\"Butshewastheking\'sbelovedwife，\"saidJane，\"andwhenshediedthekingmournedforhertwoyears。\"
\"Hemourned！\"exclaimedLordDouglas，contemptuously。\"Hehasmournedforallhiswives。EvenforAnneBoleynheputonmourning，andinhiswhitemourningapparel，thedayafterAnne\'sexecution，heledJaneSeymourtothemarriagealtar！Thisoutwardmourning，whatdoesitsignify？AnneBoleynalsomournedforCatharineofAragon，whomshehadpushedfromthethrone。ForeightweeksshewasseeninyellowmourningonaccountofHenry\'sfirstwife；butAnneBoleynwasashrewdwoman，andsheknewverywellthattheyellowmourningdresswasexceedinglybecomingtoher。\"
\"Buttheking\'smourningwasnotmerelyexternal，\"saidLadyJane。
\"Hemournedreally，foritwastwoyearsbeforeheresolvedonanewmarriage。\"
EarlDouglaslaughed。\"Buthecheeredhimselfduringthesetwoyearsofwidowhoodwithaverybeautifulmistress，theFrenchMarchionessdeMontreuil，andhewouldhavemarriedherhadnottheprudentbeautypreferredreturningtoFrance，becauseshefounditaltogethertoodangeroustobecomeHenry\'sconsort。Foritisnottobedenied，abalefulstarhoversoverHenry\'squeens，andnoneofthemhasdescendedfromthethroneinanaturalway。\"
\"Yet，father，JaneSeymourdidsoinaverynaturalway；shediedinchildbed。\"
\"Well，yes，inchildbed。Andyetbynonaturaldeath，forshecouldhavebeensaved。ButHenrydidnotwishtosaveher。Hislovehadalreadygrowncool，andwhenthephysiciansaskedhimwhethertheyshouldsavethemotherorthechild，hereplied，\'Savethechild，andletthemotherdie。Icangetwivesenough。\'[Footnote:Burnet。]
Ah，mydaughter，IhopeyoumaynotdiesuchanaturaldeathasJaneSeymourdid，forwhom，asyousay，thekingmournedtwoyears。Butafterthatperiod，somethingnew，somethingaltogetherextraordinaryhappenedtotheking。Hefellinlovewithapicture，andbecause，inhisproudself-conceit，hewasconvincedthatthefinepicturewhichHolbeinhadmadeofhim，wasnotatallflattered，butentirelytruetonature，itdidnotoccurtohimthatHolbein\'slikenessofthePrincessAnneofClevesmightbesomewhatflattered，andnotaltogetherfaithful。Sothekingfellinlovewithapicture，andsentambassadorstoGermanytobringtheoriginaloftheportraittoEnglandashisbride。HehimselfwenttomeetheratRochester，whereshewastoland。Ah，mychild，Ihavewitnessedmanyqueeranddrollthingsinmyeventfullife，butthesceneatRochester，however，isamongmymostspicyrecollections。Thekingwasasenthusiasticasapoet，anddeepinloveasayouthoftwenty，andsobeganourromanticwedding-trip，onwhichHenrydisguisedhimselfandtookpartinit，assumingthenameofmycousin。Astheking\'smasterofhorse，Iwashonoredwiththecommissionofcarryingtotheyoungqueenthegreetingofherardenthusband，andbegginghertoreceivetheknight，whowoulddelivertoherapresentfromtheking。Shegrantedmyrequestwithagrinwhichmadevisibleafrightfulrowofyellowteeth。Iopenedthedoor，andinvitedthekingtoenter。Ah，yououghttohavewitnessedthatscene！ItistheonlyfarcialpassageinthebloodytragedyofHenry\'smarriedlife。Youshouldhaveseenwithwhathastyimpatiencethekingrushedin，thensuddenly，atthesightofher，staggeredbackandstaredattheprincess。Slowlyretiring，hesilentlythrustintomyhandtherichpresentthathehadbrought，whileatthesametimehethrewalookofflamingwrathonLordCromwell，whohadbroughthimtheportraitoftheprincessandwonhimtothismarriage。Theromantic，ardentlovervanishedwiththislookathisbeloved。Heapproachedtheprincessagain——thistimenotasacavalier，but，withharshandhastywords，hetoldherhewasthekinghimself。Hebadeherwelcomeinafewwords，andgaveheracold，formalembrace。Hethenhastilytookmyhandanddrewmeoutoftheroom，beckoningtheresttofollowhim。Andwhenatlengthwewereoutoftheatmosphereofthispooruglyprincess，andfarenoughawayfromher，theking，withangrycountenance，saidtoCromwell:\'Callyouthatabeauty？SheisaFlandersmare，butnoprincess。\'[Footnote:Burnet，p。174。Tytler，p。417。]Anne\'suglinesswassurelygivenherofGod，thatbyit，theChurch，inwhichaloneissalvation，mightbedeliveredfromthegreatdangerwhichthreatenedit。ForhadAnneofCleves，thesister，niece，granddaughterandauntofalltheProtestantprincesofGermany，beenbeautiful，incalculabledangerwouldhavethreatenedourchurch。Thekingcouldnotovercomehisrepugnance，andagainhisconscience，whichalwaysappearedtobemosttenderandscrupulous，whenitwasfarthestfromitandmostregardless，mustcometohisaid。
\"Thekingdeclaredthathehadbeenonlyinappearance，notinhisinnermostconscience，disposedtothismarriage，fromwhichhenowshrankback，becauseitwouldbe，properlyspeaking，nothingmorethanperfidy，perjury，andbigamy。ForAnne\'sfatherhadoncebetrothedhertothesonoftheDukeofLorraine，andhadsolemnlypledgedhimhiswordtogiveherasawifetotheyoungdukeassoonasshewasofage；ringshadbeenexchangedandthemarriagecontractalreadydrawnup。AnneofCleves，therefore，wasvirtuallyalreadymarried，andHenry，withhistenderconscience，couldnotmakeonealreadymarriedhiswife。[Footnote:Burnet。]Hemadeher，therefore，hissister，andgaveherthepalaceatRichmondforaresidence，incaseshewishedtoremaininEngland。Sheacceptedit；
herblood，whichcreptcoldlyandquietlythroughherveins，didnotriseatthethoughtofbeingdespisedandrepudiated。Sheacceptedit，andremainedinEngland。
\"Shewasrejectedbecauseshewasugly；andnowthekingselectedCatharineHowardforhisfifthconsort，becauseshewaspretty。OfthismarriageIknowbutlittletotellyou，for，atthattime，I
hadalreadygonetoDublinasminister，whitheryousoonfollowedme。Catharinewasverybeautiful，andtheking\'sheart，nowgrowingold，oncemoreflamedhighwithyouthfullove。Helovedhermorewarmlythananyotherofhiswives。Hewassohappyinherthat，kneelingdownpubliclyinthechurch，withaloudvoicehethankedGodforthehappinesswhichhisbeautifulyoungqueenaffordedhim。
Butthisdidnotlastlong。Evenwhilethekingwasextollingit，hishappinesshadreacheditshighestpoint，andthenextdayhewasdasheddownintotheabyss。Ispeakwithoutpoeticalexaggeration，mychild。Thedaybefore，hethankedGodforhishappiness，andthenextmorningCatharineHowardwasalreadyimprisonedandaccused，asanunfaithfulwife，ashamelessstrumpet。[Footnote:Tytler，p。432。]
Morethansevenlovershadprecededherroyalspouse，andsomeofthemhadaccompaniedherevenontheprogressthroughYorkshire，whichshemadewiththekingherhusband。Thistimeitwasnopretence，forhehadnotyethadtimetofallinlovewithanotherwoman，andCatharinewellknewhowtoenchainhimandevertokindlenewflameswithinhim。Butjustbecausehelovedher，hecouldnotforgiveherforhavingdeceivedhim。Inlovethereissomuchcrueltyandhatred；andHenry，whobutyesterdaylayatherfeet，burnedto-daywithrageandjealousy，asyesterdaywithloveandrapture。Inhisrage，however，hestilllovedher，andwhenheheldinhishandindubitableproofofherguilt，heweptlikeachild。
Butsincehecouldnolongerbeherlover，hewouldbeherhangman；
sinceshehadspottedthecrimsonofhisroyalmantle，hewoulddyeitafreshwithherowncrimsonblood。Andhedidso。CatharineHowardwasforcedtolayherbeautifulheadupontheblock，asAnneBoleynhaddonebeforeher；andAnne\'sdeathwasnowoncemoreavenged。LadyRochforthadbeenAnneBoleyn\'saccuser，andhertestimonyhadbroughtthatqueentothescaffold；butnowshewasconvictedofbeingCatharineHoward\'sassistantandconfidanteinherloveadventures，andwithCatharine，LadyRochfortalsoascendedthescaffold。
\"Ah，thekingneededalongtimetorecoverfromthisblow。Hesearchedtwoyearsforapure，uncontaminatedvirgin，whomightbecomehisqueenwithoutdangerofthescaffold。Buthefoundnone；
sohetookthenLordNeville\'swidow，CatharineParr。Butyouknow，mychild，thatCatharineisanunluckynameforHenry\'squeens。ThefirstCatharineherepudiated，thesecondhebeheaded。Whatwillhedowiththethird？\"
LadyJanesmiled。\"Catharinedoesnotlovehim，\"saidshe，\"andI
believeshewouldwillinglyconsent，likeAnneofCleves，tobecomehissister，insteadofhiswife。\"
\"Catharinedoesnotlovetheking？\"inquiredLordDouglas，inbreathlesssuspense。\"Shelovesanother，then！\"
\"No，myfather！Herheartisyetlikeasheetofwhitepaper:nosinglenameisyetinscribedthere。\"
\"Thenwemustwriteanamethere，andthisnamemustdrivehertothescaffold，orintobanishment，\"saidherfatherimpetuously。\"Itisyourbusiness，mychild，totakeasteelgraver，andinsomewaywriteanameinCatharine\'sheartsodeepandindelibly，thatthekingmaysomedayreaditthere。\"
CHAPTERVIII。
FATHERANDDAUGHTER。
Bothnowkeptsilentforalongtime。LordDouglashadleanedbackontheottoman，and，respiringheavily，seemedtobreathealittlefromtheexertionofhislongdiscourse。Butwhileherested，hislarge，piercingeyeswereconstantlyturnedtoJane，who，leaningbackonthecushion，wasstaringthoughtfullyintotheemptyair，andseemedtobeentirelyforgetfulofherfather\'spresence。
Acunningsmileplayedforamomentoverthecountenanceoftheearlasheobservedher，butitquicklydisappeared，andnowdeepfoldsofcaregatheredonhisbrow。AshesawthatLadyJanewasplungingdeeperanddeeperintoreverie，heatlengthlaidhishandonhershoulderandhastilyasked，\"Whatareyouthinkingof，Jane？\"
Shegaveasuddenstart，andlookedattheearlwithanembarrassedair。
\"Iamthinkingofallthatyouhavebeensayingtome，myfather，\"
repliedshe，calmly。\"IamconsideringwhatbenefittoourobjectI
candrawfromit。\"
LordDouglasshookhishead，andsmiledincredulously。Atlengthhesaidsolemnly:\"Takecare，Jane，takecarethatyourheartdoesnotdeceiveyourhead。Ifwewouldreachouraimhere，youmust，aboveallthings，maintainacoolheartandacoolhead。Doyoustillpossessboth，Jane？\"
Inconfusionshecastdownhereyesbeforehispenetratinglook。
LordDouglasnoticedit，andapassionatewordwasalreadyonhislips。Buthekeptitback。Asaprudentdiplomat，heknewthatitisoftenmorepolitictodestroyathingbyignoringit，thantoenterintoanopencontestwithit。Thefeelingsarelikethedragons\'
teethofTheseus。Ifyoucontendwiththem，theyalwaysgrowagainanew，andwithrenewedenergy，outofthesoil。LordDouglas，therefore，wasverycarefulnottonoticehisdaughter\'sconfusion。
\"Pardonme，mydaughter，if，inmyzealandmytendercareforyou，Igotoofar。Iknowthatyourdearandbeautifulheadiscoolenoughtowearacrown。Iknowthatinyourheartdwellonlyambitionandreligion。Letus，then，furtherconsiderwhatwehavetodoinordertoattainourend。
\"WehavespokenofHenryasahusband，ofHenryasaman；andIhopeyouhavedrawnsomeusefullessonsfromthefateofhiswives。Youhavelearnedthatitisnecessarytopossessallthegoodandallthebadqualitiesofwomaninordertocontrolthisstiff-neckedandtyrannical，thislustfulandbigoted，thisvainandsensualman，whomthewrathofGodhasmadeKingofEngland。Youmust，beforeallthings，beperfectmasterofthedifficultartofcoquetry。YoumustbecomeafemaleProteus——todayaMessalina，to-morrowanun；to-dayoneofthe_literati_，to-morrowaplayfulchild；youmusteverseektosurprisetheking，tokeephimonthestretch，toenlivenhim。
Youmustnevergivewaytothedangerousfeelingofsecurity，forinfactKingHenry\'swifeisneversafe。Theaxealwayshangsoverherhead，andyoumusteverconsideryourhusbandasonlyaficklelover，whomyoumusteverydaycaptivateanew。\"
\"YouspeakasthoughIwerealreadyqueen，\"saidLadyJane，smiling；
\"andyetIcannotbutthinkthat，inordertocometothat，manydifficultiesaretobeovercome，whichmayindeedperhapsbeinsuperable。\"
\"Insuperable！\"exclaimedherfatherwithashrugoftheshoulders。
\"WiththeaidoftheholyChurch，nohinderanceisinsuperable。
Only，wemustbeperfectlyacquaintedwithourendandourmeans。Donotdespise，then，tosoundthecharacterofthiskingeverandagain，andbecertainyouwillalwaysfindinhimsomenewhiddenrecess，somesurprisingpeculiarity。Wehavespokenofhimasahusbandandthefatherofafamily，butofhisreligiousandpoliticalstandingIhaveasyettoldyounothing。Andyetthat，mychild，istheprincipalpointinhiswholecharacter。
\"Inthefirstplace，then，Jane，Iwilltellyouasecret。Theking，whohasconstitutedhimselfhigh-priestofhisChurch——whomthepopeoncecalled\'theKnightoftheTruthandtheFaith\'——thekinghasatthebottomofhisheartnoreligion。Heisawaveringreed，whichthewindturnsthiswayto-day，andthatwayto-morrow。Heknowsnothisownwill，and，coquettingwithbothparties，to-dayheisaheretic，inordertoexhibithimselfasastrong，unprejudiced，enlightenedman；to-morrowaCatholic，inordertoshowhimselfanobedientandhumbleservantofGod，whoseeksandfindshishappinessonlyinloveandpiety。Butforbothconfessionsoffaithhepossessesatheartaprofoundindifference；andhadthepopeatthattimeplacednodifficultiesinhisway，hadheconsentedtohisdivorcefromCatharine，HenrywouldhavealwaysremainedaverygoodandactiveservantoftheCatholicChurch。Buttheywereimprudentenoughtoirritatehimbycontradiction；theystimulatedhisvanityandpridetoresistance；andsoHenrybecameachurchreformer，notfromconviction，butoutofpureloveofopposition。Andthat，mychild，youmustneverforget，for，bymeansofthislever，youmayverywellconverthimagaintoadevout，dutiful，andobedientservantofourholyChurch。Hehasrenouncedthepope，andusurpedthesupremacyoftheChurch，buthecannotsummonupcouragetocarryouthisworkandthrowhimselfwhollyintothearmsoftheReformation。Howevermuchhehasopposedthepersonofthepope，stillhehasalwaysremaineddevotedtotheChurch，althoughperhapshedoesnotknowithimself。HeisnoCatholic，andhehearsmass；
hehasbrokenupthemonasteries，andyetforbidsprieststomarry；
hehastheLord\'ssupperadministeredunderbothkinds，andbelievesintherealtransubstantiationofthewineintotheRedeemer\'sholyblood。Hedestroystheconvents，andyetcommandsthatvowsofchastity，spokenbymanorwoman，mustbefaithfullykept；andlastly，auricularconfessionisstillanecessaryconstituentofhisChurch。Andthesehecallshissixarticles，[Footnote:Burnet，vol。
I，p。259。Tytler，p。402。Mioti，vol。I，p。134。]andthefoundationofhisEnglishChurch。Poor，short-sightedandvainman！
Heknowsnotthathehasdoneallthis，onlybecausehewantedtobethepopehimself，andheisnothingmorethanananti-popeoftheHolyFatheratRome，whomhe，inhisblasphemouspride，darescall\'theBishopofRome。\'\"
\"But，forthisaudacity，\"saidJane，withlooksofburningrage，\"theanathemahasstruckhimandlaidacurseuponhishead，andgivenhimuptothehatred，contempt，andscornofhisownsubjects。
Therefore，theHolyFatherhasjustlynamedhim\'theapostateandlostson，theblasphemingusurperoftheholyChurch。\'Therefore，thepopehasdeclaredhiscrownforfeited，andpromisedittohimwhowillvanquishhimbyforceofarms。Therefore，thepopehasforbiddenanyofhissubjectstoobeyhim，andrespectandrecognizehimasking。\"
\"AndyetheremainsKingofEngland，andhissubjectsstillobeyhiminslavishsubmission，\"exclaimedEarlDouglas，shrugginghisshoulders。\"Itisveryunwisetogosofarinthreats，foroneshouldneverthreatenwithpunishmentwhichheisnotlikewiseabletoreallyexecute。ThisRomishinterdicthasratherbeenanadvantagetotheking，thandonehimharm，forithasforcedthekingintohaughtieropposition，andprovedtohissubjectsthatamanirnyroallybeunderaninterdict，andyetinprosperityandthefullenjoymentoflife。\"
\"Thepope\'sexcommunicationhasnothurtthekingatall；histhronehasnotfelttheslightestjarfromit，buttheapostasyofthekinghasdeprivedtheHolySeeatRomeofaveryperceptiblesupport；
thereforewemustbringthefaithlesskingbacktotheholyChurch，forsheneedshim。Andthis，mydaughter，istheworkthatGodandthewillofHisholyrepresentativehaveplacedinyourhands。A
noble，glorious，andatthesametimeprofitablework，foritmakesyouaqueen！ButIrepeat，becautious，neverirritatethekingbycontradiction。Withouttheirknowingit，wemustleadthewaveringwheresalvationawaitsthem。For，aswehavesaid，heisawaverer；
andinthehaughtyprideofhisroyalty，hehasthepresumptiontowishtostandaboveallparties，andtobehimselfabletofoundanewChurch，aChurchwhichisneitherCatholicnorProtestant，butMsChurch；towhich，inthesixarticles，theso-called\'BloodyStatute\'hehasgivenitslaws。
\"HewillnotbeProtestantnorCatholic，and，inordertoshowhisimpartiality，heisanequallyterriblepersecutorofbothparties。
Sothatithascometopassthatwemustsay，\'InEngland，Catholicsarehanged，andthosenotstichareburned。\'[Footnote:Leti，vol。
I，p。144。fTytler，p。38。]Itgivesthekingpleasuretoholdwithsteadyandcruelhandthebalancebetweenthetwoparties，andonthesamedaythathehasapapistincarcerated，becausehehasdisputedtheking\'ssupremacy，hehasoneofthereformedputupontherack，becausehehasdeniedtherealtransubstantiationofthewine，orperhapshasdispiitedconcerningthenecessityofauricularconfession。Indeed，duringthelastsessionofParliament，fivemenwerehangedbecausetheydisputedthesupremacy，andfiveothersburnedbecausetheyprofessedthereformedviews！Andthisevening，Jane——this，theking\'swedding-night——bythespecialorderoftheking，whowantedtoshowhisimpartialityasheadofthechurch，CatholicsandProtestantshavebeencoupledtogetherlikedogs，andhurriedtothestake，theCatholicsbeingcondemnedistraitors，andtheothersasheretics！
\"Oh，\"saidJane，shudderingandturningpale，\"IwillnotbeQueenofEngland。Ihaveahorrorofthiscruel，savageking，whoseheartiswhollywithoutcompassionorlove。
Herfatherlaughed。\"Doyounotthenknow，child，howyoucanmakethehyenagentle，andthetigertame？Youthrowthemagainandagainafreshprey，whichtheymaydevour，andsincetheylovebloodsodearly，youconstantlygivethembloodtodrink，sothattheymayneverthirstforit。Theking\'sonlysteadyandunchangingpeculiarityishiscrueltyanddelightinblood；onethenmustalwayshavesomefoodreadyforthese，thenhewilleverbeaveryaffectionateandgraciouskingandhusband。
\"Andthereisnolackofobjectsforthisbloodthirstiness。Therearesomanymenandwomenathiscourt，andwhenheispreciselyinabloodthirstyhumor，itisallthesametoHenrywhosebloodhedrinks。Hehasshedthebloodofhiswivesandrelatives；hehasexecutedthosewhomhecalledhismostconfidentialfriends；hehassentthenoblestmenofhiskingdomtothescaffold。
\"ThomasMoreknewhimverywell，andinafewstrikingwordshesummedupthewholeoftheking\'scharacter。Ah，itseemstomethatIseenowthequietandgentlefaceofthiswiseman，asIsawhimstandinginyonderbay-window，andnearhimtheking，hisarmsaroundtheneckofHigh-ChancellorMore，andlisteningtohisdiscoursewithakindofreverentialdevotion。Andwhenthekinghadgone，IwalkeduptoThomasMoreandcongratulatedhimonthehighandworld-renownedfavorinwhichhestoodwiththeking。\'Thekingreallylovesyou，\'saidI。\'Yes，\'repliedhe，withhisquiet，sadsmile，\'yes，thekingtrulylovesme。Butthatwouldnotforonemomenthinderhimfromgivingmyheadforavaluablediamond，abeautifulwoman，orahand\'sbreadthoflandinFrance。\'[Footnote:
Leti，vol。i，p194。]Hewasright，andforabeautifulwoman，theheadofthissagehadtofall，ofwhomthemostChristianemperorandking，CharlesV。，said:\'HadIbeenthemasterofsuchaservant，ofwhoseabilityandgreatnesswehavehadsomuchexperienceformanyyears；hadIpossessedanadvisersowiseandearnestasThomasMorewas，Iwouldratherhavelostthebestcityofmyrealm，thansoworthyaservantandcounsellor。\'[Footnote:
Tytler，p。354。]
\"No，Jane，bethatyourfirstandmostsacredrule，nevertotrusttheking，andneverreckononthedurationofhisaffectionandthemanifestationsofhisfavor。For，intheperfidyofhisheart，itoftenpleaseshimtoloadwithtokensofhisfavorthosewhosedestructionhehasalreadyresolvedupon，toadornanddecoratewithordersandjewelsto-daythosewhomto-morrowheisgoingtoputtodeath。Itflattershisself-complacency，likethelion，toplayalittlewiththepuppyheisabouttodevour。ThusdidhewithCromwell，formanyyearshiscounsellorandfriend，whohadcommittednoothercrimethanthatofhavingfirstexhibitedtothekingtheportraitoftheuglyAnneofCleves，whomHolbeinhadturnedintoabeauty。ButthekingtookgoodcarenottobeangrywithCromwell，ortoreproachhimforit。Muchmore——inrecognitionofhisgreatservices，heraisedhimtotheearldomofEssex，decoratedhimwiththeOrderoftheGarterandappointedhimlordchamberlain；andthen，whenCromwellfeltperfectlysecureandproudlybaskedinthesunshineofroyalfavor，thenallatoncethekinghadhimarrestedanddraggedtothetower，inordertoaccusehimofhightreason。[Footnote:Ibid，p。423。]AndsoCromwellwasexecuted，becauseAnneofClevesdidnotpleasetheking，andbecauseHansHolbeinhadflatteredherpicture。
\"Butnowwehavehadenoughofthepast，Jane。Nowletusspeakofthepresentandofthefuture，mydaughter。Letusnowfirstofalldevisethemeanstooverthrowthiswomanwhostandsinourway。Whensheisonceoverthrown，itwillnotbeverydifficultforustoputyouinherplace。Foryouarenowhere，neartheking。Thegreatmistakeinonrearliereffortswas，thatwewerenotpresentandcouldworkonlythroughgo-betweensandconfidants。Thekingdidnotseeyou，andsincetheunluckyaffairwithAnneofCleveshemistrustslikenesses；Iverywellknewthat，forI，mychild，confideinnoone，noteveninthemostfaithfulandnoblestfriends。Irelyuponnobodybutourselves。Hadwebeenhere，youwouldnowbeQueenofEnglandinsteadofCatharineParr。But，toourmisfortune，IwasstillthefavoriteoftheRegentofScotland，andassuch，IcouldnotventuretoapproachHenry。ItwasnecessarythatIshouldfallintodisgracethere，inordertobeagainsureoftheking\'sfavorhere。
\"SoIfellintodisgraceandfledwithyouhither。Now，then，hereweare，andletthefightbegin。Andyouhaveto-dayalreadytakenanimportantsteptowardourend。Youhaveattractedthenoticeoftheking，andestablishedyourselfstillmoresecurelyinthefavorofCatharine。Iconfess，Jane，Iamcharmedwithyourprudentconduct。Youhavethisdaywontheheartsofallparties，anditwaswonderfullyshrewdinyoutocometotheaidoftheEarlofSurrey，asyouatthesametimewontoyouthehereticalparty，towhichAnneAskewbelongs。Oh，itwasindeed，Jane，astrokeofpolicythatyoumade。FortheHowardfamilyisthemostpowerfulandgreatestatcourt，andHenry，EarlofSurrey，isoneofitsnoblestrepresentatives。Thereforewehavenowalreadyapowerfulpartyatcourt，whichhasinviewonlythehighandholyaimofsecuringavictoryfortheholyChurch，andwhichquietlyandsilentlyworksonlyforthis——toagainreconcilethekingtothepope。HenryHoward，EarlofSurrey，likebisfather，theDukeofNorfolk，isagoodCatholic，ashisnieceCatharineHowardwas；onlyshe，besidesGodandtheChurch，wasalittletoofondoftheimagesofGod——
fine-lookingmen。Itwasthisthatgavethevictorytotheotherparty，andforcedtheCatholictosuccumbtothehereticalpartyatcourt。Yes，forthemoment，CranmerwithCatharinehasgotthebetterofus，butsoonGardinerwithJaneDouglaswillovercometheheretics，andsendthemtothescaffold。Thatisourplan，and，Godpermitting，wewillcarryitout。\"
\"Butitwillbeadifficultundertaking，\"saidLadyJane，withasigh。\"Thequeenisapure，transparentsoul；shehasashrewdheadandaclearglance。Sheis，moreover，guilelessinherthoughts，andrecoilswithtruemaidenlytimidityfromeverysin。\"
\"Wemustcureherofthistimidity，andthatisyourtask，Jane。Youmustdespoilherofthesestrictnotionsaboutvirtue。Withflatteringvoiceyoumustensnareherheart，andenticeittosin。\"
\"Oh，thatisaninfernalplot！\"saidLadyJane，turningpale。\"That，myfather，wouldbeacrime，forthatwouldbenotonlydestroyingherearthlyhappiness，butalsoimperillinghersoul。Imustenticehertoacrime；thatisyourdishonorabledemand！ButIwillnotobeyyou！Itistrue，Ihateher，forshestandsinthewayofmyambition。ItistrueIwilldestroyher，forshewearsthecrownwhichIwishtopossess；butneverwillIbesobaseastopourintoherveryheartthepoisonbywhichsheshallfall。Letherseekthepoisonforherself；Iwillnotholdbackherhand；Iwillnotwarnher。Letherseekthewaysofsinherself:Iwillnottellherthatshehaserred；hutIwill，fromafar，dogher，andwatcheachstep，andlistenforeverywordandsigh，andwhenshehascommittedacrime，thenIwillbetrayher，anddeliverheruptoherjudges。
ThatiswhatIcanandwilldo。IwillbethedemontodriveherfromparadiseinGod\'sname，butnottheserpenttoenticeherinthedevil\'snametosin。\"
Shepaused，and，pantingforbreath，sunkbackuponthecushion；butherfather\'shandwaslaiduponhershoulderwithaconvulsivegrip，andpalewithrageandwitheyesflashingwithanger，hestaredather。
AcryofterrorburstfromLadyJane。She，whoneverhadseenherfatherbutsmilingandfullofkindness，scarcelyrecognizedthatcountenance，distortedwithrage。Shecouldscarcelyconvinceherselfthatthisman，witheyesdartingfire，scowlingeyebrowsandlipsquiveringwithrage，wasreallyherfather。
\"Youwillnot？\"exclaimedhe，withahollow，threateningvoice。\"YoudarerebelagainsttheholycommandsoftheChurch？Haveyou，then，forgottenwhatyoupromisedtotheHolyFathers，whosepupilyouare？HaveyouforgottenthatthebrothersandsistersoftheHolyLeaguearepermittedtohavenootherwillthanthatoftheirmasters！Haveyouforgottenthesublimevowwhichyoumadetoourmaster，IgnatiusLoyola？Answerme，unfaithfulanddisobedientdaughteroftheChurch！RepeattometheoathwhichyoutookwhenhereceivedyouintotheholySocietyoftheDisciplesofJesus！Repeatyouroath，Isay！\"
Asifconstrainedbyaninvisiblepower，Janehadarisen，andnowstood，herhandsfoldedacrossherbreast，submissiveandtremblingbeforeherfather，whoseerect，proud，andwrathfulformtoweredaboveher。
\"Ihavesworn，\"saidshe，\"tosubjectmyownthought，andwill，mylife，andendeavors，obedientlytothewilloftheHolyFather。I
havesworntobeablindtoolinthehandsofmymasters，andtodoonlywhattheycommandandenjoin。IhavevowedtoservetheholyChurch，inwhichaloneissalvation，ineverywayandwithallthemeansatmycommand；andIwilldespisenoneofthesemeans，considernonetrifling，disdainnone，provideditleadstotheend。
Fortheendsanctifiesthemeans，andnothingisasinwhichisdoneforthehonorofGodandtheChurch！\"
\"AdmajoremDeigloriam！\"saidherfather，devoutlyfoldinghishands。\"Andyouknowwhatawaitsyou，ifyouviolateyouroath？\"
\"Earthlydisgraceandeternaldestructionawaitme。Thecurseofallmybrethrenandsistersawaitsme——eternaldamnationandpunishment。
Withthousandsoftormentsandtorturesoftherack，willtheHolyFathersputmetodeath；andastheykillmybodyandthrowitasfoodtothebeastsofprey，theywillcursemysoulanddeliveritovertopurgatory。\"
\"Andwhatawaitsyouifyouremainfaithfultoyouroath，andobeythecommandsgivenyou？\"
\"Honorandgloryonearth，besideseternalblessednessinheaven。\"
\"Thenyouwillbeaqueenonearthandaqueeninheaven。Youknow，then，thesacredlawsofthesociety，andyourememberyouroath？\"
\"Irememberit。\"
\"AndyouknowthattheholyLoyola，beforeheleftus，gavetheSocietyofJesus，inEngland，amasterandgeneral，whomallthebrethrenandsistersmustserveandsubmitto，towhomtheyoweblindobedienceandservicewithoutquestioning？\"
\"Iknowit。\"
\"Andyouknow，likewise，bywhatsigntheassociatesmayrecognizethegeneral？\"
\"ByLoyola\'sring，whichhewearsontheforefingerofhisrighthand。\"
\"Beholdherethisring！\"saidtheearl，drawinghishandoutofhisdoublet。
LadyJaneutteredacry，andsankalmostsenselessathisfeet。
LordDouglas，smilinggraciously，raisedherinhisarms。\"Yousee，Jane，Iamnotmerelyyourfather，butyourmasteralso。Andyouwillobeyme，willyounot？\"
\"Iwillobey！\"saidshe，almostinaudibly，asshekissedthehandwiththefatalring。
\"YouwillbetoCatharineParr，asyouhaveexpressedit，theserpent，thatseduceshertosin？\"
\"Iwill。\"
\"Youwillbeguileherintosin，andenticehertoindulgealovewhichmustleadhertodestruction？\"
\"Iwilldoit，myfather。\"
\"Iwillnowtellyouwhomsheistolove，andwhoistobetheinstrumentofdestruction。YouwillsomanagethequeenthatshewillloveHenryHoward，EarlofSurrey。\"
Janeutteredascream，andclungtothebackofachairtokeepfromfalling。
Herfatherobservedherwithpenetrating，angrylooks。\"Whatmeansthisoutcry？Whydoesthischoicesurpriseyou？\"askedhe。
LadyJanehadalreadygainedherself-possession。\"Itsurprisedme，\"
saidshe，\"becausetheearlisbetrothed。\"
Asingularsmileplayedabouttheearl\'slips。\"Itisnotthefirsttime，\"saidhe，\"thatevenamanalreadymarriedhasbecomedangeroustoawoman\'sheart，andoftentheveryimpossibilityofpossessionaddsfueltotheflamesoflove。Woman\'sheartiseversofullofselfishnessandcontradiction。\"
LadyJanecastdownhereyes，andmadenoreply。Shefeltthatthepiercingandpenetratinglookofherfatherwasrestingonherface。
Sheknewthat，justthen，hewasreadinghersoul，althoughshedidnotlookathim。
\"Thenyounolongerrefuse？\"askedhe，atlength。\"YouwillinspiretheyoungqueenwithlovefortheEarlofSurrey？\"
\"Iwillendeavortodoit，myfather。\"
\"Ifyoutry，witharealandenergeticdeterminationtosucceed，youwillprevail。For，asyousaid，thequeen\'sheartisstillfree；itis，then，likeafruitfulsoil，whichisonlywaitingforsomeonetosowtheseedinit，tobringforthflowersandfruit。CatharineParrdoesnotlovetheking；youwill，then，teachhertoloveHenryHoward。\"
\"Yet，myfather，\"saidLadyJane，withasarcasticsmile，\"tobringaboutthisresult，onemust，beforeallthings，beacquaintedwithamagicspell，throughthemightofwhichtheearlwillfirstglowwithloveforCatharine。Forthequeenhasaproudsoul，andshewillneversoforgetherdignityastoloveamanwhoisnotinflamedwithanardentpassionforher。Buttheearlhasnotonlyabride，but，asitissaid，amistressalso。\"
\"Ah！youconsiderit，then，perfectlyunworthyofawomantoloveamanwhodoesnotadoreher？\"askedtheearl，inasignificanttone。
\"Iamrejoicedtohearthisfrommydaughter，andthustohecertainthatshewillnotfallinlovewiththeEarlofSurrey，whoiseverywhereelsecalled\'thelady-killer。\'Andifyouhaveinformedyourselfinsosurprisingamannerastotheearl\'sprivaterelations，youhavedoneso，withoutdoubt，onlybecauseyoursagaciousandsubtleheadhasalreadyguessedwhatcommissionI
wouldgiveyouwithrespecttotheearl。Besides，mydaughter，youareinerror:andifacertainhigh，butnotonthataccountthelessveryunfortunatelady，shouldhappentoreallylovetheEarlofSurrey，herlotwill，perhaps，bethecommonone——topractiseresignation。\"
AnexpressionofjoyfulsurprisepassedoverthecountenanceofLadyJane，whileherfatherthusspoke；butitwasforcedtoinstantlygivewaytoadeathlypaleness，astheearladded:\"HenryHowardisdestinedforCatharineParr，andyouaretohelphertolovesohotlythisproud，handsomeearl，whoisafaithfulservantoftheChurch，whereinaloneissalvation，thatshewillforgetallconsiderationsandalldangers。\"
LadyJaneventuredonemoreobjection。Shecaughteagerlyatherfather\'swords，toseekstillforsomewayofescape。
\"YoucalltheearlafaithfulservantofourChurch，\"saidshe，\"andyetyouwouldimplicatehimalsoinyourdangerousplot？Youhavenot，then，myfather，consideredthatitisjustaspernicioustolovethequeenastobelovedbyher？And，withoutdoubt，iflovefortheEarlofSurreybringthequeentothescaffold，theheadoftheearlwillfallatthesametime，nomatterwhetherhereturnherloveornot。\"
Theearlshruggedhisshoulders。
\"WhenthequestionisaboutthewealoftheChurchandourholyreligion，thedangerwhich，thereby，itmaybe，threatensoneofournumber，mustnotfrightenusback。Holysacrificesmustbealwaysofferedtoaholycause。Wellandgood，then，lettheearl\'sheadfall，providedtheonlysavingChurchgainsnewvigorfromthisbloodofmartyrs。Butsee，Jane，themorningalreadybeginstodawn，andImusthastentoleaveyou，lestthesecourtiers，evergiventoslandering，mayinsomewayorothertakethefatherforalover，andcastsuspicionontheimmaculatevirtueofmyJane。Farewell，then，mydaughter！Weboth，now，knowourr鬺es，andwilltakecaretoplaythemwithsuccess。Youarethefriendandconfidanteofthequeen，andItheharmlesscourtier，whotries，nowandthen，togainasmilefromthekingbysomekindandmerryjest。Thatisall。
Good-morning，then，Jane，andgood-night。Foryoumustsleep，mychild，sothatyourcheeksmayremainfreshandyoureyesbright。
Thekinghatespiningpale-faces。Sleep，then，futureQueenofEngland！\"
Hegentlykissedherforehead，andlefttheroomwithlingeringstep。
LadyJanestoodandlistenedtothesoundofhisfootstepsgraduallydyingaway，whenshesankonherknees，whollycrushed，utterlystunned。
\"MyGod，myGod！\"murmuredshe，whilestreamsoftearsfloodedherface，\"andIamtoinspirethequeenwithlovefortheEarlofSurrey，andI——Ilovehim！\"
CHAPTERIX。
LENDEMAIN。
Thegreatlev閑wasover。Sittingbesidethekingonthethrone，Catharinehadreceivedthecongratulationsofhercourt；andtheking\'ssmilinglook，andthetenderwordswhich，inundertone，henowandthenaddressedtothequeen，hadmanifestedtotheprudentandexpertcourtiersthatthekingwasto-dayjustasmuchenamoredofhisyoungconsortashehadbeenyesterdayofhisbride。
Therefore，everyoneexertedhimselftopleasethequeen，andtocatcheverylook，everysmile，whichsheletfall，likesunbeams，hereandthere，inordertoseeforwhomtheywereintended，sothattheymight，perchance，bythismeans，divinewhoweretobethefuturefavoritesofthequeen，andbethefirsttobecomeintimatewiththem。
Buttheyoungqueendirectedherlookstonooneinparticular。Shewasfriendlyandsmiling，yetonefeltthatthisfriendlinesswasconstrained，thissmilefullofsadness。Thekingalonedidnotnoticeit。Hewascheerfulandhappy，anditseemedtohim，therefore，thatnobodyathiscourtcoulddaresighwhenhe，theking，wassatisfied。
Afterthegrandpresentation，atwhichallthegreatandnobleoftherealmhadpassedinformalprocessionbeforetheroyalpair，thekinghad，accordingtothecourtetiquetteofthetime，givenhishandtohisconsort，ledherdownfromthethroneandconductedhertothemiddleofthehall，inordertopresenttoherthepersonagesinwaitingathercourt。
Butthiswalkfromthethronetothecentreofthehallhadgreatlyfatiguedtheking；thispromenadeofthirtystepswasforhimaveryunusualandtroublesomeperformance，andthekinglongedtochangetosomethingelsemoreagreeable。Sohebeckonedtothechiefmasterofceremonies，andbadehimopenthedoorleadingintothedining-
room。Thenheorderedhis\"houseequipage\"tobebroughtup，and，seatinghimselfinitwiththeutmoststateliness，hehadthesedankeptatthequeen\'sside，waitingimpatientlytillthepresentationshouldatlastconclude，andCatharineaccompanyhimtolunch。
Theannouncementsofthemaidsofhonorandfemaleattendantshadbeenalreadymade，andnowcamethegentlemen\'sturn。
Thechiefmasterofceremoniesreadfromhislistthenamesofthosecavalierswhowere，henceforth，toheinwaitingnearthequeen，andwhichnamesthekinghadwrittendownwithhisownhand。Andateachnewappointmentaslightexpressionofpleasedastonishmentflittedacrossthefacesoftheassembledcourtiers，foritwasalwaysoneoftheyoungest，handsomest，andmostamiablelordswhomthemasterofceremonieshadtoname。
Perhapsthekingproposedtoplayacruelgameathazard，insurroundinghisconsortwiththeyoungmenofhiscourt；hewishedtoplungeherintothemidstofdanger，eithertoletherperishthere，or，byheravoidingdanger，tobeabletoplacetheunimpeachablevirtueofhisyoungwifeintheclearestlight。
Thelisthadbegunwiththelessimportantoffices，and，everascendinghigher，theynowcametopositionsthehighestandofgreatestconsequence。
Stillthequeen\'smasterofhorseandthechamberlainhadnotbeennamed，andthesewerewithoutdoubtthemostimportantchargesatthequeen\'scourt。Foroneortheotheroftheseofficerswasalwaysverynearthequeen。Whenshewasinthepalace，thelordofthechamberhadtoremainintheanteroom，andnoonecouldapproachthequeenbutthroughhismediation。Tohimthequeenhadtogiveherorderswithregardtotheschemesandpleasuresoftheday。Hewastocontrivenewdiversionsandamusements。Hehadtherightofjoiningthequeen\'snarroweveningcircle，andtostandbehindthequeen\'schairwhentheroyalpair，attimes，desiredtosupwithoutceremony。
Thisplaceofchiefchamberlainwas，therefore，averyimportantone；forsinceitconfinedhimalargepartofthedayinthequeen\'spresence，itwasscarcelyavoidablethatthelordchamberlainshouldbecomeeithertheconfidentialandattentivefriend，orthemalevolentandlurkingenemyofthequeen！
Buttheplaceofmasterofhorsewasofnolessconsequence。Forassoonasthequeenleftthepalace，whetheronfootorinacarriage，whethertorideintheforestortoglidedowntheThamesinhergildedyacht，themasterofhorsemustbeeveratherside，musteverattendher。Indeed，thisservicewasstillmoreexclusive，stillmoreimportant。For，thoughthequeen\'sapartmentswereopentothelordchamberlain，yet，however，hewasneveralonewithher。
Theattendingmaidsofhonorwerealwayspresentandpreventedtherebeinganyt阾es-？t阾esorintimacybetweenthequeenandherchamberlain。
Butwiththemasterofhorseitwasdifferent——sincemanyopportunitiespresentedthemselves，whenhecouldapproachthequeenunnoticed，oratleastspeaktoherwithoutbeingoverheard。Hehadtoofferherhishandtoassistherinenteringhercarriage；hecouldridenearthedoorofhercoach；heaccompaniedheronwaterexcursionsandpleasurerides，andtheselastweresomuchthemoreimportantbecausetheyaffordedhim，toacertainextent，opportunityforat阾e-？t阾ewiththequeen。Foronlythemasterofhorsewaspermittedtorideatherside；heevenhadprecedenceoftheladiesofthesuite，soastobeabletogivethequeenimmediateassistanceincaseofanyaccident，orthestumblingofherhorse。Therefore，nooneofthesuitecouldperceivewhatthequeensaidtothemasterofhorsewhenherodeatherside。
Itwasunderstood，therefore，howinfluentialthisplacemightbe。
Besides，whenthequeenwasatWhitehall，thekingwasalmostalwaysnearher；while，thankstohisdailyincreasingcorpulency，hewasnotexactlyinaconditiontoleavethepalaceotherwisethaninacarriage。
Itwasthereforeverynaturalthatthewholecompanyatcourtawaitedwitheagerattentionandbatedbreaththemomentwhenthemasterofceremonieswouldnamethesetwoimportantpersonages，whosenameshadbeenkeptsosecretthatnobodyhadyetlearnedthem。Thatmorning，justbeforehehandedthelisttothemasterofceremonies，thekinghadwrittendownthesetwonameswithhisownhand。
Notthecourtonly，butalsothekinghimself，waswatchingforthesetwonames。Forhewishedtoseetheeffectofthem，and，bythedifferentexpressionoffaces，estimatethenumberofthefriendsofthesetwonominees。Theyoungqueenaloneexhibitedthesameunconcernedaffability；herheartonlybeatwithuniformcalmness，forshedidnotoncesuspecttheimportanceofthemoment。
Eventhevoiceofthemasterofceremoniestrembledslightly，ashenowread，\"Totheplaceofhighchamberlaintothequeen，hismajestyappointsmyLordHenryHoward，EarlofSurrey。\"
Anapprovingmurmurwasheard，andalmostallfacesmanifestedgladsurprise。
\"Hehasagreatmanyfriends，\"mutteredtheking。\"Heisdangerous，then！\"Anangrylookdartedfromhiseyesupontheyoungearl，whowasnowapproachingthequeen，tobendhiskneebeforeherandtopresstohislipstheprofferedhand。
BehindthequeenstoodLadyJane，andasshebeheldthusclosebeforehertheyoungman，sohandsome，solongyearnedfor，andsosecretlyadored；andasshethoughtofheroath，shefeltaviolentpang，ragingjealousy，killinghatredtowardtheyoungqueen，whohad，itistrue，withoutsuspectingit，robbedherofthelovedone，andcondemnedhertotheterribletortureofpanderingtoher。
Thechiefmasterofceremoniesnowreadinaloudsolemnvoice，\"Totheplaceofmasterofhorse，hismajestyappointsmyLordThomasSeymour，EarlofSudley。\"
Itwasverywellthatthekinghadatthatmomentdirectedhiswholeattentiontohiscourtiers，andsoughttoreadintheirappearancetheimpressionmadebythisnomination。
Hadheobservedhisconsort，hewouldhaveseenthatanexpressionofdelightedsurpriseflittedacrossCatharine\'scountenance，andacharmingsmileplayedroundherlips。
Buttheking，aswehavesaid，thoughtonlyofhiscourt；hesawonlythatthenumberofthosewhorejoicedatSeymour\'sappointmentdidnotcomeuptothatofthosewhoreceivedSurrey\'snominationwithsomuchapplause。
Henryfrownedandmutteredtohimself，\"TheseHowardsaretoopowerful。Iwillkeepawatchfuleyeuponthem。\"
ThomasSeymourapproachedthequeen，and，bendinghiskneebeforeher，kissedherhand。Catharinereceivedhimwithagracioussmile。
\"Mylord，\"saidshe，\"youwillatonceenteronservicewithme，andindeed，asIhope，insuchmanneraswillbeacceptabletothewholecourt。Mylord，takethefleetestofyourcoursers，andhastentoCastleHolt，wherethePrincessElizabethisstaying。Carryherthisletterfromherroyalfather，andshewillfollowyouhither。TellherthatIlongtoembraceinherafriendandsister，andthatI
prayhertopardonmeifIcannotgiveuptoherexclusivelytheheartofherkingandfather，butthatIalsomuststillkeepaplaceinthesameformyself。HastentoCastleHolt，mylord，andbringusPrincessElizabeth。\"
CHAPTERX。
THEKING\'SFOOL。
Twoyearshadpassedawaysincetheking\'smarriage，andstillCatharineParrhadalwayskeptinfavorwithherhusband；stillherenemieswerefoiledintheirattemptstoruinher，andraisetheseventhqueentothethrone。
Catharinehadeverbeencautious，everdiscreet。Shehadalwayspreservedacoldheartandacoolhead。Eachmorningshehadsaidtoherselfthatthisdaymightbeherlast；thatsomeincautiousword，someinconsiderateact，mightdepriveherofhercrownandherlife。
ForHenry\'ssavageandcrueldispositionseemed，likehiscorpulency，toincreasedaily，anditneededonlyatrifletoinflamehimtothehighestpitchofrage，ragewhich，eachtime，fellwithfatalstrokeonhimwhoarousedit。
Aknowledgeandconsciousnessofthishadmadethequeencautious。
Shedidnotwishtodieyet。Shestilllovedlifesomuch。Sheloveditbecauseithadasyetaffordedhersolittledelight。Sheloveditbecauseshehadsomuchhappiness，somuchraptureandenjoymentyettohopefromit。Shedidnotwishtodieyet，forshewaseverwaitingforthatlifeofwhichshehadaforetasteonlyinherdreams，andwhichherpalpitatingandswellinghearttoldherwasreadytoawakeinher，and，withitssunny，brillianteyes，arouseherfromthewintersleepofherexistence。
Itwasabrightandbeautifulspringday。Catharinewantedtoavailherselfofit，totakearideandforgetforonebriefhourthatshewasaqueen。Shewantedtoenjoythewoods，thesweetMaybreeze，thesongofbirds，thegreenmeadows，andtoinhaleinfulldraughtsthepureair。
Shewantedtoride。Nobodysuspectedhowmuchsecretdelightandhiddenrapturelayinthesewords。Noonesuspectedthatformonthsshehadbeenlookingforwardwithpleasuretothisride，andscarcelydaredtowishforit，justbecauseitwouldbethefulfilmentofherardentwishes。
Shewasalreadydressedinherriding-habit，andthelittleredvelvethat，withitslong，droopingwhitefeather，adornedherbeautifulhead。Walkingupanddowntheroom，shewaswaitingonlyforthereturnofthelordchamberlain，whomshehadsenttothekingtoinquirewhetherhewishedtospeakwithherbeforeherride。
Suddenlythedooropened，andastrangeapparitionshoweditselfonthethreshold。Itwasasmall，compactmasculinefigure，cladinvestureofcrimsonsilk，whichwastrimmedinastyleshowyandmotleyenough，withpuffsandbowsofallcolors，andwhich，justonaccountofitsmotleyappearance，contrastedstrangelyenoughwiththeman\'swhitehair，andearnestandsombreface。
\"Ah，theking\'sfool，\"saidCatharine，withamerrylaugh。\"Well，John，whatisitthatbringsyouhere？Doyoubringmeamessagefromtheking，orhaveyoumadeaboldhit，andwishmetotakeyouagainundermyprotection？\"
\"No，queen，\"saidJohnHeywood，seriously，\"Ihavemadenoboldhit，nordoIbringamessagefromtheking。Ibringnothingbutmyself。
Ah，queen，Iseeyouwanttolaugh，butIprayyouforgetforamomentthatJohnHeywoodistheking\'sfool，andthatitdoesnotbecomehimtowearaseriousfaceandindulgesadthoughtslikeothermen。\"
\"Oh，Iknowthatyouarenotmerelytheking\'sfool，butapoetalso，\"saidCatharine，withagracioussmile。
\"Yes，\"saidhe，\"Iamapoet，andthereforeitisaltogetherproperformetowearthisfool\'scap，forpoetsareallfools，anditwerebetterforthemtobehungonthenearesttreeinsteadofbeingpermittedtorunaboutintheircrazyenthusiasm，andbabblethingsonaccountofwhichpeopleofsensedespiseandridiculethem。Iamapoet，andtherefore，queen，Ihaveputonthisfool\'sdress，whichplacesmeundertheking\'sprotection，andallowsmetosaytohimallsortsofthingswhichnobodyelsehasthecouragetospeakout。
Butto-day，queen，Icometoyouneitherasafoolnorasapoet，butIcometoyoubecauseIwishtoclingtoyourkneesandkissyourfeet。IcomebecauseIwishtotellyouthatyouhavemadeJohnHeywoodforeveryourslave。Hewillfromthistimeforthlielikeadogbeforeyourthresholdandguardyoufromeveryenemyandeveryevilwhichmaypressuponyou。Nightanddayhewillbereadyforyourservice，andknowneitherreposenorrest，ifitisnecessarytofulfilyourcommandoryourwish。\"
Ashethusspoke，withtremblingvoiceandeyesdimmedwithtears，hekneltdownandbowedhisheadatCatharine\'sfeet。
\"ButwhathaveIdonetoinspireyouwithsuchafeelingofthankfulness？\"askedCatharinewithastonishment。\"HowhaveI
deservedthatyou，thepowerfulanduniversallydreadedfavoriteoftheking，shoulddedicateyourselftomyservice？\"
\"Whathaveyoudone？\"saidhe。\"Mylady，youhavesavedmysonfromthestake！Theyhadcondemnedhim——thathandsomenobleyouth——
condemnedhim，becausehehadspokenrespectfullyofThomasMore；
becausehesaidthisgreatandnoblemandidrighttodie，ratherthanbefalsetohisconvictions。Ah，nowadays，itrequiressuchatrifletocondemnamantodeath！acoupleofthoughtlesswordsaresufficient！Andthismiserable，lick-spittleParliament，initsdastardlinessandworthlessness，alwayscondemnsandsentences，becauseitknowsthatthekingisalwaysthirstyforblood，andalwayswantsthefiresofthestaketokeephimwarm。Sotheyhadcondemnedmysonlikewise，andtheywouldhaveexecutedhim，butforyou。Butyou，whomGodhassentasanangelofreconciliationonthisregalthronereekingwithblood；youwhodailyriskyourlifeandyourcrowntosavethelifeofsomeoneofthoseunfortunateswhomfanaticismandthirstforbloodhavesentenced，andtoprocuretheirpardon，youhavesavemysonalso。\"
\"How！thatyoungmanwhowastobeburnedyesterday，wasyourson？\"
\"Yes，hewasmyson。\"
\"Andyoudidnottellthekingso？andyoudidnotintercedeforhim？\"
\"HadIdoneso，hewouldhavebeenirretrievablylost！Foryouwellknowthekingissoproudofhisimpartialityandhisvirtue！Oh，hadheknownthatThomasismysonhewouldhavecondemnedhimtodeath，toshowthepeoplethatHenrytheEightheverywherestrikestheguiltyandpunishesthesinner，whatevernamehemaybear，andwhoevermayintercedeforhim。Ah，evenyoursupplicationwouldnothavesoftenedhim，forthehigh-priestoftheEnglishChurchcouldneverhavepardonedthisyoungmanfornotbeingthelegitimatesonofhisfather，fornothavingtherighttobearhisname，becausehismotherwasthespouseofanothermanwhomThomasmustcallfather。\"
\"PoorHeywood！Yes，nowIunderstand。Thekingwould，indeed，neverhaveforgiventhis；andhadheknownit，yoursonwouldhaveinevitablybeencondemnedtothestake。\"
\"Yousavedhim，queen！DoyounotbelievenowthatIshallbeforeverthankfultoyou？\"
\"Idobelieveit，\"saidthequeen，withapleasantsmile，assheextendedherhandforhimtokiss。\"Ibelieveyou，andIacceptyourservice。\"
\"Andyouwillneedit，queen，foratempestisgatheringoveryourhead，andsoonthelightningwillflashandthethundersroll。\"
\"Oh，Ifearnot！Ihavestrongnerves！\"saidCatharine，smiling。
\"Whenastormcomes，itisbutarefreshingofnature，andIhavealwaysseenthatafterastormthesunshinesagain。\"
\"Youareabravesoul！\"swirlJohnHeywood，sadly。
\"Thatis，Iamconsciousofnoguilt！\"
\"Butyourenemieswillinventacrimetochargeyouwith。Ah，assoonasitistheaimtocalumniateaneighborandplungehiminmisery，menareallpoets！\"
\"Butyoujustnowsaidthatpoetsarecrack-brained，andshouldbehungtothefirsttree。Wewill，therefore，treattheseslanderersaspoets，thatisall。\"
\"No，thatisnotall！\"saidJohnHeywood，energetically。\"Forslanderersarelikeearth-worms。Youcuttheminpieces，butinsteadoftherebykillingthem，youmultiplyeachoneandgiveitseveralheads。\"
\"Butwhatisit，then，thatIamaccusedof？\"exclaimedCatharine，impatiently。\"Doesnotmylifelieopenandclearbeforeyouall？DoIevertakepainstohaveanysecrets？Isnotmyheartlikeaglasshouse，intowhichyoucanalllook，toconvinceyourselvesthatitisasoilwhollyunfruitful，andthatnotasinglepoorlittleflowergrowsthere？\"
\"Thoughthisbeso，yourenemieswillsowweedsandmakethekingbelievethatitisburninglovewhichhasgrownupinyourheart。\"
\"How！Theywillaccusemeofhavingalove-affair？\"askedCatharine，andherlipsslightlytrembled。
\"Idonotknowtheirplansyet；butIwillfindthemout。Thereisaconspiracyatwork。Therefore，queen，beonyourguard！Trustnobody，forfoesareeverwonttoconcealthemselvesunderhypocriticalfacesanddeceivingwords。\"
\"Ifyouknowmyenemies，namethemtome！\"saidCatharine，impatiently。\"Namethemtome，thatImaybewareofthem。\"
\"Ihavenotcometoaccuseanybody，buttowarnyou。Ishall，therefore，takegoodcarenottopointoutyourenemiestoyou；butIwillnameyourfriendstoyou。\"
\"Ah，then，Ihavefriends，too！\"whisperedCatharine，withahappysmile。
\"Yes，youhavefriends；and，indeed，suchasarereadytogivetheirbloodandlifeforyou。\"
\"Oh，namethem，namethemtome！\"exclaimedCatharine，allofatremblewithjoyfulexpectation。
\"Inamefirst，Cranmer，archbishopofCanterbury。Heisyourtrueandstaunchfriend，onwhomyoucanbuild。Helovesyouasqueen，andheprizesyouastheassociatewhomGodhassenthimtobringtocompletion，hereatthecourtofthismostChristianandbloodyking，theholyworkoftheReformation，andtocausethelightofknowledgetoilluminatethisnightofsuperstitionandpriestlydomination。BuildstronglyonCranmer，forheisyoursurestandmostinvariablesupporter，andshouldhesink，yourfallwouldinevitablyfollow。Therefore，notonlyrelyonhim，butalsoprotecthim，andlookuponhimasyourbrother；forwhatyoudoforhim，youdoforyourself。\"
\"Yes，youareright，\"saidCatharine，thoughtfully。\"Cranmerisanobleandstaunchfriend；andoftenenoughalreadyhehasprotectedme，intheking\'spresence，againstthoselittlepin-prickingsofmyenemies，whichdonotindeedkill，butwhichmakethewholebodysoreandfaint。\"
\"Protecthim，andthusprotectyourself。\"
\"Well，andtheotherfriends？\"
\"IhavegivenCranmertheprecedence；butnow，queen，Inamemyselfasthesecondofyourfriends。IfCranmerisyourstaff，Iwillbeyourdog；and，believeme，solongasyouhavesuchastaffandsofaithfuladog，youaresafe。Cranmerwillwarnyouofeverystonethatliesinyourway，andIwillbiteanddriveofftheenemies，who，hiddenbehindthethicket，lurkinthewaytofalluponyoufrombehind。\"
\"Ithankyou！Really，Ithankyou！\"saidCatharine，heartily。\"Well，andwhatmore？\"
\"More？\"inquiredHeywoodwithasadsmile。
\"Mentionafewmoreofmyfriends。\"
\"Queen，itisagreatdeal，ifoneinalifetimehasfoundtwofriendsuponwhomhecanrely，andwhosefidelityisnotguidedbyselfishness。Youareperhapstheonlycrownedheadthatcanboastofsuchfriends。\"
\"Iamawoman，\"saidCatharine，thoughtfully，\"andmanywomensurroundmeanddailysweartomeunchangingfaithfulnessandattachment。How！arealltheseunworthythetitleoffriends？IsevenLadyJaneDouglasunworthy；she，whomIhavecalledmyfriendthesemanylongyears，andwhomItrustasasister？Tellme，JohnHeywood，youwho，asitissaid，knoweverything，andsearchouteverythingthattakesplaceatcourt，tellme，isnotLadyJaneDouglasmyfriend？\"
JohnHeywoodsuddenlybecameseriousandgloomy，andlookedontheground，absorbedinreflection。Thenheswepthislarge，brighteyesallaroundtheroom，inascrutinizingmanner，asifhewishedtoconvincehimselfthatnolistenerwasreallyconcealedthere，andsteppingcloseuptothequeen，hewhispered:\"Trusthernot；sheisapapist，andGardinerisherfriend。\"
\"Ah，Isuspectedit，\"whisperedCatharine，sadly。
\"Butlisten，queen；givenoexpressiontothissuspicionbylook，orwords，orbytheslightestindication。Lullthisviperintothebeliefthatyouareharmless；lullhertosleep，queen。Sheisavenomousanddangerousserpent，whichmustnotberoused，lest，beforeyoususpectit，itbiteyouontheheel。Bealwaysgracious，alwaysconfidential，alwaysfriendlytowardher。Only，queen，donottellherwhatyouwouldnotconfidetoGardinerandEarlDouglaslikewise。Oh，believeme，sheislikethelioninthedoge\'spalaceatVenice。Thesecretsthatyouconfidetoherwillbecomeaccusationsagainstyoubeforethetribunalofblood。\"
Catharineshookherheadwithasmile。\"Youaretoosevere，JohnHeywood。Itispossiblethatthereligionwhichshesecretlyprofesseshasestrangedherheartfromme，butshewouldneverbecapableofbetrayingme，orofleaguingherselfwithmyfoes。No，John，youaremistaken。Itwouldbeacrimetobelievethus。MyGod，whatawickedandwretchedworlditmustbeinwhichwecouldnottrustevenourmostfaithfulanddearestfriends！\"
\"Theworldisindeedwickedandwretched，andonemustdespairofit，orconsideritamerryjest，withwhichthedevilticklesournoses。Forme，itissuchajest，andtherefore，queen，Ihavebecometheking\'sfool，whichatleastgivesmetherightofspurtingoutuponthecrawlingbroodallthevenomofthecontemptI
feelformankind，andofspeakingthetruthtothosewhohaveonlylies，bydrippinghoney，everontheirlips。Thesagesandpoetsaretherealfoolsofourday，andsinceIdidnotfeelavocationtobeaking，orapriest，ahangman，oralambforsacrifice，Ibecameafool。\"
\"Yes，afool，thatistosay，anepigrammatist，whosebitingtonguemakesthewholecourttremble。\"
\"SinceIcannot，likemyroyalmaster，havethesecriminalsexecuted，Igivethemafewsword-cutswithmytongue。Ah，Itellyou，youwillmuchneedthisally。Beonyourguard，queen:Iheardthismorningthefirstgrowlofthethunder，andinLadyJane\'seyesIobservedthestealthylightning。Trusthernot。TrustnooneherebutyourfriendsCranmerandJohnHeywood。\"
\"Andyousay，thatinallthiscourt，amongallthesebrilliantwomen，thesebravecavaliers，thepoorqueenhasnotasinglefriend，notasoul，whomshemaytrust，onwhomshemaylean？Oh，JohnHeywood，thinkagain，havepityonthepovertyofaqueen。
Thinkagain。Say，onlyyoutwo？Nofriendbutyou？\"
Andthequeen\'seyesfilledwithtears，whichshetriedinvaintorepress。
JohnHeywoodsawitandsigheddeeply。Betterthanthequeenherselfperhaps，hehadreadthedepthsofherheart，andknewitsdeepwound。Buthealsohadsympathywithherpain，andwishedtomitigateitalittle。
\"Irecollect，\"saidhe，gentlyandmournfully——\"yes，Irecollect，youhaveyetathirdfriendatthiscourt。\"
\"Ah，athirdfriend！\"exclaimedCatharine，andagainhervoicesoundedcheeryandjoyous。\"Namehimtome，namehim！ForyouseeclearlyIamburningwithimpatiencetohearhisname。\"
JohnHeywoodlookedintoCatharine\'sglowingcountenancewithastrangeexpression，atoncesearchingandmournful，andforamomentdroppedhisheaduponhisbreastandsighed。
\"Now，John，givemethenameofthisthirdfriend。\"
\"Doyounotknowhim，queen？\"askedHeywood，asheagainstaredsteadilyinherface。Doyounotknowhim？ItisThomasSeymour，EarlofSudley。\"
TherepassedasitwereasunbeamoverCatharine\'sface，andsheutteredalowcry。
JohnHeywoodsaid，sadly:\"Queen，thesunstrikesdirectlyinyourface。Takecarethatitdoesnotblindyourbrighteyes。Standintheshade，yourmajesty，for，hark！therecomesonewhomightreportthesunshineinyourfaceforaconflagration。\"
Justthenthedooropened，andLadyJaneappearedonthethreshold。
Shethrewaquick，searchingglancearoundtheroom，andanimperceptiblesmilepassedoverherbeautifulpaleface。
\"Yourmajesty，\"saidshesolemnly，\"everythingisready。Youcanbeginyourridewhenitpleasesyou。ThePrincessElizabethawaitsyouintheanteroom，andyourmasterofhorsealreadyholdsthestirrupofyoursteed。\"
\"Andthelordchamberlain？\"askedCatharine，blushing，\"hashenomessagefromthekingtobringme？\"
\"Ay！\"saidtheEarlofSurreyasheentered。\"Hismajestybidsmetellthequeenthatshemayextendherrideasfarasshewishes。
ThegloriousweatheriswellworththattheQueenofEnglandshouldenjoyit，andenterintoacontestwiththesun。\"
\"Oh，thekingisthemostgallantofcavaliers，\"saidCatharine，withahappysmile。\"Nowcome，Jane，letusride。\"
\"Pardonme，yourmajesty，\"saidLadyJane，steppingback。\"Icannotto-dayenjoytheprivilegeofaccompanyingyourmajesty。LadyAnneEttersvilleisto-dayinattendance。\"
\"Anothertime，then，Jane！Andyou，EarlDouglas，youridewithus？\"
\"Theking，yourmajesty，hasorderedmetohiscabinet。\"
\"Beholdnowaqueenabandonedbyallherfriends！\"saidCatharinecheerily，aswithlight，elasticstepshepassedthroughthehalltothecourtyard。
\"HereissomethinggoingonwhichImustfathom！\"mutteredJohnHeywood，whohadleftthehallwiththerest。\"Amousetrapisset，forthecatsremainathome，andarehungryfortheirprey。\"
LadyJanehadremainedbehindinthehallwithherfather。Bothhadsteppedtothewindow，andweresilentlylookingdownintotheyard，wherethebrilliantcavalcadeofthequeenandhersuitewasmovingaboutinmotleyconfusion。
Catharinehadjustmountedherpalfrey；thenobleanimal，recognizinghismistress，neighedloudly，and，givingasnort，rearedupwithhisnobleburden。
PrincessElizabeth，whowasclosetothequeen，utteredacryofalarm。\"Youwillfall，queen，\"saidshe，\"youridesuchawildanimal。\"
\"Oh，no，indeed，\"saidCatharine，smiling；\"Hectorisnotwild。Itiswithhimaswithme。ThischarmingMayairhasmadeusbothmettlesomeandhappy。Away，then，myladiesandlords！ourhorsesmustbeto-dayswiftasbirds。WeridetoEppingForest。\"
Andthroughtheopengatewaydashedthecavalcade。Thequeeninfront；atherright，thePrincessElizabeth；atherleft，themasterofhorse，ThomasSeymour，EarlofSudley。
Whenthetrainhaddisappeared，fatheranddaughtersteppedbackfromthewindow，andlookedateachotherwithstrange，dark，anddisdainfullooks。
\"Well，Jane？\"saidEarlDouglas，atlength。\"Sheisstillqueen，andthekingbecomesdailymoreunwieldyandailing。Itistimetogivehimaseventhqueen。\"
\"Soon，myfather，soon。\"
\"LovesthequeenHenryHowardatlast？\"
\"Yes，helovesher！\"saidJane，andherpalefacewasnowcolorlessasawinding-sheet。
\"Iask，whethersheloveshim？\"
\"Shewilllovehim！\"murmuredJane，andthensuddenlymasteringherself，shecontinued:\"butitisnotenoughtomakethequeeninlove；doubtlessitwouldbestillmoreefficientifsomeonecouldinstillanewloveintotheking。Didyousee，father，withwhatardentlookshismajestyyesterdaywatchedmeandtheDuchessofRichmond？\"
\"DidIseeit？Thewholecourttalkedaboutit。\"
\"Well，now，myfather，manageitsothatthekingmaybeheartilyboredto-day，andthenbringhimtome。HewillfindtheDuchessofRichmondwithme。\"
\"Ah，agloriousthought！YouwillsurelybeHenry\'sseventhqueen。\"
\"IwillruinCatharineParr，forsheismyrival，andIhateher！\"
saidJane，withglowingcheeksandflashingeyes。\"Shehasbeenqueenlongenough，andIhavebowedmyselfbeforeher。Nowsheshallfallinthedustbeforeme，andIwillsetmyfootuponherhead。\"
CHAPTERXI。
THERIDE。
Itwasawondrousmorning。Thedewstilllayonthegrassofthemeadows，overwhichtheyhadjustriddentoreachthethicketoftheforest，inwhosetreesresoundedthemelodiousvoicesofblithebirds。Thentheyrodealongthebanksofababblingforeststream，andspiedthedeerthatcameforthintothegladeontheotherside，asiftheywanted，likethequeenandhertrain，tolistentothesongofthebirdsandthemurmuringofthefountains。Catharinefeltanameless，blissfulpleasureswellherbosom。Shewasto-daynomorethequeen，surroundedbyperilsandfoes；nomorethewifeofanunloved，tyrannicalhusband；notthequeentrammelledwiththeshacklesofetiquette。Shewasafree，happywoman，who，inpresageful，blissfultrepidation，smiledatthefuture，andsaidtoeachminute，\"Stay，stay，forthouartsobeautiful！\"
Itwasasweet，dreamyhappiness，thehappinessofthathour。Withgladheart，Catharinewouldhavegivenhercrownforit，couldshehaveprolongedthishourtoaneternity。
Hewasatherside——heofwhomJohnHeywoodhadsaid，thathewasamonghermosttrustfulandtrustyfriends。Hewasthere；andevenifshedidnotdaretolookathimoften，oftentospeaktohim，yetshefelthispresence，sheperceivedtheglowingbeamsofhiseyes，whichrestedonherwithconsumingfire。Nobodycouldobservethem。
Forthecourtrodebehindthem，andbeforethemandaroundthemwasnaughtbutNaturebreathingandsmilingwithjoy，naughtbutheavenandGod。
Shehadforgottenhoweverthatshewasnotquitealone，andthatwhileThomasSeymourrodeonherleft，onherrightwasPrincessElizabeth——thatyounggirloffourteenyears——thatchild，who，however，underthefireofsufferingandthestormsofadversity，wasearlyforcedtoprecociousbloom，andwhoseheart，bythetearsandexperienceofherunhappychildhood，hadacquiredanearlyripeness。Elizabeth，achildinyears，hadalreadyallthestrengthandwarmthofawoman\'sfeelings。Elizabeth，thedisownedanddisinheritedprincess，hadinheritedherfather\'sprideandambition；andwhenshelookedonthequeen，andperceivedthatlittlecrownwroughtonhervelvetcapindiamondembroidery，shefeltinherbosomasharppang，andremembered，withfeelingsofbittergrief，thatthiscrownwasdestinednevertoadornherhead，sincetheking，bysolemnactofParliament，hadexcludedherfromthesuccessiontothethrone。[Footnote:Tytler，p。340]Butforafewweeksthispainhadbeenmoregentle，andlessburning。Anotherfeelinghadsilencedit。Elizabethwhowasnevertobequeenorsovereign——Elizabethmightbeawifeatleast。Sinceshewasdeniedacrown，theyshouldatleastallowherinsteadawife\'shappiness；
theyshouldnotgrudgehertheprivilegeoftwininginherhairacrownofmyrtle。
Shehadbeenearlytaughttoeverhaveaclearconsciousnessofallherfeelings；norhadshenowshrunkfromreadingthedepthsofherheartwithsteadyandsureeye。
Sheknewthatsheloved，andthatThomasSeymourwasthemanwhomsheloved。