Buttheearl？Didheloveherinreturn？Didheunderstandthechild\'sheart？Hadhe，beneaththechildishface，alreadyrecognizedthepassionate，proudwoman？Hadheguessedthesecretsofthissoul，atoncesomaidenlyandchaste，andyetsopassionateandenergetic？
ThomasSeymourneverbetrayedasecret，andwhathehad，itmaybe，readintheeyesoftheprincess，andwhathehad，perhaps，spokentoherinthequietshadywalksofHamptonCourt，orinthelong，darkcorridorsofWhitehall，wasknowntonoonesavethosetwo。ForElizabethhadastrong，masculinesoul；sheneedednoconfidanttosharehersecrets；andThomasSeymourhadfearedeven，liketheimmortalhair-dresserofKingMidas，todigaholeandutterhissecrettherein；forheknewverywellthat，ifthereedgrewupandrepeatedhiswords，hemight，forthesewords，layhisheadontheblock。
PoorElizabeth！Shedidnotevensuspecttheearl\'ssecretandherownwerenot，however，thesame；shedidnotsuspectthatThomasSeymour，ifheguessedhersecret，might，perhaps，availhimselfofittomakethereofabrilliantfoilforhisownsecret。
Hehad，likeher，everbeforehiseyesthediamondcrownontheheadoftheyoungqueen，andhehadnoticedwellhowoldandfeeblethekinghadbecomeoflate。
Ashenowrodebythesideofthetwoprincesses，hefelthisheartswellwithaproudjoy，andboldandambitiousschemesaloneoccupiedhissoul。
Thetwowomenunderstoodnothingofthis。Theywerebothtoomuchoccupiedwiththeirownthoughts；andwhileCatharine\'seyessweptwithbeaminglookthelandscapefarandwide，thebrowoftheprincesswasslightlyclouded，andhersharpeyerestedwithafixedandwatchfulgazeonThomasSeymour。
Shehadnoticedtheimpassionedlookwhichhehadnowandthenfastenedonthequeen。Theslight，scarcelyperceptibletremorofhisvoice，whenhespoke，hadnotescapedher。
PrincessElizabethwasjealous；shefeltthefirsttorturingmotionsofthathorriblediseasewhichshehadinheritedfromherfather，andinthefeverishparoxysmsofwhichthekinghadsenttwoofhiswivestothescaffold。
Shewasjealous，butnotofthequeen；muchmore，shedreamednotthatthequeenmightshareandreturnSeymour\'slove。Itnevercameintohermindtoaccusethequeenofanunderstandingwiththeearl。
Shewasjealousonlyofthelookswhichhedirectedtowardthequeen；andbecauseshewaswatchingthoselooks，shecouldnotatthesametimereadtheeyesofheryoungstepmotheralso；shecouldnotseethegentleflameswhich，kindledbythefireofhislooks，glowedinhers。
ThomasSeymourhadseenthem，andhadhenowbeenalonewithCatharine，hewouldhavethrownhimselfatherfeetandconfidedtoherallthedeepanddangeroussecretsthathehadsolongharboredinhisbreast；hewouldhavelefttoherthechoiceofbringinghimtotheblock，orofacceptingthelovewhichheconsecratedtoher。
Butthere，behindthem，werethespying，all-observing，all-
surmisingcourtiers；therewasthePrincessElizabeth，who，hadheventuredtospeaktothequeen，wouldhaveconjecturedfromhismannerthewordswhichshecouldnotunderstand；forloveseessoclearly，andjealousyhassuchkeenears！
Catharinesuspectednothingofthethoughtsofhercompanions。Shealonewashappy；shealonegaveherselfupwithfullsoultotheenjoymentofthemoment。Shedrewinwithintensedelightthepureair；shedrankintheodorofthemeadowblossoms；shelistenedwiththirstyeartothemurmuringsongwhichthewindwaftedtoherfromtheboughsofthetrees。Herwishesextendednotbeyondthehour；
sherestedinthefullenjoymentofthepresenceofherbeloved。Hewasthere——whatneededshemoretomakeherhappy？
Herwishesextendednotbeyondthishour。Shewasonlyconscioushowdelightfulitwasthustobeatherbeloved\'sside，tobreathethesameair，toseethesamesun，thesameflowersonwhichhiseyesrested，andonwhichtheirglancesatleastmightmeetinkisseswhichweredeniedtotheirlips。
Butastheythusrodealong，silentandmeditative，eachoccupiedwithhisownthoughts，therecametheassistanceforwhichThomasSeymourhadprayed，flutteringalongintheshapeofafly。
Atfirstthisflysportedandbuzzedaboutthenoseofthefiery，proudbeastwhichthequeenrode；andasnoonenoticedit，itwasnotdisturbedbyHector\'stossingofhismane，butcreptsecurelyandquietlytothetopofthenoblecourser\'shead，pausingalittlehereandthere，andsinkinghisstingintothehorse\'sflesh，sothatherearedandbeganloudlytoneigh。
ButCatharinewasaboldanddexterousrider，andtheproudspiritofherhorseonlyaffordedherdelight，andgavethemasterofhorseanopportunitytopraiseherskillandcoolness。
Catharinereceivedwithasweetsmiletheencomiumsofherbeloved。
Buttheflykeptcreepingon，and，impelledbyadiabolicdelight，nowpenetratedthehorse\'sear。Thepoor，tormentedanimalmadeaspringforward。Thisspring，insteadoffreeinghimfromhisenemy，madehimpenetratetheearstillfarther，andsinkhisstingstilldeeperintothesoftfleshypartofthesame。
Stungbythemaddeningpain，thehorsecastoffallcontrol，and，heedlessofbridleandscorningthebit，dashedforwardinafuriousrun——forwardoverthemeadowswiftasanarrow，resistlessasthelightning。
\"On，on，tothequeen\'srescue！\"thunderedthemasterofhorse，andwithmadhaste，awayflewhealsooverthemeadow。
\"Tothehelpofthequeen！\"repeatedPrincessElizabeth，andshelikewisespurredherhorseandhurriedforward，accompaniedbythewholesuite。
Butwhatisthespeedofahorseeversoswift，butyetinhissenses，comparedwiththeravingmadnessofacrazycourser，that，despisingallsubjection，andmockingatthebridle，dashesahead，foamingwiththesenseoffreedomandunrestraint，uncontrollableasthesurgelashedbythestorm！
Alreadyfarbehindthemlaythemeadows，farbehindthemtheavenuesleadingthroughthewoods，andoverbrooksandditches，overmeadowsandwastes，Hectorwasdashingon。
Thequeenstillsatfirmlyinthesaddle；hercheekswerecolorless；
herlipstrembled；buthereyewasstillbrightandclear。Shehadnotyetlostherpresenceofmind；shewasperfectlyconsciousofherdanger。Thedinofscreaming，screechingvoices，whichsheheardatfirst，hadlongsincediedawayinsilencebehindher。Animmensesolitude，thedeepsilenceofthegrave，wasaroundher。
Naughtwasheardsavethepantingandsnortingofthehorse；naughtbutthecrashandclatterofhishoofs。Suddenly，however，thissoundseemedtofindanecho。Itwasrepeatedoveryonder。Therewasthesamesnortingandpanting；therewasthesameresoundingtramplingofhoofs。Andnow，oh，now，struckonCatharine\'scarthesoundofavoiceonlytoowellloved，andmadeherscreamaloudwithdelightanddesire。
Butthiscryfrightenedanewtheenragedanimal。Foramoment，exhaustedandpanting，hehadslackenedinhismadrace；nowhesprangforwardwithrenewedenergy；nowheflewonasifimpelledbythewingsofthewind。Butevernearerandnearersoundedthelovedvoiceevernearerthetrampofhishorse。
Theywerenowuponalargeplain，shutinonallsidesbywoods。
Whilethequeen\'shorsecircledtheplaininawidecircuit，Seymour\'s，obedienttotherein，speddirectlyacrossit，andwasclosebehindthequeen。
\"Onlyamomentmore！Onlyholdyourarmsfirmlyaroundtheanimal\'sneck，thattheshockmaynothurlyouoff，whenIlayholdoftherein！\"shoutedSeymour，andhesethisspursintohishorse\'sflanks，sothathesprangforwardwithawildcry。
ThiscryrousedHectortonewfury。Pantingforbreath，heshotforwardwithfearfulleaps，nowstraightintothethicketofthewoods。
\"Ihearhisvoicenomore，\"murmuredCatharine。Andatlengthovercomewithanxietyandthedizzyrace，andwornoutwithherexertions，sheclosedhereyes；hersensesappearedtobeaboutleavingher。
Butatthismoment，afirmhandseizedwithirongraspthereinofherhorse，sothathebowedhishead，shaking，trembling，andalmostashame，asthehorsehadfoundhislordandmaster。
\"Saved！Iamsaved！\"falteredCatharine，andbreathless，scarcelyinhersenses，sheleanedherheadonSeymour\'sshoulder。
Heliftedhergentlyfromthesaddle，andplacedheronthesoftmossbeneathanancientoak。Thenhetiedthehorsestoabough，andCatharine，tremblingandfaint，sankonherkneestorestaftersuchviolentexertion。
CHAPTERXII。
THEDECLARATION。
ThomasSeymourreturnedtoCatharine。Shestilllaytherewithclosedeyes，paleandmotionless。
Hegazedonherlongandsteadily；hiseyesdrankin，inlongdraughts，thesightofthisbeautifulandnoblewoman，andheforgotatthatmomentthatshewasaqueen。
Hewasatlengthalonewithher。Atlast，aftertwoyearsoftorture，ofresignation，ofdissimulation，Godhadgrantedhimthishour，forwhichhehadsolongyearned，whichhehadsolongconsideredunattainable。Nowitwasthere，nowitwashis。
Andhadthewholecourt，hadKingHenryhimself，comerightthen，ThomasSeymourwouldnothaveheededit；itwouldnothaveaffrightedhim。Thebloodhadmountedtohisheadandovercomehisreason。Hisheart，stillagitatedandbeatingviolentlyfromhisfuriousrideandhisanxietyforCatharine，allowedhimtohearnoothervoicethanthatofpassion。
Hekneltbythequeenandseizedherhand。
Perhapsitwasthistouchwhichrousedherfromherunconsciousness。
Sheraisedhereyesandgazedaroundwithaperplexedlook。
\"WhereamI？\"breathedsheinalowtone。
ThomasSeymourpressedherhandtohislips。\"Youarewiththemostfaithfulanddevotedofyourservants，queen！\"
\"Queen！\"Thiswordrousedherfromherstupor，andcausedhertoraiseherselfhalfup。
\"Butwhereismycourt？WhereisthePrincessElizabeth？Wherearealltheeyesthatheretoforewatchedme？Whereareallthelistenersandspieswhoaccompanythequeen？\"
\"Theyarefarawayfromhere，\"saidSeymourinatonewhichbetrayedhissecretdelight。\"Theyarefarawayfromhere，andneedatleastanhour\'stimetocomeupwithus。Anhour，queen！areyouawarewhatthatistome？Anhouroffreedom，aftertwoyearsofimprisonment！Anhourofhappiness，aftertwoyearsofdailytorture，dailyenduranceofthetormentsofhell！\"
Catharine，whohadatfirstsmiled，hadnowbecomegraveandsad。
Hereyerestedonthecapwhichhadfallenfromherheadandlaynearheronthegrass。
Shepointedwithtremblingfingertothecrown，andsaidsoftly，\"Recognizeyouthatsign，mylord？\"
\"Irecognizeit，mylady；butinthishour，Inolongershrinkbackatit。Therearemomentsinwhichlifeisatitscrowningpoint，andwhenoneheedsnottheabyssthatthreatensclosebeneath。Suchanhouristhepresent。Iamawarethatthishourmakesmeguiltyofhightreasonandmaysendmetotheblock；butneverthelessIwillnotbesilent。Thefirewhichburnsinmybreastconsumesme。Imustatlengthgiveitvent。Myheart，thatforyearshasburneduponafuneralpyre，andwhichissostrongthatinthemidstofitsagoniesithasstilleverfeltasensationofitsblessedness——myheartmustatlengthfinddeathorfavor。Youshallhearme，queen！\"
\"No，no，\"saidshe，almostinanguish，\"Iwillnot，Icannothearyou！RememberthatIamHenrytheEighth\'swife，andthatitisdangeroustospeaktoher。Silence，then，earl，silence，andletusrideon。\"
Shewouldhavearisen，butherownexhaustionandLordSeymour\'shandcausedhertosinkbackagain。
\"No，Iwillnotbesilent，\"saidhe。\"IwillnotbesilentuntilI
havetoldyouallthatragesandglowswithinme。TheQueenofEnglandmayeithercondemnmeorpardonme，butsheshallknowthattomesheisnotHenrytheEighth\'swife，butonlythemostcharmingandgraceful，thenoblestandloveliestwomaninEngland。IwilltellherthatIneverrecollectsheismyqueen，or，ifIdoso，itisonlytocursetheking，whowaspresumptuousenoughtosetthisbrightlysparklingjewelinhisbloodycrown。\"
Catharine，almosthorrified，laidherhandonSeymour\'slips。
\"Silence，unhappyman，silence！Knowyouthatitisyoursentenceofdeathwhichyouarenowuttering？Yoursentenceofdeath，ifanysoulhearsyou？\"
\"Butnoonehearsme。Noonesavethequeen，andGod，who，however，isperhapsmorecompassionateandmercifulthanthequeen。Accusemethen，queen；goandtellyourkingthatThomasSeymourisatraitor；
thathedareslovethequeen。Thekingwillsendmetothescaffold，butIshallneverthelessdeemmyselfhappy，forIshallatleastdiebyyourinstrumentality。Queen，ifIcannotliveforyou，thenbeautifulitistodieforyou！\"
Catharinelistenedtohimwhollystupefied，whollyintoxicated。Thiswas，forher，languagewhollynewandneverheardbefore，atwhichherhearttrembledinblissfulawe，whichrushedaroundherinenchantingmelodiesandlulledherintoasweetstupefaction。Nowsheherselfevenforgotthatshewasqueen，thatshewasthewifeofHenry，thebloodthirstyandthejealous。Shewasconsciousonlyofthis，thatthemanwhomshehadsolongloved，wasnowkneelingatherside。Withraptureshedrankinhiswords，whichstruckuponherearlikeexquisitemusic。
ThomasSeymourcontinued。Hetoldherallhehadsuffered。Hetoldherhehadoftenresolvedtodie，inordertoputanendtothesetortures，butthatthenaglanceofhereye，awordfromherlips，hadgivenhimstrengthtolive，andstilllongerendurethesetortures，whichwereatthesametimesofullofrapture。
\"Butnow，queen，nowmystrengthisexhausted，anditisforyoutogivemelifeordeath。To-morrowIwillascendthescaffold，oryoushallpermitmetolive，toliveforyou。\"
Catharinetrembledandlookedathimwellnighastounded。Heseemedsoproudandimperative，shealmostfeltafearforhim，butitwasthehappyfearofaloving，meekwomanbeforeastrong，commandingman。
\"Knowyou，\"saidshe，withacharmingsmile，\"thatyoualmosthavetheappearanceofwishingtocommandmetoloveyou？\"
\"No，queen，\"saidhe，proudly，\"Icannotcommandyoutoloveme，butIbidyoutellmethetruth。Ibidyoudothis，forIamamanwhohastherighttodemandthetruthofawomanfacetoface。AndI
havetoldyou，youarenotthequeentome。Youarebutabeloved，anadoredwoman。Thislovehasnothingtodowithyourroyalty，andwhileIconfessittoyou，Idonotthinkthatyouabaseyourselfwhenyoureceiveit。Forthetrueloveofamanisevertheholiestgiftthathecanpresenttoawoman，andifabeggardedicatesittoaqueen，shemustfeelherselfhonoredbyit。Oh，queen，Iamabeggar。Ilieatyourfeetandraisemyhandsbeseechinglytoyou；
butIwantnotcharity，Iwantnotyourcompassionandpity，whichmay，perhaps，grantmeanalmstolessenmymisery。No，Iwantyouyourself。Irequireallornothing。Itwillnotsatisfymethatyouforgivemyboldness，anddrawtheveilofsilenceovermymadattempt。No，Iwishyoutospeak，topronouncemycondemnationorabenedictiononme。Oh，Iknowyouaregenerousandcompassionate，andevenifyoudespisemyloveandwillnotreturnit，yet，itmaybe，youwillnotbetrayme。Youwillspareme，andbesilent。ButI
repeatit，queen，Idonotacceptthisofferofyourmagnanimity。
Youaretomakemeeitheracriminaloragod；forIamacriminalifyoucondemnmylove，agodifyoureturnit。\"
\"Anddoyouknow，earl，\"whisperedCatharine，\"thatyouareverycruel？Youwantmetobeeitheranaccuseroranaccomplice。Youleavemenochoicebutthatofbeingeitheryourmurderessoraperjuredandadulterouswoman——awifewhoforgetsherplightedfaithandhersacredduty，anddefilesthecrownwhichmyhusbandhasplaceduponmyheadwithstains，whichHenrywillwashoutwithmyownbloodandwithyoursalso。\"
\"Letitbeso，then，\"criedtheearl，almostjoyfully。\"Letmyheadfall，nomatterhoworwhen，ifyoubutloveme；forthenIshallstillbeimmortal；foramomentinyourarmsisaneternityofbliss。\"
\"ButIhavealreadytoldyouthatnotonlyyourhead，butminealso，isconcernedinthismatter。Youknowtheking\'sharshandcrueldisposition。Themeresuspicionisenoughtocondemnme。Ah，ifheknewwhatwehavejustnowspokenhere，hewouldcondemnme，ashecondemnedCatharineHoward，thoughIamnotguiltyasshewas。Ah，I
shudderatthethoughtoftheblock；andyou，EarlSeymour，youwouldbringmetothescaffold，andyetyousayyouloveme！\"
Seymoursunkhisheadmournfullyuponhisbreastandsigheddeeply。
\"Youhavepronouncedmysentence，queen，andthoughyouaretoonobletotellmethetruth，yetIhaveguessedit。No，youdonotloveme，foryouseewithkeeneyesthedangerthatthreatensyou，andyoufearforyourself。No，youlovemenot，elseyouwouldthinkofnothingsavelovealone。Thedangerswouldanimateyou，andtheswordwhichhangsoveryourheadyouwouldnotsee，oryouwouldwithrapturegraspitsedgeandsay，\'Whatisdeathtome，sinceI
amhappy！WhatcareIfordying，sinceIhavefeltimmortalhappiness！\'Ah，Catharine，youhaveacoldheartandacoolhead。
MayGodpreservethembothtoyou；thenwillyoupassthroughlifequietlyandsafely；butyouwillyetbeapoor，wretchedwoman，andwhenyoucometodie，theywillplacearoyalcrownuponyourcoffin，butlovewillnotweepforyou。Farewell，Catharine，QueenofEngland，andsinceyoucannotlovehim，giveThomasSeymour，thetraitor，yoursympathyatleast。\"
Hebowedlowandkissedherfeet，thenhearoseandwalkedwithfirmsteptothetreewherehehadtiedthehorses。ButnowCatharinearose，nowsheflewtohim，andgraspinghishand，asked，tremblingandbreathless，\"Whatareyouabouttodo？whitherareyougoing？\"
\"Totheking，mylady。\"
\"Andwhatwillyoudothere？\"
\"Iwillshowhimatraitorwhohasdaredlovethequeen。Youhavejustkilledmyheart；hewillkillonlymybody。Thatislesspainful，andIwillthankhimforit。\"
Catharineutteredacry，andwithpassionatevehemencedrewhimbacktotheplacewhereshehadbeenresting。
\"Ifyoudowhatyousay，youwillkillme，\"saidshe，withtremblinglips。\"Hearme，hear！Themomentyoumountyourhorsetogototheking，Imountminetoo；butnottofollowyou，nottoreturntoLondon，buttoplungewithmyhorsedownyonderprecipice。Oh，fearnothing；theywillnotaccuseyouofmymurder。TheywillsaythatI
plungeddowntherewithmyhorse，andthattheraginganimalcausedmydeath。\"
\"Queen，takegoodheed，considerwellwhatyousay！\"exclaimedThomasSeymour，hiscountenanceclearingupandhisfaceflamingwithdelight。\"Bearinmindthatyourwordsmustbeeitheracondemnationoranavowal。Iwishdeath，oryourlove！Nottheloveofaqueen，whothinkstobegracioustohersubject，whenforthemomentsheelevateshimtoherself；buttheloveofawomanwhobowsherheadinmeeknessandreceivesherloverasatthesametimeherlord。Oh，Catharine，bewellonyourguard！Ifyoucometomewiththeprideofaqueen，iftherebeevenonethoughtinyouwhichtellsyouthatyouarebestowingafavoronasubjectasyoutakehimtoyourheart，thenbesilentandletmegohence。Iamproud，andasnoblybornasyourself，andhoweverlovethrowsmeconqueredatyourfeet，yetitshallnotbowmyheadinthedust！Butifyousaythatyouloveme，Catharine，forthatIwillconsecratemywholelifetoyou。Iwillbeyourlord，butyourslavealso。Thereshallbeinmenothought，nofeeling，nowishthatisnotdevotedandsubservienttoyou。AndwhenIsaythatIwillheyourlord，ImeannottherebythatIwillnotlieforeveratyourfeetandbowmyheadinthedust，andsaytoyou:Treadonit，ifitseemgoodtoyou，forIamyourslave！\"
Andspeakingthus，hedroppedonhiskneesandpressedtoherfeethisface，whoseglowingandnobleexpressionravishedCatharine\'sheart。
Shehentdowntohim，andgentlyliftinghishead，lookedwithanindescribableexpressionofhappinessandlovedeepintohisbeamingeyes。
\"Doyouloveme？\"askedSeymour，asheputhisarmsoftlyaroundherslenderwaist，andarosefromhiskneelingattitude。
\"Iloveyou！\"saidshe，withafirmvoiceandahappysmile。\"Iloveyou，notasaqueen，butasawoman；andifperchancethislovehringusbothtothescaffold，wellthenweshallatleastdietogether，tomeetagainthereabove！\"
\"No，thinknotnowofdying，Catharine，thinkofliving——ofthebeautiful，enchantingfuturewhichisbeckoningtous。Thinkofthedayswhichwillsooncome，andinwhichourlovewillnolongerrequiresecresyoraveil，butwhenwewillmanifestittothewholeworld，andcanproclaimourhappinessfromafullgladbreast！Oh，Catharine，letushopethatcompassionateandmercifuldeathwilllooseatlasttheunnaturalbondsthatbindyoutothatoldman。
Then，whenHenryisnomore，thenwillyoubemine，minewithyonrentirebeing，withyourwholelife；andinsteadofaproudregalcrown，acrownofmyrtleshalladornyourhead！Swearthattome，Catharine；swearthatyouwillbecomemywife，assoonasdeathhassetyoufree。\"
Thequeenshudderedandhercheeks。grewpale。\"Oh，\"saidshewithasigh，\"deaththenisourhopeandperhapsthescaffoldourend！\"
\"No，Catharine，loveisourhope，andhappinessourend。Thinkoflife，ofourfuture！Godgrantmyrequest。SweartomehereinthefaceofGod，andofsacredandcalmnaturearoundus，sweartome，thatfromthedaywhendeathfreesyoufromyourhusbandyouwillbemine，mywife，myconsort！Sweartome，thatyou，regardlessofetiquetteandunmindfuloftyrannicalcustom，willbeLordSeymour\'swife，beforetheknellforHenry\'sdeathhasdiedaway。Wewillfindapriest，whomayblessourloveandsanctifythecovenantthatwehavethisdayconcludedforeternity！Sweartome，that，tillthatwished——forday，youwillkeepformeyourtruthandlove，andneverforgetthatmyhonorisyoursalso，thatyourhappinessisalsomine！\"
\"Iswearit！\"saidCatharine，solemnly。\"Youmaydependuponmeatalltimesandatallhours。NeverwillIbeuntruetoyou；neverwillIhaveathoughtthatisnotyours。IwillloveyouasThomasSeymourdeservestobeloved，thatiswithadevotedandfaithfulheart。Itwillbemypridetosubjectmyselftoyou，andwithgladsoulwillIserveandfollowyou，asyourtrueandobedientwife。\"
\"Iacceptyouroath！\"saidSeymour，solemnly。\"ButinreturnIswearthatIwillhonorandesteemyouasmyqueenandmistress。Isweartoyouthatyoushallneverfindamoreobedientsubject，amoreunselfishcounsellor，amorefaithfulhusband，abraverchampion，thanIwillbe。\'Mylifeformyqueen，myentireheartformybeloved\'；thishenceforthshallbemymotto，andmayIbedisownedanddespisedbyGodandbyyou，ifeverIviolatethisoath。\"
\"Amen！\"saidCatharine，withabewitchingsmile。
Thenbothweresilent。Itwasthatsilencewhichonlyloveandhappinessknows——thatsilencewhichissorichinthoughtsandfeelings，andthereforesopoorinwords！
Thewindrustledwhisperinglyinthetrees，amongwhosedarkbrancheshereandthereabird\'swarblingorflute-likenotesresounded。Thesunthrewhisemeraldlightoverthesoftvelvetycarpetoftheground，which，risingandfallingingentle，undulatinglines，formedlovelylittlehollowsandhillocks，onwhichnowandthenwasseenhereandtheretheslenderandstatelyfigureofahart，oraroe，that，lookingaroundsearchinglywithhisbrighteyes，startedbackfrightenedintothethicketonobservingthesetwohumanfiguresandthegroupofhorsesencampedthere。
Suddenlythisquietwasinterruptedbytheloudsoundofthehunter\'shorn，andinthedistancewereheardconfusedcriesandshouts，whichwereechoedbythedenseforestandrepeatedinathousandtones。
Withasighthequeenraisedherheadfromtheearl\'sshoulder。
Thedreamwasatanend；theangelcamewithflamingswordtodriveherfromparadise。
Forshewasnolongerworthyofparadise。Thefatalwordhadbeenspoken，andwhileitbroughtherlove，ithadperjuredher。
Henry\'swife，hisbyhervowtakenbeforethealtar，hadbetrothedherselftoanother，andgivenhimthelovethatsheowedherhusband。
\"Itispassed，\"saidhe，mournfully。\"Thesesoundscallmebacktomyslavery。Wemustbothresumeourroles。Imustbecomequeenagain。\"
\"Butfirstsweartomethatyouwillneverforgetthishour；thatyouwilleverthinkupontheoathswhichwehavemutuallysworn。\"
Shelookedathimalmostastounded。\"MyGod！cantruthandlovebeforgotten？\"
\"Youwillremainevertrue，Catharine？\"
Shesmiled。\"See，now，myjealouslord，doIaddresssuchquestionstoyou？\"
\"Oh，queen，youwellknowthatyoupossessthecharmthatbindsforever。\"
\"Whoknows？\"saidshedreamily，assheraisedherenthusiasticlooktoheaven，andseemedtofollowthebrightsilverycloudswhichweresailingslowlyacrosstheblueether。
Thenhereyesfellonherbeloved，andlayingherhandsoftlyuponhisshoulder，shesaid:\"LoveislikeGod——eternal，primeval，andeverpresent！Butyoumustbelieveinittofeelitspresence；youmusttrustittobeworthyofitsblessing！\"
Butthehallooingandtheclangorofthehornscamenearerandnearer。Evennowwasheardthebarkingofthedogsandthetrampofhorses。
Theearlhaduntiedthehorses，andledHector，whowasnowquietandgentleasalamb，tohismistress。
\"Queen，\"saidThomasSeymour，\"twodelinquentsnowapproachyou！
Hectorismyaccomplice，andhaditnotbeenthattheflyInowseeonhisswollenearhadmadehimraving，Ishouldbethemostpitiableandunhappymaninyourkingdom，whilenowIamthehappiestandmostenviable。\"
Thequeenmadenoanswer，butsheputbothherarmsaroundtheanimal\'sneckandkissedhim。
\"Henceforth，\"saidshe，\"thenIwillrideonlyHector，andwhenheisoldandunfitforservice——\"
\"HeshallbetendedandcaredforinthestudofCountessCatharineSeymour！\"interruptedThomasSeymour，asheheldthequeen\'sstirrupandassistedherintothesaddle。
Thetworodeinsilencetowardthesoundofthevoicesandhorns，bothtoomuchoccupiedbytheirownthoughtstointerruptthembytriflingwords。
\"Helovesme！\"thoughtCatharine。\"Iamahappy，enviablewoman，forThomasSeymourlovesme。\"
\"Shelovesme！\"thoughthe，withaproud，triumphantsmile。\"I
shall，therefore，onedaybecomeRegentofEngland。\"
Justthentheycameoutonthelargelevelmeadow，throughwhichtheyhadpreviouslyridden，andoverwhichnowcame，scatteredhereandthereinmotleyconfusion，theentireroyalsuite，PrincessElizabethatthehead。
\"Onethingmore！\"whisperedCatharine。\"Ifyoueverneedamessengertome，applytoJohnHeywood。Heisafriendwhomwecantrust。\"
Andshesprangforwardtomeettheprincess，torecounttoheralltheparticularsofheradventure，andherhappyrescuebythemasterofhorse。
Elizabeth，however，listenedtoherwithglowinglooksandthoughtsdistracted，andasthequeenthenturnedtotherestofhersuite，and，surroundedbyherladiesandlords，receivedtheircongratulations，aslightsignfromtheprincesscalledThomasSeymourtoherside。
Sheallowedherhorsetocurvetsomepacesforward，bywhichsheandtheearlfoundthemselvesseparatedalittlefromtherest，andweresureofbeingoverheardbynoone。
\"Mylord，\"saidshe，inavehement，almostthreateningvoice，\"youhaveoftenandinvainbesoughtmetograntyouaninterview。Ihavedeniedyou。Youintimatedthatyouhadmanythingstosaytome，forwhichwemustbealone，andwhichmustreachnolistener\'sear。
Well，now，to-dayIgrantyouaninterview，andIamatlastinclinedtolistentoyou。\"
Shepausedandwaitedforareply。Buttheearlremainedsilent。Heonlymadeadeepandrespectfulbow，bendingtotheveryneckofhishorse。\"Wellandgood；IwillgotothisrendezvouswereitbuttoblindElizabeth\'seyes，thatshemaynotseewhatsheneveroughttosee。Thatwasall。\"
Theyoungprincesscastonhimanangrylook，andadarkscowlgatheredonherbrow。\"Youunderstandwellhowtocontrolyourjoy，\"
saidshe；\"andanyonetoseeyoujustnowwouldthink——\"
\"ThatThomasSeymourisdiscreetenoughnottoletevenhisrapturebereadinhiscountenanceatthisdangerouscourt，\"interruptedtheearlinalowmurmur。\"When，princess，mayIseeyouandwhere？\"
\"WaitforthemessagethatJohnHeywoodwillbringyouto-day，\"
whisperedElizabeth，asshesprangforwardandagaindrewnearthequeen。
\"JohnHeywood，again！\"mutteredtheearl。\"Theconfidantofboth，andsomyhangman，ifhewishestobe！\"
CHAPTERXIII。
\"LEROIS\'ENNUIT。\"
KingHenrywasaloneinhisstudy。Hehadspentafewhoursinwritingonadevoutandedifyingbook，whichhewaspreparingforhissubjects，andwhich，invirtueofhisdignityassupremelordoftheChurch，hedesignedtocommendtotheirreadinginsteadoftheBible。
Henowlaiddownhispen，and，withinfinitecomplacency，lookedoverthewrittensheets，whichweretobetohispeopleanewproofofhispaternalloveandcare，andsoconvincethemthatHenrytheEighthwasnotonlythenoblestandmostvirtuousofkings，butalsothewisest。
Butthisreflectionfailedtomakethekingmorecheerfulto-day；
perhapsbecausehehadalreadyindulgedinittoofrequently。Tobealone，annoyedanddisturbedhim——therewereinhisbreastsomanysecretandhiddenvoices，whosewhispershedreaded，andwhich，therefore，hesoughttodrown——thereweresomanyrecollectionsofblood，whicheverandagainrosebeforehim，howeveroftenhetriedtowashthemoutinfreshblood，andwhichthekingwasafraidof，thoughheassumedtheappearanceofneverrepenting，neverfeelingdisquietude。
Withhastyhandhetouchedthegoldbellstandingbyhim，andhisfacebrightenedashesawthedooropenimmediately，andEarlDouglasmakehisappearanceonthethreshold。
\"Oh，atlength！\"saidthelord，whohadverywellunderstoodtheexpressionofHenry\'sfeatures；\"atlength，thekingcondescendstobegracioustohispeople。\"
\"Igracious？\"askedtheking，utterlyastonished。\"Well，howamI
so？\"
\"Byyourmajesty\'srestingatlengthfromhisexertions，andgivingalittlethoughttohisvaluableandneedfulhealth。Whenyouremember，sire，thatEngland\'swealdependssolelyandaloneonthewealofherking，andthatyoumustbeandremainhealthy，thatyourpeople，likewisemaybehealthy。\"
Thekingsmiledwithsatisfaction。Itnevercameintohisheadtodoubttheearl\'swords。Itseemedtohimperfectlynaturalthatthewealofhispeopledependedonhisperson；butyetitwasalwaysaloftyandbeautifulsong，andhelovedtohavehiscourtiersrepeatit。
Theking，aswehavesaid，smiled，buttherewassomethingunusualinthatsmile，whichdidnotescapetheearl。
\"Heisintheconditionofahungryanaconda，\"saidEarlDouglastohimself。\"Heisonthewatchforprey，andhewillbebrightandlivelyagainjustassoonashehastastedalittlehumanfleshandblood。Ah，luckilywearewellsuppliedinthatway。Therefore，wewillrenderuntothekingwhatistheking\'s。Butwemustbecautiousandgotoworkwarily。\"
Heapproachedthekingandimprintedakissonhishand。
\"Ikissthishand，\"saidhe，\"whichhasbeento-daythefountainthroughwhichthewisdomoftheheadhasbeenpouredforthonthisblessedpaper。Ikissthispaper，whichwillannounceandexplaintohappyEnglandGod\'spureandunadulteratedword；butyetIsayletthissufficeforthepresent，myking；takerest；rememberawhilethatyouarenotonlyasage，butalsoaman。\"
\"Yesandtrulyaweakanddecrepitone！\"sighedtheking，aswithdifficultyheessayedtorise，andinsodoingleanedsoheavilyandtheearl\'sarmthathealmostbrokedownunderthemonstrousload。
\"Decrepit！\"saidEarlDouglas，reproachfully。\"Yourmajestymovesto-daywithasmucheaseandfreedomasayouth，andmyarmwasbynomeansneededtohelpyouup。\"
\"Nevertheless，wearegrowingold！\"saidtheking，who，fromhisweariness，wasunusuallysentimentalandlow-spiritedto-day。
\"Old！\"repeatedEarlDouglas。\"Old，withthoseeyesdartingfire，andthatloftybrow，andthatface，ineveryfeaturesonoble！No，yourmajesty，kingshavethisincommonwiththegods——theynevergrowold。\"
\"Andthereintheyresembleparrotstoahair！\"saidJohnHeywood，whojustthenenteredtheroom。\"Iownaparrotwhichmygreat-
grandfatherinheritedfromhisgreat-grandfather，whowashair-
dressertoHenrytheFourth，andwhichto-daystillsingswiththesamevolubilityashedidahundredyearsago:\'Longlivetheking！
longlivethisparagonofvirtue，sweetness，beauty，andmercy！Longlivetheking！\'Hehascriedthisforhundredsofyears，andhehasrepeateditforHenrytheFifthandHenrytheSixth，forHenrytheSeventhandHenrytheEighth！Andwonderful，thekingshavechanged，butthesongofpraisehasalwaysbeenappropriate，andhaseverbeenonlythesimpletruth！Justlikeyours，myLordDouglas！Yourmajestymaydependuponit，hespeaksthetruth，forheisnearakintomyparrot，whichalwayscallshim\'Mycousin，\'andhastaughthimhisimmortalsongofpraisetokings。\"
Thekinglaughed，whileEarlDouglascastatJohnHeywoodasharp，spitefullook。
\"Heisanimpudentimp，ishenot，Douglas？\"saidtheking。
\"Heisafool！\"repliedhe，withashrug。
\"Exactly，andthereforeIjustnowtoldyouthetruth。Foryouknowchildrenandfoolsspeakthetruth。AndIbecameafooljustonthisaccount，thattheking，whomyoualldeceivebyyourlies，mayhaveabouthimsomecreature，besideshislooking-glass，totellhimthetruth。\"
\"Well，andwhattruthwillyouserveupformetoday？\"
\"Itisalreadyserved，yourmajesty。Solayasideforalittleyourregalcrownandyourhighpriesthood，andconcludetobeforawhileacarnivorousbeast。Itisveryeasytobecomeaking。Forthat，nothingmoreisnecessarythantobebornofaqueenunderacanopy。
Butitisverydifficulttobeamanwhohasagooddigestion。Itrequiresahealthystomachandalightconscience。Come，KingHenry，andletusseewhetheryouarenotmerelyaking，butalsoamanthathasagoodstomach。\"Andwithamerrylaughhetooktheking\'sotherarmandledhimwiththeearlintothedining-room。
Theking，whowasanextraordinaryeater，silentlybeckonedhissuitetotaketheirplacesatthetable，afterhehadseatedhimselfinhisgildedchair。Withgraveandsolemnairhethenreceivedfromthehandsofthemasterofceremoniestheivorytabletonwhichwasthebilloffarefortheday。Theking\'sdinnerwasasolemnandimportantaffair。Amultitudeofpost-wagonsandcourierswereeveronthewaytobringfromtheremotestendsoftheearthdaintiesfortheroyaltable。Thebilloffare，therefore，to-day，asever，exhibitedthechoicestandrarestdishes；andalwayswhenthekingfoundoneofhisfavoriteoneswrittendownhemadeanassentingandapprovingmotionofthehead，whichalwayslightedupthefaceofthemasterofceremonieslikeasunbeam。Therewerebirds\'nestsbroughtfromtheEastIndiesbyafast-sailingvessel，builtspeciallyforthepurpose。TherewerehensfromCalcuttaandtrufflesfromLanguedoc，whichthepoet-king，FrancistheFirstofFrance，hadthedaybeforesenttohisroyalbrotherasaspecialtokenofaffection。TherewasthesparklingwineofChampagne，andthefierywineoftheIslandofCyprus，whichtheRepublicofVenicehadsenttothekingasamarkofrespect。ThereweretheheavywinesoftheRhine，whichlookedlikeliquidgold，anddiffusedthefragranceofawholebouquetofflowers，andwithwhichtheProtestantprincesofNorthernGermanyhopedtofuddletheking，whomtheywouldhavegladlyplacedattheheadoftheirleague。
There，too，werethemonstrous，giganticpartridgepastries，whichtheDukeofBurgundyhadsent，andthegloriousfruitsofthesouth，fromtheSpanishcoast，withwhichtheEmperorCharlestheFifthsuppliedtheKingofEngland\'stable。Foritwaswellknownthat，inordertomaketheKingofEnglandpropitious，itwasnecessaryfirsttosatiatehim；thathispalatemustfirstbetickled，inordertogainhisheadorhisheart。
Butto-dayallthesethingsseemedinsufficienttogivethekingtheblissfulpleasurewhich，atothertimes，waswonttobewithhimwhenhesatattable。HeheardJohnHeywood\'sjestsandbitingepigramswithamelancholysmile，andacloudwasonhisbrow。
Tobeincheerfulhumor，thekingabsolutelyneededthepresenceofladies。Heneededthemasthehunterneedstheroetoenjoythepleasureofthechase——thatpleasurewhichconsistsinkillingthedefencelessandindeclaringwaragainsttheinnocentandpeaceful。
Thecraftycourtier，EarlDouglas，readilydivinedHenry\'sdissatisfaction，andunderstoodthesecretmeaningofhisfrownsandsighs。Hehopedmuchfromthem，andwasfirmlyresolvedtodrawsomeadvantagetherefrom，tothebenefitofhisdaughter，andtheharmofthequeen。
\"Yourmajesty，\"saidhe，\"Iamjustonthepointofturningtraitor，andaccusingmykingofaninjustice。\"
Thekingturnedhisflashingeyesuponhim，andputhishand，sparklingwithjewelledrings，tothegoldengobletfilledwithRhenishwine。
\"Ofaninjustice——me——yourking？\"askedhe，withstammeringtongue。
\"Yes，ofaninjustice，inasmuchasyouareformeGod\'svisiblerepresentativeonearth。IwouldblameGodifHewithdrewfromusforadaythebrightnessofthesun，thegorgeousnessandperfumeofHisflowers，forsincewechildrenofmenareaccustomedtoenjoytheseglories，wehaveinacertainmeasuregainedarighttothem。
SoIaccuseyoubecauseyouhavewithdrawnfromustheembodiedflowersandtheincarnatesuns；becauseyouhavebeensocruel，sire，astosendthequeentoEppingForest。\"
\"Notso；thequeenwantedtoride，\"saidHenry，peevishly。\"Thespringweatherattractedher，andsinceI，alas！donotpossessGod\'sexaltedattributeofubiquity，Iwas，nodoubt，obligedtocometotheresolutionofbeingdeprivedofherpresence。ThereisnohorsecapableofcarryingtheKingofEngland。\"
\"ThereisPegasus，however，andinmasterlymanneryouknowhowtomanagehim。Buthow，yourmajesty！thequeenwantedtoride，thoughshewasdeprivedofyourpresencethereby？Shewantedtoride，thoughthispleasure-ridewasatthesametimeaseparationfromyou？Ohhowcoldandselfisharewomen\'shearts！WereIawoman，I
wouldneverdepartfromyourside，Iwouldcovertnogreaterhappinessthantobenearyou，andtolistentothathighandexaltedwisdomwhichpoursfromyourinspiredlips。WereIawoman——
\"
\"Earl，Iopinethatyourwishisperfectlyfulfilled，\"saidJohnHeywoodseriously。\"Youmakeinallrespectstheimpressionofanoldwoman！\"
Alllaughed。Butthekingdidnotlaugh；heremainedseriousandlookedgloomilybeforehim。
\"Itistrue，\"mutteredhe，\"sheseemedexcitedwithjoyaboutthisexcursion，andinhereyesshoneafireIhaveseldomseenthere。
Theremustbesomepeculiarcircumstanceconnectedwiththisride。
Whoaccompaniedthequeen？\"
\"PrincessElizabeth，\"saidJohnHeywood，whohadheardeverything，andsawclearlythearrowthattheearlhadshotatthequeen。
\"PrincessElizabeth，hertrueanddearfriend，whoneverleavesherside。Besides，hermaidsofhonor，who，likethedragoninthefable，keepwatchoverthebeautifulprincess。\"
\"Whoelseisinthequeen\'scompany？\"inquiredHenry，sullenly。
\"Themasterofhorse，EarlofSudley，\"saidDouglas，\"and——\"
\"Thatisanobservationinthehighestdegreesuperfluous，\"
interruptedJohnHeywood；\"itisperfectlywellunderstoodbyitselfthatthemasterofhorseaccompaniesthequeen。Thatisjustasmuchhisofficeasitisyourstosingthesongofyourcousin，myparrot。\"
\"Heisright，\"saidthekingquickly。\"ThomasSeymourmustaccompanyher，anditismywillalso。ThomasSeymourisafaithfulservant，andthishehasinheritedfromhissisterJane，mymuchlovedqueen，nowatrestwithGod，thatheisdevotedtohiskinginsteadfastaffection。\"
\"ThetimehasnotyetcomewhenonemayassailtheSeymours，\"
thoughttheearl。\"Thekingisyetattachedtothem；sohewillfeelhostiletowardthefoesoftheSeymours。LetusthenbeginourattackonHenryHoward——thatistosay，onthequeen。\"
\"Whoaccompaniedthequeenbesides？\"inquiredHenrytheEighth，emptyingthegoldenbeakeratadraught，asthoughhewouldtherebycoolthefirewhichalreadybegantoblazewithinhim。ButthefieryRhenishwineinsteadofcoolingonlyheatedhimyetmore；itdrove，likeatempest，thefirekindledinhisjealousheartinbrightflamestohishead，andmadehisbrainglowlikehisheart。
\"Whoelseaccompaniedherbesidethese？\"askedEarlDouglascarelessly。\"Well，Ithink，thelordchamberlain，EarlofSurrey。\"
Adarkscowngatheredontheking\'sbrow。Thelionhadscentedhisprey。
\"Thelordchamberlainisnotinthequeen\'strain！\"saidJohnHeywoodearnestly。
\"No，\"exclaimedEarlDouglas。\"Thepoorearl。Thatwillmakehimverysad。\"
\"Andwhythinkyouthatwillmakehimsad？\"askedthekinginavoiceveryliketherollofdistantthunder。
\"BecausetheEarlofSurreyisaccustomedtoliveinthesunshineofroyalfavor，sire；becauseheresemblesthatflowerwhichalwaysturnsitsheadtothesun，andreceivesfromitvigor，color，andbrilliancy。\"
\"Lethimtakecarethatthesundoesnotscorchhim，\"mutteredtheking。
\"Earl，\"saidJohnHeywood，\"youmustputonyourspectaclessothatyoucanseebetter。Thistimeyouhaveconfoundedthesunwithoneofitssatellites。EarlSurreyisfartooprudentamantobesofoolishastogazeatthesun，andtherebyblindhiseyesandparchhisbrain。Andsoheissatisfiedtoworshiponeoftheplanetsthatcircleroundthesun。\"
\"Whatdoesthefoolintendtosaybythat？\"askedtheearlcontemptuously。
\"Thewisewilltherebygiveyoutounderstandthatyouhavethistimemistakenyourdaughterforthequeen，\"saidJohnHeywood，emphasizingsharplyeveryword，\"andthatithashappenedtoyou，astomanyagreatastrologer，youhavetakenaplanetforasun。\"
EarlDouglascastadark，spitefullookatJohnHeywood，whoanswereditwithoneequallypiercingandfurious。
Theireyeswerefirmlyfixedoneachother\'s，andinthoseeyestheybothreadallthehatredandallthebitternesswhichwereworkinginthedepthsoftheirsouls。Bothknewthattheyhadfromthathoursworntoeachotheranenmityburningandfullofdanger。
Thekinghadnoticednothingofthisdumbbutsignificantscene。Hewaslookingdown，broodingoverhisgloomythoughts，andthestorm-
cloudsrollingaroundhisbrowgathereddarkeranddarker。
Withanimpetuousmovementhearosefromhisseat，andthistimeheneedednohelpinghandtostandup。Wrathwasthemightyleverthatthrewhimup。
Thecourtiersarosefromtheirseatsinsilence，andnobodybesidesJohnHeywoodobservedthelookofunderstandingwhichEarlDouglasexchangedwithGardiner，bishopofWinchester，andWriothesley，thelordchancellor。
\"Ah，whyisnotCranmerhere？\"saidJohnHeywoodtohimself。\"Iseethethreetiger-catsprowling，sotheremustbepreytodevoursomewhere。Well，Iwillatanyratekeepmyearsopenwideenoughtoheartheirroaring。\"
\"Thedinnerisover，gentlemen！\"saidthekinghastily；andthecourtiersandgentlemeninwaitingsilentlywithdrewtotheanteroom。
OnlyEarlDouglas，Gardiner，andWriothesley，remainedinthehall，whileJohnHeywoodcreptsoftlyintotheking\'scabinetandconcealedhimselfbehindthehangingofgoldbrocadewhichcoveredthedoorleadingfromtheking\'sstudytotheouteranteroom。
\"Mylords，\"saidtheking，\"followmeintomycabinet。Aswearedull，themostadvisablethingforustodoistodivertourselveswhileweoccupyourselveswiththewealofourbelovedsubjects，andconsultconcerningtheirhappinessandwhatisconducivetotheirwelfare。Followmethen，andwewillholdageneralconsultation。\"
\"EarlDouglas，yourarm！\"andasthekingleanedonitandwalkedslowlytowardthecabinet，attheentranceofwhichthelordchancellorandtheBishopofWinchesterwerewaitingforhim，heaskedinalowvoice:\"YousaythatHenryHowarddareseverintrudehimselfintothequeen\'spresence？\"
\"Sire，Ididnotsaythat；Imeantonlythatheisconstantlytobeseeninthequeen\'spresence。\"
\"Oh，youmeanthatsheperhapsauthorizeshimtodoso，\"saidtheking，grindinghisteeth。
\"Sire，Iholdthequeentobeanobleanddutifulwife。\"
\"Ishouldbequiteinclinedtolayyourheadatyourfeetifyoudidnot！\"saidtheking，inwhosefacethefirstlightningoftheburstingcloudofwrathbegantoflash。
\"Myheadbelongstotheking！\"saidEarlDouglasrespectfully。\"Lethimdowithitashepleases。\"
\"ButHoward——youmean，then，thatHowardlovesthequeen？\"
\"Yes，sire，Idareaffirmthat。\"
\"Now，bytheMotherofGod，Iwilltreadtheserpentundermyfeet，asIdidhissister！\"exclaimedHenry，fiercely。\"TheHowardsareanambitious，dangerous，andhypocriticalrace。\"
\"Aracethatneverforgetsthatadaughteroftheirhousehassatonyourthrone。\"
\"Buttheyshallforgetit，\"criedtheking，\"andImustwashtheseproudandhaughtythoughtsoutoftheirbrainwiththeirownblood。
Theyhavenotthenlearned，fromtheexampleoftheirsister，howI
punishdisloyalty。Thisinsolentraceneedsanotherfreshexample。
Well，theyshallhaveit。Onlyputthemeansinmyhand，Douglas，onlyalittlehookthatIcanstrikeintothefleshoftheseHowards，andItellyou，withthatlittlehookIwilldragthemtothescaffold。Givemeproofoftheearl\'scriminallove，andI
promiseyouthatforthisIwillgrantyouwhatyouask。\"
\"Sire，Iwillgiveyouthisproof。\"
\"When？\"
\"Infourdays，sire！Atthegreatcontestofthepoets，whichyouhaveorderedtotakeplaceonthequeen\'sbirthday。\"
\"Ithankyou，Douglas，Ithankyou，\"saidthekingwithanexpressionalmostofjoy。InfourdaysyouwillhaveridmeofthetroublesomeraceofHowards。\"
\"But，sire，ifIcannotgivetheproofyoudemandwithoutaccusingoneotherperson？\"
Theking，whowasjustabouttopassthedoorofhiscabinet，stoodstill，andlookedsteadilyintotheearl\'seyes。\"Then，\"saidhe，inatonepeculiarlyawful，\"youmeanthequeen？Well，ifsheisguilty，Iwillpunishher。GodhasplacedtheswordinmyhandthatImaybearittoHishonorandtotheterrorofmankind。Ifthequeenhassinned，shewillbepunished。FurnishmetheproofofHoward\'sguilt，anddonottroubleyourselfifwetherebydiscovertheguiltofothers。Weshallnottimidlyshrinkback，butletjusticetakeitscourse。\"
CHAPTERXIV。
THEQUEEN\'SFRIEND。
EarlDouglas，Gardiner，andWriothesley，hadaccompaniedthekingintohiscabinet。
Atlastthegreatblowwastobestruck，andtheplanofthethreeenemiesofthequeen，solongmaturedandwell-considered，wastobeatlengthputinexecution。Therefore，astheyfollowedtheking，whowithunwontedactivityprecededthem，theyexchangedwitheachotheronemorelookofmutualunderstanding。
BythatlookEarlDouglassaid，\"Thehourhascome。Beready！\"
Andthelooksofhisfriendsresponded，\"Weareready！\"
JohnHeywood，who，hiddenbehindthehangings，sawandobservedeverything，couldnotforbearaslightshudderatthesightofthesefourmen，whosedarkandhardfeaturesseemedincapableofbeingtouchedbyanyrayofpityormercy。
Therewasfirsttheking，thatmanwiththeProteancountenance，acrosswhichstormandsunshine，Godandthedeviltracedeachminutenewlines；whocouldbenowaninspiredenthusiast，andnowabloodthirstytyrant；nowasentimentalwit，andanonawantonreveler；theking，onwhoseconstancynobody，notevenhimself，couldrely；everready，asitsuitedhiscapriceorhisinterest，tobetrayhismostfaithfulfriend，andtosendtothescaffoldto-daythosewhombutyesterdayhehadcaressedandassuredofhisunchangingaffection；theking，whoconsideredhimselfprivilegedtoindulgewithimpunityhislowappetites，hisrevengefulimpulses，hisbloodthirstyinclinations；whowasdevoutfromvanity，becausedevotionaffordedhimanopportunityofidentifyinghimselfwithGod，andofregardinghimselfinsomesortthepatronofDeity。
TherewasEarlDouglas，thecraftycourtierwithever-smilingface，whoseemedtoloveeverybody，whileinfacthehatedall；whoassumedtheappearanceofperfectharmlessness，andseemedtobeindifferenttoeverythingbutpleasure，whileneverthelesssecretlyheheldinhishandallthestringsofthatgreatnetwhichencompassedalikecourtandking——EarlDouglas，whomthekinglovedforthisalone，becausehegenerallygavehimthetitleofgrandandwisehigh-priestoftheChurch，andwhowas，notwithstandingthis，Loyola\'svicegerent，andatrueandfaithfuladherentofthatpopewhohaddamnedthekingasadegeneratesonandgivenhimovertothewrathofGod。
Lastly，therewerethetwomenwithdark，malignantlooks，withinflexible，stonyfaces，whichuereneverlightedupbyasmile，oragleamofjoy；whoalwayscondemned，alwayspunished，andwhosecountenancesneverbrightenedsavewhenthedyingshriekofthecondemned，orthegroansofsomepoorwretchupontherack，fellupontheirears；whowerethetormentorsofhumanity，whiletheycalledthemselvestheministersandservantsofGod。
\"Sire，\"saidGardiner，whenthekinghadslowlytakenhisseatupontheottoman——\"sire，letusfirstasktheblessingoftheLordourGodonthishourofconference。MayGod，whoislove，butwhoiswrathalso，mayHeenlightenandblessus！\"
Thekingdevoutlyfoldedhishands，butitwasonlyaprayerofwraththatanimatedhissoul。
\"Grant，OGod，thatImaypunishThineenemies，andeverywheredashinpiecestheguilty！\"
\"Amen！\"saidGardiner，asherepeatedwithsolemnearnestnesstheking\'swords。
\"SendusthethunderboltofThywrath，\"prayedWriothesley，\"thatwemayteachtheworldtorecognizeThypowerandglory！\"
EarlDouglastookcarenottoprayaloud。WhathehadtorequestofGodwasnotallowedtoreachtheearoftheking。
\"Grant，OGod，\"prayedheinhisheart，\"grantthatmyworkmayprosper，andthatthisdangerousqueenmayascendthescaffold，tomakeroomformydaughter，whoisdestinedtobringbackintothearmsofourholymother，theChurch——guiltyandfaithlessking。\"
\"Nowmylords，\"saidtheking，fetchingalongbreath，\"nowtellmehowstandmattersinmykingdom，andatmycourt？\"
\"Badly，\"saidGardiner。\"Unbeliefagainliftsupitshead。Itisahydra。Ifyoustrikeoffoneofitsheads，twoothersimmediatelyspringupinitsplace。Thiscursedsectofreformistsandatheistsmultipliesdaybyday，andourprisonsarenolongersufficienttocontainthem；andwhenwedragthemtothestake，theirjoyfulandcourageousdeathalwaysmakesfreshproselytesandfreshapostates。\"
\"Yes，mattersarebad，\"saidtheLordChancellorWriothesley；\"invainhavewepromisedpardonandforgivenesstoallthosewhowouldreturnpenitentandcontrite；theylaughtoscornouroffersofpardon，andpreferadeathoftorturetotheroyalclemency。WhatavailsitthatwehaveburnttodeathMilesCoverdale，whohadthehardihoodtotranslatetheBible？Hisdeathappearstohavebeenonlythetocsinthatarousedotherfanatics，and，withoutourbeingabletodivineorsuspectwhereallthesebookscomefrom，theyhaveoverflowedanddelugedthewholeland；andwenowalreadyhavemorethanfourtranslationsoftheBible。Thepeoplereadthemwitheagerness；andthecorruptseekofmentalilluminationandfree-
thinkingwaxesdailymorepowerfulandmorepernicious。\"
\"Andnowyou，EarlDouglas？\"askedtheking，whenthelordchancellorceased。\"Thesenoblelordshavetoldmehowmattersstandinmykingdom。Youwilladvisemewhatistheaspectofthingsatmycourt。\"
\"Sire，\"saidEarlDouglas，slowlyandsolemnly——forhewishedeachwordtosinkintotheking\'sbreastlikeapoisonedarrow——\"sire，thepeoplebutfollowtheexamplewhichthecourtsetsthem。Howcanyourequirefaithofthepeople，whenundertheirowneyesthecourtturnsfaithtoridicule，andwheninfidelsfindatcourtaidandprotection？\"
\"Youaccuse，butgivenonames，\"saidtheking，impatiently。\"Whodaresatmycourtbeaprotectorofheretics？\"
\"Cranmer，ArchbishopofCanterbury！\"saidthethreemen，aswithonemouth。Thesignal-wordwasspoken，thestandardofabloodystrugglesetup。
\"Cranmer？\"repeatedthekingthoughtfully。\"Hehas，however，alwaysbeenafaithfulservantandanattentivefriendtome。ItwashewhodeliveredmefromtheunholybondwithCatharineofAragon:itwashetoowhowarnedmeofCatharineHoward，andfurnishedmewithproofsofherguilt。Ofwhatmisdemeanordoyouaccusehim？\"
\"Hedeniesthesixarticles，\"saidGardiner，whosemaliciousfacenowglowedwithbitterhatred。\"Hereprobatesauricularconfession，andbelievesnotthatthevoluntarilytakenvowsofcelibacyarebinding。\"
\"Ifhedoesthat，thenheisatraitor！\"criedtheking，whowasfondofalwaysthrowingareverenceforchastityandmodesty，asakindofholymantle，overhisownprofligateandlewdlife；andwhomnothingmoreembitteredthantoencounteranotheronthatpathofvicewhichhehimself，byvirtueofhisroyalprerogative，andhiscrownbythegraceofGod，couldtravelinperfectsafety。
\"Ifhedoesthat，thenheisatraitor！Myarmofvengeancewillsmitehim！\"repeatedthekingagain。\"ItwasIwhogavemypeoplethesixarticles，asasacredandauthoritativedeclarationoffaith；andIwillnotsufferthisonlytrueandrightdoctrinetobeassailedandobscured。Butyouaremistaken，mylords。IamacquaintedwithCranmer，andIknowthatheisloyalandfaithful。\"
\"Andyetitishe，\"saidGardiner，\"whoconfirmsthesehereticsintheirobduracyandstiff-neckedness。Heisthecausewhytheselostwretchesdonot，fromthefearofdivinewrathatleast，returntoyou，theirsovereignandhigh-priest。ForhepreachestothemthatGodisloveandmercy；heteachesthemthatChristcameintotheworldinordertobringtotheworldloveandtheforgivenessofsins，andthattheyaloneareChrist\'struedisciplesandservantswhoemulateHislove。Doyounotseethen，sire，thatthisisacovertandindirectaccusationagainstyourself，andthatwhilehepraisespardoninglove，heatthesametimecondemnsandaccusesyourrighteousandpunitorywrath？\"
Thekingdidnotanswerimmediately，butsatwithhiseyesfixed，graveandpondering。Thefanaticalpriesthadgonetoofar；and，withoutbeingawareofit，itwashehimselfwhowasthatveryinstantaccusingtheking。
EarlDouglasfeltthis。Hereadintheking\'sfacethathewasjusttheninoneofthosemomentsofcontritionwhichsometimescameoverhimwhenhissoulheldinvoluntaryintercoursewithitself。Itwasnecessarytoarousethesleepingtigerandpointouttohimsomeprey，soastomakehimagainbloodthirsty。
\"ItwouldbeproperifCranmerpreachedonlyChristianlove，\"saidhe。\"ThenwouldhebeonlyafaithfulservantofhisLord，andafollowerofhisking。Buthegivestotheworldanabominableexampleofadisobedientandperfidiousservant；hedeniesthetruthofthesixarticles，notinwords，butindeeds。YouhaveorderedthatthepriestsoftheChurchremainsingle。Now，then，theArchbishopofCanterburyismarried！\"
\"Married！\"criedtheking，hisvisageglowingwithrage。\"Ah，Iwillchastisehim，thistransgressorofmyholylaws！AministeroftheChurch，apriest，whosewholelifeshouldbenaughtbutanexhibitionofholiness，anendlesscommunionwithGod，andwhosehighcallingitistorenouncefleshlylustsandearthlydesires！
Andheismarried！Iwillmakehimfeelthewholeweightofmyroyalanger！Heshalllearnfromhisownexperiencethattheking\'sjusticeisinexorable，andthatineverycasehesmitestheheadofthesinner，behewhohemay！\"
\"Yourmajestyistheembodimentofwisdomandjustice，\"saidDouglas，\"andyourfaithfulservantswellknow，iftheroyaljusticeissometimestardyinsmitingguiltyoffenders，thishappensnotthroughyourwill，butthroughyourservantswhoventuretostaythearmofjustice。\"
\"Whenandwherehasthishappened？\"askedHenry；andhisfaceflushedwithrageandexcitement。\"WhereistheoffenderwhomIhavenotpunished？WhereinmyrealmlivesabeingwhohassinnedagainstGodorhisking，andwhomIhavenotdashedtoatoms？\"
\"Sire，\"saidGardinersolemnly，\"AnneAskewisyetalive。\"
\"Shelivestomockatyourwisdomandtoscoffatyourholycreed！\"
criedWriothesley。
\"Shelives，becauseBishopCranmerwillsthatsheshouldnotdie，\"
saidDouglas，shrugginghisshoulders。Thekingbrokeoutintoashort，drylaugh。\"Ah，CranmerwillsnotthatAnneAskewdie！\"saidhe，sneering。\"Hewillsnotthatthisgirl，whohassofearfullyoffendedagainstherking，andagainstGod，shouldhepunished！\"
\"Yes，shehasoffendedfearfully，andyettwoyearshavepassedawaysinceheroffence，\"criedGardiner——\"twoyearswhichshehasspentinderidingGodandmockingtheking！\"
\"Ah，\"saidtheking，\"wehavestillhopedtoturnthisyoung，misguidedcreaturefromthewaysofsinanderrortothepathofwisdomandrepentance。Wewishedforoncetogiveourpeopleashiningexampleofourwillingnesstoforgivethosewhorepentandrenouncetheirheresy，andtorestorethemtoaparticipationofourroyalfavor。Thereforeitwasthatwecommissionedyou，mylordhishop，byvirtueofyourprayersandyourforcibleandconvincingwords，topluckthispoorchildfromtheclawsofthedevil，whohascharmedherear。\"
\"Butsheisunbending，\"saidGardiner，grindinghisteeth。\"InvainhaveIdepictedtoherthepainsofhell，whichawaitherifshereturnnottothefaith；invainhaveIsubjectedhertoeveryvarietyoftortureandpenance；invainhaveIsenttoherinprisonotherconverts，andhadthempraywithhernightanddayincessantly；sheremainsunyielding，hardasstone，andneitherthefearofpunishmentnortheprospectoffreedomandhappinesshasthepowertosoftenthatmarbleheart。\"
\"Thereisonemeansyetuntried，\"saidWriothesley——\"ameans，moreover，whichisamoreeffectivepreacherofrepentancethanthemostenthusiasticoratorsandthemostferventprayers，andwhichI
havetothankforbringingbacktoGodandthefaithmanyofthemosthardenedheretics。\"
\"Andthismeansis——\"
\"Therack，yourmajesty。\"
\"Ah，therack！\"repliedtheking，withaninvoluntaryshudder。
\"Allmeansaregoodthatleadtotheholyend！\"saidGardiner，devoutlyfoldinghishands。
\"Thesoulmustbesaved，thoughthebodybepiercedwithwounds！\"
criedWriothesley。
\"Thepeoplemustbeconvinced，\"saidDouglas，\"thattheloftyspiritofthekingsparesnoteventhosewhoareundertheprotectionofinfluentialandmightpersonages。Thepeoplemurmurthatthistimejusticeisnotpermittedtoprevail，becauseArchbishopCranmerprotectsAnneAskew，andthequeenisherfriend。\"
\"Thequeenisneverthefriendofacriminal！\"saidHenry，vehemently。
\"PerchanceshedoesnotconsiderAnneAskewacriminal，\"respondedKarlDouglas，withaslightsmile。\"Itisknown，indeed，thatthequeenisagreatfriendoftheReformation；andthepeople，whodarenotcallheraheretic——thepeoplecallher\'theProtestant。\'\"
\"Isit，then，reallybelievedthatitisCatharinewhoprotectsAnneAskew，andkeepsherfromthestake？\"inquiredtheking，thoughtfully。
\"Itissothought，yourmajesty。\"
\"Theyshallsoonseethattheyaremistaken，andthatHenrytheEighthwelldeservestobecalledtheDefenderoftheFaithandtheHeadofhisChurch！\"criedtheking，withburningrage。\"ForwhenhaveIshownmyselfsolong-sufferingandweakinpunishing，thatpeoplebelievemeinclinedtopardonanddealgently？HaveInotsenttothescaffoldevenThomasMoreandCromwell，tworenownedandinacertainrespectnobleandhigh-mindedmen，becausetheydareddefymysupremacyandopposethedoctrineandordinancewhichI
commandedthemtobelieve？HaveInotsenttotheblocktwoofmyqueens——twobeautifulyoungwomen，inwhommyheartwaswellpleased，evenwhenIpunishedthem——becausetheyhadprovokedmywrath？Who，aftersuchbrilliantexamplesofourannihilatingjustice，whodareaccuseusofforbearance？\"
\"Butatthattime，sire，\"saidDouglas，inhissoft，insinuatingvoice，\"butatthattimenoqueenasyetstoodatyoursidewhocalledhereticstruebelievers，andfavoredtraitorswithherfriendship。\"
Thekingfrowned，andhiswrathfullookencounteredthefriendlyandsubmissivecountenanceoftheearl。\"YouknowIhatethesecovertattacks，\"saidhe。\"Ifyoucantaxthequeenwithanycrime，wellnow，doso。Ifyoucannot，holdyourpeace！\"
\"Thequeenisanobleandvirtuouslady，\"saidtheearl，\"onlyshesometimespermitsherselftobeledawaybyhermagnanimousspirit。
Orhow，yourmajesty，canitpossiblybewithyourpermissionthatmyladythequeenmaintainsacorrespondencewithAnneAskew？\"
\"Whatsayyou？ThequeenincorrespondencewithAnneAskew？\"criedthekinginavoiceofthunder。\"Thatisalie，ashamelesslie，hatcheduptoruinthequeen；foritisverywellknownthatthepoorking，whohasbeensooftendeceived，sooftenimposedupon，believeshimselftohaveatlastfoundinthiswomanabeingwhomhecantrust，andinwhomhecanputfaith。Andtheygrudgehimthat。