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READINGS FOR THE
FOR THE PEOPLE.

THE FALL OF CARDINAL WOLSEY.

SHAKESPEARE.

[CARDINAL WOLSEY has just learned from King Henry VIII.'s lips that he has fallen under the King's displeasure.]

Wol. I have touch'd 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.

Enter the DUKES OF NORFOLK and SUFFOLK, the EARL OF SURREY, and the LORD CHAMBERLAIN.

Nor. 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.

Wol.

Stay,

Where's your commission, lords? Words cannot carry

Authority so weighty.

Suf.

Who dare cross them,

Bearing the king's will from his mouth expressly? Wol. Till I find more than will or words to do it

(I mean your malice), know, officious lords,

B