Act 5 — Scene V. The palace.[892]
Reading edition
Scene V. The palace.[892]
Enter Trumpets, sounding; then two Aldermen, Lord Mayor, Garter, Cranmer, Duke of Norfolk with his marshal's staff, Duke of Suffolk, two Noblemen bearing great standing-bowls for the christening-gifts; then four Noblemen bearing a canopy, under which the Duchess of Norfolk, godmother, bearing the child richly habited in a mantle, &c., train borne by a Lady; then follows the Marchioness Dorset, the other godmother, and Ladies. The troop pass once about the stage, and Garter speaks.
Gart. Heaven, from thy endless goodness, send prosperous[893] life, long, and ever happy, to the high and mighty[893] princess of England, Elizabeth![893]
Flourish. Enter King and Guard.[894]
Cran. [Kneeling] And to your royal grace, and the good queen.[895][896] My noble partners and myself thus pray:[896] 5 All comfort, joy, in this most gracious lady,[897] Heaven ever laid up to make parents happy,[898] May hourly fall upon ye! King. Thank you, good lord archbishop:[899] What is her name? Cran. Elizabeth. King. Stand up, lord.
[The King kisses the child.
With this kiss take my blessing: God protect thee![900] 10 Into whose hand I give thy life. Cran. Amen. King. My noble gossips, ye have been too prodigal:[901] I thank ye heartily; so shall this lady, When she has so much English. Cran. Let me speak, sir, For heaven now bids me; and the words I utter 15 Let none think flattery, for they'll find 'em truth. This royal infant—heaven still move about her!— Though in her cradle, yet now promises Upon this land a thousand thousand blessings, Which time shall bring to ripeness: she shall be— 20 But few now living can behold that goodness—[902] A pattern to all princes living with her And all that shall succeed: Saba was never[903] More covetous of wisdom and fair virtue Than this pure soul shall be: all princely graces,[904] 25 That mould up such a mighty piece as this is,[905] With all the virtues that attend the good, Shall still be doubled on her: truth shall nurse her, Holy and heavenly thoughts still counsel her: She shall be loved and fear'd: her own shall bless her; 30 Her foes shake like a field of beaten corn,[906] And hang their heads with sorrow. Good grows with her:[907] In her days every man shall eat in safety, Under his own vine, what he plants, and sing The merry songs of peace to all his neighbours: 35 God shall be truly known; and those about her From her shall read the perfect ways of honour,[908][909] And by those claim their greatness, not by blood.[909] Nor shall this peace sleep with her; but, as when[910] The bird of wonder dies, the maiden phœnix,[910] 40 Her ashes new create another heir[910] As great in admiration as herself,[910] So shall she leave her blessedness to one—[910] When heaven shall call her from this cloud of darkness—[910] Who from the sacred ashes of her honour[910] 45 Shall star-like rise, as great in fame as she was,[910] And so stand fix'd. Peace, plenty, love, truth, terror,[910] That were the servants to this chosen infant,[910] Shall then be his and like a vine grow to him:[910] Wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shine,[910] 50 His honour and the greatness of his name[910] Shall be, and make new nations: he shall flourish,[910] And, like a mountain cedar, reach his branches[910] To all the plains about him. Our children's children[910][911] Shall see this, and bless heaven.[910] King. Thou speakest wonders. 55 Cran. She shall be, to the happiness of England,[912] An aged princess; many days shall see her,[912] And yet no day without a deed to crown it.[912] Would I had known no more! but she must die;[912] She must; the saints must have her; yet a virgin,[912][913] 60 A most unspotted lily shall she pass[912][914] To the ground, and all the world shall mourn her.[912][915] King. O lord archbishop, Thou hast made me now a man! never, before This happy child, did I get any thing. 65 This oracle of comfort has so pleased me, That when I am in heaven I shall desire To see what this child does, and praise my Maker. I thank ye all. To you, my good lord mayor, And your good brethren, I am much beholding;[916] 70 I have received much honour by your presence, And ye shall find me thankful. Lead the way, lords: Ye must all see the queen, and she must thank ye; She will be sick else. This day, no man think Has business at his house; for all shall stay:[917] 75 This little one shall make it holiday. [Exeunt.