Cranmer\'slookwasgentleandserious，andatthesametimeacompassionateandencouragingsmileplayedabouthisthinlips。
Gardiner\'sfeaturesonthecontraryboretheexpressionofcruel，cold-heartedirony；andthesmilewhichrestedonhisthick，protrudinglipswasthejoyfulandmercilesssmileofapriestreadytosacrificeavictimtohisidol。
\"Courage，mydaughter，courageandprudence！\"whisperedCranmer。
\"God，whoblessestherighteousandpunishesanddestroyssinners，bewiththeeandwithusall！\"saidGardiner。
ButAnneAskewrecoiledwithashudderfromthetouchofhishand，andwithanimpetuousmovementpusheditawayfromhershoulder。
\"Touchmenot；youarethehangmanofthosepoorpeoplewhomtheyareputtingtodeathdownyonder，\"saidsheimpetuously；andassheturnedtothekingandextendedherhandsimploringlytowardhim，shecried:
\"Mercy，KingHenry，mercy！\"
\"Mercy！\"repeatedtheking，\"mercy，andforwhom？Whoaretheythattheyareputtingtodeathdownthere？Tellme，forsooth，mylordbishops，whoaretheythatareledtothestaketo-day？Whoarethecondemned？\"
\"Theyareheretics，whodevotethemselvestothisnewfalsedoctrinewhichhascomeovertousfromGermany，andwhodarerefusetorecognizethespiritualsupremacyofourlordandking，\"saidBishopGardiner。
\"TheyareRomanCatholics，whoregardthePopeofRomeasthechiefshepherdoftheChurchofChrist，andwillregardnobodybuthimastheirlord，\"saidBishopCranmer。
\"Ah，beholdthisyoungmaidenaccusesusofinjustice，\"criedtheking；\"andyet，yousaythatnothereticsaloneareexecuteddownthere，butalsoRomanists。Itappearstomethenthatwehavejustlyandimpartially，asalways，punishedonlycriminalsandgivenovertheguiltytojustice。\"
\"Oh，hadyouseenwhatIhaveseen，\"saidAnneAskew，shuddering，\"
thenwouldyoucollectallyourvitalenergiesforasinglecry，forasingleword——mercy！andthatwordwouldyoushoutoutloudenoughtoreachyonfrightfulplaceoftortureandhorror。\"
\"Whatsawyou，then？\"askedtheking，smiling。AnneAskewhadstoodup，andhertall，slenderformnowlifteditself，likealily，betweenthesombreformsofthebishops。Hereyewasfixedandglaring；hernobleanddelicatefeaturesboretheexpressionofhorroranddread。
\"Isaw，\"saidshe，\"awomanwhomtheywereleadingtoexecution。Notacriminal，butanoblelady，whoseproudandloftyheartneverharboredathoughtoftreasonordisloyalty，butwho，truetoherfaithandherconvictions，wouldnotforsweartheGodwhomsheserved。Asshepassedthroughthecrowd，itseemedasifahaloencompassedherhead，andcoveredherwhitehairwithsilveryrays；
allbowedbeforeher，andthehardestnaturesweptovertheunfortunatewomanwhohadlivedmorethanseventyyears，andyetwasnotallowedtodieinherbed，butwastobeslaughteredtothegloryofGodandoftheking。Butshesmiled，andgraciouslysalutingtheweepingandsobbingmultitude，sheadvancedtothescaffoldasifshewereascendingathronetoreceivethehomageofherpeople。Twoyearsofimprisonmenthadblanchedhercheek，buthadnotbeenabletodestroythefireofhereye，orthestrengthofhermind，andseventyyearshadnotbowedherneckorbrokenherspirit。Proudandfirm，shemountedthestepsofthescaffold，andoncemoresalutedthepeopleandcriedaloud，\'IwillpraytoGodforyou。\'Butastheheadsmanapproachedanddemandedthatsheshouldallowherhandstobebound，andthatsheshouldkneelinordertolayherheadupontheblock，sherefused，andangrilypushedhimaway。\'Onlytraitorsandcriminalslaytheirheadontheblock！\'exclaimedshe，withaloud，thunderingvoice。\'Thereisnooccasionformetodoso，andIwillnotsubmittoyourbloodylawsaslongasthereisabreathinme。Take，then，mylife，ifyoucan。\'
\"Andnowbeganascenewhichfilledtheheartsofthelookers-onwithfearandhorror。Thecountessflewlikeahuntedbeastroundandroundthescaffold。Herwhitehairstreamedinthewind；herblackgrave-clothesrustledaroundherlikeadarkcloud，andbehindher，withupliftedaxe，cametheheadsman，inhisfieryreddress；
he，everendeavoringtostrikeherwiththefallingaxe，butshe，evertrying，bymovingherheadtoandfro，toevadethedescendingstroke。Butatlengthherresistancebecameweaker；theblowsoftheaxereachedher，andstainedherwhitehair，hanginglooseabouthershoulders，withcrimsonstreaks。Withaheart-rendingcry，shefellfainting。Nearher，exhaustedalso，sankdowntheheadsman，bathedinsweat。Thishorriblewildchasehadlamedhisarmandbrokenhisstrength。Pantingandbreathless，hewasnotabletodragthisfainting，bleedingwomantotheblock，ortoliftuptheaxetoseparatehernobleheadfromthebody。[Footnote:Tytler，p。430]
Thecrowdshriekedwithdistressandhorror，imploringandbeggingformercy，andeventhelordchiefjusticecouldnotrefrainfromtears，andheorderedthecruelworktobesuspendeduntilthecountessandtheheadsmanshouldhaveregainedstrength；foraliving，notadyingpersonwastobeexecuted:thussaidthelaw。
Theymadeapalletforthecountessonthescaffoldandendeavoredtorestoreher；invigoratingwinewassuppliedtotheheadsman，torenewhisstrengthfortheworkofdeath；andthecrowdturnedtothestakeswhichwerepreparedonbothsidesofthescaffold，andatwhichfourothermartyrsweretobeburnt。ButIflewherelikeahunteddoe，andnow，king，Ilieatyourfeet。Thereisstilltime。
Pardon，king，pardonfortheCountessofSomerset，thelastofthePlantagenets。\"
\"Pardon，sire，pardon！\"repeatedCatharineParr，weepingandtrembling，assheclungtoherhusband\'sside。\"Pardon！\"repeatedArchbishopCranmer；andafewofthecourtiersre-echoeditinatimidandanxiouswhisper。
Theking\'slarge，brillianteyesglancedaroundthewholeassembly，withaquick，penetratinglook。\"Andyou，myLordBishopGardiner，\"
askedhe，inacold，sarcastictone，\"willyoualsoaskformercy，likealltheseweak-heartedsoulshere？\"
\"TheLordourGodisajealousGod，\"saidGardiner，solemnly，\"anditiswrittenthatGodwillpunishthesinneruntothethirdandfourthgeneration。\"
\"Andwhatiswrittenshallstandtrue！\"exclaimedtheking，inavoiceofthunder。\"Nomercyforevil-doers，nopityforcriminals。
Theaxemustfallupontheheadoftheguilty，theflamesshallconsumethebodiesofcriminals。\"
\"Sire，thinkofyourhighvocation！\"exclaimedAnneAskew，inatoneofenthusiasm。\"Reflectwhatagloriousnameyouhaveassumedtoyourselfinthisland。YoucallyourselftheheadoftheChurch，andyouwanttoruleandgovernuponearthinGod\'sstead。Exercisemercy，then，foryouentitleyourselfkingbythegraceofGod。\"
\"No，IdonotcallmyselfkingbyGod\'sgrace；IcallmyselfkingbyGod\'swrath！\"exclaimedHenry，asheraisedhisarmmenacingly。\"ItismydutytosendsinnerstoGod；mayHehavemercyonthemthereabove，ifHewill！Iamthepunishingjudge，andIjudgemercilessly，accordingtothelaw，withoutcompassion。LetthosewhomIhavecondemnedappealtoGod，andmayHehavemercyuponthem。Icannotdoit，norwillI。Kingsareheretopunish，andtheyareliketoGod，notinHislove，butinHisavengingwrath。\"
\"Woe，then，woetoyouandtoallofus！\"exclaimedAnneAskew。\"Woetoyou，KingHenry，ifwhatyounowsayisthetruth！Thenaretheyright，thosemenwhoareboundtoyonderstakes，whentheybrandyouwiththenameoftyrant；thenistheBishopofRomerightwhenheupbraidsyouasanapostateanddegenerateson，andhurlshisanathemasagainstyou！ThenyouknownotGod，whoisloveandmercy；
thenyouarenodiscipleoftheSaviour，whohassaid，\'Loveyourenemies，blessthemthatcurseyou。\'Woetoyou，KingHenry，ifmattersarereallysobadwithyou；if——\"
\"Silence，unhappywoman，silence！\"exclaimedCatharine；andasshevehementlypushedawaythefuriousgirlshegraspedtheking\'shand，andpressedittoherlips。\"Sire，\"whisperedshe，withintenseearnestness，\"Sire，youtoldmejustnowthatyoulovedme。Proveitbypardoningthismaiden，andhavingconsiderationforherimpassionedexcitement。ProveitbyallowingmetoleadAnneAskewtoherroomandenjoinsilenceuponher。\"
Butatthismomentthekingwaswhollyinaccessibletoanyotherfeelingsthanthoseofangeranddelightinblood。
HeindignantlyrepelledCatharine，andwithoutmovinghissharp，penetratinglookfromtheyoungmaiden，hesaidinaquick，hollowtone:\"Letheralone；letherspeak；letnoonedaretointerrupther！\"
Catharine，tremblingwithanxietyandinwardlyhurtattheharshmanneroftheking，retiredwithasightotheembrasureofoneofthewindows。
AnneAskewhadnotnoticedwhatwasgoingonabouther。Sheremainedinthatstateofexaltationwhichcaresfornoconsequencesandwhichtremblesbeforenodanger。Shewouldatthismomenthavegonetothestakewithcheerfulalacrity，andshealmostlongedforthisblessedmartyrdom。
\"Speak，AnneAskew，speak！\"commandedtheking。\"Tellme，doyouknowwhatthecountess，forwhosepardonyouarebeseechingme，hasdone？Knowyouwhythosefourmenweresenttothestake？\"
\"Idoknow，KingHenry，bythewrathofGod，\"saidthemaiden，withburningpassionateness。\"Iknowwhyyouhavesentthenoblecountesstotheslaughter-house，andwhyyouwillexercisenomercytowardher。Sheisofnoble，ofroyalblood，andCardinalPoleisherson。
Youwouldpunishthesonthroughthemother，andbecauseyoucannotthrottlethecardinal，youmurderhismother。\"
\"Oh，youareaveryknowingchild！\"criedtheking，withaninhuman，ironicallaugh。\"Youknowmymostsecretthoughtsandmymosthiddenfeelings。Withoutdoubtyouareagoodpapist，sincethedeathofthepopishcountessfillsyouwithsuchheart-rendinggrief。Thenyoumustconfess，attheleast，thatitisrighttoburnthefourheretics！\"
\"Heretics！\"exclaimedAnne，enthusiastically，\"callyouhereticsthosenoblemenwhogogladlyandboldlytodeathfortheirconvictionsandtheirfaith？KingHenry！KingHenry！Woetoyouifthesemenarecondemnedasheretics！Theyalonearethefaithful，theyarethetrueservantsofGod。Theyhavefreedthemselvesfromhumansupremacy，andasyouwouldnotrecognizethepope，sotheywillnotrecognizeyouasheadoftheChurch！Godalone，theysay，isLordoftheChurchandMasteroftheirconsciences，andwhocanbepresumptuousenoughtocallthemcriminals？\"
\"I！\"exclaimedHenrytheEighth，inapowerfultone。\"Idaredoit。
Isaythattheyareheretics，andthatIwilldestroythem，willtreadthemallbeneathmyfeet，allofthem，allwhothinkastheydo！IsaythatIwillshedthebloodofthesecriminals，andprepareforthemtormentsatwhichhumannaturewillshudderandquake。GodwillmanifestHimselfbymeinfireandblood！Hehasputtheswordintomyhand，andIwillwielditforHisglory。LikeSt。George，I
willtreadthedragonofheresybeneathmyfeet！\"
Andhaughtilyraisinghiscrimsonedfaceandrollinghisgreatbloodshoteyeswildlyaroundthecircle，hecontinued:\"Hearthisallofyouwhoarehereassembled；nomercyforheretics，nopardonforpapists。ItisI，Ialone，whomtheLordourGodhaschosenandblessedasHishangmanandexecutioner！Iamthehigh-priestofHisChurch，andhewhodaresdenyme，deniesGod；andhewhoissopresumptuousastodoreverencetoanyotherheadoftheChurch，isapriestofBaalandkneelstoanidolatrousimage。Kneeldownallofyoubeforeme，andreverenceinmeGod，whoseearthlyrepresentativeIam，andwhorevealsHimselfthroughmeinHisfearfulandexaltedmajesty。Kneeldown，forIamsoleheadoftheChurchandhigh-priestofourGod！\"
Andasifatoneblowallkneesbent；allthosehaughtycavaliers，thoseladiessparklingwithjewelsandgold，eventhetwobishopsandthequeenfellupontheground。
Thekinggazedforamomentonthissight，and，withradiantlooksandasmileoftriumph，hiseyesranoverthisassembly，consistingofthenoblestofhiskingdom，humbledbeforehim。
SuddenlytheywerefastenedonAnneAskew。
Shealonehadnotbentherknee，butstoodinthemidstofthekneelers，proudanduprightasthekinghimself。Adarkcloudpassedovertheking\'scountenance。
\"Youobeynotmycommand？\"askedhe。
Sheshookhercurlyheadandfixedonhimasteady，piercinglook。
\"No，\"saidshe，\"likethoseoveryonderwhoselastdeath-groanweevennowhear，likethem，Isay:ToGodaloneishonordue，andHealoneisLordofHisChurch！Ifyouwishmetobendmykneebeforeyouasmyking，Iwilldoit，butIbownottoyouastheheadoftheholyChurch！
Amurmurofsurpriseflewthroughtheassembly，andeveryeyewasturnedwithfearandamazementonthisboldyounggirl，whoconfrontedthekingwithacountenancesmilingandglowingwithenthusiasm。
AtasignfromHenrythekneelersaroseandawaitedinbreathlesssilencetheterriblescenethatwascoming。
Apauseensued。KingHenryhimselfwasstrugglingforbreath，andneededamomenttocollecthimself。
Notasthoughwrathandpassionhaddeprivedhimofspeech。Hewasneitherwrathfulnorpassionate，anditwasonlyjoythatobstructedhisbreathing——thejoyofhavingagainfoundavictimwithwhichhemightsatisfyhisdesireforblood，onwhoseagonyhemightfeasthiseyes，whosedyingsighhemightgreedilyinhale。
Thekingwasnevermorecheerfulthanwhenhehadsignedadeath-
warrant。Forthenhewasinfullenjoymentofhisgreatnessaslordoverthelivesanddeathsofmillionsofothermen，andthisfeelingmadehimproudandhappy，andfullyconsciousofhisexaltedposition。
Hence，ashenowturnedtoAnneAskew，hiscountenancewascalmandserene，andhisvoicefriendly，almosttender。
\"AnneAskew，\"saidhe，\"doyouknowthatthewordsvouhavenowspokenmakeyouguiltyofhightreason？\"
\"Iknowit，sire。\"
\"Andyouknowwhatpunishmentawaitstraitors？\"
\"Death，Iknowit。\"
\"Deathbyfire！\"saidthekingwithperfectcalmnessandcomposure。
Ahollowmurmurranthroughtheassembly。Onlyonevoicedaredgiveutterancetothewordmercy。
ItwasCatharine，theking\'sconsort，whospokethisoneword。Shesteppedforward，andwasabouttorushtothekingandoncemoreimplorehismercyandpity。Butshefeltherselfgentlyheldback。
ArchbishopCranmerstoodnearher，regardingherwithaseriousandbeseechinglook。
\"Composeyourself，composeyourself，\"murmuredhe。\"Youcannotsaveher；sheislost。Thinkofyourself，andofthepureandholyreligionwhoseprotectressyouare。PreserveyourselfforyourChurchandyourcompanionsinthefaith！\"
\"Andmustshedie？\"askedCatharine，whoseeyesfilledwithtearsasshelookedtowardthepooryoungchild，whowasconfrontingthekingwithsuchabeautifulandinnocentsmile。
\"Perhapswemaystillsaveher，butthisisnotthemomentforit。
Anyoppositionnowwouldonlyirritatethekingthemore，andhemightcausethegirltobeinstantlythrownintotheflamesofthefiresstillburningyonder！Soletusbesilent。\"
\"Yes，silence，\"murmuredCatharine，withashudder，asshewithdrewagaintotheembrasureofthewindow。
\"Deathbyfireawaitsyou，AnneAskew！\"repeatedtheking。\"Nomercyforthetraitresswhovilifiesandscoffsatherking！\"
CHAPTERV。
THERIVALS。
Attheverymomentwhenthekingwaspronouncing，inavoicealmostexultant，AnneAskew\'ssentenceofdeath，oneoftheking\'scavaliersappearedonthethresholdoftheroyalchamberandadvancedtowardtheking。
Hewasayoungmanofnobleandimposingappearance，whoseloftybearingcontrastedstrangelywiththehumbleandsubmissiveattitudeoftherestofthecourtiers。Histall，slimformwascladinacoatofmailglitteringwithgold；overhisshouldershungavelvetmantledecoratedwithaprincelycrown；andhishead，coveredwithdarkringlets，wasadornedwithacapembroideredwithgold，fromwhichalongwhiteostrich-featherdroopedtohisshoulder。Hisovalfacepresentedthefulltypeofaristocraticbeauty；hischeekswereofaclear，transparentpaleness；abouthisslightlypoutingmouthplayedasmile，halfcontemptuousandhalflanguid；thehigh，archedbrowanddelicatelychiselledaquilinenosegavetohisfaceanexpressionatonceboldandthoughtful。Theeyesalonewerenotinharmonywithhisface；theywereneitherlanguidlikethemouth，norpensivelikethebrow。Allthefireandalltheboldandwantonpassionofyouthshotfromthosedark，flashingeyes。Whenhelookeddown，hemighthavebeentakenforacompletelyworn-out，misanthropicaristocrat；butwhenheraisedthoseever-flashingandsparklingeyes，thenwasseentheyoungmanfullofdashingcourageandambitiousdesires，ofpassionatewarmthandmeasurelesspride。
Heapproachedtheking，asalreadystated，andashebenthiskneebeforehim，hesaidinafull，pleasantvoice:
\"Mercy，sire，mercy！\"
Thekingsteppedbackinastonishment，andturnedupontheboldspeakeralookalmostofamazement。
\"ThomasSeymour！\"saidhe。\"Thomas，youhavereturned，then，andyourfirstactisagainanindiscretionandapieceoffoolhardyrashness？\"
Theyoungmansmiled。\"Ihavereturned，\"saidhe，\"thatistosay，I
havehadasea-fightwiththeScotsandtakenfromthemfourmen-of-
war。WiththeseIhastenedhithertopresentthemtoyou，mykingandlord，asawedding-gift，andjustasIenteredtheanteroomI
heardyourvoicepronouncingasentenceofdeath。Wasitnotnatural，then，thatI，whobringyoutidingsofavictory，shouldhavethehearttoutteraprayerformercy，forwhich，asitseems，noneofthesenobleandproudcavalierscouldsummonupcourage？\"
\"Ah！\"saidtheking，evidentlyrelievedandfetchingadeepbreath，\"thenyouknewnotatallforwhomandforwhatyouwereimploringpardon？\"
\"Yet！\"saidtheyoungman，andhisboldglanceranwithanexpressionofcontemptoverthewholeassembly——\"yet，Isawatoncewhothecondemnedmustbe，forIsawthisyoungmaidenforsakenbyallasifstrickenbytheplague，standingaloneinthemidstofthisexaltedandbravecompany。Andyouwellknow，mynobleking，thatatcourtonerecognizesthecondemnedandthosefallenintodisgracebythis，thateveryonefliesfromthem，andnobodyhasthecouragetotouchsuchaleperevenwiththetipofhisfinger！\"
KingHenrysmiled。\"ThomasSeymour，EarlofSudley，youarenow，asever，imprudentandhasty，\"saidhe。\"Youbegformercywithoutonceknowingwhethersheforwhomyoubegitisworthyofmercy。\"
\"ButIseethatsheisawoman，\"saidtheintrepidyoungearl。\"Andawomanisalwaysworthyofmercy，anditbecomeseveryknighttocomeforwardasherdefender，wereitbuttopayhomagetohersex，sofairandsofrail，andyetsonobleandmighty。ThereforeIbegmercyforthisyoungmaiden！\"
Catharinehadlistenedtotheyoungearlwiththrobbingheartandflushedcheeks。Itwasthefirsttimethatshehadseenhim，andyetshefeltforhimawarmsympathy，analmosttenderanxiety。
\"Hewillplungehimselfintoruin，\"murmuredshe；\"hewillnotsaveAnne，butwillmakehimselfunhappy。MyGod，myGod，havealittlecompassionandpityonmyanguish！\"
Shenowfixedheranxiousgazeontheking，firmlyresolvedtorushtothehelpoftheearl，whohadsonoblyandmagnanimouslyinterestedhimselfinaninnocentwoman，shouldthewrathofherhusbandthreatenhimalso。But，tohersurprise，Henry\'sfacewasperfectlysereneandcontented。
Likethewildbeast，that，followingitsinstinct，seeksitsbloodypreyonlysolongasitishungry，soKingHenryfeltsatiatedfortheday。Yonderglaredthefiresaboutthestake，atwhichfourhereticswereburned；therestoodthescaffoldonwhichtheCountessofSomersethadjustbeenexecuted；andnow，withinthishour，hehadalreadyfoundanothernewvictimfordeath。Moreover，ThomasSeymourhadalwaysbeenhisfavorite。Hisaudacity，hisliveliness，hisenergy，hadalwaysinspiredthekingwithrespect；andthen，again，hesomuchresembledhissister，thebeautifulJaneSeymour，Henry\'sthirdwife。
\"Icannotgrantyouthisfavor，Thomas，\"saidtheking。\"Justicemustnotbehinderedinhercourse，andwhereshehaspassedsentence，mercymustnotgiveherthelie；anditwasthejusticeofyourkingwhichpronouncedsentenceatthatmoment。Youwereguilty，therefore，ofadoublewrong，foryounotonlybesoughtmercy，butyoualsobroughtanaccusationagainstmycavaliers。Doyoureallybelievethat，werethismaiden\'scauseajustone，noknightwouldhavebeenfoundforher？\"
\"Yes，Ireallybelieveit，\"criedtheearl，withalaugh。\"Thesunofyourfavorhadturnedawayfromthispoorgirl，andinsuchacaseyourcourtiersnolongerseethefigurewrappedindarkness。\"
\"Youaremistaken，mylord；Ihaveseenit，\"suddenlysaidanothervoice，andasecondcavalieradvancedfromtheanteroomintothechamber。Heapproachedtheking，and，ashebenthiskneebeforehim，hesaid，inaloud，steadyvoice:\"Sire，IalsobegmercyforAnneAskew！\"
Atthismomentwasheardfromthatsideoftheroomwheretheladiesstood，alowcry，andthepale，affrightedfaceofLadyJaneDouglaswasforamomentraisedabovetheheadsoftheotherladies。Noonenoticedit。Alleyesweredirectedtowardthegroupinthemiddleoftheroom:alllookedwitheagerattentionuponthekingandthesetwoyoungmen，whodaredprotectonewhomhehadsentenced。
\"HenryHoward，EarlofSurrey！\"exclaimedtheking；andnowanexpressionofwrathpassedoverhiscountenance。\"How！you，too，dareintercedeforthisgirl？You，then，grudgeThomasSeymourthepre-eminenceofbeingthemostdiscreetmanatmycourt？\"
\"Iwillnotallowhim，sire，tothinkthatheisthebravest，\"
repliedtheyoungman，ashefixedonThomasSeymouralookofhaughtydefiance，whichtheotheransweredbyacold，disdainfulsmile。
\"Oh，\"saidhe，withashrugofhisshoulders，\"Iwillinglyallowyou，mydearEarlofSurrey，totreadbehindme，atyourconvenience，thepath，thesafetyofwhichIfirsttestedattheperilofmylife。YousawthatIhadnot，asyet，losteithermyheadormylifeinthisrecklessundertaking，andthathasgivenyoucouragetofollowmyexample。Thatisanewproofofyourprudentvalor，myHonorableEarlofSurrey，andImustpraiseyouforit。\"
Ahotflushsuffusedthenoblefaceoftheearl，hiseyesshotlightning，and，tremblingwithrage，helaidhishandonhissword。
\"PraisefromThomasSeymouris——\"
\"Silence！\"interposedtheking，imperatively。\"Itmustnotbesaidthattwoofthenoblestcavaliersofmycourthaveturnedtheday，whichshouldbeoneoffestivitytoallofyou，intoadayofcontention。Icommandyou，therefore，tobereconciled。Shakehands，mylords，andletyourreconciliationbesincere。I，thekingcommandit！\"
Theyoungmengazedateachotherwithlooksofhatredandsmotheredrage，andtheireyesspoketheinsultinganddefiantwordswhichtheirlipsdurstnolongerutter。Thekinghadordered，and，howevergreatandpowerfultheymightbe，thekingwastobeobeyed。They，therefore，extendedtheirhandstoeachother，andmutteredafewlow，unintelligiblewords，whichmightbe，perhaps，amutualapology，butwhichneitherofthemunderstood。
\"Andnow，sire，\"saidtheEarlofSurrey，\"nowIventuretoreiteratemyprayer。Mercy，yourmajesty，mercyforAnneAskew！\"
\"Andyou，ThomasSeymour，doyoualsorenewyourpetition？\"
\"No，Iwithdrawit。EarlSurreyprotectsher；I，therefore，retire，forwithoutdoubtsheisacriminal；yourmajestysaysso，and，therefore，itisso。ItwouldillbecomeaSeymourtoprotectapersonwhosinnedagainsttheking。\"
ThisnewindirectattackonEarlSurreyseemedtomakeonallpresentadeepbutveryvariedimpression。Here，faceswereseentoturnpale，andthere，tolightupwithamalicioussmile；here，compressedlipsmutteredwordsofthreatening，there，amouthopenedtoexpressapprobationandagreement。
Theking\'sbrowwascloudedandtroubled；thearrowwhichEarlSudleyhadshotwithsoskilfulahandhadhit。Theking，eversuspiciousanddistrustful，feltsomuchthemoredisquietedashesawthatthegreaterpartofhiscavaliersevidentlyreckonedthemselvesfriendsofHenryHoward，andthatthenumberofSeymour\'sadherentswasbuttrifling。
\"TheseHowardsaredangerous，andIwillwatchthemcarefully，\"saidthekingtohimself；andforthefirsttimehiseyerestedwithadarkandhostilelookonHenryHoward\'snoblecountenance。
ButThomasSeymour，whowishedonlytomakeathrustathisoldenemy，hadatthesametimedecidedthefateofpoorAnneAskew。Itwasnowalmostanimpossibilitytospeakinherbehalf，andtoimplorepardonforherwastobecomeapartakerofhercrime。ThomasSeymourhadabandonedher，because，astraitresstoherking，shehadrenderedherselfunworthyofhisprotection。Whonowwouldbesopresumptuousastostillprotectthetraitress？
HenryHowarddidit；hereiteratedhissupplicationforAnneAskew\'spardon。Buttheking\'scountenancegrewdarkeranddarker，andthecourtierswatchedwithdreadthecomingofthemomentwhenhiswrathwoulddashinpiecesthepoorEarlofSurrey。
Intherowofladiesalso，hereandthere，apalefacewasvisible，andmanyabeautifulandbeamingeyewasdimmedwithtearsatthesightofthisgallantandhandsomecavalier，whowashazardingevenhislifeforawoman。
\"Heislost！\"murmuredLadyJaneDouglas；and，completelycrushedandlifeless，sheleanedforamomentagainstthewall。Butshesoonrecoveredherself，andhereyebeamedwithboldresolution。\"Iwilltryandsavehim！\"shesaidtoherself；and，withfirmstep，sheadvancedfromtheladies\'ranks，andapproachedtheking。
Amurmurofapplauseranthroughthecompany，andallfaresbrightenedandalleyeswerebentapprovinglyonLadyJane。Theyknewthatshewasthequeen\'sfriend，andanadherentofthenewdoctrine；itwas，therefore，verymarkedandsignificantwhenshesupportedtheEarlofSurreyinhismagnanimouseffort。
LadyJanebowedherbeautifulandhaughtyheadbeforetheking，andsaid，inherclear，silveryvoice:\"Sire，inthenameofallthewomen，IalsobeseechyoutopardonAnneAskew，becausesheisawoman。LordSurreyhasdonesobecauseatrueknightcanneverbefalsetohimselfandhiseverhighandsacredobligation:tobetheprotectorofthosewhoarehelplessandinperilisenoughforhim。
Arealgentlemanasksnotwhetherawomanisworthyofhisprotection；hegrantsittoher，simplybecausesheisawoman，andneedshishelp。AndwhileI，therefore，inthenameofallthewomen，thanktheEarlofSurreyfortheassistancethathehasbeendesiroustorendertoawoman，Iunitemyprayerwithhis，becauseitshallnotbesaidthatwewomenarealwayscowardlyandtimid，andneverventuretohastentothehelpofthedistressed。I，therefore，askmercy，sire，mercyforAnneAskew！\"
\"AndI，\"saidthequeen，assheagainapproachedtheking，\"Iaddmyprayerstohers，sire。To-dayisthefeastoflove，myfestival，sire！To-day，then，letloveandmercyprevail。\"
Shelookedatthekingwithsocharmingasmile，hereyeshadanexpressionsoradiantandhappy，thatthekingcouldnotwithstandher。
Hewas，therefore，inthedepthsofhisheart，readytolettheroyalclemencyprevailforthistime；buthewantedapretextforthis，somewayofbringingitabout。Hehadsolemnlyvowedtopardonnoheretic，andhemightnotbreakhiswordmerelybecausethequeenprayedformercy。
\"Well，then，\"saidhe，afterapause，\"Iwillcomplywithyourrequest。IwillpardonAnneAskew，providedshewillretract，andsolemnlyabjureallthatshehassaid。Areyousatisfiedwiththat，Catharine？\"
\"Iamsatisfied，\"saidshe，sadly。
\"Andyou，LadyJaneDouglas，andHenryHoward，EarlofSurrey？\"
\"Wearesatisfied。\"
AlleyeswerenowturnedagainuponAnneAskew，who，althougheveryonewasoccupiedbyherconcerns，hadbeenentirelyoverlookedandleftunnoticed。
Norhadshetakenanymorenoticeofthecompanythantheyofher。
Shehadscarcelyobservedwhatwasgoingonabouther。Shestoodleaningagainsttheopendoorleadingtothebalcony，andgazedattheflaminghorizon。Hersoulwaswiththosepiousmartyrs，forwhomshewassendingupherheart-feltprayerstoGod，andwhomshe，inherfeverishexaltation，enviedtheirdeathoftorture。Entirelyborneawayfromthepresent，shehadheardneitherthepetitionsofthosewhoprotectedher，northeking\'sreply。
Ahandlaiduponhershoulderrousedherfromherreverie。
ItwasCatharine，theyoungqueen，whostoodnearher。
\"AnneAskew，\"saidshe，inahurriedwhisper，\"ifyourlifeisdeartoyou，complywiththeking\'sdemand。\"
Sheseizedtheyounggirl\'shand，andledhertotheking。
\"Sire，\"saidshe，inafullvoice，\"forgivetheexaltedandimpassionedagonyofapoorgirl，whohasnow，forthefirsttime，beenwitnessofanexecution，andwhosemindhasbeensomuchimpressedbyitthatsheisscarcelyconsciousofthemadandcriminalwordsthatshehasutteredbeforeyou！Pardonher，then，yourmajesty，forsheispreparedcheerfullytoretract。\"
AcryofamazementburstfromAnne\'slips，andhereyesflashedwithanger，asshedashedthequeen\'shandawayfromher。
\"Iretract！\"exclaimedshe，withacontemptuoussmile。\"Never，mylady，never！No！assureasIhopeforGodtobegracioustomeinmylasthour，Iretractnot！Itistrue，itwasagonyandhorrorthatmademespeak；butwhatIhavespokenisyet，nevertheless，thetruth。Horrorcausedmetospeak，andforcedmetoshowmysoulundisguised。No，Iretractnot！Itellyou，theywhohavebeenexecutedoveryonderareholymartyrs，whohaveascendedtoGod，theretoenteranaccusationagainsttheirroyalhangman。Ay，theyareholy，foreternaltruthhadilluminedtheirsouls，anditbeamedabouttheirfacesbrightastheflamesofthefagotsintowhichthemurderoushandofanunrighteousjudgehadcastthem。Ah，Imustretract！I，forsooth，amtodoasdidShaxton，themiserableandunfaithfulservantofhisGod，who，fromfearofearthlydeath，deniedtheeternaltruth，andinblasphemingpusillanimityperjuredhimselfconcerningtheholydoctrine。[Footnote:Burnet，vol。i，p。
341]KingHenry，Isayuntoyou，bewareofdissemblersandperjurers；bewareofyourownhaughtyandarrogantthoughts。ThebloodofmartyrscriestoHeavenagainstyou，andthetimewillcomewhenGodwillbeasmercilesstoyouasyouhavebeentothenoblestofyoursubjects！Youdeliverthemovertothemurderousflames，becausetheywillnotbelievewhatthepriestsofBaalpreach；
becausetheywillnotbelieveintherealtransubstantiationofthechalice；becausetheydenythatthenaturalbodyofChristis，afterthesacrament，containedinthesacrament，nomatterwhetherthepriestbeagoodorabadman。[Footnote:Ibid。]Yougivethemovertotheexecutioner，becausetheyservethetruth，andarefaithfulfollowersoftheLordtheirGod！\"
\"Andyousharetheviewsofthesepeoplewhomyoucallmartyrs？\"
askedtheking，asAnneAskewnowpausedforamomentandstruggledforbreath。
\"Yes，Isharethem！\"
\"Youdeny，then，thetruthofthesixarticles？\"
\"Idenythem！\"
\"YoudonotseeinmetheheadoftheChurch？\"
\"GodonlyisHeadandLordoftheChurch！\"
Apausefollowed——afearful，awfulpause。
Everyonefeltthatforthispooryounggirltherewasnohope，nopossibleescape；thatherdoomwasirrevocablysealed。
Therewasasmileontheking\'scountenance。
Thecourtiersknewthatsmile，andfearedityetmorethantheking\'sragingwrath。
Whenthekingthussmiled，hehadtakenhisresolve。Thentherewaswithhimnopossiblevacillationorhesitation，butthesentenceofdeathwasresolvedon，andhisbloodthirstysoulrejoicedoveranewvictim。
\"MyLordBishopofWinchester，\"saidtheking，atlength，\"comehither。\"
GardinerdrewnearandplacedhimselfbyAnneAskew，whogazedathimwithangry，contemptuouslooks。
\"InthenameofthelawIcommandyoutoarrestthisheretic，andhandherovertothespiritualcourt，\"continuedtheking。\"Sheisdamnedandlost。Sheshallbepunishedasshedeserves！\"
GardinerlaidhishandonAnneAskew\'sshoulder。\"InthenameofthelawofGod，Iarrestyou！\"saidhe，solemnly。
Notawordmorewasspoken。ThelordchiefjusticehadsilentlyfollowedasignfromGardiner，andtouchingAnneAskewwithhisstaff，orderedthesoldierstoconductherthence。
Withasmile，AnneAskewofferedthemherhand，andsurroundedbythesoldiersandfollowedbytheBishopofWinchesterandthelordchiefjustice，walkederectandproudlyoutoftheroom。
ThecourtiershaddividedandopenedapassageforAnneandherattendants。Nowtheirranksclosedagain，astheseaclosesandflowscalmlyonwhenithasjustreceivedacorpse。TothemallAnneAskewwasalreadyacorpse，asoneburied。Thewaveshadsweptoverherandallwasagainsereneandbright。
Thekingextendedhishandtohisyoungwife，and，bendingdown，whisperedinherearafewwords，whichnobodyunderstood，butwhichmadetheyoungqueentrembleandblush。
Theking，whoobservedthis，laughedandimpressedakissonherforehead。Thenheturnedtohiscourt；\"Now，good-night，mylordsandgentlemen，\"saidhe，withagraciousinclinationofthehead。
\"Thefeastisatanend，andweneedrest。\"
\"ForgetnotthePrincessElizabeth，\"whisperedArchbishopCranmer，ashetookleaveofCatharine，andpressedtohislipsherprofferedhand。
Iwillnotforgether，\"murmuredCatharine，and，withthrobbingheartandtremblingwithinwarddread，shesawthemallretire，andleaveheralonewiththeking。
CHAPTERVI。
THEINTERCESSION。
\"Andnow，Kate，\"saidtheking，whenallhadwithdrawn，andhewasagainalonewithher，\"nowletusforgeteverything，savethatweloveeachother。\"
Heembracedherandwithardorpressedhertohisbreast。Weariedtodeath，shebowedherheadonhisshoulderandlaytherelikeashatteredrose，completelybroken，completelypassive。
\"Yougivemenokiss，Kate？\"saidHenry，withasmile。\"AreyouthenyetangrywithmethatIdidnotcomplywithyourfirstrequest？Butwhatwouldyouhavemedo，child？How，indeed，shallIkeepthecrimsonofmyroyalmantlealwaysfreshandbright，unlessI
continuallydyeitanewinthebloodofcriminals？Onlyhewhopunishesanddestroysistrulyaking，andtremblingmankindwillacknowledgehimassuch。Thetender-heartedandgraciouskingitdespises，andhispitifulweaknessitlaughstoscorn。Bah！Humanityissuchawretched，miserablething，thatitonlyrespectsandacknowledgeshimwhomakesittremble。Andpeoplearesuchcontemptible，foolishchildren，thattheyhaverespectonlyforhimwhomakesthemfeelthelashdaily，andeverynowandthenwhipsafewofthemtodeath。Lookatme，Kate:whereisthereakingwhohasreignedlongerandmorehappilythanI？whomthepeoplelovemoreandobeybetterthanme？ThisarisesfromthefactthatIhavealreadysignedmorethantwohundreddeath-warrants，[Footnote:
Tytler，p。428。Leti，vol。i，p。187。]andbecauseeveryonebelievesthat，ifhedoesnotobeyme，Iwillwithoutdelaysendhisheadaftertheothers！\"
\"Oh，yousayyouloveme，\"murmuredCatharine，\"andyouspeakonlyofbloodanddeathwhileyouarewithme。\"
Thekinglaughed。\"Youareright，Kate，\"saidhe，\"andyet，believeme，thereareotherthoughtsslumberinginthedepthsofmyheart，andcouldyoulookdownintoit，youwouldnotaccusemeofcoldnessandunkindness。Iloveyoutruly，mydear，virginbride，and，toproveit，youshallnowaskafavorofme。Yes，Kate，makemearequest，and，whateveritmaybe，Ipledgeyoumyroyalword，itshallbegrantedyou。Now，Kate，think，whatwillpleaseyou？Willyouhavebrilliants，oracastlebythesea，or，perhaps，ayacht？
Wouldyoulikefinehorses，oritmaybesomeonehasoffendedyou，andyouwouldlikehishead？Ifso，tellme，Kate，andyoushallhavehishead；awinkfromme，anditdropsatyourfeet。ForIamalmightyandall-powerful，andnooneissoinnocentandpure，thatmywillcannotfindinhimacrimewhichwillcosthimhislife。
Speak，then，Kate；whatwouldyouhave？Whatwillgladdenyourheart？\"
Catharinesmiledinspiteofhersecretfearandhorror。\"Sire，\"
saidshe，\"youhavegivenmesomanybrilliants，thatIcanshineandglitterwiththem，asnightdoeswithherstars。Ifyougivemeacastlebythesea，thatis，atthesametime，banishingmefromWhitehallandyourpresence；Iwish，therefore，fornocastleofmyown。Iwishonlytodwellwithyouinyourcastles，andmyking\'sabodeshallbemyonlyresidence。\"
\"Beautifullyandwiselyspoken，\"saidtheking；\"Iwillrememberthesewordsifeveryourenemiesendeavortosendyoutoadwellingandacastleotherthanthatwhichyourkingoccupies。TheTowerisalsoacastle，Kate，butIgiveyoumyroyalwordyoushallneveroccupythatcastle。Youwantnotreasuresandnocastles？Itis，then，somebody\'sheadthatyoudemandofme？\"
\"Yes，sire，itistheheadofsomeone！\"
\"Ah，Iguessedit，then，\"saidthekingwithalaugh。\"Nowspeak，mylittlebloodthirstyqueen，whoseheadwillyouhave？Whoshallbebroughttotheblock？\"
\"Sire，itistrueIaskyoufortheheadofaperson，\"saidCatharine，inatender，earnesttone，\"butIwishnotthatheadtofall，buttobeliftedup。Ibegyouforahumanlife——nottodestroyit，but，onthecontrary，toadornitwithhappinessandjoy。Iwishtodragnoonetoprison，buttorestoretoone，dearlybeloved，thefreedom，happiness，andsplendidpositionwhichbelongtoher。Sire，youhavepermittedmetoaskafavor。Now，then，IbegyoutocallthePrincessElizabethtocourt。LetherresidewithusatWhitehall。Allowhertobeevernearme，andsharemyhappinessandglory。Sire，onlyyesterdaythePrincessElizabethwasfarabovemeinrankandposition，butsinceyourall-powerfulmightandgracehaveto-dayelevatedmeaboveallotherwomen，ImaynowlovethePrincessElizabethasmysisteranddearestfriend。Grantmethis，myking！LetElizabethcometousatWhitehall，andenjoyatourcourtthehonorwhichisherdue。\"[Footnote:Leti，vol。i。p。147。
Tytler。p。410。]
Thekingdidnotreplyimmediately；butinhisquietandsmilingaironecouldreadthathisyoungconsort\'srequesthadnotangeredhim。
Somethinglikeanemotionflittedacrosshisface，andhiseyeswereforamomentdimmedwithtears。Perhapsjustthenapale，soul-
harrowingphantompassedbeforehismind，andaglanceatthepastshowedhimthebeautifulandunfortunatemother[Footnote:AnnBoleyn]ofElizabeth，whomhehadsentencedtoacrueldeathatthehandsofthepublicexecutioner，andwhoselastwordneverthelesswasablessingandamessageofloveforhim。
HepassionatelyseizedCatharine\'shandandpressedittohislips。
\"Ithankyou！Youareunselfishandgenerous。Thatisaveryrarequality，andIshallalwayshighlyesteemyouforit。Butyouarealsobraveandcourageous，foryouhavedaredwhatnobodybeforeyouhasdared；youhavetwiceonthesameeveningintercededforonecondemnedandonefallenintodisgrace。Thefortunate，andthosefavoredbyme，havealwayshadmanyfriends，butIhaveneveryetseenthattheunfortunateandtheexiledhavealsofoundfriends。
Youaredifferentfromthesemiserable，cringingcourtiers；
differentfromthisdeceitfulandtremblingcrowd，thatwithchatteringteethfalldownandworshipmeastheirgodandlord；
differentfromthesepitiful，good-for-nothingmortals，whocallthemselvesmypeople，andwhoallowmetoyokethemup，becausetheyareliketheox，whichisobedientandserviceable，onlybecauseheissostupidasnottoknowhisownmightandstrength。Ah，believeme，Kate，Iwouldbeamilderandmoremercifulking，ifthepeoplewerenotsuchanutterlystupidandcontemptiblething；adog，whichissomuchthemoresubmissiveandgentlethemorevoumaltreathim。
You，Kate，youaredifferent，andIamgladofit。Youknow，IhaveforeverbanishedElizabethfrommycourtandfrommyheart，andstillyouintercedeforher。Thatisnobleofyou，andIloveyouforit，andgrantyouyourrequest。AndthatyoumayseehowIloveandtrustyou，Iwillnowrevealtoyouasecret:IhavelongsincewishedtohaveElizabethwithme，butIwasashamed，eventomyself，ofthisweakness。Ihavelongyearnedonceagaintolookintomydaughter\'slargedeepeyes，tobeakindandtenderfathertoher，andmakesomeamendstoherforthewrongIperhapsmayhavedonetohermother。Forsometimes，insleeplessnights，Anne\'sbeautifulfacecomesupbeforemeandgazesatmewithmournful，mildlook，andmywholeheartshuddersbeforeit。ButIcouldnotconfessthistoanybody，forthentheymightsaythatIrepentedwhatIhaddone。
Akingmustbeinfallible，likeGodhimself，andnever，throughregretordesiretocompensate，confessthatheisaweak，erringmortal，likeothers。YouseewhyIrepressedmylongingandparentaltenderness，whichwassuspectedbynoone，andappearedtobeaheartlessfather，becausenobodywouldhelpmeandmakeiteasyformetobeatenderfather。Ah，thesecourtiers！Theyaresostupid，thattheycanunderstandonlyjustwhatisechoedinourwords；butwhatourheartsays，andlongsfor，ofthattheyknownothing。Butyouknow，Kate；youareanacutewoman，andahigh-mindedonebesides。Come，Kate，athankfulfathergivesyouthiskiss，andthis，ay，this，yourhusbandgivesyou，mybeautiful，charmingqueen。\"
CHAPTERVII。
HENRYTHEEIGHTHANDHISWIVES。
Thecalmofnighthadnowsucceededtothetempestoftheday，andaftersomuchbustle，festivity，andrejoicing，deepquietnowreignedinthepalaceofWhitehall，andthroughoutLondon。ThehappysubjectsofKingHenrymight，withoutdanger，remainforafewhoursatleastintheirhouses，andbehindclosedshuttersandbolteddoors，eitherslumberanddream，orgivethemselvestotheirdevotionalexercises，onaccountofwhichtheyhadthatday，perhaps，beendenouncedasmalefactors。Theymight，forafewhours，resignthemselvestothesweet，blissfuldreamofbeingfreemenuntrammelledinbeliefandthought。ForKingHenryslept，andlikewiseGardinerandthelordchancellorhadclosedtheirwatchful，prying，devout，murderouseyes，andreposedawhilefromtheChristianemploymentofferretingoutheretics。
Andliketheking，theentirehouseholdsofboththeirmajestieswerealsoasleepandrestingfromthefestivitiesoftheroyalwedding-day，which，inpompandsplendor，byfarsurpassedthefiveprecedingmarriages。
Itappeared，however，asthoughnotallthecourtofficialsweretakingrest，andfollowingtheexampleoftheking。Forinachamber，notfarfromthatoftheroyalpair，onecouldperceive，fromthebrightbeamsstreamingfromthewindows，inspiteoftheheavydamaskcurtainswhichveiledthem，thatthelightswerenotyetextinguished；andhewholookedmorecloselywouldhaveobservedthatnowandthenahumanshadowwasportrayeduponthecurtain。
Sotheoccupantofthischamberhadnotyetgonetorest，andharassingmusthavebeenthethoughtswhichcausehimtomovesorestlesslytoandfro。
ThischamberwasoccupiedbyLadyJaneDouglas，firstmaidofhonortothequeen。ThepowerfulinfluenceofGardiner，BishopofWinchester，hadsecondedCatharine\'swishtohavenearherthedearfriendofheryouth，and，withoutsuspectingit，thequeenhadgivenahelpinghandtobringnearertotheiraccomplishmenttheschemeswhichthehypocriticalGardinerwasdirectingagainsther。
ForCatharineknewnotwhatchangeshadtakenplaceinthecharacterofherfriendinthefouryearsinwhichshehadnotseenher。ShedidnotsuspecthowfatalhersojourninthestronglyRomishcityofDublinhadbeentotheeasilyimpressiblemindofherearlyplaymate，andhowmuchithadtransformedherwholebeing。LadyJane，oncesosprightlyandgay，hadbecomeabigotedRomanist，who，withfanaticalzeal，believedthatshewasservingGodwhensheservedtheChurch，andpaidunreservedobediencetoherpriests。
LadyJaneDouglashadtherefore——thankstoherfanaticismandtheteachingsofthepriests——becomeacompletedissembler。Shecouldsmile，whileinherheartshesecretlybroodedoverhatredandrevenge。Shecouldkissthelipsofthosewhosedestructionshehadperhapsjustsworn。Shecouldpreserveaharmless，innocentair，whilesheobservedeverything，andtooknoticeofeverybreath，everysmile，everymovementoftheeyelashes。
HenceitwasveryimportantforGardiner，BishopofWinchester，tobringhis\"friend\"ofthequeentocourt，andmakeofthisdiscipleofLoyolaanallyandfriend。
LadyJaneDouglaswasalone；and，pacingupanddownherroom，shethoughtovertheeventsoftheday。
Now，thatnoonewasobservingher，shehadlaidasidethatgentle，seriousmien，whichonewaswonttoseeaboutheratothertimes；
hercountenancebetrayedinrapidchangesallthevarioussadandcheerful，tempestuousandtenderfeelingswhichagitatedher。
Shewhohadhithertohadonlyoneaimbeforehereyes，toservetheChurch，andtoconsecrateherwholelifetothisservice；shewhosehearthadbeenhithertoopenonlytoambitionanddevotion，shefeltto-daywhollynewandnever-suspectedfeelingsspringingupwithinher。Anewthoughthadenteredintoherlife，thewomanwasawakenedinher，andbeatviolentlyatthatheartwhichdevotionhadoverlaidwithahardcoating。
Shehadtriedtocollectherselfinprayer，andtofillhersoulsoentirelywiththeideaofGodandherChurch，thatnoearthlythoughtordesirecouldfindplacetherein。Buteverandagainarosebeforehermind\'seyethenoblecountenanceofHenryHoward，everandagainshefanciedthatsheheardhisearnest，melodiousvoice，whichmadeherheartshakeandtremblelikeamagicalincantation。
Shehadatfirststruggledagainstthesesweetfancies，whichforceduponhersuchstrangeandundreamed-ofthoughts；butatlengththewomaninhergotthebetterofthefanaticalRomanist，and，droppingintoaseat，shesurrenderedherselftoherdreamsandfancies。
\"Hasherecognizedme？\"askedsheofherself。\"Doeshestillrememberthatayearagowesaweachotherdailyattheking\'scourtinDublin？\"
\"Butno，\"addedshemournfully，\"heknowsnothingofit。Hehadtheneyesandsenseonlyforhisyoungwife。Ah，andshewasbeautifulandlovelyasoneoftheGraces。ButI，amnotIalsobeautiful？andhavenotthenoblestcavalierspaidmehomage，andsighedformeinunavailinglove？Howcomesit，then，thatwhereIwouldplease，thereIamalwaysoverlooked？Howcomesit，thattheonlytwomen，forwhosenoticeIevercared，havenevershownanypreferenceforme？IfeltthatIlovedHenryHoward，butthislovewasasin，fortheEarlofSurreywasmarried。Ithereforetoremyheartfromhimbyviolence，andgaveittoGod，becausetheonlymanwhomIcouldlovedidnotreturnmyaffection。ButevenGodanddevotionarenotabletoentirelyfillawoman\'sheart。Inmybreasttherewasstillroomforambition；andsinceIcouldnotbeahappywife，Iwouldatleastbeapowerfulqueen。Oh，everythingwassowelldevised，sonicelyarranged！Gardinerhadalreadyspokenofmetotheking，andinclinedhimtohisplan；andwhileIwashasteningathiscallfromDuma，hither，thislittleCatharineParrcomesbetweenandsnatcheshimfromme，andoverturnsallourschemes。Iwillneverforgiveher。Iwillfindawaytorevengemyself。Iwillforcehertoleavethisplace，whichbelongstome，andifthereisnootherwayforit，shemustgothewayofthescaffold，asdidCatharineHoward。I
willbeQueenofEngland，Iwill——\"
Shesuddenlyinterruptedhersoliloquy，andlistened。Shethoughtsheheardaslightknockatthedoor。Shewasnotmistaken；thisknockwasnowrepeated，andindeedwithapeculiar，significantstroke。
\"Itismyfather！\"saidLadyJane，and，assheresumedagainhergraveandquietair，sheproceededtoopenthedoor。
\"Ah，youexpectedme，then？\"saidLordArchibaldDouglas，kissinghisdaughter\'sforehead。
\"Yes，Iexpectedyou，myfather，\"repliedLadyJanewithasmile。\"I
knewthatyouwouldcometocommunicatetomeyourexperiencesandobservationsduringtheday，andtogivemedirectionsforthefuture。\"
Theearlseatedhimselfontheottoman，anddrewhisdaughterdownbyhim。
\"Noonecanoverhearus，canthey？\"
\"Nobody，myfather！Mywomenaresleepinginthefourthchamberfromhere，andIhavemyselffastenedtheinterveningdoors。Theanteroomthroughwhichyoucameis，asyouknow，entirelyempty，andnobodycanconcealhimselfthere。Itremains，then，onlytofastenthedoorleadingthenceintothecorridor，inordertobesecurefrominterruption。\"
Shehastenedintotheanteroomtofastenthedoor。
\"Now，myfather，wearesecurefromlisteners，\"saidshe，asshereturnedandresumedherplaceontheottoman。
\"Andthewalls，mychild？knowyouwhetherornothewallsaresafe？
Youlookatmewithanexpressionofdoubtandsurprise！MyGod，whataharmlessandinnocentlittlemaidenyoustillare！HaveInotconstantlyreiteratedthegreatandwiselesson，\'Doubteverythingandmistrusteverything，evenwhatyousee。\'Hewhowillmakehisfortuneatcourt，mustfirstofallmistrusteverybody，andconsidereverybodyhisenemy，whomheistoflatter，becausehecandohimharm，andwhomheistohugandkiss，untilinsomehappyembracehecaneitherplungeadaggerintohisbreastwhollyunobserved，orpourpoisonintohismouth。Trustneithermennorwalls，Jane，forI
tellyou，howeversmoothandinnocentbothmayappear，stilltheremayhefoundanambuscadebehindthesmoothexterior。ButIwillforthepresentbelievethatthesewallsareinnocent，andconcealnolisteners。Iwillbelieveit，becauseIknowthisroom。ThosewerefineandcharmingdaysinwhichIbecameacquaintedwithit。ThenI
wasyetyoungandhandsome，andKingHenry\'ssisterwasnotyetmarriedtotheKingofScotland，andwelovedeachothersodearly。
Ah，Icouldrelatetoyouwonderfulstoriesofthosehappydays。I
could——\"
\"But，mydearfather，\"interruptedLadyJane，secretlytremblingattheterribleprospectofbeingforcedtolistenyetagaintothestoryofhisyouthfullove，whichshehadalreadyheardtimeswithoutnumber，\"but，mydearfather，doubtlessyouhavenotcomehithersolateatnightinordertorelatetomewhatI——forgiveme，mylord——whatIlongsinceknew。Youwillrathercommunicatetomewhatyourkeenandunerringglancehasdiscoveredhere。\"
\"Itistrue，\"saidLordDouglas，sadly。\"Inowsometimesbecomeloquacious——asuresignthatIamgrowingold。Ihave，bynomeans，comeheretospeakofthepast，butofthepresent。Letus，then，speakofit。Ah，Ihaveto-dayperceivedmuch，seenmuch，observedmuch，andtheresultofmyobservationsis，youwillbeKingHenry\'sseventhwife。\"
\"Impossible，mylord！\"exclaimedLadyJane，whosecountenance，inspiteofherwill，assumedanexpressionofdelight。
Herfatherremarkedit。\"Mychild，\"saidhe，\"Iobservethatyouhavenotyetyourfeaturesentirelyunderyourcontrol。Youaimedjustnow，forexample，toplaythecoyandhumble，andyetyourfacehadtheexpressionofproudsatisfaction。Butthisbytheway！Theprincipalthingis，youwillbeKingHenry\'sseventhwife！Butinordertobecomeso，thereisneedforgreatheedfulness，acompleteknowledgeofpresentrelations，constantobservationofallpersons，impenetrabledissimulation，andlastly，aboveallthings，averyintimateandprofoundknowledgeoftheking，ofthehistoryofhisreign，andofhischaracter。Doyoupossessthisknowledge？KnowyouwhatitistowishtobecomeKingHenry\'sseventhwife，andhowyoumustbegininordertoattainthis？HaveyoustudiedHenry\'scharacter？\"
\"Alittle，perhaps，butcertainlynotsufficiently。For，asyouknow，mylord，worldlymattershavelainuponmyheartlessthantheholyChurch，towhoseserviceIhaveconsecratedmyself，andtowhichIwouldhavepresentedmywholebeing，mywholesoul，mywholeheart，asasacrifice，hadnotyouyourselfdeterminedotherwiseconcerningme。Ah，myfather，hadIbeenallowedtofollowmyinclination，IwouldhaveretiredintoaconventinScotlandinordertospendmylifeinquietcontemplationandpiouspenances，andclosemysoulandeartoeveryprofanesound。Butmywisheshavenotbeenregarded；and，bythemouthofHisvenerableandholypriests，Godhascommandedmetoremainintheworld，andtakeuponmyselftheyokeofgreatnessandregalsplendor。IfIthenstruggleandstrivetobecomequeen，thisisdone，notbecausethevainpompandgloryallureme，butsolelybecausethroughmetheChurch，outofwhichisnosalvation，mayfindafulcrumtooperateonthisweakandfickleking，andbecauseIamtobringhimbackagaintotheonlytruefaith。\"
\"Verywellplayed！\"criedherfather，whohadstaredhersteadilyinthefacewhileshewasspeaking。\"Onmyword，verywellplayed。
Everythingwasinperfectharmony，thegesticulation，theplayoftheeyes，andthevoice。Mydaughter，Iwithdrawmycensure。Youhaveperfectcontroloveryourself。ButletusspeakofKingHenry。
Wewillnowsubjecthimtoathoroughanalysis，andnofibreofhisheart，noatomofhisbrainshallremainunnoticedbyus。Wewillobservehiminhisdomestic，hispolitical，andhisreligiouslife，andgetaperfectlyclearviewofeverypeculiarityofhischaracter，inorderthatwemaydealwithhimaccordingly。Letus，then，speakfirstofhiswives。Theirlivesanddeathsaffordyouexcellentfinger-posts；forIdonotdenythatitisanextremelydifficultanddangerousundertakingtobeHenry\'sconsort。Thereisneededforitmuchpersonalcourageandverygreatself-control。
Knowyouwhich，ofallhiswives，possessedtheseinthehighestdegree？Itwashisfirstconsort，CatharineofAragon！ByHeaven，shewasasensiblewoman，andbornaqueen！Henry，avariciousashewas，wouldgladlyhavegiventhebestjewelinhiscrown，ifhecouldhavedetectedbutashadow，theslightesttraceofunfaithfulnessinher。Buttherewasabsolutelynomeansofsendingthiswomantothescaffold，andatthattimehewasasyettoocowardlyandtoovirtuoustoputheroutofthewaybypoison。He，therefore，enduredherlong，untilshewasanoldwomanwithgrayhairs，anddisagreeableforhiseyestolookupon。Soafterhehadbeenmarriedtoherseventeenyears，thegood，piouskingwasallatonceseizedwithaconscientiousscruple，andbecausehehadreadintheBible，\'Thoushaltnotmarrythysister，\'dreadfulpangsofconsciencecameuponthenobleandcraftymonarch。Hefelluponhiskneesandbeathisbreast，andcried:\'Ihavecommittedagreatsin；
forIhavemarriedmybrother\'swife，andconsequentlymysister。
ButIwillmakeamendsforit。Iwilldissolvethisadulterousmarriage！\'——Doyouknow，child，whyhewoulddissolveit？\"
\"BecausehelovedAnneBoleyn！\"saidJane，withasmile。
\"Perfectlycorrect！Catharinehadgrownold，andHenrywasstillayoungman，andhisbloodshotthroughhisveinslikestreamsoffire。Huthewasyetsomewhatvirtuousandtimid，andthemainpeculiarityofhischaracterwasasyetundeveloped。Hewasnotyetbloodthirsty，thatistosay，hehadnotyetlickedblood。Butyouwillseehowwitheachnewqueenhisdesireforbloodincreased，tillatlengthithasnowbecomeawastingdisease。Hadhethenhadthesystemofliesthathenowhas，hewouldsomehowhavebribedaslanderer，whowouldhavedeclaredthathewasCatharine\'slover。
Buthewasyetsoinnocent；hewantedyettogratifyhisdarlinglustsinaperfectlylegalway。SoAnneBoleynmustbecomehisqueen，thathemightloveher。Andinordertoattainthis，hethrewdowntheglovetothewholeworld，becameanenemytothepope，andsethimselfinopenoppositiontotheholyheadoftheChurch。
BecausetheHolyFatherwouldnotdissolvehismarriage，KingHenrybecameanapostateandatheist。HeconstitutedhimselfheadofhisChurch，and，byvirtueofhisauthorityassuch，hedeclaredhismarriagewithCatharineofAragonnullandvoid。Hesaidthathehadnotinhisheartgivenhisconsenttothismarriage，andthatithadnotconsequentlybeenproperlyconsummated。[Footnote:Burnet，vol。
i，p。37。]Itistrue，CatharinehadinthePrincessMaryalivingwitnessoftheconsummationofhermarriage，butwhatdidtheenamoredandselfishkingcareaboutthat？PrincessMarywasdeclaredabastard，andthequeenwasnowtobenothingmorethanthewidowofthePrinceofWales。Itwasstrictlyforbiddentolongergivethetitleandtoshowthehonorduetoaqueen，tothewomanwhoforseventeenyearshadbeenQueenofEngland，andhadbeentreatedandhonoredassuch。NoonewaspermittedtocallheranythingbutthePrincessofWales；andthatnothingmightdisturbthegoodpeopleorthenoblequeenherselfinthisillusion，Catharinewasbanishedfromthecourtandexiledtoacastle，whichshehadonceoccupiedasconsortofArthur，PrinceofWales。AndHenrylikewiseallowedheronlytheattendanceandpensionwhichthelawappointstothewidowofthePrinceofWales。[Footnote:Burnet，vol。i，p。120。]
\"Ihaveeverheldthistobeoneofthemostprudentandsubtleactsofourexaltedking，andinthewholehistoryofthisdivorcethekingconductedhimselfwithadmirableconsistencyandresolution。
Butthisistosay，hewasexcitedbyopposition。Markthis，then，mychild，forthisisthereasonwhyIhavespokentoyouofthesethingssomuchatlength。Markthis，then:KingHenryiseverywayentirelyunabletobearcontradiction，ortobesubjectedtorestraint。Ifyouwishtowinhimtoanypurpose，youmusttrytodrawhimfromit；youmustsurrounditwithdifficultiesandhinderances。Thereforeshowyourselfcoyandindifferent；thatwillexcitehim。Donotcourthislooks；thenwillheseektoencounteryours。Andwhenfinallyhelovesyou，dwellsolongonyourvirtueandyourconscience，thatatlengthHenry，inordertoquietyourconscience，willsendthistroublesomeCatharineParrtotheblock，ordoashedidwithCatharineofAragon，anddeclarethathedidnotmentallygivehisconsenttothismarriage，andthereforeCatharineisnoqueen，butonlyLordNeville\'swidow。Ah，sincehemadehimselfhigh-priestofhisChurch，thereisnoimpedimentforhiminmattersofthiskind，foronlyGodismightierthanhe。
\"ThebeautifulAnneBoleyn，Henry\'ssecondwife，provedthis。Ihaveseenheroften，andItellyou，Jane，shewasofwondrousbeauty。
Whoeverlookeduponher，couldnotbutloveher，andhewhomshesmileduponfelthimselffascinatedandglorified。WhenshehadbornetothekingthePrincessElizabeth，Iheardhimsay，thathehadattainedthesummitofhishappiness，thegoalofhiswishes，forthequeenhadbornehimadaughter，andsotherewasaregularandlegitimatesuccessortohisthrone。Butthishappinesslastedonlyabrieftime。
\"ThekingconceivedonedaythatAnneBoleynwasnot，ashehadhithertobelieved，themostbeautifulwomanintheworld；butthattherewerewomenstillmorebeautifulathiscourt，whothereforehadastrongervocationtobecomeQueenofEngland。HehadseenJaneSeymour，andshewithoutdoubtwashandsomerthanAnneBoleyn，forshewasnotasyettheking\'sconsort，andtherewasanobstacletohispossessionofher——theQueenAnneBoleyn。Thisobstaclemustbegooutoftheway。
\"Henry，byvirtueofhisplentitudeofpower，mightagainhavebeendivorcedfromhiswife，buthedidnotliketorepeathimself，hewishedtobealwaysoriginal；andnoonewastobeallowedtosaythathisdivorceswereonlythecloakofhiscapriciouslewdness。
\"HehaddivorcedCatharineofAragononaccountofconscientiousscruples；therefore，someothermeansmustbedevisedforAnneBoleyn。
\"Theshortestwaytoberidofherwasthescaffold。WhyshouldnotAnnetravelthatroad，sincesomanyhadgoneitbeforeher？foranewforcehadenteredintotheking\'slife:thetigerhadlickedblood！Hisinstinctwasaroused，andherecoilednomorefromthosecrimsonrillswhichflowedintheveinsofhissubjects。
\"HehadgivenLadyAnneBoleynthecrimsonmantleofroyalty，whythenshouldshenotgivehimhercrimsonblood？Forthistherewaswantedonlyapretext，andthiswassoonfound。LadyRochfortwasJaneSeymour\'saunt，andshefoundsomemen，ofwhomsheassertedthattheyhadbeenloversofthefairAnneBoleyn。She，asthequeen\'sfirstladyofthebed-chamber，couldofcoursegivethemostminuteparticularsconcerningthematter，andthekingbelievedher。
Hebelievedher，thoughthesefourpretendedloversofthequeen，whowereexecutedfortheircrime，all，withtheexceptionofasingleone，asseveratedthatAnneBoleynwasinnocent，andthattheyhadneverbeeninherpresence。TheonlyonewhoaccusedthequeenofillicitintercoursewithhimwasJamesSmeaton，amusician。
[Footnote:Tytler。]Buthehadbeenpromisedhislifeforthisconfession。However，itwasnotthoughtadvisabletokeepthispromise，forfearthat，whenconfrontedwiththequeen，hemightnothavethestrengthtosustainhisassertion。Butnottobealtogetherunthankfultohimforsousefulaconfession，theyshowedhimthefavorofnotexecutinghimwiththeaxe，butthemoreagreeableandeasierdeathofhangingwasvouchsafedtohim。[Footnote:Burnet，vol。i，p。205。]
\"SothefairandlovelyAnneBoleynmustlayherheadupontheblock。Thedayonwhichthistookplace，thekinghadorderedagreathunt，andearlythatmorningwerodeouttoEppingForest。Thekingwasatfirstunusuallycheerfulandhumorous，andhecommandedmetoridenearhim，andtellhimsomethingfromthechroniquescandaleuseofourcourt。Helaughedatmyspitefulremarks，andtheworseIcalumniated，themerrierwastheking。Finally，wehalted；
thekinghadtalkedandlaughedsomuchthathehadatlastbecomehungry。Soheencampedunderanoak，and，inthemidstofhissuiteandhisdogs，hetookabreakfast，whichpleasedhimverymuch，althoughhehadnowbecomealittlequieterandmoresilent，andsometimesturnedhisfacetowardthedirectionofLondonwithvisiblerestlessnessandanxiety。Butsuddenlywasheardfromthatdirectionthedullsoundofacannon。WeallknewthatthiswasthesignalwhichwastomakeknowntothekingthatAnneBoleyn\'sheadhadfallen。Weknewit，andashudderranthroughourwholeframes。
Thekingalonesmiled，andashearoseandtookhisweaponfrommyhand，hesaid，withcheerfulface，\'Itisdone，thebusinessisfinished。Unleashthedogs，andletusfollowtheboar。\'[Footnote:
Theking\'sverywords。Tytler，p。383。Theoak。underwhichthistookplaceisstillpointedoutinEppingForest，andinfactisnotlessremarkableastheoakofCharlesII。]
\"That，\"saidLordDouglas，sadly，\"thatwasKingHenry\'sfuneraldiscourseoverhischarmingandinnocentwife。\"
\"Doyouregrether，myfather？\"askedLadyJane，withsurprise。\"ButAnneBoleynwas，itseemstome，anenemyofourChurch，andanadherentoftheaccursednewdoctrine。\"
Herfathershruggedhisshouldersalmostcontemptuously。ThatdidnotpreventLadyAnnefrombeingoneofthefairestandloveliestwomenofOldEngland。And，besides，muchassheinclinedtothenewdoctrine，shedidusessentialgoodservice，forsheitwaswhoboretheblameofThomasMore\'sdeath。Sincehehadnotapprovedhermarriagewiththeking，shehatedhim，asthekinghatedhimbecausehewouldnottaketheoathofsupremacy。Henry，however，wouldhavesparedhim，for，atthattime，hestillpossessedsomerespectforlearningandvirtue，andThomasMorewassorenownedascholarthatthekingheldhiminreverence。ButAnneBoleyndemandedhisdeath，andsoThomasMoremustbeexecuted。Oh，believeme，Jane，thatwasanimportantandsadhourforallEngland，thehourwhenThomasMorelaidhisheadupontheblock。Weonly，wegaypeopleinthepalaceofWhitehall，wewerecheerfulandmerry。Weweredancinganewkindofdance，themusicofwhichwaswrittenbythekinghimself，foryouknowthekingisnotmerelyanauthor，butalsoacomposer，andashenowwritespiousbooks，sohethencomposeddances。[Footnote:
Granger\'s\"BiographicalHistoryofEngland，\"vol。I，p。137。ofTytler，p。354。]Thatevening，afterwehaddancedtillweweretired，weplayedcards。JustasIhadwonafewguineasfromtheking，thelieutenantoftheTowercamewiththetidingsthattheexecutionwasover，andgaveusadescriptionofthelastmomentsofthegreatscholar。Thekingthrewdownhiscards，and，turninganangrylookonAnneBoleyn，said，inanagitatedvoice，\'Youaretoblameforthedeathofthisman！\'Thenhearoseandwithdrewtohisapartments，whilenoonewaspermittedtofollowhim，noteventhequeen。[Footnote:Tytler，p。354]Yousee，then，thatAnneBoleynhadaclaimonourgratitude，forthedeathofThomasMoredeliveredOldEnglandfromanothergreatperil。MelanchthonandBucer，andwiththemseveralofthegreatestpulpitoratorsofGermany，hadsetouttocometoLondon，and，asdelegatesoftheGermanicProtestantprinces，tonominatethekingasheadoftheiralliance。Buttheterriblenewsoftheexecutionoftheirfriendfrightenedthemback，andcausedthemtoreturnwhenhalf-wayhere。[Footnote:Tytler，p。
357。Leti，vol。I，p。180。Granger，vol。I，p。119。]
\"Peace，then，totheashesofunhappyAnneBoleyn！However，shewasavengedtoo，avengedonhersuccessorandrival，forwhosesakeshewasmadetomountthescaffold——avengedonJaneSeymour。\"