When has Shakespeare said/written the expression deeds, not words?
The expression you mention refers to lines spoken by King Henry VII in Act 3, Scene 2. The King has learned that Cardinal Wolsey, although professing to be working on the king’s behalf to secure his divorce from Katherine, has secretly send a message to the Pope urging him to postpone consideration of the divorce to prevent the king’s marriage to Anne Boleyn. The pertinent exchange is this: CARDINAL WOLSEY Sir, For holy offices I have a time; a time To think upon the part of business which I bear i’ the state; and nature does require Her times of preservation, which perforce I, her frail son, amongst my brethren mortal, Must give my tendence to. KING HENRY VIII
