How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #10
CRANMER
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—
But few now living can behold that goodness—
A pattern to all princes living with her
And all that shall succeed. (5.5.24-30)
Everything Cranmer says about baby Elizabeth comes true. Shakespeare's audience knows it, too. So, Cranmer's prophecy is long-winded, but it also serves a larger purpose: it helps the audience understand that what is happening is all part of a larger cosmic design. It also helps them relate the events on stage to events from the near past in their own lives.