Henry VIII Spirituality Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)

Quote #4

KATHERINE
I will, when you are humble; nay, before,
Or God will punish me. I do believe,
Induced by potent circumstances, that
You are mine enemy, and make my challenge
You shall not be my judge; for it is you
Have blown this coal betwixt my lord and me—
Which God's dew quench! Therefore I say again,
I utterly abhor, yea, from my soul
Refuse you for my judge... (2.4.83-91)

She's bold, forthcoming, and above all, spiritual. Katherine doesn't just smack-talk Wolsey to Henry; instead, she calls him out on his un-saintly ways. She tells everyone that she will pray for forgiveness if she's wrong about Wolsey, so even though she's calling Wolsey out, she still remains more or less above reproach when it comes to being holy and religious.

Quote #5

QUEEN KATHERINE
The more shame for you. Holy men I thought you,
Upon my soul, two reverend cardinal virtues;
But cardinal sins and hollow hearts I fear you.
Mend 'em, for shame, my lords. Is this your comfort? (3.1.116-119)

The clearest statement about why Wolsey's behavior is unfair comes straight from Katherine's mouth. After she refuses to participate in her trial, Katherine tells the cardinals that their treatment of her is awful. But wait, there're more: then she says it's all that much worse because they are of the church and should be godly men. Oh, snap.

Quote #6

WOLSEY
But to stubborn spirits
They swell and grow as terrible as storms.
I know you have a gentle, noble temper,
A soul as even as a calm. Pray think us
Those we profess: peacemakers, friends, and servants. (3.1.181-185)

Wolsey is not one to take accusations lightly. He tells Katherine what she can do with her comments about him not being spiritual enough. She can… pray. Wait, what? Wolsey strikes back by saying Katherine should be more religious and less hotheaded. We're not so convinced.