If you will now unite in your complaints
And force them with a constancy, the Cardinal
Cannot stand under them. If you omit
The offer of this time, I cannot promise
But that you shall sustain more new disgraces
With these you bear already.
If you all unite now and push your complaints together, and keep up the pressure consistently, the Cardinal cannot survive the attack. But if you pass up this opportunity, I cannot promise you will not suffer new humiliations on top of what you already bear.
Look, if you all band together and hammer this home, Wolsey won't stand a chance. But if you lose your nerve now, I'm telling you, things are only going to get worse.
if you all push together now, he's done. but if you don't, things get messier for you.
The Earl of Surrey is the son-in-law of the executed Duke of Buckingham — he is here for revenge, and he makes no secret of it. He is the most nakedly vindictive of Wolsey's enemies, accusing him of things the others hedge around. His fury is not policy; it is personal. His confrontation with Wolsey ('Thou art a proud traitor, priest') is one of the scene's most electric exchanges.
I am joyful
To meet the least occasion that may give me
Remembrance of my father-in-law the Duke,
To be revenged on him.
I am happy to take any small opportunity at all that gives me a chance to remember my father-in-law the Duke and take revenge on him.
I'm thrilled. Any chance I get to remember my father-in-law and get back at him for what he did, I'll take it.
i'd love any chance to get revenge on him for what he did to my family.
Which of the peers
Have uncontemned gone by him, or at least
Strangely neglected? When did he regard
The stamp of nobleness in any person
Out of himself?
Which of the nobles has escaped his contempt, or at least been badly neglected by him? When did he ever treat anyone with respect except for himself?
Come on, which of us nobles has he not treated with contempt? When has he ever shown respect to anyone but himself?
who hasn't he disrespected? he acts like he's the only one who matters.
My lords, you speak your pleasures.
What he deserves of you and me I know;
What we can do to him—though now the time
Gives way to us—I much fear. If you cannot
Bar his access to th’ King, never attempt
Anything on him, for he hath a witchcraft
Over the King in ’s tongue.
My lords, you speak as you please. I know what he deserves from both you and me. What we can do to him—though opportunity now presents itself to us—I fear greatly. If you cannot cut off his access to the King, do not try anything else against him, because he has magical power over the King through his eloquence.
Gentlemen, you're saying what's on your minds, and I get it. I know what he deserves. But what we can actually do to him now terrifies me, to be honest. If you can't get him cut off from the King, don't bother trying anything else—he's got the King completely under his spell through his way with words.
he has the king mesmerized. without cutting him off from the king, anything else you try will fail.
O, fear him not.
His spell in that is out. The King hath found
Matter against him that for ever mars
The honey of his language. No, he’s settled,
Not to come off, in his displeasure.
Stop, do not fear him. His magical power is finished now. The King has found proof against him that destroys everything forever—proof that ruins his smooth talk. No, he is locked in the King's anger, and will not escape.
Don't worry about him. His spell is broken. The King found evidence against him that ruins him completely—evidence that proves his charming words mean nothing. No, he's stuck in the King's bad graces and he's not getting out.
his power over the king is gone. the king found proof against him and he's locked in the king's anger.
Sir,
I should be glad to hear such news as this
Once every hour.
Sir, I would be happy to hear such good news as this every hour.
Sir, if I could hear news like that every single hour, I'd be a happy man.
i'd love to hear that news every hour.
Believe it, this is true.
In the divorce his contrary proceedings
Are all unfolded, wherein he appears
As I would wish mine enemy.
Trust me, this is true. In the divorce case, his underhand dealings are all revealed, and he looks exactly how I would wish my worst enemy to look.
Believe me, this is the real deal. In the divorce case, all his sneaky dealings got exposed, and he looks exactly like I'd want my worst enemy to look.
his dirty tactics in the divorce case are exposed. he looks exactly how i'd want an enemy to look.
How came
His practices to light?
How did his schemes come to light?
How did we find out about what he was doing?
how did his schemes get exposed?
Most strangely.
Most strangely.
most strangely.
most strangely.
O, how, how?
O, how, how?
o, how, how?
o, how, how?
The Cardinal’s letters to the Pope miscarried,
And came to th’ eye o’ the King, wherein was read
How that the Cardinal did entreat his Holiness
To stay the judgement o’ th’ divorce; for if
It did take place, “I do” quoth he “perceive
My king is tangled in affection to
A creature of the Queen’s, Lady Anne Bullen.”
The Cardinal's letters to the Pope went astray and ended up in the King's hands, where they were read. In them the Cardinal begged the Pope to delay the judgment on the divorce; because if it happened, the Cardinal wrote, "I can see that my king is caught up in love for a woman from the Queen's household, Lady Anne Bullen."
The Cardinal's letters to the Pope never made it where they were supposed to go—they ended up in the King's hands instead. And in those letters, the Cardinal was basically begging the Pope to slow down the divorce ruling because he said, "Look, the King is head over heels for one of the Queen's ladies, Anne Bullen."
cardinal's letters to the pope were intercepted by the king. they showed the cardinal knew the king was obsessed with anne bullen.
Has the King this?
Does the King have this information?
The King found out about all this?
the king's aware of this?
Believe it.
Believe it.
believe it.
believe it.
Will this work?
Will this work?
will this work?
will this work?
The King in this perceives him how he coasts
And hedges his own way. But in this point
All his tricks founder, and he brings his physic
After his patient’s death. The King already
Hath married the fair lady.
Through this, the King sees how Wolsey is scheming and trying to protect himself. But all his schemes fall apart here, and his remedy comes too late—the King has already married the beautiful lady.
Through this, the King sees exactly what Wolsey is up to—trying to work both sides. But his plans all fall apart on this one, and he's trying to fix it too late—the King already married Anne.
wolsey's schemes all backfire. the king already married anne before the cardinal could stop it.
Would he had!
I wish he had!
I wish he would!
i wish he would
May you be happy in your wish, my lord,
For I profess you have it.
May you be happy with your wish, my lord, because I assure you, you have gotten what you wanted.
I hope you get what you want, my lord, because I'm telling you, you're getting it.
you're getting what you wished for.
Now, all my joy
Trace the conjunction!
Now, may all my joy follow this joining together.
Now, let all my happiness flow from this marriage.
may happiness flow from this union.
My amen to’t!
I agree with that!
I'm with you on that!
agreed
All men’s.
All men agree!
Everyone would agree!
everyone agrees
There’s order given for her coronation.
Marry, this is yet but young, and may be left
To some ears unrecounted. But, my lords,
She is a gallant creature, and complete
In mind and feature. I persuade me, from her
Will fall some blessing to this land which shall
In it be memorized.
There is an order already given for her coronation. Though this is still new and might be kept quiet from some ears, my lords, she is an impressive and accomplished woman—in both mind and character. I am convinced that from her will come some great blessing to this country, something this land will remember.
The order for her coronation has already been issued. I mean, it's still pretty fresh and some people might not have heard yet, but gentlemen, she's a remarkable woman—intelligent and well-mannered. I'm confident she'll bring something good to England that people will remember.
her coronation is already ordered. she's impressive and accomplished—england will remember the good she does.
But will the King
Digest this letter of the Cardinal’s?
The Lord forbid!
But will the King even read this letter from the Cardinal without getting furious? May God forbid it!
But can the King read this Cardinal letter without blowing up? I really hope not.
will the king stay calm reading this from the cardinal? god, i hope not.
Marry, amen!
Yes, amen!
Absolutely, amen!
amen
No, no.
There be more wasps that buzz about his nose
Will make this sting the sooner. Cardinal Campeius
Is stolen away to Rome; hath ta’en no leave;
Has left the cause o’ th’ King unhandled, and
Is posted, as the agent of our Cardinal,
To second all his plot. I do assure you
The King cried “Ha!” at this.
No, no. There are more critics swarming around him who will make him sting faster. Cardinal Campeius has secretly gone back to Rome without saying goodbye; he has abandoned the King's case unfinished, and is rushing to Rome as the agent of our Cardinal, to help carry out all of Wolsey's plans. I promise you the King absolutely erupted at this news.
No, there are more people lining up to attack him now, and it's only going to make things worse. Cardinal Campeius has snuck off to Rome without even saying goodbye—he just left the King's case hanging—and he's going back to help Wolsey with his schemes. Trust me, the King went absolutely ballistic when he heard.
more critics are piling on. campeius left rome for wolsey's schemes and the king is furious.
Wolsey's fall in this play is triggered by an accident: the wrong inventory is placed in the packet of state papers sent to the King. This is historically documented. The historical Wolsey did accidentally send personal financial accounts to Henry along with official papers, giving the King direct evidence of his wealth. What Shakespeare (and Fletcher) emphasize by staging this accident is the play's recurring pattern: great men fall through small mistakes. Buckingham falls through a Surveyor's testimony; Wolsey falls through a misfiled document. The play does not show these men destroyed by brilliant enemies or righteous kings — they are undone by the accidental mechanism of the world. The lesson is not that justice prevails but that carelessness in high places carries catastrophic consequences.
Now, God incense him,
And let him cry “Ha!” louder.
Now, let God make him angrier, and let him shout even louder.
Now, I hope the King gets even angrier and really lets loose.
make him angrier, let him shout louder.
But, my lord,
When returns Cranmer?
But, my lord, when will Cranmer return?
But when's Cranmer coming back?
when will cranmer get back?
He is returned in his opinions, which
Have satisfied the King for his divorce,
Together with all famous colleges
Almost in Christendom. Shortly, I believe,
His second marriage shall be published, and
Her coronation. Katherine no more
Shall be called Queen, but Princess Dowager
And widow to Prince Arthur.
He has come back with his conclusions, which have satisfied the King about his divorce, together with the support of almost every famous college in Christendom. Shortly, I believe, his second marriage will be made public, and her coronation will happen. Katherine will no longer be called Queen, but will be called Princess Dowager and the widow of Prince Arthur.
He's back with his findings, and they've convinced the King the divorce is valid. He's got the backing of almost every major university in Europe. Pretty soon his new marriage to Anne will be announced publicly, and then her coronation. Katherine will be downgraded to Princess Dowager—basically just being called the widow of Prince Arthur.
cranmer's back with support from across europe. anne's marriage and coronation will be announced soon. katherine becomes princess dowager.
This same Cranmer’s
A worthy fellow, and hath ta’en much pain
In the King’s business.
This same Cranmer is a worthy fellow and has worked hard on the King's business.
Cranmer's a good man and he's worked his butt off for the King.
cranmer's worked hard for the king.
He has, and we shall see him
For it an archbishop.
He has, and we will see him become an archbishop because of it.
He has, and they're going to make him an archbishop for it.
they're making him archbishop.
So I hear.
So I hear.
so i hear.
so i hear.
’Tis so.
It is so.
That's exactly how it is.
it's true
The Cardinal!
The Cardinal!
There's the Cardinal!
the cardinal
Observe, observe; he’s moody.
Look, watch him: he is troubled and brooding.
Look at him—he's brooding about something.
he's troubled and brooding.
The packet, Cromwell,
Gave’t you the King?
The packet, Cromwell—did you give it to the King?
Cromwell, you delivered that to his hands yourself?
did you deliver it to him?
Thomas Cromwell enters as Wolsey's loyal secretary and leaves as the King's rising favorite. He appears twice: once at the beginning, efficiently delivering the King's papers, and once at the end, weeping at Wolsey's fall. His tears are genuine — this is Shakespeare's most sympathetic portrait of a man history remembers as ruthless. The 'fling away ambition' speech is addressed specifically to him, as if Wolsey knows Cromwell will need the advice for what he is about to become.
To his own hand, in ’s bedchamber.
Yes, directly into his own hands, in his private bedchamber.
Yeah, straight into his hands, in his private bedroom.
straight to his hands in his bedroom.
Looked he o’ th’ inside of the paper?
Did he look at what was inside the packet?
Did he look at what was in there?
did he look inside?
Presently
He did unseal them, and the first he viewed,
He did it with a serious mind; a heed
Was in his countenance. You he bade
Attend him here this morning.
Right away he opened them and looked at the first one. He did it very seriously; there was real attention in his face. He told you to wait for him here this morning.
Immediately. He opened them up and started reading the first one. He was serious about it—he was really paying attention. He said to come back here and wait for him this morning.
he opened them right away. he was serious and focused. told me to wait here.
Is he ready
To come abroad?
Is he ready to come out and face people?
Is he ready to come out yet?
is he coming out?
I think by this he is.
I think by now he probably is.
He should be by now.
probably by now.
Leave me a while.
Leave me alone for a while.
Just go. Leave me by myself.
go. leave me alone.
[_Aside_.] It shall be to the Duchess of Alençon,
The French king’s sister; he shall marry her.
Anne Bullen? No; I’ll no Anne Bullens for him.
There’s more in’t than fair visage. Bullen?
No, we’ll no Bullens. Speedily I wish
To hear from Rome. The Marchioness of Pembroke!
It will be the Duchess of Alençon, The French king's sister; he will marry her. Anne Bullen? No, I will not accept Anne Bullen for him. There is more to this than just her beauty. Bullen? No, we will have no Bullen. I urgently wish To hear from Rome. The Marchioness of Pembroke!
He's going to marry the Duchess of Alençon, the French king's sister. Anne Bullen? Absolutely not. I won't allow Anne Bullen. There's more going on here than just her looks. Bullen? No, she won't do. I really need To hear from Rome soon. The Marchioness of Pembroke!
hell marry the duchess of alençon anne bullen? no way im not accepting this theres more 2 it than her face no bullens need 2 hear from rome
He’s discontented.
He’s discontented.
he’s discontented.
he’s discontented.
Maybe he hears the King
Does whet his anger to him.
Perhaps he hears that the King is sharpening his anger against him.
Maybe he knows the King is getting angrier at him.
the king's anger is getting sharper against him.
Sharp enough,
Lord, for thy justice!
Sharp enough, Lord, for your justice!
Sharp enough to suit your sense of justice!
sharp as your justice.
[_Aside_.] The late queen’s gentlewoman, a knight’s daughter,
To be her mistress’ mistress? The Queen’s Queen?
This candle burns not clear. ’Tis I must snuff it;
Then out it goes. What though I know her virtuous
And well deserving? Yet I know her for
A spleeny Lutheran, and not wholesome to
Our cause, that she should lie i’ th’ bosom of
Our hard-ruled King. Again, there is sprung up
An heretic, an arch-one, Cranmer, one
Hath crawled into the favour of the King
And is his oracle.
A lady-in-waiting to the former queen, a knight's daughter, Becoming superior to her mistress? The Queen above the Queen? This situation is murky and wrong. I must stop it. Even though I know her to be virtuous And deserving, she is a hot-headed Lutheran heretic, And it is not good for our cause That she share the bed of Our King. And now there has appeared A heretic, a chief one—Cranmer—who Has crept into the King's favor And become his advisor.
A maid who served the old queen, a knight's daughter, Becoming better than the Queen herself? This is wrong. This situation is bad. I have to stop it. I know she's virtuous and deserving, But she's a Lutheran heretic, And it's dangerous for the Church If she gets close to Our King. Plus there's Cranmer, another heretic, Who has snuck into the King's favor And become his trusted advisor.
a servants daughter becoming the queens queen? no i gotta stop this shes a lutheran heretic bad 4 the church if shes close 2 the king plus cranmer the heretic got the kings ear
He is vexed at something.
He is angry about something.
Something's got him upset.
something's bothering him.
I would ’twere something that would fret the string,
The master-cord on ’s heart.
I wish this were something that would snap the heartstring, the main cord in his heart.
I wish this would break his heart—really cut him deep.
i wish this would break his heart.
'I have touched the highest point of all my greatness, / And from that full meridian of my glory / I haste now to my setting. I shall fall / Like a bright exhalation in the evening, / And no man see me more.' The 'bright exhalation' is a meteor — what Elizabethans called a 'shooting star,' which was understood as matter from the earth briefly catching fire in the upper air before burning out. The image is precisely calibrated: Wolsey is not a fixed star (a genuinely great soul) but a bright, brief, and ultimately earthly fire. It is one of the most self-aware images of political ambition in all of English literature — Wolsey uses natural science to explain himself and finds a metaphor that is simultaneously beautiful and self-condemning.
The King, the King!
Here comes the King! The King is here!
Watch out, the King is coming this way!
king alert! he's coming!
What piles of wealth hath he accumulated
To his own portion! And what expense by th’ hour
Seems to flow from him! How, i’ th’ name of thrift
Does he rake this together? Now, my lords,
Saw you the Cardinal?
What vast amounts of wealth has he gathered up for himself! And how much money appears to be flowing out of him constantly! How in the world of money management does he pull all this together? Now, my lords, have you seen the Cardinal?
How much money has this guy stashed away for himself? And how much is pouring out of him every hour? How does he even manage to pull this all together? Anyway, gentlemen, have you talked to the Cardinal?
he's accumulated so much wealth. money's constantly flowing from him. where does it all come from? did you see the cardinal?
My lord, we have
Stood here observing him. Some strange commotion
Is in his brain. He bites his lip, and starts,
Stops on a sudden, looks upon the ground,
Then lays his finger on his temple; straight
Springs out into fast gait; then stops again,
Strikes his breast hard, and anon he casts
His eye against the moon. In most strange postures
We have seen him set himself.
My lord, we have been watching him here. There is some strange disturbance in his mind. He bites his lip and starts suddenly, stops without warning, looks down at the ground, then puts his finger on his temple; suddenly springs up into fast walking; then stops again, strikes his chest hard, and then he looks up at the moon. In very odd ways we have seen him arrange himself.
Sir, we've been watching him. There's something seriously wrong in his head. He bites his lip and jumps, stops suddenly, stares at the ground, then touches his temple, then suddenly he's pacing fast, then he stops and pounds his chest, then he's looking up at the sky. We've never seen him act like this.
he's acting disturbed. biting his lip, pacing, stopping suddenly, looking up at the sky. very strange behavior.
It may well be
There is a mutiny in ’s mind. This morning
Papers of state he sent me to peruse,
As I required; and wot you what I found
There—on my conscience, put unwittingly?
Forsooth, an inventory, thus importing
The several parcels of his plate, his treasure,
Rich stuffs and ornaments of household, which
I find at such proud rate that it outspeaks
Possession of a subject.
There is probably a conflict going on inside his mind. This morning he sent me papers to read through, as I asked him to; and I swear to you, accidentally placed inside—I'm sure it was accidental—was a list of everything: the specific items of his plate, his treasure, fine fabrics and home decorations, which I see priced so high that it shows more wealth than any subject should have.
There's definitely something tearing him apart inside. This morning he gave me those papers I asked for, and let me tell you, buried inside them—I'm sure by accident—was an inventory of everything: his silver, his treasure, expensive fabrics, fancy decorations, all priced so high it proves he has more wealth than a royal servant should have.
there's conflict in his mind. papers he gave me had a secret inventory showing he's accumulated way too much wealth for a royal servant.
It’s heaven’s will!
Some spirit put this paper in the packet
To bless your eye withal.
It is God's doing! Some divine power put this paper in the packet to show you this information.
This is God's hand! Some divine force put this paper there so you'd see it.
god put this paper there for you to find it.
If we did think
His contemplation were above the earth
And fixed on spiritual object, he should still
Dwell in his musings, but I am afraid
His thinkings are below the moon, not worth
His serious considering.
If I thought his mind was focused on spiritual things and fixed on heavenly concerns, he could continue his deep thinking, but I am worried his thinking is about earthly things, lower than even the moon—not worth his serious attention.
If I thought his mind was on spiritual things and heaven, I'd be okay with him lost in thought. But I'm afraid his mind is on wealth and earthly things—stuff beneath his station—and that's what's eating him up.
his mind's on earthly wealth, not heaven. that's what's bothering him.
Heaven forgive me!
Ever God bless your Highness.
May God forgive me! And may God always bless your Majesty.
God forgive me. And God bless your Majesty.
god bless you, your majesty.
Good my lord,
You are full of heavenly stuff, and bear the inventory
Of your best graces in your mind, the which
You were now running o’er. You have scarce time
To steal from spiritual leisure a brief span
To keep your earthly audit. Sure, in that
I deem you an ill husband, and am glad
To have you therein my companion.
My good lord, you are full of goodness and carry the inventory of your greatest virtues in your mind, the ones you were just thinking about. You barely have time to steal away from your spiritual duties for a quick moment to keep track of your worldly accounts. I'm sure because of that I consider you a bad manager, and I am pleased to have you as my companion in that flaw.
My good lord, you're full of goodness and you carry your virtues in your heart—the ones you were just thinking about. You hardly have time away from your spiritual work to handle your earthly business. Because of that, I think you're a bad money manager, and I'm happy to admit I'm one too.
you're full of goodness and virtue. you barely have time for earthly affairs. you're a bad money manager, and so am i.
Sir,
For holy offices I have a time; a time
To think upon the part of business which
I bear i’ th’ state; and Nature does require
Her times of preservation, which perforce
I, her frail son, amongst my brethren mortal,
Must give my tendance to.
Sir, I have a time for holy duties; a time to focus on my work for the state; and nature requires these times to keep going, which I, being a weak human like all others, must give my attention to.
Sir, I have time for my religious duties, time for my work running the state, and nature requires time for rest and health, which I need like any mortal man.
i have time for duties, time for work, and time for health like any man.
You have said well.
You have spoken well.
You've made your point.
good point.
And ever may your Highness yoke together,
As I will lend you cause, my doing well
With my well saying.
And may your Majesty always combine my good deeds with my good words.
And may your Majesty always see my actions match my words.
may my actions match my words.
’Tis well said again,
And ’tis a kind of good deed to say well.
And yet words are no deeds. My father loved you;
He said he did, and with his deed did crown
His word upon you. Since I had my office,
I have kept you next my heart, have not alone
Employed you where high profits might come home,
But pared my present havings to bestow
My bounties upon you.
That is well spoken again. And it is a good thing to speak well. And yet words are not actions. My father loved you; he said he did, and he proved his words with his actions, giving you honors. Since I became king, I have kept you close to my heart, and I have not only given you high-paying positions, but I have given away my own wealth to shower benefits on you.
That's nicely put. And it is a good thing to speak well. But here's the thing: words aren't the same as actions. My father loved you—he said it and then he backed it up with real honors. Since I've been king, I've kept you close, given you the best jobs, and I've even spent my own money to give you everything.
words are nice but they're not deeds. my father backed his words with actions. i've given you everything.
[_Aside_.] What should this mean?
What does this mean?
What's going on here?
wtf is happening
[_Aside_.] The Lord increase this business!
May the Lord make this matter grow!
I hope this situation gets bigger!
hope this blows up 4 him
Have I not made you
The prime man of the state? I pray you tell me,
If what I now pronounce you have found true,
And, if you may confess it, say withal
If you are bound to us or no. What say you?
Have I not made you the top official of the state? I ask you to tell me, if what I just said you have found to be true, and if you are able to admit it, also say whether you are loyal to us or not. What is your answer?
Haven't I made you my top man in government? I'm asking you straight up: is what I just said true, and can you admit it? And are you loyal to me or not? What's your answer?
haven't i made you my top man? are you loyal to me?
My sovereign, I confess your royal graces,
Showered on me daily, have been more than could
My studied purposes requite, which went
Beyond all man’s endeavours. My endeavours
Have ever come too short of my desires,
Yet filed with my abilities. Mine own ends
Have been mine so that evermore they pointed
To th’ good of your most sacred person and
The profit of the state. For your great graces
Heaped upon me, poor undeserver, I
Can nothing render but allegiant thanks,
My prayers to heaven for you, my loyalty,
Which ever has and ever shall be growing,
Till death, that winter, kill it.
My king, I confess your royal generosity, which has fallen on me daily, has been more than my own careful planning could ever repay—it has gone beyond all that any man could accomplish. My efforts have always fallen short of what I wanted to achieve, yet they have matched my abilities. My own goals have been mine in such a way that they always pointed toward your greatest good and the profit of the nation. For your great generosity shown to me, unworthy as I am, I can give nothing back except my loyal thanks, my prayers to God for you, my faithfulness, which has always grown and always will, until death comes and ends it.
Your Majesty, I confess that the generosity you've shown me every day is more than I could ever repay or earn—it's beyond anything any person could accomplish. My efforts have never matched my ambitions, but they've matched what I'm capable of. And everything I've done has always been aimed at your good and the nation's benefit. For all your incredible kindness to me, undeserving as I am, all I can offer back is my thanks, my prayers for you, and my loyalty, which keeps growing and will never stop until I die.
your generosity is more than i can repay. everything i do aims for your good. i'm loyal until death.
Fairly answered.
A loyal and obedient subject is
Therein illustrated. The honour of it
Does pay the act of it, as i’ th’ contrary,
The foulness is the punishment. I presume
That, as my hand has opened bounty to you,
My heart dropped love, my power rained honour, more
On you than any, so your hand and heart,
Your brain, and every function of your power,
Should, notwithstanding that your bond of duty,
As ’twere in love’s particular, be more
To me, your friend, than any.
That is a fair answer. A loyal and obedient servant is shown by exactly this response. The honor of doing this repays the action, just as in the opposite way, corruption is its own punishment. I believe that just as my own hand has opened generously to you, my heart has poured love, my power has rained honors—more on you than anyone else—so your hand and heart, your mind and every power you have, should, beyond even your basic duty to me, be more devoted to me as your friend than to anyone.
That's a fair answer. A loyal and obedient servant looks exactly like this. Doing the right thing is its own reward, and doing wrong is its own punishment. I believe that just like my hand has given you everything, my heart has shown you love, and my power has showered you with honors more than anyone else—you should give your hand, your heart, your mind, everything you've got, not just because you have to, but because I'm your friend and you care about me.
that's fair. a good servant looks like this. i've given you everything. i want your loyalty as a friend too.
I do profess
That for your Highness’ good I ever laboured
More than mine own, that am, have, and will be.
Though all the world should crack their duty to you
And throw it from their soul, though perils did
Abound as thick as thought could make ’em, and
Appear in forms more horrid—yet my duty,
As doth a rock against the chiding flood,
Should the approach of this wild river break,
And stand unshaken yours.
I do say that for your good I have always worked harder than for my own; I do, I have, and I will. Even if the entire world broke their duty to you and threw it away, even if dangers appeared as numerous as thoughts could make them and showed themselves in forms more terrible—yet my duty, like a rock against the attacking waves, should this wild river break and approach, would stand unbroken for you.
I'm telling you, I've always pushed harder for your good than for my own, and I do now, I have always, and I always will. Even if the whole world betrayed you and threw their loyalty away, even if dangers were everywhere—my loyalty would stand like a rock against the flood and never break for you.
i've always worked harder for your good. my loyalty won't break like a rock in a flood.
’Tis nobly spoken.
Take notice, lords: he has a loyal breast,
For you have seen him open’t.
That is spoken nobly. Take notice, lords: he has a loyal heart, and you have seen him open it to you.
That's noble. Listen up, gentlemen: this man is loyal, and you just saw him prove it.
noble words. he's loyal—you just saw his heart.
Read o’er this,
And after, this; and then to breakfast with
What appetite you have.
Read through this, and then this, and then go have breakfast with whatever appetite you have.
Look over this, then this next one, and then go have breakfast if you can.
read these then go have breakfast
What should this mean?
What sudden anger’s this? How have I reaped it?
He parted frowning from me, as if ruin
Leaped from his eyes. So looks the chafed lion
Upon the daring huntsman that has galled him,
Then makes him nothing. I must read this paper—
I fear, the story of his anger. ’Tis so.
This paper has undone me. ’Tis th’ account
Of all that world of wealth I have drawn together
For mine own ends—indeed, to gain the popedom
And fee my friends in Rome. O negligence,
Fit for a fool to fall by! What cross devil
Made me put this main secret in the packet
I sent the King? Is there no way to cure this?
No new device to beat this from his brains?
I know ’twill stir him strongly; yet I know
A way, if it take right, in spite of fortune,
Will bring me off again. What’s this? “To th’ Pope”?
The letter, as I live, with all the business
I writ to ’s Holiness. Nay then, farewell!
I have touched the highest point of all my greatness,
And from that full meridian of my glory
I haste now to my setting. I shall fall
Like a bright exhalation in the evening,
And no man see me more.
What is happening now? Why is the King suddenly angry? How did I bring this on myself? He left me scowling, as if disaster shot from his eyes. He looks like an angry lion when a bold hunter has wounded him and destroys him. I must read this paper—I fear it contains the story of why he is angry. Yes, it is so. This paper has destroyed me. It is the record of all that wealth I have gathered for my own purposes—truly, to get myself made Pope and reward my friends in Rome. How foolish I was to let this escape me! What evil chance made me put this important secret in the packet I sent to the King? Is there no way to repair this? No new trick to take this worry out of his mind? I know it will disturb him greatly; and yet I know a way, if it works out as I hope, that in spite of all bad luck, will save me. What is this? "To the Pope"? The letter itself, as I hope to live, with all the official business I wrote to his Holiness. Well then, goodbye! I have reached the highest point of all my success, and from that peak of my glory I am now rushing toward my fall. I will drop like a shooting star in the evening sky, and no one will see me again.
What's going on? Why did the King suddenly get so angry at me? What did I do to deserve this? He walked out glowering like disaster was pouring out of his eyes. He looks like an angry lion a bold hunter just wounded. I have to read this paper—I'm terrified it's got the reason he's angry spelled out. Oh God, yes. This paper is the end of me. It's the full accounting of all the money I piled up for myself—honestly, to make myself Pope and pay off my friends in Rome. How stupid of me! What rotten luck put this secret into the packet I gave the King? How do I fix this? How do I get this out of his head? I know he's going to be furious; but I know one move, if it works, that might save me despite everything. What's this? "To the Pope"? The actual letter, as I live and breathe, with all my business to the Pope. That's it then. I'm done. I've hit the highest point of my career, and from that peak I'm falling now. I'll drop like a meteor in the night sky, and nobody will remember me.
the king's angry. the papers show my wealth and schemes. this paper destroys me. i've peaked and now i'm falling like a meteor in the sky.
'Had I but served my God with half the zeal / I served my king, He would not in mine age / Have left me naked to mine enemies.' This is the most famous speech in the play, and it has a documented historical source. George Cavendish, Wolsey's gentleman-usher and first biographer, recorded in his Life of Cardinal Wolsey (written c.1554) that the dying Wolsey said: 'I see the matter against me how it is framed, but if I had served God as diligently as I have done the King, he would not have given me over in my grey hairs.' Shakespeare and Fletcher adapted this almost directly. The power of the speech in performance comes from the fact that it is the only moment in the play where we hear what Wolsey — the man who ran England for two decades — actually believes about his own life.
and the Lord Chamberlain.
accompanied by the Lord Chamberlain.
together with the Lord Chamberlain.
chamberlain arrives
Hear the King’s pleasure, Cardinal, who commands you
To render up the great seal presently
Into our hands, and to confine yourself
To Asher House, my Lord of Winchester’s,
Till you hear further from his Highness.
Listen to what the King commands, Cardinal: he orders you to give up the great seal immediately to our hands, and to go to Asher House, Lord of Winchester's residence, and stay there until you hear further instructions from his Majesty.
The King has a message for you, Cardinal. He's ordering you to hand over the great seal right now, and go stay at Asher House—Winchester's place—until the King tells you what to do next.
king orders you to hand over the seal and go to asher house immediately.
Stay.
Where’s your commission, lords? Words cannot carry
Authority so weighty.
Wait. Where is your authority, lords? Words alone cannot carry such serious power.
Hold on. What's your proof, gentlemen? Just words don't cut it for something this serious.
where's your proof? words alone can't do this.
Who dares cross ’em,
Bearing the King’s will from his mouth expressly?
Who would challenge them, when they come directly from the King's own mouth?
Who's going to challenge them when they come straight from the King?
who challenges the king's direct orders?
Till I find more than will or words to do it—
I mean your malice—know, officious lords,
I dare and must deny it. Now I feel
Of what coarse metal ye are moulded, envy!
How eagerly ye follow my disgraces,
As if it fed ye, and how sleek and wanton
Ye appear in everything may bring my ruin!
Follow your envious courses, men of malice;
You have Christian warrant for ’em, and no doubt
In time will find their fit rewards. That seal
You ask with such a violence, the King,
Mine and your master, with his own hand gave me;
Bade me enjoy it, with the place and honours,
During my life; and, to confirm his goodness,
Tied it by letters-patents. Now, who’ll take it?
Until I find something more than words or the King's wish to make me obey—I mean your personal hatred—I tell you, aggressive lords, I refuse it. Now I feel what cheap metal you nobles are molded from—envy! How eagerly you chase after my downfall, as if it fed you, and how sleek and hungry you appear when something might ruin me! Follow your hateful paths, men full of ill will; you have religious permission for it, and you will find your matching rewards in time. That seal you demand so violently, the King, your master and mine, gave to me with his own hand; he told me to keep it, along with my position and honors, for my whole life; and to confirm his good faith, he sealed it with official papers. Now, who will take it from me?
Until I see something more than words or the King's will—I mean your personal hatred for me—I'm telling you power-hungry lords that I refuse. Now I see what you're made of—envy and nothing else! You're chasing my ruin like it's food, and you're circling like hungry animals when you smell I might be going down. Follow your hateful paths, men; God knows you've got your reasons, and you'll get what's coming to you. That seal you're demanding so aggressively? The King—your master and mine—gave it to me himself, told me to keep it along with my office and honors for life, and sealed it with official documents. So who's going to take it from me?
until you show more than the king's will—your hatred—i refuse. you're just chasing my ruin. the king gave me the seal and sealed it officially.
The King that gave it.
The King himself, who gave it to you.
The King, the one who gave it to you.
only the king can take what the king gave.
It must be himself, then.
Then it must be the King himself who takes it.
Then it'll have to be the King himself who takes it.
the king himself has to take it.
Thou art a proud traitor, priest.
You are a proud, traitorous priest.
You're an arrogant traitor, priest.
you're a proud traitor, priest.
Proud lord, thou liest.
Within these forty hours Surrey durst better
Have burnt that tongue than said so.
Proud lord, you are lying. Within these past forty hours, Surrey would rather have burned his tongue than say what he just said.
You're lying, proud lord. Forty hours ago, Surrey would've burned his own tongue rather than say that.
you're lying. surrey would've burned his tongue before saying that.
Thy ambition,
Thou scarlet sin, robbed this bewailing land
Of noble Buckingham, my father-in-law.
The heads of all thy brother cardinals,
With thee and all thy best parts bound together,
Weighed not a hair of his. Plague of your policy!
You sent me Deputy for Ireland,
Far from his succour, from the King, from all
That might have mercy on the fault thou gav’st him,
Whilst your great goodness, out of holy pity,
Absolved him with an axe.
Your ambition, you scarlet sin, robbed this grieving land of noble Buckingham, my father-in-law. All the heads of the other cardinals, combined with you and all your best qualities, were not worth one hair of his. Curse your schemes! You sent me as Deputy to Ireland, far from his support, far from the King, far from anyone who might have shown mercy for the wrong you did him, while you, in your great kindness, forgave him with an axe.
Your ambition, you scarlet-robed sin, robbed this grieving kingdom of noble Buckingham, my father-in-law. Every other cardinal's head added together with you and everything good about you wouldn't equal one hair on his body. Damn your scheming! You sent me to Ireland as Deputy, away from him, away from the King, away from anyone who could've helped him, while you, so generous, let him die by the axe.
your ambition killed buckingham, my father-in-law. you had him executed while sending me away. all your goodness isn't worth one hair of his.
This, and all else
This talking lord can lay upon my credit,
I answer is most false. The Duke by law
Found his deserts. How innocent I was
From any private malice in his end,
His noble jury and foul cause can witness.
If I loved many words, lord, I should tell you
You have as little honesty as honour,
That in the way of loyalty and truth
Toward the King, my ever royal master,
Dare mate a sounder man than Surrey can be,
And all that love his follies.
This and everything else this talking lord can say about me, I say is completely false. The Duke by law was found guilty of crimes. How innocent I was in his death, his honest jury and his guilty cause can prove. If I loved words, lord, I would tell you that you have as little honor as honesty, that in loyalty and truth toward the King, my forever royal master, you cannot match someone more upright than what Surrey is, or everyone who just follows along with his anger.
This and everything else you're saying about me is a complete lie. The Duke was found guilty by law. My innocence in his death is shown by how the trial went and the evidence against him. If I were a talker, I'd tell you that you're just as dishonorable as you are dishonest, and when it comes to loyalty to the King, I'm more honest than you could ever be, and better than anyone who just follows your anger.
it's all lies. the duke was guilty by law. you're dishonorable and disloyal. i'm more loyal than you.
By my soul,
Your long coat, priest, protects you; thou shouldst feel
My sword i’ th’ lifeblood of thee else. My lords,
Can ye endure to hear this arrogance?
And from this fellow? If we live thus tamely,
To be thus jaded by a piece of scarlet,
Farewell, nobility. Let his Grace go forward
And dare us with his cap, like larks.
I swear by my soul, your long red robe as a priest is what protects you; otherwise you would feel my sword in your lifeblood. My lords, can you bear to hear this arrogance? And from this fellow? If we just accept this treatment quietly, to be humiliated by a piece of scarlet cloth, then goodbye to nobility. Let his authority go forward and dare us with his power, like he's playing with singing birds.
I swear to God, if you weren't a priest in that red robe, I'd run my sword through you. Gentlemen, can you stand listening to this? From this guy? If we just accept being pushed around like this by a piece of scarlet cloth, that's the end of nobility. Let him keep strutting around daring us with his power like he's playing with pets.
that red robe is all that protects you. if we accept this from him, nobility is finished. he's playing us like birds.
All goodness
Is poison to thy stomach.
All goodness is poison to your stomach.
You can't stomach anything good.
you hate goodness.
Yes, that goodness
Of gleaning all the land’s wealth into one,
Into your own hands, Cardinal, by extortion;
The goodness of your intercepted packets
You writ to the Pope against the King. Your goodness,
Since you provoke me, shall be most notorious.
My Lord of Norfolk, as you are truly noble,
As you respect the common good, the state
Of our despised nobility, our issues,
Who, if he live, will scarce be gentlemen,
Produce the grand sum of his sins, the articles
Collected from his life. I’ll startle you
Worse than the sacring bell when the brown wench
Lay kissing in your arms, Lord Cardinal.
Yes, that "goodness" of taking all the country's wealth into one hand, into your own hands, Cardinal, by crooked means; the "goodness" of those letters you wrote to the Pope against the King that were intercepted; your "goodness," since you provoked me, will become very well-known. My Lord of Norfolk, as you truly value honor, as you care about the common good, the condition of our disgraced nobility, our children, who, if things go on like this, will barely be gentlemen, bring out the full list of his crimes, the charges gathered from his life. I will shock you worse than the bell that rings during Mass when that dark-skinned girl was kissing in your arms, Lord Cardinal.
Yeah, that "goodness" of stashing all the nation's wealth in your own pockets through corruption, that "goodness" of those letters you sent to the Pope against the King that got intercepted, and your "goodness" that I'm about to expose. My Lord of Norfolk, if you truly care about honor and the welfare of our disgraced nobility—our children who are barely going to be gentlemen at this rate—bring out all the charges against him, everything he's done. I'll shock you with stuff worse than when that dark girl was caught kissing him, the Cardinal.
your 'goodness' is corruption. those intercepted letters to the pope. your crimes will be exposed. the stuff about the girl will shock everyone.
How much, methinks, I could despise this man,
But that I am bound in charity against it!
How much I could hate this man, but that I am bound by charity not to.
I could hate this guy so much, but I'm bound by my faith to show mercy.
i could hate him but faith holds me back.
Those articles, my lord, are in the King’s hand;
But thus much, they are foul ones.
Those charges, my lord, are in the King's hands; but I can tell you, they are very serious ones.
Those charges are already with the King, but I can tell you they're damning.
the charges are with the king and they're serious.
So much fairer
And spotless shall mine innocence arise
When the King knows my truth.
My innocence will appear so much purer and spotless when the King knows my truth.
When the King knows the truth, my innocence will shine even brighter.
the king will see my innocence.
This cannot save you.
I thank my memory I yet remember
Some of these articles, and out they shall.
Now, if you can blush and cry “Guilty,” Cardinal,
You’ll show a little honesty.
This will not save you. I am grateful that I still remember some of these charges, and I will bring them out into the open. Now, if you can blush and admit "I am guilty," Cardinal, you will show a little integrity.
That won't save you. I remember some of these charges and I'm going to lay them out. If you can actually blush and say "I'm guilty," Cardinal, that would show you have some honor.
that won't save you. i remember the charges. if you admit guilt, at least you'd show honor.
Speak on, sir;
I dare your worst objections. If I blush,
It is to see a nobleman want manners.
Go ahead, sir; I dare you to say the worst you can. If I blush, it is to see a nobleman lack proper manners.
Go on, sir. Bring it on. And if I look upset, it's only because I'm looking at a nobleman without any manners.
bring it on. if i'm upset it's seeing your bad manners.
I had rather want those than my head. Have at you!
First, that without the King’s assent or knowledge,
You wrought to be a legate, by which power
You maimed the jurisdiction of all bishops.
I would rather lose my head than lose my honor. Here we go: First, you worked to become a Pope's deputy without the King's permission or knowledge, and by that power you damaged the authority of all bishops.
I'd rather lose my head than my honor. Here's the first one: Without the King knowing, you schemed to become a papal legate, and with that power you undermined every bishop in England.
first: you became a legate without the king's knowledge and undermined all the bishops.
Then, that in all you writ to Rome, or else
To foreign princes, “_ego et rex meus_”
Was still inscribed, in which you brought the King
To be your servant.
And second, in everything you wrote to Rome or to foreign rulers, you always wrote, "I and my king," which put the King in the position of being your servant.
Second, every letter you sent to Rome or foreign powers said "I and my king," making it sound like the King works for you.
second: you put the king in a servant's position in your letters to rome.
Then, that without the knowledge
Either of King or Council, when you went
Ambassador to the Emperor, you made bold
To carry into Flanders the great seal.
Third, you went as ambassador to the Emperor without the King's or the Council's permission, and you took the great seal with you to Flanders.
Third, you went to visit the Emperor without telling the King or the Council, and you brought the great seal with you.
third: you took the great seal to flanders without permission.
Item, you sent a large commission
To Gregory de Cassado, to conclude,
Without the King’s will or the state’s allowance,
A league between his Highness and Ferrara.
Also, you sent a large official grant to Gregory de Cassado to make, without the King's approval or the state's permission, an agreement between the King and Ferrara.
Plus, you sent official papers to Gregory de Cassado to make a deal between the King and Ferrara without getting permission from the King or the government.
also: you made a deal between the king and ferrara without permission.
That out of mere ambition you have caused
Your holy hat to be stamped on the King’s coin.
Out of sheer ambition, you had yourself put on the King's currency with your cardinal's hat.
You were so ambitious you got your cardinal's hat printed on the King's money.
you got YOUR hat on the king's coins just out of pure ego
Then, that you have sent innumerable substance—
By what means got, I leave to your own conscience—
To furnish Rome and to prepare the ways
You have for dignities, to the mere undoing
Of all the kingdom. Many more there are,
Which, since they are of you, and odious,
I will not taint my mouth with.
And you've sent endless wealth—how you got it, I leave to your conscience—to enrich Rome and pave your way to honors, completely destroying the kingdom. There are many other crimes like this, which, since they're yours and disgusting, I won't even mention.
And you've been pouring massive amounts of money—I won't ask where you got it—into Rome to advance your career, which basically ruined the whole kingdom. And honestly, there's a bunch of other terrible stuff you've done that I'm not even going to talk about because it's so gross.
you drained the kingdom pouring money into rome for your own career there's more but i can't even
O my lord,
Press not a falling man too far! ’Tis virtue.
His faults lie open to the laws; let them,
Not you, correct him. My heart weeps to see him
So little of his great self.
My lord, don't push a man who's already falling! That would be wrong. His crimes are exposed to the law; let the law, not you, punish him. My heart breaks seeing him so diminished from his former greatness.
Don't pile on a guy who's already down! That's not right. His crimes are plain for everyone to see—let the law deal with him, not you. It breaks my heart to see him brought so low.
don't kick him when he's down let the law handle it it's sad to see him like this
'Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition! / By that sin fell the angels.' Wolsey's farewell speech is addressed specifically to the one man in the scene who will need this advice most and follow it least. Thomas Cromwell rose after Wolsey's fall to become the most powerful man in England — Henry VIII's chief minister, the architect of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the enforcer of the Reformation. He was executed in 1540. The audience in 1613 knew the whole story. Wolsey's warning — be just, fear not, let all your aims be your country's and God's and truth's, or fall as a blessed martyr — is both a genuine moral lesson and an irony the play cannot resolve. Cromwell serves the King with exactly the same zeal Wolsey did. The cycle continues.
I forgive him.
I forgive him.
i forgive him.
i forgive him.
Lord Cardinal, the King’s further pleasure is,
Because all those things you have done of late
By your power legative within this kingdom
Fall into th’ compass of a _praemunire_,
That therefore such a writ be sued against you
To forfeit all your goods, lands, tenements,
Chattels, and whatsoever, and to be
Out of the King’s protection. This is my charge.
Lord Cardinal, the King further desires that because all your recent actions—using your power as papal legate in this kingdom—fall under the legal definition of praemunire, a writ should be issued against you to seize all your property, lands, possessions, and everything else, and place you outside the King's protection. This is what I'm here to tell you.
Cardinal, the King wants you to know that everything you've done lately—using your papal authority here—is basically high treason. So he's taking legal action to seize all your stuff: your land, your property, everything. And you're out of his protection now. That's the message I'm delivering.
the king's seizing everything your land, property, all of it you have no protection now that's the order
And so we’ll leave you to your meditations
How to live better. For your stubborn answer
About the giving back the great seal to us,
The King shall know it and, no doubt, shall thank you.
So fare you well, my little good Lord Cardinal.
So we'll leave you to think about how to live better from now on. As for your refusal to return the great seal to us, the King will learn of it and will undoubtedly thank you for that. Farewell, my poor Lord Cardinal.
So we're leaving you here to figure out how to turn your life around. And the King's definitely going to hear about you refusing to give back the great seal—he'll have some thoughts about that. Take care now, Cardinal.
think about your choices the king knows you refused the seal he's not happy bye
So farewell to the little good you bear me.
Farewell? A long farewell to all my greatness!
This is the state of man: today he puts forth
The tender leaves of hopes; tomorrow blossoms,
And bears his blushing honours thick upon him;
The third day comes a frost, a killing frost,
And when he thinks, good easy man, full surely
His greatness is a-ripening, nips his root,
And then he falls, as I do. I have ventured,
Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders,
This many summers in a sea of glory,
But far beyond my depth. My high-blown pride
At length broke under me and now has left me,
Weary and old with service, to the mercy
Of a rude stream that must for ever hide me.
Vain pomp and glory of this world, I hate ye!
I feel my heart new opened. O, how wretched
Is that poor man that hangs on princes’ favours!
There is betwixt that smile we would aspire to,
That sweet aspect of princes, and their ruin,
More pangs and fears than wars or women have;
And when he falls, he falls like Lucifer,
Never to hope again.
So goodbye to whatever small kindness you had for me. Goodbye? A long goodbye to all my power and status! This is how human life goes: one day a man puts out tender shoots of hope; the next day they bloom and he's covered in glittering honors; on the third day comes frost—a deadly frost—and when he feels secure, thinking his success is ripening, it destroys his roots, and he falls, like I'm falling. I've dared greatly, like foolish boys floating on inflated bladders, for many summers now in a sea of glory, but far beyond my depths. My enormous pride finally collapsed under me and left me exhausted and aged by service, thrown to the mercy of a cruel current that will hide me forever. Vain display and worldly glory, I hate you! I feel my heart freshly opened. How miserable is that poor man who depends on princes' favor! Between the smile we long for, that sweet look from princes, and complete ruin, there's more suffering and fear than in wars or from women; and when such a man falls, he falls like Lucifer, with no hope of rising again.
So that's it for whatever you cared about me. Goodbye? A total goodbye to everything I've achieved! This is just how life works: one day you're putting out new growth and hope, the next day everything's blooming and you're covered in honors, and then boom—frost hits, the kind that kills everything, and when you think you're almost there, it destroys your roots and you crash, like I just did. I've been ambitious, like those dumb kids floating on inner tubes, paddling around for years in this ocean of power and glory, but I went way too deep. My huge ego finally sank under me and left me wrecked and exhausted, helpless against this current that's pulling me under forever. All this flashy worldly power—I hate it! I can feel my heart changing. Man, it's brutal depending on what some prince thinks of you. Between getting that smile you want from them and total destruction, there's more pain and fear than in actual war or dealing with women; and when you fall, you fall like Lucifer—done for.
goodbye to everything i thought i had it all but life doesn't work like that you're up then you're down i went too deep floating on pride like a kid with a raft now i'm drowning hate this world's games
Why, how now, Cromwell?
Why, how are things with you, Cromwell?
What's going on, Cromwell?
whats up cromwell
I have no power to speak, sir.
I'm unable to speak, sir.
I don't know what to say, sir.
i can't speak
What, amazed
At my misfortunes? Can thy spirit wonder
A great man should decline? Nay, an you weep,
I am fallen indeed.
What, shocked at my misfortunes? Is your spirit amazed that a great man should decline? No, if you weep, then I truly have fallen.
What, you're amazed by what happened to me? Can you believe a powerful man can lose everything? If you're crying, then yeah, I've really fallen.
can't believe a great man can fall? if you're crying then yes, i have
How does your Grace?
How are you, Your Grace?
How are you doing?
you ok?
Why, well.
Never so truly happy, my good Cromwell.
I know myself now, and I feel within me
A peace above all earthly dignities,
A still and quiet conscience. The King has cured me,
I humbly thank his Grace, and from these shoulders,
These ruined pillars, out of pity, taken
A load would sink a navy: too much honour.
O, ’tis a burden, Cromwell, ’tis a burden
Too heavy for a man that hopes for heaven.
Well, fine. More truly happy than I've ever been, Cromwell. I understand myself now and feel within me a peace beyond all earthly power, a calm and clear conscience. The King has healed me—I humbly thank his Grace—and from these shoulders, these ruined pillars, taken out of pity a weight that would sink a ship: too much honor. It's a burden, Cromwell, too heavy for a man who hopes for heaven.
Well, good, actually. I've never been happier, Cromwell. I finally understand who I am, and I feel this peace inside me that's bigger than any power or position. My conscience is clear now. The King's actually done me a favor, and I'm grateful—he's lifted this crushing weight off my shoulders, all this honor and status that was drowning me. It's a burden, you know? Too much for someone trying to get to heaven.
i'm happy really happy no more burden my conscience is clear peace
I am glad your Grace has made that right use of it.
I'm glad you're using this the right way, Your Grace.
I'm glad you're taking this the right way.
glad you're taking it well
I hope I have. I am able now, methinks,
Out of a fortitude of soul I feel,
To endure more miseries and greater far
Than my weak-hearted enemies dare offer.
What news abroad?
I hope so. I'm able now, I think, out of this strength of spirit I feel, to endure greater miseries and far worse than my cowardly enemies would dare try. What news from outside?
I hope I am. I actually feel like I have the strength now to handle even worse suffering than whatever my weak cowardly enemies throw at me. What's happening out there?
i can handle whatever comes stronger than my enemies what's new?
The heaviest and the worst
Is your displeasure with the King.
The worst and most serious news is that the King is displeased with you.
The worst part is that the King is angry with you.
worst part is the king's mad at you
God bless him.
God bless him.
god bless him.
god bless him.
The next is that Sir Thomas More is chosen
Lord Chancellor in your place.
The next news is that Sir Thomas More has been chosen to be Lord Chancellor in your position.
The next thing is they've chosen Sir Thomas More to be the new Lord Chancellor, replacing you.
thomas more's the new chancellor they replaced you
That’s somewhat sudden.
But he’s a learned man. May he continue
Long in his Highness’ favour, and do justice
For truth’s sake and his conscience, that his bones,
When he has run his course and sleeps in blessings,
May have a tomb of orphans’ tears wept on him.
What more?
That's rather abrupt. But he's a learned man. May he stay long in the King's favor and practice justice for the sake of truth and his conscience, so that when his life is done and he rests in blessings, his tomb may be watered by tears from orphans. What else?
That's pretty sudden. But he's a smart guy. I hope he does well and stays in the King's good graces, and that he actually pursues justice because he believes in it, so that when he dies, people remember him with tears. What else?
sudden but he's smart hope he does right what else?
That Cranmer is returned with welcome,
Installed Lord Archbishop of Canterbury.
Cranmer has come back and been warmly welcomed, made Lord Archbishop of Canterbury.
Cranmer's back and they're treating him great—he's been made Lord Archbishop of Canterbury.
cranmer's back he's the new archbishop
That’s news indeed.
That’s news indeed.
that’s news indeed.
that’s news indeed.
Last, that the Lady Anne,
Whom the King hath in secrecy long married,
This day was viewed in open as his Queen,
Going to chapel, and the voice is now
Only about her coronation.
Finally, Lady Anne, whom the King secretly married long ago, was seen publicly today as his Queen going to chapel, and now everyone is only talking about her coronation.
And last, Lady Anne—who the King married in secret a while ago—was shown off publicly as Queen today when she went to chapel. Now everyone's just talking about her coronation.
lady anne's the new queen the king married her in secret now everyone's talking about her coronation
There was the weight that pulled me down.
O Cromwell,
The King has gone beyond me. All my glories
In that one woman I have lost for ever.
No sun shall ever usher forth mine honours,
Or gild again the noble troops that waited
Upon my smiles. Go, get thee from me, Cromwell.
I am a poor fallen man, unworthy now
To be thy lord and master. Seek the King;
That sun, I pray, may never set! I have told him
What and how true thou art. He will advance thee;
Some little memory of me will stir him—
I know his noble nature—not to let
Thy hopeful service perish too. Good Cromwell,
Neglect him not; make use now, and provide
For thine own future safety.
That's what crushed me. Cromwell, the King has surpassed me. All my glory I've lost forever in that one woman. The sun will never again present my honors or shine again on the noble crowd that awaited my smiles. Go, leave me, Cromwell. I'm a broken man now, not worthy to be your lord and master anymore. Go seek out the King—may that sun never set, I pray! I've told him what and how loyal you are. He will promote you; some small memory of me will move him—I know his noble nature—not to let your promising service go to waste too. Cromwell, don't ignore this opportunity; make use of it now and prepare for your own future security.
That's what did me in. Cromwell, the King's gone past me now. I've lost everything I achieved to this one woman. No one's going to shine a light on my honors anymore or show off those important people who used to hang around me because of my status. Get out of here, Cromwell. I'm worthless now, not fit to be your boss anymore. Go find the King—hope he lasts forever! I told him you're loyal and true, and he'll help you advance. Maybe thinking of me will make him remember to not let your talents go to waste. Cromwell, don't miss this chance; use it now and make sure you're set up for the future.
that was it that crushed me go to the king now he'll help you i told him you're good make your move now
O my lord,
Must I then leave you? Must I needs forgo
So good, so noble, and so true a master?
Bear witness, all that have not hearts of iron,
With what a sorrow Cromwell leaves his lord.
The King shall have my service, but my prayers
For ever and for ever shall be yours.
My lord, must I really leave you? Must I really have to give up such a good, noble, and loyal master? Everyone who has compassion, witness this sorrow with which Cromwell leaves his lord. The King will have my service, but my prayers will be yours forever and ever.
My lord, I have to leave you? I have to abandon someone so good and loyal and noble? Anyone with a heart, look at me—this is how sad it is to leave my lord. I'll serve the King, but I'll pray for you forever.
do i really have to leave you? i'll serve the king but my prayers are yours always
Cromwell, I did not think to shed a tear
In all my miseries, but thou hast forced me,
Out of thy honest truth, to play the woman.
Let’s dry our eyes, and thus far hear me, Cromwell,
And when I am forgotten, as I shall be,
And sleep in dull cold marble, where no mention
Of me more must be heard of, say, I taught thee;
Say Wolsey, that once trod the ways of glory
And sounded all the depths and shoals of honour,
Found thee a way, out of his wreck, to rise in,
A sure and safe one, though thy master missed it.
Mark but my fall and that that ruined me.
Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition!
By that sin fell the angels; how can man, then,
The image of his maker, hope to win by it?
Love thyself last; cherish those hearts that hate thee.
Corruption wins not more than honesty.
Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace
To silence envious tongues. Be just, and fear not.
Let all the ends thou aim’st at be thy country’s,
Thy God’s, and truth’s. Then if thou fall’st, O Cromwell,
Thou fall’st a blessed martyr!
Serve the King. And, prithee, lead me in.
There take an inventory of all I have.
To the last penny; ’tis the King’s. My robe
And my integrity to heaven is all
I dare now call mine own. O Cromwell, Cromwell,
Had I but served my God with half the zeal
I served my king, He would not in mine age
Have left me naked to mine enemies.
Cromwell, I never thought I'd cry despite all my suffering, but you've forced me, through your honest loyalty, to show weakness. Let's dry our eyes and listen to what I'm telling you, Cromwell. And when I'm forgotten, as I will be, and lie in cold stone with no one remembering me anymore, say that I taught you. Say Wolsey once walked paths of glory and knew all the depths and heights of honor, and found you a way up from his ruins—a sure and safe way, though my master missed it. Learn from my fall and what destroyed me. Cromwell, I order you: reject ambition! Ambition made the angels fall—how can man, made in God's image, hope to succeed through it? Love yourself last; treat kindly those who hate you. Honesty wins more than corruption ever does. Always carry peace in your right hand to silence envious people. Be just, and don't be afraid. Let everything you work toward be for your country, for God, and for truth. Then if you fall, Cromwell, you fall as a blessed martyr! Serve the King. And please, lead me inside. There take an inventory of everything I own. To the last penny—it all belongs to the King. My clothes and my honesty toward God is all I can call my own now. Oh Cromwell, if I had only served God with half the passion I served the King, He wouldn't have abandoned me to my enemies in my old age.
Cromwell, I didn't think I'd cry no matter how bad things got, but your loyalty broke through that. Look, dry your eyes and listen to me, Cromwell. When I'm gone and nobody remembers me anymore, you tell them this: I showed you how to be successful. I once knew how to climb to the top and I figured out a path for you to do it better than I did—a smarter way, though I didn't take it. Look at what happened to me and why. Cromwell, I need you to hear this: get rid of ambition. It's what made even the angels fall—how can we regular people win by chasing it? Put yourself last; actually be kind to people who don't like you. Honesty gets you further than corruption. Keep peace in your heart to shut up jealous people. Be fair and don't be scared. Make sure everything you do is for your country, for God, and for what's right. If you fall doing that, you fall as a hero. Work for the King. And please, take me inside. I want to give you a full account of everything I own. Every last penny—it goes to the King. All I have left is my dignity and my faith. Cromwell, if I'd spent even half as much effort serving God as I did serving the King, God wouldn't have abandoned me like this.
your loyalty made me cry i never thought i would listen when i'm gone tell them i taught you ambition destroyed me dont make my mistakes be honest not greedy be kind to enemies serve god first if you do it right you'll be a hero
Good sir, have patience.
Sir, have patience with me.
Please, be patient with me.
just be patient
So I have. Farewell,
The hopes of court! My hopes in heaven do dwell.
I do have it. Farewell to all hopes of court! My hopes now rest in heaven.
I am patient. Goodbye to court and all that. My real hopes are in heaven now.
farewell court my hope is in heaven
The Reckoning
This is the longest scene in the play and the structural pivot of the whole work: everything before this is Wolsey's power; everything after is its absence. What makes the scene extraordinary is that Wolsey's downfall is produced by an accident — the wrong papers slipped into the wrong packet — and that the nobles who strip him are not morally superior to him, merely luckier. The 'bright exhalation' soliloquy ('I have touched the highest point of all my greatness / And from that full meridian of my glory / I haste now to my setting') is one of the great self-elegies in Shakespeare. And the 'fling away ambition' speech to Cromwell ('Had I but served my God with half the zeal / I served my king, He would not in mine age / Have left me naked to mine enemies') is historically documented — the real Wolsey is reported to have said something very like it. The play makes him earn the redemption of those last lines through the scene's earlier ruthlessness.
If this happened today…
A CEO who built an empire through aggressive politics is quietly undermined when an internal memo — intended for his personal lawyer — accidentally gets CC'd to the board. The memo reveals he has been secretly working against the company's planned merger while publicly supporting it, all to advance his own bid for the chairmanship of an international body. The board meets, confronts him, and his senior rivals pile on with a prepared list of governance violations. He defends himself with surprising dignity, hands over his key card, and is left alone in his corner office. He calls in his executive assistant, admits everything, and tells him to leave for a better company.