How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #4
KATHERINE
My lords, I care not, so much I am happy
Above a number, if my actions
Were tried by ev'ry tongue, ev'ry eye saw 'em,
Envy and base opinion set against 'em,
I know my life so even. If your business
Seek me out, and that way I am wife in,
Out with it boldly. Truth loves open dealing. (3.1.38-44)
Katherine says this to Wolsey and Campeius after her trial as a way of challenging them. She is truthful, and they are not—plain and simple. But, since she doesn't have the political power that they do, she challenges them to bring their accusations against her out in the open. It's harder to lie out in the open, so she hopes they will be found out in public.
Quote #5
KING
Have I not made you
The prime man of the state? I pray you tell me
If what I now pronounce you have found true:
And, if you may confess it, say withal
If you are bound to us or no. What say you? (3.2.206-210)
We're not sure if Henry realizes it, but this pretty much sums up a major theme of the whole play: he's after truth, and so are we. It's fitting that he is questioning what is true here, because that's the position pretty much everyone—including us—is in throughout the play. No one tells us for certain whether or not accusations are true, so we're left to question. But hey, we're not in bad company if the king is doing that, too.
Quote #6
WOLSEY
So much fairer
And spotless shall mine innocence arise
When the king knows my truth. (3.2.363-365)
After Wolsey is confronted and asked to give up his seal, he doesn't take it lightly. Instead, he tells Norfolk and Surrey to watch it. What we're really interested in is that little word my in front of truth. Wolsey hints at the fact that truth is subjective: it's always open to interpretation in this play.