Buckingham (Henry VIII)

Play

Henry VIII

Summary

Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, is the first great man to fall in the play, destroyed by Wolsey through the false testimony of a surveyor. His fall establishes the pattern: great men rise to Henry's favour and are then cast down. His farewell speech on his way to execution — forgiving his enemies, trusting in God, and counselling patience — is celebrated for its nobility and is one of the finest passages in the play.

Notable Quotations

"All good people, / You that thus far have come to pity me, / Hear what I say, and then go home and lose me." *(2.1)*

"I have this day receiv'd a traitor's judgment, / And by that name must die: yet, heaven bear witness, / And if I have a conscience, let it sink me, / Even as the axe falls, if I be not faithful!" *(2.1)*

"I forgive all. / There cannot be those numberless offences / 'Gainst me, that I cannot take peace with: no black envy / Shall make my grave." *(2.1)*

Cross-references

• Henry VIII — the play
• Henry VIII — the king who condemns him
• Cardinal Wolsey — the man who engineers his fall
• Norfolk (Henry VIII) — his ally
• Histories