Scene 2.

Lobby before the Council Chamber

Enter CRANMER, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY

CRANMER
I hope I am not too late; and yet the gentleman
That was sent to me from the Council pray'd me
To make great haste. All fast? What means this? Ho!
Who waits there? Sure you know me?

Enter KEEPER

KEEPER
Yes, my lord;
But yet I cannot help you.

CRANMER
Why?

KEEPER
Your Grace must wait till you be call'd for.

Enter DOCTOR BUTTS

CRANMER
So.

BUTTS
[Aside] This is a piece of malice. I am glad
I came this way so happily; the King
Shall understand it presently.

Exit

CRANMER
[Aside] 'Tis Butts,
The King's physician; as he pass'd along,
How earnestly he cast his eyes upon me!
Pray heaven he sound not my disgrace! For certain,
This is of purpose laid by some that hate me-
God turn their hearts! I never sought their malice-
To quench mine honour; they would shame to make me
Wait else at door, a fellow councillor,
'Mong boys, grooms, and lackeys. But their pleasures
Must be fulfill'd, and I attend with patience.

Enter the KING and BUTTS at window above

BUTTS
I'll show your Grace the strangest sight-

KING
What's that, Butts?

BUTTS
I think your Highness saw this many a day.

KING
Body a me, where is it?

BUTTS
There my lord:
The high promotion of his Grace of Canterbury;
Who holds his state at door, 'mongst pursuivants,
Pages, and footboys.

KING
Ha, 'tis he indeed.
Is this the honour they do one another?
'Tis well there's one above 'em yet. I had thought
They had parted so much honesty among 'em-
At least good manners-as not thus to suffer
A man of his place, and so near our favour,
To dance attendance on their lordships' pleasures,
And at the door too, like a post with packets.
By holy Mary, Butts, there's knavery!
Let 'em alone, and draw the curtain close;
We shall hear more anon.

Exeunt