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Summary

Play description  
ACT I  
Scene 1. The Duke of Norfolk tells the Duke of Buckingham and his son-in-law, Lord Abergavenny,  
of the recent sumptuous meeting between King Henry and Francis I of France. They are, however,  
unimpressed and speak bitterly of the arrogance and ambition of the Lord Chancellor, Cardinal  
Wolsey, who brokered the French alliance. Buckingham is arrested for high treason.  
Scene 2. As Henry waits to hear the case against Buckingham, Queen Katherine enters and makes a  
plea for a reduction of the high taxes imposed by Wolsey upon the country’s clothiers. This is granted,  
though Wolsey ensures that he is credited for the dispensation. Buckingham’s surveyor claims that  
the Duke desires the crown for himself. Katherine reminds the King that the surveyor was dismissed  
by Buckingham, but Henry remains convinced by the allegations.  
Scene 3. Chamberlain, Sandys and Lovell discuss the French fashions that have swept through the  
court. They set off together for dinner with Wolsey.  
Scene 4. At Wolsey’s banquet, Henry is smitten with Anne Bullen. 

Duration: about 3 hours (02:49:18)
Publishing date: 2020-03-08; Unabridged; Copyright Year: — Copyright Statment: —

• Classics
• Poetry & Theatre