They should thank me for sending them to Heaven,
If they are wretched here.
[To the CARDINAL.]
Is it not said
Somewhere in Holy Writ, that every man
Should be contented with that state of life
God calls him to? Why should I change their state,
Or meddle with an all-wise providence,
Which has apportioned that some men should starve,
And others surfeit? I did not make the world.
FIRST CITIZEN
He hath a hard heart.
SECOND CITIZEN
Nay, be silent, neighbour;
I think the Cardinal will speak for us.
CARDINAL
True, it is Christian to bear misery,
Yet it is Christian also to be kind,
And there seem many evils in this town,
Which in your wisdom might your Grace reform.
FIRST CITIZEN
What is that word reform? What does it mean?
SECOND CITIZEN
Marry, it means leaving things as they are; I like it not.
DUKE
Reform Lord Cardinal, did YOU say reform?
There is a man in Germany called Luther,
Who would reform the Holy Catholic Church.
Have you not made him heretic, and uttered
Anathema, maranatha, against him?
CARDINAL
[rising from his seat]
He would have led the sheep out of the fold,
We do but ask of you to feed the sheep.
DUKE
When I have shorn their fleeces I may feed them.
As for these rebels -
[DUCHESS entreats him.]
FIRST CITIZEN
That is a kind word,
He means to give us something.
Pages:
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32