Henry VIII

Share
First folio
Modern text

Definitions

Key line

Enter two Gentlemen, meeting one another.Enter two Gentlemen, meeting one another H8 IV.i.1
1 FIRST GENTLEMAN 
Y'are well met once againe.You're well met once again. H8 IV.i.1.1
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
So are you.So are you. H8 IV.i.1.2
1 FIRST GENTLEMAN 
You come to take your stand heere, and beholdYou come to take your stand here and behold H8 IV.i.2
The Lady Anne, passe from her Corronation.The Lady Anne pass from her coronation? H8 IV.i.3
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
'Tis all my businesse. At our last encounter,'Tis all my business. At our last encounter H8 IV.i.4
The Duke of Buckingham came from his Triall.The Duke of Buckingham came from his trial. H8 IV.i.5
1 FIRST GENTLEMAN 
'Tis very true. But that time offer'd sorrow,'Tis very true. But that time offered sorrow, H8 IV.i.6
This generall ioy.This, general joy. H8 IV.i.7.1
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
'Tis well: The Citizens'Tis well. The citizens, H8 IV.i.7.2
I am sure haue shewne at full their Royall minds,I am sure, have shown at full their royal mindsmind (n.)
inclination, desire, wish
H8 IV.i.8
royal (adj.)

old form: Royall
generous, munificent, bountiful
As let 'em haue their rights, they are euer forwardAs, let 'em have their rights, they are ever forwardforward (adj.)
ready, eager, inclined
H8 IV.i.9
In Celebration of this day with Shewes,In celebration of this day with shows,show (n.)

old form: Shewes
spectacle, display, ceremony
H8 IV.i.10
Pageants, and Sights of Honor.Pageants, and sights of honour.pageant (n.)
show, scene, spectacle, tableau
H8 IV.i.11.1
1 FIRST GENTLEMAN 
Neuer greater,Never greater, H8 IV.i.11.2
Nor Ile assure you better taken Sir.Nor, I'll assure you, better taken, sir. H8 IV.i.12
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
May I be bold to aske what that containes,May I be bold to ask what that contains, H8 IV.i.13
That Paper in your hand.That paper in your hand? H8 IV.i.14.1
1 FIRST GENTLEMAN 
Yes, 'tis the ListYes, 'tis the list H8 IV.i.14.2
Of those that claime their Offices this day,Of those that claim their offices this day,office (n.)
task, service, duty, responsibility
H8 IV.i.15
By custome of the Coronation.By custom of the coronation. H8 IV.i.16
The Duke of Suffolke is the first, and claimesThe Duke of Suffolk is the first, and claims H8 IV.i.17
To be high Steward; Next the Duke of Norfolke,To be High Steward; next, the Duke of Norfolk, H8 IV.i.18
He to be Earle Marshall: you may reade the rest.He to be Earl Marshal. You may read the rest. H8 IV.i.19
1 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
I thanke you Sir: Had I not known those customs,I thank you, sir; had I not known those customs, H8 IV.i.20
I should haue beene beholding to your Paper:I should have been beholding to your paper.beholding (adj.)
beholden, obliged, indebted
H8 IV.i.21
But I beseech you, what's become of KatherineBut I beseech you, what's become of Katherine, H8 IV.i.22
The Princesse Dowager? How goes her businesse?The Princess Dowager? How goes her business? H8 IV.i.23
1 FIRST GENTLEMAN 
That I can tell you too. The ArchbishopThat I can tell you too. The Archbishop H8 IV.i.24
Of Canterbury, accompanied with otherOf Canterbury, accompanied with other H8 IV.i.25
Learned, and Reuerend Fathers of his Order,Learned and reverend fathers of his order,order (n.)
rank, status
H8 IV.i.26
Held a late Court at Dunstable; sixe miles offHeld a late court at Dunstable, six miles offlate (adj.)
recent, not long past
H8 IV.i.27
From Ampthill, where the Princesse lay, to whichFrom Ampthill where the Princess lay; to whichAmpthill (n.)
Ampthill Castle, Bedfordshire; Katherine of Aragon stayed there in 1533 while her marriage to Henry VIII was annulled
H8 IV.i.28
She was often cyted by them, but appear'd not:She was often cited by them, but appeared not.cite (v.)

old form: cyted
urge, call on, arouse, summon
H8 IV.i.29
And to be short, for not Appearance, andAnd, to be short, for not appearance, and H8 IV.i.30
The Kings late Scruple, by the maine assentThe King's late scruple, by the main assentmain (adj.)

old form: maine
very great, major, considerable
H8 IV.i.31
scruple (n.)
objection, difficulty, doubt
Of all these Learned men, she was diuorc'd,Of all these learned men, she was divorced, H8 IV.i.32
And the late Marriage made of none effect:And the late marriage made of none effect;none (adj.)
no
H8 IV.i.33
late (adj.)
former, previous
Since which, she was remou'd to Kymmalton,Since which she was removed to Kimbolton,Kimbolton, Kymmalton (n.)
manor house in Cambridgshire, where Katherine of Aragon was imprisoned
H8 IV.i.34
Where she remaines now sicke.Where she remains now sick. H8 IV.i.35.1
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
Alas good Lady.Alas, good lady! H8 IV.i.35.2
Trumpets H8 IV.i.36
The Trumpets sound: Stand close, / The Queene is comming. The trumpets sound. Stand close, the Queen is coming. H8 IV.i.36
Ho-boyes. Hautboyshautboy (n.)
type of musical instrument; oboe
H8 IV.i.37.1
The Order of the Coronation.The Order of the Coronation: H8 IV.i.37.2
1 A liuely Flourish of Trumpets.1. A lively flourish of trumpets H8 IV.i.37.3
2 Then, two Iudges.2. Then two Judges H8 IV.i.37.4
3 Lord Chancellor, with Purse and Mace before him.3. Lord Chancellor, with purse and mace before himpurse (n.)
bag containing the great seal
H8 IV.i.37.5
4 Quirristers singing. 4. Choristers singing H8 IV.i.37.6
Musicke.Music H8 IV.i.37.7
5 Maior of London, bearing the Mace. Then Garter, 5. Mayor of London, bearing the mace. Then Garter, H8 IV.i.37.8
in his Coate of Armes, and on his head he wore a Gilt in his coat of arms, and on his head he wore a gilt H8 IV.i.37.9
Copper Crowne.copper crown H8 IV.i.37.10
6 Marquesse Dorset, bearing a Scepter of Gold, on his 6. Marquess Dorset, bearing a sceptre of gold, on his H8 IV.i.37.11
head, a Demy Coronall of Gold. With him, the Earle of head a demi-coronal of gold. With him the Earl ofdemi-coronal (n.)

old form: Demy Coronall
small coronet
H8 IV.i.37.12
Surrey, bearing the Rod of Siluer with the Doue, Surrey, bearing the rod of silver with the dove, H8 IV.i.37.13
Crowned with an Earles Coronet. Collars of Esses.crowned with an earl's coronet. Collars of Esses H8 IV.i.37.14
7 Duke of Suffolke, in his Robe of Estate, his Coronet 7. Duke of Suffolk, in his robe of estate, his coronetestate (n.)
high rank, standing, status
H8 IV.i.37.15
on his head, bearing a long white Wand, as High on his head, bearing a long white wand, as Highwand (n.)
rod, staff
H8 IV.i.37.16
Steward. With him, the Duke of Norfolke, with the Rod Steward. With him the Duke of Norfolk, with the rod H8 IV.i.37.17
of Marshalship, a Coronet on his head. Collars of Esses.of marshalship, a coronet on his head. Collars of Essescollars of esses
chains made of S-shaped links [part of the insignia of knighthood]
H8 IV.i.37.18
8 A Canopy, borne by foure of the Cinque-Ports, 8. A canopy borne by four of the Cinque Ports; H8 IV.i.37.19
vnder it the Queene in her Robe, in her haire, richly under it the Queen in her robe; in her hair, richly H8 IV.i.37.20
adorned with Pearle, Crowned. On each side her, the adorned with pearl, crowned. On each side her the H8 IV.i.37.21
Bishops of London, and Winchester.Bishops of London and Winchester H8 IV.i.37.22
9 The Olde Dutchesse of Norfolke, in a Coronall of Gold,9. The old Duchess of Norfolk, in a coronal of goldcoronal (n.)

old form: Coronall
coronet, circlet
H8 IV.i.37.23
wrought with Flowers bearing the Queenes Traine.wrought with flowers, bearing the Queen's train H8 IV.i.37.24
10 Certaine Ladies or Countesses, with plaine Circlets 10. Certain Ladies or Countesses, with plain circlets H8 IV.i.37.25
of Gold, without Flowers.of gold without flowers H8 IV.i.37.26
Exeunt, first passing ouer the Stage in Order and State,and then, A great Flourish of Trumpets.The procession passes over the stage in order and state H8 IV.i.37.27
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
A Royall Traine beleeue me: These I know:A royal train, believe me. These I know.train (n.)

old form: Traine
retinue, following, entourage
H8 IV.i.37
Who's that that beares the Scepter?Who's that that bears the sceptre? H8 IV.i.38.1
1 FIRST GENTLEMAN 
Marquesse Dorset,Marquess Dorset; H8 IV.i.38.2
And that the Earle of Surrey, with the Rod.And that the Earl of Surrey, with the rod. H8 IV.i.39
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
A bold braue Gentleman. That should beeA bold brave gentleman. That should bebrave (adj.)

old form: braue
noble, worthy, excellent
H8 IV.i.40
The Duke of Suffolke.The Duke of Suffolk? H8 IV.i.41.1
1 FIRST GENTLEMAN 
'Tis the same: high Steward.'Tis the same: High Steward. H8 IV.i.41.2
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
And that my Lord of Norfolke?And that my Lord of Norfolk? H8 IV.i.42.1
1 FIRST GENTLEMAN 
Yes.Yes. H8 IV.i.42.2
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN  
(looking at the Queen) H8 IV.i.42
Heauen blesse thee,Heaven bless thee! H8 IV.i.42.3
Thou hast the sweetest face I euer look'd on.Thou hast the sweetest face I ever looked on. H8 IV.i.43
Sir, as I haue a Soule, she is an Angell;Sir, as I have a soul, she is an angel; H8 IV.i.44
Our King ha's all the Indies in his Armes,Our King has all the Indies in his arms,Indies (n.)
the East Indies, thought of as a region of great wealth
H8 IV.i.45
And more, and richer, when he straines that Lady,And more, and richer, when he strains that lady.strain (v.)

old form: straines
embrace, hold, hug
H8 IV.i.46
I cannot blame his Conscience.I cannot blame his conscience. H8 IV.i.47.1
1 FIRST GENTLEMAN 
They that beareThey that bear H8 IV.i.47.2
The Cloath of Honour ouer her, are foure BaronsThe cloth of honour over her are four barons H8 IV.i.48
Of the Cinque-Ports.Of the Cinque Ports. H8 IV.i.49
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
Those men are happy, / And so are all, are neere her.Those men are happy, and so are all are near her. H8 IV.i.50
I take it, she that carries vp the Traine,I take it, she that carries up the train H8 IV.i.51
Is that old Noble Lady, Dutchesse of Norfolke.Is that old noble lady, Duchess of Norfolk. H8 IV.i.52
1 FIRST GENTLEMAN 
It is, and all the rest are Countesses.It is, and all the rest are countesses. H8 IV.i.53
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
Their Coronets say so. These are Starres indeed,Their coronets say so. These are stars indeed –  H8 IV.i.54
FIRST GENTLEMAN 
And sometimes falling ones.And sometimes falling ones. H8 IV.i.55.1
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
No more of that.No more of that. H8 IV.i.55.2
The end of the procession leaves; and then a great H8 IV.i.56.1
flourish of trumpets H8 IV.i.56.2
Enter a third Gentleman.Enter a third Gentleman H8 IV.i.56.1
1 FIRST GENTLEMAN 
God saue you Sir. Where haue you bin broiling?God save you, sir! Where have you been broiling?broil (v.)
subject to great heat; also: be engaged in a struggle
H8 IV.i.56
3 THIRD GENTLEMAN 
Among the crow'd i'th'Abbey, where a fingerAmong the crowd i'th' Abbey, where a finger H8 IV.i.57
Could not be wedg'd in more: I am stifledCould not be wedged in more: I am stifled H8 IV.i.58
With the meere ranknesse of their ioy.With the mere rankness of their joy.mere (adj.)

old form: meere
complete, total, absolute, utter
H8 IV.i.59.1
rankness (n.)

old form: ranknesse
excess, abundance, profusion
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
You saw You saw H8 IV.i.59.2
the Ceremony?The ceremony? H8 IV.i.60.1
3 THIRD GENTLEMAN 
That I did.That I did. H8 IV.i.60.2
1 FIRST GENTLEMAN 
How was it?How was it? H8 IV.i.60.3
3 THIRD GENTLEMAN 
Well worth the seeing.Well worth the seeing. H8 IV.i.61.1
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
Good Sir, speake it to vs?Good sir, speak it to us.speak (v.)

old form: speake
give an account of, report, describe
H8 IV.i.61.2
speak (v.)

old form: speake
give an account of, report, describe
3 THIRD GENTLEMAN 
As well as I am able. The rich streameAs well as I am able. The rich stream H8 IV.i.62
Of Lords, and Ladies, hauing brought the QueeneOf lords and ladies, having brought the Queen H8 IV.i.63
To a prepar'd place in the Quire, fell offTo a prepared place in the choir, fell offfall off (v.)
withdraw, step aside, move back
H8 IV.i.64
A distance from her; while her Grace sate downeA distance from her, while her grace sat down H8 IV.i.65
To rest a while, some halfe an houre, or so,To rest awhile, some half an hour or so, H8 IV.i.66
In a rich Chaire of State, opposing freelyIn a rich chair of state, opposing freelyoppose (v.)
display, exhibit, present
H8 IV.i.67
The Beauty of her Person to the People.The beauty of her person to the people. H8 IV.i.68
Beleeue me Sir, she is the goodliest WomanBelieve me, sir, she is the goodliest womangoodly (adj.)
good-looking, handsome, attractive, comely
H8 IV.i.69
That euer lay by man: which when the peopleThat ever lay by man; which when the people H8 IV.i.70
Had the full view of, such a noyse arose,Had the full view of, such a noise arose H8 IV.i.71
As the shrowdes make at Sea, in a stiffe Tempest,As the shrouds make at sea in a stiff tempest,shroud (n.)

old form: shrowdes
sail-rope
H8 IV.i.72
As lowd, and to as many Tunes. Hats, Cloakes,As loud, and to as many tunes. Hats, cloaks –  H8 IV.i.73
(Doublets, I thinke) flew vp, and had their FacesDoublets, I think – flew up, and had their facesdoublet
man's close-fitting jacket with short skirt
H8 IV.i.74
Bin loose, this day they had beene lost. Such ioyBeen loose, this day they had been lost. Such joy H8 IV.i.75
I neuer saw before. Great belly'd women,I never saw before. Great-bellied women, H8 IV.i.76
That had not halfe a weeke to go, like RammesThat had not half a week to go, like ramsgo (v.)
be pregnant, be with child
H8 IV.i.77
In the old time of Warre, would shake the preaseIn the old time of war, would shake the press,press (n.)

old form: prease
crowd, throng
H8 IV.i.78
And make 'em reele before 'em. No man liuingAnd make 'em reel before 'em. No man living H8 IV.i.79
Could say this is my wife there, all were wouenCould say ‘This is my wife’ there, all were woven H8 IV.i.80
So strangely in one peece.So strangely in one piece. H8 IV.i.81.1
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
But what follow'd?But what followed? H8 IV.i.81.2
3 THIRD GENTLEMAN 
At length, her Grace rose, and with modest pacesAt length her grace rose, and with modest paces H8 IV.i.82
Came to the Altar, where she kneel'd, and Saint-likeCame to the altar, where she kneeled, and saint-like H8 IV.i.83
Cast her faire eyes to Heauen, and pray'd deuoutly.Cast her fair eyes to heaven, and prayed devoutly, H8 IV.i.84
Then rose againe, and bow'd her to the people:Then rose again, and bowed her to the people; H8 IV.i.85
When by the Arch-byshop of Canterbury,When by the Archbishop of Canterbury H8 IV.i.86
She had all the Royall makings of a Queene;She had all the royal makings of a queen, H8 IV.i.87
As holy Oyle, Edward Confessors Crowne,As holy oil, Edward Confessor's crown, H8 IV.i.88
The Rod, and Bird of Peace, and all such EmblemesThe rod, and bird of peace, and all such emblems H8 IV.i.89
Laid Nobly on her: which perform'd, the QuireLaid nobly on her: which performed, the choir, H8 IV.i.90
With all the choysest Musicke of the Kingdome,With all the choicest music of the kingdom,choice (adj.)

old form: choysest
chosen, specially worthy, excellent
H8 IV.i.91
music (n.)

old form: Musicke
musicians, players
Together sung Te Deum. So she parted,Together sung Te Deum. So she parted,part (v.)
depart [from], leave, quit
H8 IV.i.92
Te Deum
Thee God [opening words of Te Deum laudamus, 'We praise thee, God']
And with the same full State pac'd backe againeAnd with the same full state paced back again H8 IV.i.93
To Yorke-Place, where the Feast is held.To York Place, where the feast is held. H8 IV.i.94.1
1 FIRST GENTLEMAN 
Sir,Sir, H8 IV.i.94.2
You must no more call it Yorke-place, that's past:You must no more call it York Place; that's past, H8 IV.i.95
For since the Cardinall fell, that Titles lost,For since the Cardinal fell that title's lost:lose (v.)
part with, let go of, give up
H8 IV.i.96
'Tis now the Kings, and call'd White-Hall.'Tis now the King's, and called Whitehall. H8 IV.i.97.1
3 THIRD GENTLEMAN 
I know it:I know it, H8 IV.i.97.2
But 'tis so lately alter'd, that the old nameBut 'tis so lately altered that the old name H8 IV.i.98
Is fresh about me.Is fresh about me. H8 IV.i.99.1
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
What two Reuerend ByshopsWhat two reverend bishops H8 IV.i.99.2
Were those that went on each side of the Queene?Were those that went on each side of the Queen? H8 IV.i.100
3 THIRD GENTLEMAN 
Stokeley and Gardiner, the one of Winchester,Stokesley and Gardiner, the one of Winchester, H8 IV.i.101
Newly preferr'd from the Kings Secretary:Newly preferred from the King's secretary,prefer (v.)

old form: preferr'd
promote, advance, recommend
H8 IV.i.102
The other London.The other, London. H8 IV.i.103.1
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
He of WinchesterHe of Winchester H8 IV.i.103.2
Is held no great good louer of the Archbishops,Is held no great good lover of the Archbishop's, H8 IV.i.104
The vertuous Cranmer.The virtuous Cranmer. H8 IV.i.105.1
3 THIRD GENTLEMAN 
All the Land knowes that:All the land knows that; H8 IV.i.105.2
How euer, yet there is no great breach, when it comesHowever, yet there is no great breach. When it comes, H8 IV.i.106
Cranmer will finde a Friend will not shrinke from him.Cranmer will find a friend will not shrink from him. H8 IV.i.107
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
Who may that be, I pray you.Who may that be, I pray you? H8 IV.i.108.1
3 THIRD GENTLEMAN 
Thomas Cromwell,Thomas Cromwell, H8 IV.i.108.2
A man in much esteeme with th'King, and trulyA man in much esteem with th' King, and truly H8 IV.i.109
A worthy Friend. The King ha's made him / Master A worthy friend. The King has made him Master H8 IV.i.110
o'th'Iewell House,O'th' Jewel House, H8 IV.i.111
And one already of the Priuy Councell.And one, already, of the Privy Council. H8 IV.i.112
2 SECOND GENTLEMAN 
He will deserue more.He will deserve more. H8 IV.i.113.1
3 THIRD GENTLEMAN 
Yes without all doubt.Yes, without all doubt. H8 IV.i.113.2
Come Gentlemen, ye shall go my way,Come, gentlemen, ye shall go my way, which H8 IV.i.114
Which is to'th Court, and there ye shall be my Guests:Is to th' court, and there ye shall be my guests: H8 IV.i.115
Something I can command. As I walke thither,Something I can command. As I walk thither, H8 IV.i.116
Ile tell ye more.I'll tell ye more. H8 IV.i.117.1
Both. SECOND and THIRD GENTLEMEN 
You may command vs Sir. You may command us, sir. H8 IV.i.117.2
Exeunt.Exeunt H8 IV.i.117
 Previous Act IV, Scene I Next  
x

Jump directly to