Queen's Trial

"Charles couldn't avoid to laugh after sir Anthony's words. He glanced teasingly at Boleyn and grinned secretely"

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]


Wolsey listened carefully at sir Anthony´s words, it was important that he told Campeggio everything he knew.
As he noticed people laughing and there was noise, he nodded at the court usher who immediately bang the floor with his staff, shouting: Silence! Silence in the courtroom! and the laughing stopped.

He looked at Campeggio and spoke to him.
'I believe we still have the blood stained sheets to prove sir Anthony's story.'

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Norfolk laughed along with all the people laughing at Sir Anthoney's words, it was quite amusing. With satisfaction he saw that even Wolsey's pupil Cromwell who sat next to him had to make every effort not to laugh.
He tried to suppress his laughther as the court usher called for silence, but when Wolsey mentioned some sheets they could provide after all these years he burst out laughing gently.
He noted though that no one laughed anymore, bowed his head and bited his lips to prevent himself to laugh again.

The court convened again and after Campeggio opened it as usual, Wolsey stood up.

'The king wants to make a statement! Your Majesty...' he nodded at him and sat down again, looking at the attendees to make sure they all listened to their king.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Untill this very moment bishop Fisher had not spoken a single word, but now he stood up and spoke urgently to the cardinals.

Your Excellencies, I tell you now that I never signed such document! And if my name is on this petition, Archbishop Warham put it there without my knowledge!

He neglected the rumpus behind him among the public and kept staring at the cardinals with sharp eyes.

Henry looked directly into Fisher's eyes. Then he put a grin on his face and shook his head

I won't talk with just only a man! My doubts about my marriages are right. Only God knows how many sleepless nights I spent because of that! And I won't allow to anyone to say...that Cardinal Wolsey put such doubts inside me! Because they come from my consience, and from my deep love and respect for the Queen...

After saying that, he heard people murmuring each other again. He looked proudly around and sat on his throne again

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Campeggio looked around

"Silence! Silence please!"

He looked at Fisher

"Anything else Bishop Fisher?"

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]



Fisher nodded grateful at cardinal Campeggio and neglected the angrily faces of the king and cardinal Wolsey.

Your Eminencies, you have been asked to judge the validity of this marriage. It is my opinion, that no power, human nor divine can annul the marriage between the king and queen!

Silence. No one spoke in awaiting of more, so he continued.

Let me give you, if you allow me, a Biblical parallel. Undoubtedly, you remember the tetrarch Herod Antipas, who got rid of his wife to marry his brother´s wife. And who next beheaded John the Baptist because he dared to critisize the royal couple.

People murmured in disbelief after this comparison from the king with this famous Biblian tyrant, but he kept talking.

Like John the Baptist I say humbly to you today that I am willingly to offer my life to defend the holy sacrament of marriage and to condemn adultery!

Wolsey listened with growing anger and annoyence at bishop Fisher and when Fisher finished his last sentence, he leaned forward to him and spoke dismissive.
`An outrage! It´s an outrage!´

A pandemonium broke loose among the attendees.
Bishop Tunstall, standing behind the king jumped at his feet and shouted above the tumult in the audience.

Your Eminincies! I accuse bishop Fisher of presumption, boldness and infidelity! I demand you to neglect every single despicable word he says!

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

But it was too late. It was not possible to remain the order anymore and people started to leave the room noisily, while Wolsey sat frozen and horrified on his chair.
He had no choice.

'Court dismissed for today!' He dared not to look at the king and lowered his head, his hands folden.

"Charles walked into Trial's Hall and took his place. He glanced at Wolsey. Then he turned his eyes towards the King. He looked very worried because of the verdict. The crowd was looking at Campeggio and he did too. He took a deep breath and waited silently for him to speak"

Norfolk winked at Brandon as their eyes met. He looked at Henry, who gently helped the old cardinal sitting down, probably hoping to influence his decision with his action and then he saw Wolsey’s face and he surpressed a smile.
For Norfolk the outcome would be good, whether the annulment would be pronounced or not.
If the annulment was pronounced, the way to the throne was open for his niece, if not, it would only take another while, but meanwhile it would mean the end of that horrible Wolsey, who had promised
his king a good outcome before the summer. Norfolk smiled at himself and pulled a serious face.

Fisher was present, the only defense of the Queen’s rights and though he appeared to be calm and certain of a positive decision for her, he felt rather precarious. He looked at the king and then at Wolsey and
noticed their anxiousness which gave him courage. He set his eyes on Campeggio, waiting for him to speak.

Wolsey sat behind the table, his hands folden under his chin, hiding his nervousness about the outcome. Campeggio gave him no clue so he had to await his decision like everyone else.
He stared at the back of Campeggio who sat all alone before him, feeling the curious and gloating glances of Brandon and Norfolk, even though he tried to ignore them.
Campeggio took his time and Wolsey’s excitement grew, why didn’t he speak, where was he waiting for? He wiped his forehead as finally the king´s prosecutor came forward and addressed himself to the cardinals, asking about their decision. All eyes were now set on Campeggio and Wolsey held his breath.

Campeggio stood up and he took a deep breath

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

-After much deliberation, we have decided that,this great matter is too important to be here decided without consultation with the curia at Rome.Unfortunately, the curia is now in summer recess.In which case there is no alternative but to prorogue thistribunal until October first.That is our judgment..

Norfolk bowed his head while Campeggio was speaking and glanced aside at Brandon.
.... so again.... delay....! he whispered but then the king rose from his chair and all stood up, watching him leaving the room in silence.
Norfolk looked after him and then grimaced at Brandon.
... time to play the final card! he spoke softly while he moved his head, pointing out Wolsey.

Fisher sighed in relief and smiled at himself. Campeggio had resisted the pressure and given back the case in the hands of the Pope!
He bowed deeply while the king passed him and then turned to people in the audience, whispering at him that he had done a good job and he shrugged humbly as he recieved their compliments, shaking some of them the hand.

Wolsey listened and all hope disappeared by every word Campeggio spoke. He bowed his head and sighed deeply, but rose when everyone stood up for the king. With pain in his heart he saw Henry leaving and suddenly he came into action himself, he needed to get out of here!
He made his way behind the other clerics and as he walked on, he passed Campeggio, still sitting on his chair. He could not resist and put firmly his hand on Campeggio's arm, hissing at him.

'You!...you... stupid cunt!' he gave him no time to react and pushed on towards the Hall's entrance.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

"Charles bowed deeply as the King walked in front of them. He glanced at Norfolk and nodded after his sentence"

Yes...we have to act. We must. Now...

"He whispered secretely, looking at Wolsey. Noticing he was walking away, trying to leave the Hall, Charles left his place and reached him with quick steps. He put himself in front of Wolsey and stopped him"

Anyone will be fine...until we'll have Cardinals in England!

"He whispered angrily into his ear, grabbing strongly his arm and looking directly into his eyes"

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]