How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #1
BUCKINGHAM
Go with me like good angels to my end,
And as the long divorce of steel falls on me,
Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice,
And lift my soul to heaven. (2.1.92-95)
When he's about to be executed, Buckingham focuses on the spiritual. We don't get to see much of him before his trial and execution, so it's difficult to tell whether he's this devout all the time—or just when he's about to die. Either way, he seems to find some comfort in praying before his death. In fact, he seems more sincere in his beliefs than Wolsey does.
Quote #2
FIRST GENTLEMAN
Good angels keep it from us!
What may it be? You do not doubt my faith, sir?
SECOND GENTLEMAN:
This secret is so weighty 'twill require
A strong faith to conceal it (2.1.164-167)
We couldn't have said it better ourselves. The gents openly question one another's faith when shooting the breeze. But there's no bad blood there: the issue is as quickly resolved as it began. The gents show us that anyone can discuss spiritual matters, not just nobles or church priests.
Quote #3
NORFOLK
How holily he works in all his business,
And with what zeal! For, now he has cracked the
league
Between us and the Emperor, the Queen's
great-nephew,
He dives into the King's soul and there scatters
Dangers, doubts, wringing of the conscience,
Fears, and despairs—and all these for his marriage. (2.2.27-34)
Norfolk disses Wolsey (who else?) by talking about his sacrilegious ways. Wolsey is supposed to be offering Henry religious guidance and support, but instead he leverages his position to turn Henry against his nobles. What's worrying is that Norfolk suggests that someone can tamper with someone else's spirituality (that seems serious). If anyone can and would do it, it would be Wolsey.