsey talks he starts rising in crescendo and goes faster and faster) . . . you once more can receive the benediction of grace and Show your enemies how noble yet how powerful you are . . . Thomas More will back down if you behead Catherine . . . you must act . . . you could lose your kingdom . . . you could lose everything . . . YOu must sign . . . you must Sign . . (Ann joins in "sign" . . . "sign") Sign the paper . . . (pointing at Cathering) That is the way to death . . . (He grabs Henry's hand andyputs it on Ann's bell ) . . this is the way to life . . . 105 (Henry hesitatinglyiscrawls his name. Wolsey quickly picks it up and waves the guards out. As they turn and leave Catberine is screaming. . . Catherine Henry . . . . No . . . . Henry . . . . . (As she is led offstage she continues screaming) . . . Henry . . . Henry . . . (Wolsey is standing mute.. A slight smile..Ann is holding Henry's hand to her belly . . . one arm on his shoulder A trace of a tear can be detected rolling down Henry's cheek as Catherine is dragged away. CURTAIN -END- BIBLIOGRAPHY Adair, E. R. "Henry VIII,” Collier's Encyclopedia, IX, 1956. Henderson, Phillip (ed.). The Complete Poems of John Skelton, Laureate. London: J. M. Dent and Sons Ltd., 1931. Simon, Edith, and The Editors of Time-Life Books, EDS Reformation. New York: Time, Inc., 1966. 106 |l|| EIHIHEIUIII “7 “3 m1 "7 ”O El|3 25 31