Act 4 - Scene 1

A street in Westminster.

Enter two Gentlemen, meeting one another

First Gentleman

You're well met once again.

Second Gentleman

So are you.

First Gentleman

You come to take your stand here, and behold
The Lady Anne pass from her coronation?

Second Gentleman

'Tis all my business. At our last encounter,
The Duke of Buckingham came from his trial.

First Gentleman

'Tis very true: but that time offer'd sorrow;
This, general joy.

Second Gentleman

'Tis well: the citizens,
I am sure, have shown at full their royal minds–
As, let 'em have their rights, they are ever forward–
In celebration of this day with shows,
Pageants and sights of honour.

First Gentleman

Never greater,
Nor, I'll assure you, better taken, sir.

Second Gentleman

May I be bold to ask at what that contains,
That paper in your hand?

First Gentleman

Yes; 'tis the list
Of those that claim their offices this day
By custom of the coronation.
The Duke of Suffolk is the first, and claims
To be high-steward; next, the Duke of Norfolk,
He to be earl marshal: you may read the rest.

Second Gentleman

I thank you, sir: had I not known those customs,
I should have been beholding to your paper.
But, I beseech you, what's become of Katharine,
The princess dowager? how goes her business?

First Gentleman

That I can tell you too. The Archbishop
Of Canterbury, accompanied with other
Learned and reverend fathers of his order,
Held a late court at Dunstable, six miles off
From Ampthill where the princess lay; to which
She was often cited by them, but appear'd not:
And, to be short, for not appearance and
The king's late scruple, by the main assent
Of all these learned men she was divorced,
And the late marriage made of none effect
Since which she was removed to Kimbolton,
Where she remains now sick.