(Vol. vii., pp. 5. 111.)
Having no desire to enter into unnecessary controversy, I do not often
reply to objections made to my conjectural emendations of passages in
Shakspeare; but on the present occasion I think it incumbent on me to
appeal to the common sense of those who take interest in such matters, by
merely placing in juxta-position the reading I have proposed, and that of
your Leeds correspondent, and thus leave it to their impartial decision
without fear of the result. It may be necessary, as your correspondent has
adverted to {184} what precedes, to give the passage as it stands in the
folio at some length. Wolsey having said--
"For your great Graces
Heap'd upon me (poore Undeserver) I
Can nothing offer but my Allegiant thankes,
My Prayres to heaven for you; my Loyaltie
Which ever ha's, and ever shall be growing
Till death (that Winter) kill it."
The King replies:
"Fairely answer'd:
A Loyal, and obedient Subject is
Therein illustrated, the Honor of it
Does pay the Act of it, as i'th' contrary
The fowlenesse is the punishment. I presume
That as my hand ha's open'd Bounty to you,
My heart dropt Love, my powre rain'd Honor, more
On you, then any: So your Hand, and Heart,
Your Braine, and every Function of your power,
Should, notwithstanding that your bond of duty,
As 'twer in Love's particular, be more
To me your Friend, then any."
Wolsey rejoins:
"I do professe
That for your Highnesse good, I ever labour'd
More then mine owne: that am, haue, and will be
(Though all the world should crack their duty to you,
And throw it from their Soule, though perils did
Abound, as thicke as thought could make 'em, and
Appeare in formes more horrid) yet my Duty,
As doth a Rocke against the chiding Flood,
Should the approach of this wilde River breake,
And stand unshaken yours."