1    I hope I am not too late; and yet the gentleman,
2    That was sent to me from the council, pray'd me
3    To make great haste. All fast? what means this? Ho!
4    Who waits there? Sure, you know me?

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

7    Why?

8    Your grace must wait till you be call'd for.

9    So.

Aside
10    This is a piece of malice. I am glad
11   I came this way so happily: the king
12   Shall understand it presently.

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

23   I'll show your grace the strangest sight--

24   What's that, Butts?

25   I think your highness saw this many a day.

26   Body o' me, where is it?

27   There, my lord:
28   The high promotion of his grace of Canterbury;
29   Who holds his state at door, 'mongst pursuivants,
30   Pages, and footboys.

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