Theywishtostriphimofthislasthopealso，thathisheartmayhardenentirelytostone，andnoemotionofpityevermorefindaccesstohim。Ah，Douglas，Douglas，bewareofmywrath，ifyoucannotprovewhatyousay！\"
\"Sire，Icanproveit！ForLadyJaneherself，nolongeragothanyesterday，wasmadetogiveupanotefromAnneAskewtothequeen。\"
Thekingremainedsilentforawhile，andgazedfixedlyontheground。Histhreeconfidantsobservedhimwithbreathless，tremblingexpectation。
Atlengththekingraisedhisheadagain，andturnedhisgaze，whichwasnowgraveandsteady，uponthelordchancellor。\"MyLordChancellorWriothesley，\"saidhe，\"IempoweryoutoconductAnneAskewtothetorture-room，andtrywhetherthetormentswhicharepreparedforthebodyareperchanceabletobringthiserringsoultoanacknowledgmentofherfaults。MyLordBishopGardiner，I
promisemywordthatIwillgiveattentiontoyouraccusationagainsttheArchbishopofCanterbury，andthat，ifitbewellfounded，heshallnotescapepunishment。MyLordDouglas，IwillgivemypeopleandalltheworldproofthatIamstillGod\'srighteousandavengingvice-gerentonearth，andthatnoconsiderationcanrestrainmywrath，noafter-thoughtstaymyarm，wheneveritisreadytofallandsmitetheheadoftheguilty。Andnow，mylords，letusdeclarethissessionatanend。Letusbreathealittlefromtheseexertions，andseeksomerecreationforonebriefhour。
\"MyLordsGardinerandWriothesley，youarenowatliberty。You，Douglas，willaccompanymeintothesmallreception-room。Iwanttoseebrightandlaughingfacesaroundme。CallJohnHeywood，andifyoumeetanyladiesinthepalace，ofcourseIbegthemtoshedonusalittleofthatsunshinewhichyousayispeculiarlywoman\'s。\"
Helaughed，and，leaningontheearl\'sarm，leftthecabinet。
GardinerandWriothesleystoodthereinsilence，watchingtheking，whoslowlyandheavilytraversedtheadjacenthall，andwhosecheeryandlaughingvoicecameringingbacktothem。
\"Heisaweathercock，turningeverymomentfromsidetoside，\"saidGardiner，withacontemptuousshrugoftheshoulders。
\"HecallshimselfGod\'sswordofvengeance，butheisnothingmorethanaweaktool，whichwebendanduseatourwill，\"mutteredWriothesley，withahoarselaugh。\"Poor，pitifulfool，deeminghimselfsomightyandsturdy；imagininghimselfafreeking，rulingbyhissovereignwillalone，andyetheisbutourservantanddrudge！Ourgreatworkisapproachingitsend，andweshallonedaytriumph。AnneAskew\'sdeathisthesignofanewcovenant，whichwilldeliverEnglandandtramplethehereticslikedustbeneathourfeet。AndwhenatlengthweshallhaveputdownCranmer，andbroughtCatharineParrtothescaffold，thenwillwegiveKingHenryaqueenwhowillreconcilehimwithGodandtheChurch，outofwhichisnosalvation。\"
\"Amen，sobeit！\"saidGardiner；andarminarmtheybothleftthecabinet。
Deepstillnessnowreignedinthatlittlespot，andnobodysawJohnHeywoodashenowcamefrombehindthehanging，and，completelywornoutandfaint，slippedforamomentintoachair。
\"NowIknow，sofaratleast，theplanoftheseblood-thirstytiger-
cats，\"mutteredhe。\"TheywishtogiveHenryapopishqueen；andsoCranmermustbeoverthrown，that，whentheyhavedeprivedthequeenofthispowerfulprop，theymaydestroyheralsoandtreadherinthedust。ButasGodliveth，theyshallnotsucceedinthis！Godisjust，andHewillatlastpunishtheseevil-doers。AndsupposingthereisnoGod，thenwillwetryalittlewiththedevilhimself。
No，theyshallnotdestroythenobleCranmerandthisbeautiful，high-mindedqueen。Iforbidit——I，JohnHeywood，theking\'sfool。I
willseeeverything，observeeverything，heareverything。Theyshallfindmeeverywhereontheirpath；andwhentheypoisontheking\'searwiththeirdiabolicalwhisperings，Iwillhealitagainwithmymerrydeviltries。Theking\'sfoolwillbetheguardianangelofthequeen。\"
CHAPTERXV。
JOHNHEYWOOD。
Aftersomuchcareandexcitement，thekingneededanhourofrecreationandamusement。Sincethefairyoungqueenwasseekingthesefarawayinthechase，andamidthebeautiesofNature，Henrymust，nodoubt，becontenttoseekthemforhimself，andinawaydifferentfromthequeen\'s。Hisunwieldinessandhisloadoffleshpreventedhimfrompursuingthejoysoflifebeyondhisownhalls；
sothelordsandladiesofhiscourthadtobringthemhithertohim，andstationtheflittinggoddessofJoy，withherwingsfettered，infrontoftheking\'strundle-chair。
Thegouthadthatdayagainovercomethatmightykingofearth；andaheavy，grotesquemassitwaswhichsatthereintheelbow-chair。
Butthecourtiersstillcalledhimafine-lookingandfascinatingman；andtheladiesstillsmiledonhimandsaid，bytheirsighsandbytheirlooks，thattheylovedhim；thathewasevertothemthesamehandsomeandcaptivatingmanthathewastwentyyearsbefore，whenyetyoung，fine-looking，andslim。Howtheysmileuponhim，andoglehim！HowLadyJane，themaidenotherwisesohaughtyandsochaste，doeswishtoensnarehimwithherbrighteyesaswithanet！
HowbewitchinglydoestheDuchessofRichmond，thatfairandvoluptuouswoman，laughattheking\'smerryjestsanddoubleentendres！
Poorking！whosecorpulencyforbidshimtodanceasheoncehaddonewithsomuchpleasureandsomuchdexterity！Poorking！whoseageforbidshimtosingasoncehehaddonetothedelightbothofthecourtandhimself！
Butthereareyet，however，pleasant，precious，joyoushours，whenthemanrevivessomelittleintheking；whenevenyouthoncemoreagainawakeswithinhim，andsmilesinafewdear，blessedpleasures。Thekingstillhasatleasteyestoperceivebeauty，andahearttofeelit。
HowbeautifulLadyJaneis，thiswhitelilywiththedark，star-likeeyes！HowbeautifulLadyRichmond，thisfull-blownredrosewiththepearl-whiteteeth！
Andtheybothsmileathim；andwhenthekingswearshelovesthem，theybashfullycastdowntheireyesandsigh。
\"Doyousigh，Jane，becauseyouloveme？\"
\"Oh，sire，youmockme。Itwouldbeasinformetoloveyou，forQueenCatharineisliving。\"
\"Yes，sheisliving！\"mutteredtheking；andhisbrowdarkened；andforamomentthesmiledisappearedfromhislips。
LadyJanehadcommittedamistake。Shehadremindedthekingofhiswifewhenitwasyettoosoontoaskforherdeath。
JohnHeywoodreadthisinthecountenanceofhisroyalmaster，andresolvedtotakeadvantageofit。Hewishedtodiverttheattentionoftheking，andtodrawitawayfromthebeautiful，captivatingwomenwhowerejugglinghimwiththeirbewitchingcharms。
\"Yes，thequeenlives！\"saidhe，joyfully，\"andGodbepraisedforit！Forhowtediousanddullitwouldbeatthiscourthadwenotourfairqueen，whoisaswiseasMethuselah，andinnocentandgoodasanew-bornbabe！Doyounot，LadyJane，saywithme，GodbepraisedthatQueenCatharineisliving？\"
\"Isaysowithyou！\"saidJane，withill-concealedvexation。
\"Andyou，KingHenry，doyounotsayittoo？\"
\"Ofcourse，fool！\"
\"Ah，whyamInotKingHenry？\"sighedJohnHeywood。\"King，Ienvyyou，notyourcrown，oryourroyalmantle；notyourattendantsoryourmoney。Ienvyyouonlythis，thatyoucansay，\'Godbepraisedthatmywifeisstillalive！\'whileIneverknowbutonephrase，\'Godhavepity，mywifeisstillalive！\'Ah，itisveryseldom，king，thatIhaveheardamarriedmanspeakotherwise！Youareinthattoo，asinallthingselse，anexception，KingHenry；andyourpeoplehaveneverlovedyoumorewarmlyandpurelythanwhenyousay，\'IthankGodthatmyconsortisalive！\'Believeme，youareperhapstheonlymanatyourcourtwhospeaksafterthismanner，howeverreadytheymaybetobeyourparrots，andre-echowhatthelordhigh-priestsays。\"
\"Theonlymanthatloveshiswife？\"saidLadyRichmond。\"Beholdnowtherudebabbler！Doyounotbelieve，then，thatwewomendeservetobeloved？\"
\"Iamconvincedthatyoudonot。\"
\"Andforwhatdoyoutakeus，then？\"
\"Forcats，whichGod，sinceHehadnomorecat-skin，stuckintoasmoothhide！\"
\"Takecare，John，thatwedonotshowyouourclaws！\"criedtheduchess，laughing。
\"Doitanyhow，mylady！Iwillthenmakeacross，andyewilldisappear。Fordevils，youwellknow，cannotendurethesightoftheholycross，andyearedevils。\"
JohnHeywood，whowasaremarkablyfinesinger，seizedthemandolin，whichlaynearhim，andbegantosing。
Itwasasong，possibleonlyinthosedays，andatHenry\'svoluptuousandatthesametimecantingcourt——asongfullofthemostwantonallusions，ofthemostcuttingjestsagainstbothmonksandwomen；asongwhichmadeHenrylaugh，andtheladiesblush；andinwhichJohnHeywoodhadpouredforthinglowingdithyrambicsallhissecretindignationagainstGardiner，thesneakinghypocriteofapriest，andagainstLadyJane，thequeen\'sfalseandtreacherousfriend。
Buttheladieslaughednot。TheydartedflashingglancesatJohnHeywood；andLadyRichmondearnestlyandresolutelydemandedthepunishmentoftheperfidiouswretchwhodaredtodefamewomen。Thekinglaughedstillharder。Therageoftheladieswassoexceedinglyamusing。
\"Sire，\"saidthebeautifulRichmond，\"hehasinsultednotus，butthewholesex；andinthenameofoursex，Idemandrevengefortheaffront。\"
\"Yes，revenge！\"criedLadyJane，hotly。
\"Revenge！\"repeatedtherestoftheladies。
\"See，now，whatpiousandgentle-hearteddovesyeare！\"criedJohnHeywood。
Thekingsaid，laughingly:\"Well，now，youshallhaveyourwill——youshallchastisehim。\"
\"Yes，yes，scourgemewithrods，astheyoncescourgedtheMessiah，becauseHetoldthePhariseesthetruth。Seehere！Iamalreadyputtingonthecrownofthorns。\"
Hetooktheking\'svelvetcapwithsolemnair，andputiton。
\"Yes，whiphim，whiphim！\"criedtheking，laughing，ashepointedtothegiganticvasesofChineseporcelain，containingenormousbunchesofroses，onwhoselongstemsarosearealforestofformidable-lookingthorns。
\"Pullthelargebouquetstopieces；taketherosesinyourhand，andwhiphimwiththestems！\"saidtheking，andhiseyesglistenedwithinhumandelight，forthescenepromisedtobequiteinteresting。Therose-stemswerelongandhard，andthethornsonthempointedandsharpasdaggers。Hownicelytheywouldpiercetheflesh，andhowhewouldyellandscrewhisface，thegood-naturedfool！
\"Yes，yes，lethimtakeoffhiscoat，andwewillwhiphim！\"criedtheDuchessofRichmond；andthewomen，alljoininginthecry，rushedlikefuriesuponJohnHeywood，andforcedhimtolayasidehissilkuppergarment。Thentheyhurriedtothevases，snatchedoutthebouquets，andwithbusyhandspickedoutthelongestandstouteststems。Andloudweretheirexclamationsofsatisfaction，ifthethornswererightandsharp，suchaswouldpenetratethefleshoftheoffenderrightdeeply。Theking\'slaughterandshoutsofapprovalanimatedthemmoreandmore，andmadethemmoreexcitedandfurious。Theircheeksglowed，theireyesglared；theyresembledBacchantescirclingthegodofriotousjovialitywiththeirshoutsof\"Evoe！evoe！\"
\"Notyet！donotstrikeyet！\"criedtheking。\"Youmustfirststrengthenyourselvesfortheexertion，andfireyourarmsforapowerfulblow！\"
Hetookthelargegoldenbeakerwhichstoodbeforehimand，tastingit，presentedittoLadyJane。
\"Drink，mylady，drink，thatyourarmmaybestrong！\"
Andtheyalldrank，andwithanimatedsmilespressedtheirlipsonthespotwhichtheking\'smouthhadtouched。Andnowtheireyeshadabrighterflame，andtheircheeksamorefieryglow。
Astrangeandexcitingsightitwas，toseethosebeautifulwomenburningwithmaliciousjoyandthirstforvengeance，whoforthemomenthadlaidasidealltheirelegantattitudes，theirloftyandhaughtyairs，totransformthemselvesintowantonBacchantes，bentonchastisingtheoffender，whohadsooftenandsobitterlylashedthemallwithhistongue。
\"Ah，Iwouldapainterwerehere！\"saidtheking。\"HeshouldpaintusapictureofthechastenymphsofDianapursuingActaeon。YouareActaeon，John！\"
\"Buttheyarenotthechastenymphs，king；no，farfromit，\"criedHeywood；laughing，\"andbetweenthesefairwomenandDianaIfindnoresemblance，butonlyadifference。\"
\"Andinwhatconsiststhedifference，John？\"
\"Herein，sire，thatDianacarriedherhornatherside；butthesefairladiesmaketheirhusbandsweartheirhornsontheforehead！\"
Aloudpealoflaughterfromthegentlemen，ayellofragefromtheladies，wasthereplyofthisnewepigramofJohnHeywood。Theyarrangedthemselvesintworows，andthusformedalanethroughwhichJohnHeywoodhadtopass。
\"Come，JohnHeywood，comeandreceiveyourpunishment\"；andtheyraisedtheirthornyrodsthreateningly，andflourishedthemwithangrygestureshighabovetheirheads。
ThescenewasbecomingtoJohninallrespectsverypiquant，fortheserodshadverysharpthorns，andonlyathinlinenshirtcoveredhisback。
Withboldstep，however，heapproachedthefatalpassagethroughwhichhewastopass。
Alreadyhebeheldtherodsdrawnback；anditseemedtohimasifthethornswereevennowpiercinghisback。
Hehalted，andturnedwithalaughtotheking。\"Sire，sinceyouhavecondemnedmetodiebythehandsofthesenymphs，Iclaimtherightofeverycondemnedcriminal——alastfavor。\"
\"Thewhichwegrantyou，John。\"
\"IdemandthatImayputonthesefairwomenonecondition——oneconditiononwhichtheymaywhipme。Doesyourmajestygrantmethis？\"
\"Igrantit！\"
\"Andyousolemnlypledgemethewordofakingthatthisconditionshallbefaithfullykeptandfulfilled？\"
\"Mysolemn，kinglywordforit！\"
\"Now，then，\"saidJohnHeywood，asheenteredthepassage，\"now，then，myladies，myconditionisthis:thatoneofyouwhohashadthemostlovers，andhasoftenestdeckedherhusband\'sheadwithhorns，letherlaythefirststrokeonmyback。\"[Footnote:Flogel\'s\"GeschichtederHofnarren，\"p。899]
Adeepsilencefollowed。Theraisedarmsofthefairwomensank。Therosesfellfromtheirhandsanddroppedtotheground。Justbeforesobloodthirstyandrevengeful，theyseemednowtohavebecomethesoftestandgentlestofbeings。
Butcouldtheirlookshavekilled，theirfirecertainlywouldhaveconsumedpoorJohnHeywood，whonowgazedatthemwithaninsolentsneer，andadvancedintotheverymidstoftheirlines。
\"Now，myladies，youstrikehimnot？\"askedtheking。
\"No，yourmajesty，wedespisehimtoomucheventowishtochastisehim，\"saidtheDuchessofRichmond。
\"Shallyourenemywhohasinjuredyougothusunpunished？\"askedtheking。\"No，no，myladies；itshallnotbesaidthatthereisamaninmykingdomwhomIhaveletescapewhensorichlydeservingpunishment。Wewill，therefore，imposesomeotherpunishmentonhim。
Hecallshimselfapoet，andhasoftenboastedthathecouldmakehispenflyasfastashistongue！Now，then，John，showusinthismannerthatyouarenoliar！Icommandyoutowrite，forthegreatcourtfestivalwhichtakesplaceinafewdays，anewinterlude；andoneindeed，hearyou，John，whichiscalculatedtomakethegreatestgrowlermerry，andoverwhichtheseladieswillbeforcedtolaughsoheartily，thattheywillforgetalltheirire！\"
\"Oh，\"saidJohndolefully，\"whatanequivocalandlewdpoemitmustbetopleasetheseladiesandmakethemlaugh！Myking，wemust，then，topleasethesedearladies，forgetalittleourchastity，modesty，andmaidenbashfulness，andspeakinthespiritoftheladies——thatistosay，aslasciviouslyaspossible。\"
\"Youareawretch！\"saidLadyJane；\"avulgarhypocriticalfool。\"
\"EarlDouglas，yourdaughterisspeakingtoyou，\"saidJohnHeywood，calmly。\"Sheflattersyoumuch，yourtenderdaughter。\"
\"Nowthen，John，youhaveheardmyorders，andwillyouobeythem？
Infourdayswillthisfestivalbegin；Igiveyoutwodaysmore。Insixdays，then，youhavetowriteanewinterlude。Andifhefailstodoit，myladies，youshallwhiphimuntilyoubringtheblood；
andthatwithoutanycondition。\"Justthenwasheardwithoutaflourishoftrumpetsandtheclatterofhorse-hoofs。
\"Thequeenhasreturned，\"saidJohnHeywood，withacountenancebeamingwithjoy，ashefixedhissmilinggazefullofmischievoussatisfactiononLadyJane。
\"Nothingfurthernowremainsforyoutodo，butdutifullytomeetyourmistressuponthegreatstaircase，for，asyousowiselysaidbefore，thequeenstilllives。\"
Withoutwaitingforananswer，JohnHeywoodranoutandrushedthroughtheanteroomanddownthestepstomeetthequeen。LadyJanewatchedhimwithadark，angrylook；andassheturnedslowlytothedoortogoandmeetthequeen，shemutteredlowbetweenherclosely-pressedlips:\"Thefoolmustdie，forheisthequeen\'sfriend！\"
CHAPTERXVI。
THECONFIDANT。
Thequeenwasjustascendingthestepsofthegreatpublicstaircase，andshegreetedJohnHeywoodwithafriendlysmile。
\"Mylady，\"saidhealoud，\"Ihaveafewwordsinprivatetosaytoyou，inthenameofhismajesty。\"
\"Wordsinprivate！\"repeatedCatharine，asshestoppedupontheterraceofthepalace。\"Well，then，fallback，mylordsandladies；
wewishtoreceivehismajesty\'smysteriousmessage。\"
Theroyaltrainsilentlyandrespectfullywithdrewintothelargeanteroomofthepalace，whilethequeenremainedalonewithJohnHeywoodontheterrace。
\"Now，speak，John。\"
\"Queen，heedwellmywords，andgravethemdeeponyourmemory！A
conspiracyisforgedagainstyou，andinafewdays，atthegreatfestival，itwillberipeforexecution。Guardwell，therefore，everywordyouutter，ay，evenyourverythoughts。Bewareofeverydangerousstep，foryoumaybecertainthatalistenerstandsbehindyou！Andifyouneedaconfidant，confideinnoonebutme！Itellyou，agreatdangerliesbeforeyou，andonlybyprudenceandpresenceofmindwillyoubeabletoavoidit。\"
Thistimethequeendidnotlaughatherfriend\'swarningvoice。Shewasserious；sheeventrembled。
Shehadlostherproudsenseofsecurityandhersereneconfidence——
shewasnolongerguiltless——shehadadangeroussecrettokeep，consequentlyshefeltadreadofdiscovery；andshetremblednotmerelyforherself，butalsoforhimwhomsheloved。
\"Andinwhatconsiststhisplot？\"askedshe，withagitation。
\"Idonotyetunderstandit；Ionlyknowthatitexists。ButIwillsearchitout，andifyourenemieslurkaboutyouwithwatchfuleyes，well，then，Iwillhavespyingeyestoobservethem。\"
\"AndisitIalonethattheythreaten？\"
\"No，queen，yourfriendalso。\"
Catharinetrembled。\"Whatfriend，John？\"
\"ArchbishopCranmer。\"
\"Ah，thearchbishop！\"repliedshe，drawingadeepbreath。
\"Andisheall，John？Doestheirenmitypursueonlymeandhim？\"
\"Onlyyoutwo！\"saidJohnHeywood，sadly，forhehadfullyunderstoodthequeen\'ssighofrelief，andheknewthatshehadtrembledforanother。\"Butremember，queen，thatCranmer\'sdestructionwouldbelikewiseyourown；andthatasyouprotectthearchbishop，healsowillprotectyouwiththeking——you，queen，andyourFRIENDS。\"
Catharinegaveaslightstart，andthecrimsononhercheekgrewdeeper。\"Ishallalwaysbemindfulofthat，andeverbeatrueandrealfriendtohimandtoyou；foryoutwoaremyonlyfriends:isitnotso？\"
\"No，yourmajesty，Ispoketoyouofyetathird，ofThomasSeymour。\"
\"Oh，he！\"criedshewithasweetsmile。Thenshesaidsuddenly，andinalowquickvoice:\"YousayImusttrustnooneherebutyou。
Now，then，Iwillgiveyouaproofofmyconfidence。Awaitmeinthegreensummer-houseattwelveo\'clockto-night。Youmustbemyattendantonadangerousexcursion。Haveyoucourage，John？\"
\"Couragetolaydownmylifeforyou，queen！\"
\"Come，then，butbringyourweaponwithyou。\"
\"Atyourcommand！andisthatyouronlyorderforto-day？\"
\"Thatisall，John！only，\"addedshe，withhesitationandaslightblush，\"only，ifyouperchancemeetEarlSudley，youmaysaytohimthatIchargedyoutogreethiminmyname。\"
\"Oh！\"sighedJohnHeywood，sadly。
\"Hehasto-daysavedmylife，John，\"saidshe，asifexcusingherself。\"Itbecomesmewell，then，tobegratefultohim。\"
Andgivinghimafriendlynod，shesteppedintotheporchofthecastle。
\"Nowletanybodysayagain，thatchanceisnotthemostmischievousandspitefulofalldevils！\"mutteredJohnHeywood。\"Thisdevil，chance，throwsinthequeen\'swaytheverypersonsheoughtmosttoavoid；andshemustbe，asindutybound，verygratefultoalover。
Oh，oh，sohehassavedherlife？Butwhoknowswhetherhemaynotbeonedaythecauseofherlosingit！\"
Hedroppedhisheadgloomilyuponhisbreast，whensuddenlyheheardbehindhimalowvoicecallinghisname；andasheturned，hesawtheyoungPrincessElizabethhasteningtowardhimwithahurriedstep。Shewasatthatmomentverybeautiful。Hereyesgleamedwiththefireofpassion；hercheeksglowed；andabouthercrimsonlipsthereplayedagentle，happysmile。Shewore，accordingtothefashionofthetime，aclose-fittinghigh-neckeddress，whichshowedofftoperfectionthedelicatelinesofherslenderandyouthfulform，whilethewidestandingcollarconcealedthesomewhattoogreatlengthofherneck，andmadeherruddy，asyetalmostchildishfacestandoutasitwerefromapedestal。Oneithersideofherhigh，thoughtfulbrow，fell，inluxuriousprofusion，lightflaxencurls；herheadwascoveredwithablackvelvetcap，fromwhichawhitefeatherdroopedtohershoulders。
Shewasaltogetheracharmingandlovelyapparition，fullofnoblenessandgrace，fulloffireandenergy；andyet，inspiteofheryouthfulness，notwantinginacertaingrandeuranddignity。
Elizabeth，thoughstillalmostachild，andfrequentlybowedandhumbledbymisfortune，yeteverremainedherfather\'sowndaughter。
AndthoughHenryhaddeclaredherabastardandexcludedherfromthesuccessiontothethrone，yetsheborethestampofherroyalbloodinherhigh，haughtybrow；inherkeen，flashingeye。
AsshenowstoodbeforeJohnHeywood，shewasnot，however，thehaughty，imperiousprincess，butmerelytheshy，blushingmaiden，whofearedtotrustherfirstgirlishsecrettoanother\'sear，andventuredonlywithtremblinghandtodrawasidetheveilwhichconcealedherheart。
\"JohnHeywood，\"saidshe，\"youhaveoftentoldmethatyoulovedme；
andIknowthatmypoorunfortunatemothertrustedyou，andsummonedyouasawitnessofherinnocence。Youcouldnotatthattimesavethemother，butwillyounowserveAnneBoleyn\'sdaughter，andbeherfaithfulfriend？\"
\"Iwill，\"saidHeywood，solemnly，\"andastrueasthereisaGodaboveus，youshallneverfindmeatraitor。\"
\"Ibelieveyou，John；IknowthatImaytrustyou。Listenthen，I
willnowtellyoumysecret——asecretwhichnoonebutGodknows，andthebetrayalofwhichmightbringmetothescaffold。Willyouthensweartome，thatyouwillnever，underanypretext，andfromanymotivewhatsoever，betraytoanybody，somuchasasinglewordofwhatIamnowabouttotellyou？Willyousweartome，nevertointrustthissecrettoanyone，evenonyourdeath-bed，andnottobetrayitevenintheconfessional？\"
\"Nowasregardsthat，princess，\"saidJohn，withalaugh，\"youareperfectlysafe。Inevergotoconfession，forconfessionisahighly-spiceddishofpoperyonwhichIlongsincespoiltmystomach；andasconcernsmydeathbed，onecannot，undertheblessedandpiousreignofHenrytheEighth，altogetherknowwhetherhewillbereallyaparticipantofanykind，orwhetherhemaynotmakeafarmorespeedyandconvenienttripintoeternitybytheaidofthehangman。\"
\"Oh，beserious，John——do，Iprayyou！Letthefool\'smask，underwhichyouhideyoursoberandhonestface，nothideitfrommealso。
Beserious，John，andsweartomethatyouwillkeepmysecret。\"
\"Well，then，Iswear，princess；Iswearbyyourmother\'sspirittobetraynotawordofwhatyouaregoingtotellme。\"
\"Ithankyou，John。Nowleanthiswaynearertome，lestthebreezemaycatchasinglewordofmineandbearitfarther。John，Ilove！\"
Shesawthehalf-surprised，half-increduloussmilewhichplayedaroundJohnHeywood\'slips。\"Oh，\"continuedshe，passionately，\"youbelievemenot。Youconsidermyfourteenyears，andyouthinkthechildknowsnothingyetofamaiden\'sfeelings。Butremember，John，thatthosegirlswholiveunderawarmsunareearlyripenedbyhisglowingrays，andarealreadywivesandmotherswhentheyshouldstillbedreamingchildren。Well，now，Itooamthedaughterofatorridzone，onlyminehasnotbeenthesunofprosperity，andithasbeensorrowandmisfortunewhichhavematuredmyheart。Believeme，John，Ilove！Aglowing，consumingfirerageswithinme；itisatoncemydelightandmymisery，myhappinessandmyfuture。
\"Thekinghasrobbedmeofabrilliantandgloriousfuture；letthemnot，then，grudgemeahappyone，atleast。SinceIamnevertobeaqueen，Iwillatleastbeahappyandbelovedwife。IfIamcondemnedtoliveinobscurityandlowliness，attheveryleast，I
mustnotbeprohibitedfromadorningthisobscureandingloriousexistencewithflowers，whichthrivenotatthefootofthethrone，andtoilluminateitwithstarsmoresparklingthantherefulgenceofthemostradiantkinglycrown。\"
\"Oh，youaremistakenaboutyourownself！\"saidJohnHeywood，sorrowfully。\"Youchoosetheoneonlybecausetheotherisdenied。
Youwouldloveonlybecauseyoucannotrule；andsinceyourheart，whichthirstsforfameandhonor，canfindnoothersatisfaction，youwouldquenchitsthirstwithsomeotherdraught，andwouldadministerloveasanopiatetolulltorestitsburningpains。
Believeme，princess，youdonotyetknowyourself！Youwerenotborntobemerelyalovingwife，andyourbrowismuchtoohighandhaughtytowearonlyacrownofmyrtle。Therefore，considerwellwhatyoudo，princess！Benotcarriedawaybyyourfather\'spassionateblood，whichboilsinyourveinsalso。Thinkwellbeforeyouact。Yourfootisyetononeofthestepstothethrone。Drawitnotbackvoluntarily。Maintainyourposition；then，thenextstepbringsyouagainonestairhigherup。Donotvoluntarilyrenounceyourjustclaim，butabideinpatiencethecomingofthedayofretributionandjustice。Onlydonotyourselfmakeitimpossible，thattheremaythenbeafullandgloriousreparation。PRINCESS
Elizabethmayyetonedaybequeen，providedshehasnotexchangedhernameforonelessgloriousandnoble。\"
\"JohnHeywood，\"saidshe，withabewitchingsmile，\"IhavetoldyouIlovehim。\"
\"Well，lovehimasmuchasyouplease，butdoitinsilence，andtellhimnotofit；butteachyourloveresignation。\"
\"John，heknowsitalready。\"
\"Ah，poorprincess！youarestillbutachild，thatsticksitshandsinthefirewithsmilingbraveryandscorchesthem，becauseitknowsnotthatfireburns。\"
\"Letitburn，John，burn！andlettheflamescurlovermyhead！
Betterbeconsumedinfirethanperishslowlyandhorriblywithadeadlychill！Ilovehim，Itellyou，andhealreadyknowsit！\"
\"Well，then，lovehim，but，atleast，donotmarryhim！\"criedJohnHeywood，surlily。
\"Marry！\"criedshe，withastonishment。\"Marry！Ihadneverthoughtofit。\"
Shedroppedherheaduponherbreast，andstoodthere，silentandthoughtful。
\"IammuchafraidImadeablunder，then！\"mutteredJohnHeywood。\"I
havesuggestedanewthoughttoher。Ah，ah，KingHenryhasdonewellinappointingmehisfool！Justwhenwedeemourselvesthewisest，wearethegreatestfools！\"
\"John，\"saidElizabeth，assheraisedherheadagainandsmiledtohiminaglowofexcitement，\"John，youareentirelyright；ifwelove，wemustmarry。\"
\"ButIsaidjustthecontrary，princess！\"
\"Allright！\"saidshe，resolutely。\"Allthisbelongstothefuture；
wewillbusyourselveswiththepresent。Ihavepromisedmyloveraninterview。\"
\"Aninterview！\"criedJohnHeywood，inamazement。\"Youwillnotbesofoolhardyastokeepyourpromise？\"
\"JohnHeywood，\"saidshe，withanairofapproachingsolemnity，\"KingHenry\'sdaughterwillnevermakeapromisewithoutfulfillingit。Forbetterorforworse，Iwillalwayskeepmyplightedword，evenifthegreatestmiseryandruinweretheresult！\"
JohnHeywoodventuredtooffernofurtheropposition。Therewasatthismomentsomethingpeculiarlylofty，proud，andtrulyroyalinherair，whichimpressedhimwithawe，andbeforewhichhebowed。
\"Ihavegrantedhimaninterviewbecausehewishedit，\"saidElizabeth；\"and，John，Iwillconfessittoyou，myownheartlongedforit。Seeknot，then，toshakemyresolution；itisasfirmasarock。Butifyouarenotwillingtostandbyme，sayso，andIwillthenlookaboutmeforanotherfriend，wholovesmeenoughtoimposesilenceonhisthoughts。\"
\"Butwho，perhaps，willgoandbetrayyou。No，no，ithasbeenonceresolvedupon，andunalterably；sonoonebutImustbeyourconfidant。Tellme，then，whatIamtodo，andIwillobeyyou。\"
\"Youknow，John，thatmyapartmentsaresituatedinyonderwing，overlookingthegarden。Well，inmydressing-room，behindoneofthelargewallpictures，Ihavediscoveredadoorleadingintoalonely，darkcorridor。Fromthiscorridorthereisapassageupintoyondertower。Itisunoccupiedanddeserted。Nobodyeverthinksofenteringthatpartofthecastle，andthequietofthegravereignsthroughoutthoseapartments，whichneverthelessarefurnishedwithamagnificencetrulyregal。TherewillIreceivehim。\"
\"Buthowshallhemakehiswaythither？\"
\"Oh，donotbeconcerned；Ihavethoughtoverthatmanydayssince；
andwhileIwasrefusingmylovertheinterviewforwhichheagainandagainimploredme，Iwasquietlypreparingeverythingsoastobeableonedaytograntittohim。Todaythisobjectisattained，andtodayhaveIfulfilledhiswish，voluntarilyandunasked；forI
sawhehadnomorecouragetoaskagain。Listen，then。Fromthetower，aspiralstaircaseleadsdowntoasmalldoor，throughwhichyougainentranceintothegarden。Ihaveakeytothisdoor。Hereitis。Onceinpossessionofthiskey，hehasnothingfurthertodobutremainbehindintheparkthisevening，insteadofleavingthecastle；andbymeansofthishewillcometome，forIwillwaitforhiminthetower，inthelargeroomdirectlyoppositethestaircaselanding。Here，takethekey；giveittohim，andrepeattohimallthatIhavesaid。\"
\"Well，princess，thereremainsforyounowonlytoappointthehouratwhichyouwillreceivehimthere。\"
\"Thehour，\"saidshe，assheturnedawayherblushingface。\"Youunderstand，John，thatitisnotfeasibletoreceivehimtherebyday，becausethereisbydaynotasinglemomentinwhichIamnotwatched。\"
\"Youwillthenreceivehimbynight！\"saidJohnHeywood，sadly。\"Atwhathour？\"
\"Atmidnight！Andnowyouknowall；andIbegyou，John，hastenandcarryhimmymessage；for，look，thesunissetting，anditwillsoonbenight。\"
Shenoddedtohimwithasmile，andturnedtogo。
\"Princess，youhaveforgottenthemostimportantpoint。Youhavenotyettoldmehisname。\"
\"MyGod！andyoudonotguessit？JohnHeywood，whohassuchsharpeyes，seesnotthatthereisatthiscourtbutasingleonethatdeservestobelovedbyadaughteroftheking！\"
\"Andthenameofthissingleoneis——\"
\"ThomasSeymour，EarlofSudley！\"whisperedElizabeth，assheturnedawayquicklyandenteredthecastle。
\"Oh，ThomasSeymour！\"saidJohnHeywood，utterlyastounded。Asifparalyzedwithhorror，hestoodtheremotionless，staringupattheskyandrepealingoverandover，\"ThomasSeymour！ThomasSeymour！Soheisasorcererwhoadministersalove-potiontoallthewomen，andbefoolsthemwithhishandsome，saucyface。ThomasSeymour！Thequeenloveshim；theprincessloveshim；andthenthereisthisDuchessofRichmond，whowillbyallmeansbehiswife！Thismuch，however，iscertain，heisatraitorwhodeceivesboth，becausetobothhehasmadethesameconfessionoflove。Andthereagainisthatimp，chance，whichcompelsmetobetheconfidantofboththesewomen。ButIwillbewellonmyguardagainstexecutingbothmycommissionstothissorcerer。Lethimatanyratebecomethehusbandoftheprincess；perhapsthiswouldbethesurestmeansoffreeingthequeenfromherunfortunatelove。\"
Hewassilent，andstillgazedupthoughtfullyatthesky。\"Yes，\"
saidhethen，quitecheerfully，\"thusshallitbe。Iwillcombattheonelovewiththeother。Forthequeentolovehim，isdangerous。I
willthereforesoconductmattersthatshemusthatehim。Iwillremainherconfidant。Iwillreceiveherlettersandhercommissions，butIwillburnherlettersandnotexecutehercommissions。IamnotatlibertytotellherthatthefaithlessThomasSeymourisfalsetoher，forIhavesolemnlypledgedmywordtotheprincessnevertobreathehersecrettoanyone；andIwillandmustkeepmyword。Smileandlove，then；dreamonthysweetdreamoflove，queen；Iwakeforthee；Iwillcausethedarkcloudrestingontheetopassby。Itmay，perhaps，touchthineheart；butthynobleandbeautifulhead——thatatleastitshallnotbeallowedtocrush；that——\"
\"Now，then，whatareyoustaringupattheskyfor，asifyoureadthereanewepigramwithwhichtomakethekinglaugh，andtheparsonsrave？\"askedavoicenearhim；andahandwaslaidheavilyonhisshoulder。
JohnHeywooddidnotlookroundatall；heremainedinthesameattitude，gazingupsteadilyatthesky。Hehadveryreadilyrecognizedthevoiceofhimwhohadaddressedhim；heknewverywellthathewhostoodnearhimwasnootherthantheboldsorcererwhomhewasjustthencursingatthebottomofhisheart；nootherthanThomasSeymour，EarlofSudley。
\"Say，John，isitreallyanepigram？\"askedThomasSeymouragain。
\"Anepigramonthehypocritical，lustful，andsanctimoniouspriestlyrabble，thatwithblasphemoushypocrisyfawnabouttheking，andareeverwatchfulhowtheycansetatrapforoneofushonorableandbravemen？IsthatwhatHeavenisnowrevealingtoyou？\"
\"No，mylord，Iamonlylookingatahawkwhichhoversaboutthereintheclouds。Isawhimmount，earl，andonlythinkofthewonder——
hehadineachtalonadove！Twodovesforonehawk。Isnotthattoomuch——whollycontrarytolawandnature？\"
Theearlcastonhimapenetratinganddistrustfullook。ButJohnHeywood，remainingperfectlycalmandunembarrassed，continuedlookingattheclouds。
\"Howstupidsuchabruteis，andhowmuchtohisdisadvantagewillhisverygreedinessbe！Forsinceheholdsadoveineachclaw，hewillnotbeabletoenjoyeitherofthem；becausehehasnoclawatlibertywithwhichtotearthem。Soonashewishestoenjoytheone，theotherwillescape；whenhegrabsafterthat，theotherfliesaway；andsoatlasthewillhavenothingatall，becausehewastoorapaciousandwantedmorethanhecoulduse。\"
\"Andyouarelookingafterthishawkintheskies？Butyouareperhapsmistaken，andhewhomyouseekisnotabovethereatall，butherebelow，andperchancequiteclosetoyou？\"askedThomasSeymoursignificantly。
ButJohnHeywoodwouldnotunderstandhim。
\"Nay，\"saidhe，\"hestillflies，butitwillnotlastlong。ForverilyIsawtheownerofthedovecotfromwhichthehawkhasstolenthetwodoves。Hehadaweapon；andhe，beyesureofit——hewillkillthishawk，becausehehasrobbedhimofhispetdoves。\"
\"Enough，enough！\"criedtheearl，impatiently。\"Youwouldgivemealesson，butyoumustknowItakenocounselfromafool，evenwerehethewisest。\"
\"Inthatyouareright，mylord，foronlyfoolsaresofoolishastohearkentothevoiceofwisdom。Besides，eachmanforgeshisownfortune。Andnow，wisesir，Iwillgiveyouakey，whichyouyourselfhaveforged，andbehindwhichliesyourfortune。There，takethiskey；andifyouatmidnightslipthroughthegardentothetoweroveryonder，thiskeywillopentoyouthedoorofthesame，andyoucanthenwithouthesitationmountthespiralstaircaseandopenthedoorwhichisoppositethestaircase。Behindthatyouwillfindthefortunewhichyouhaveforgedforyourself，sirblacksmith，andwhichwillbidyouwelcomewithwarmlipsandsoftarms。AndsocommendingyoutoGod，Imusthastenhometothinkoverthecomedywhichthekinghascommandedmetowrite。\"
\"Butyoudonotsomuchastellmefromwhomthismessagecomes？\"
saidEarlSudley，retaininghim。\"Youinvitemetoameetingandgivemeakey，andIknownotwhowillawaitmethereinthattower。\"
\"Oh，youdonotknow？Thereisthenmorethanonewhomightawaityouthere？Well，then，itistheyoungestandsmallestofthetwodoveswhosendsyouthekey。\"
\"PrincessElizabeth？\"
\"Youhavenamedher，notI！\"saidJohnHeywood，ashedisengagedhimselffromtheearl\'sgraspandhurriedacrossthecourtyardtobetakehimselftohislodgings。
ThomasSeymourwatchedhimwithascowl，andthenslowlydirectedhiseyestothekeythatHeywoodhadgivenhim。
\"Theprincessthenawaitsme，\"whisperedhe，softly。\"Ah，whocanreaditinthestars？whocanknowwhitherthecrownwillrollwhenittumblesfromKingHenry\'shead？IloveCatharine，butIloveambitionstillmore；andifitisdemanded，toambitionmustI
sacrificemyheart。\"
CHAPTERXVII。
GAMMERGUETON\'SNEEDLE。
Slowlyandlostingloomythought，JohnHeywoodwalkedtowardhislodgings。TheselodgingsweresituatedinthesecondorinnercourtofthevastpalaceofWhitehall，inthatwingofthecastlewhichcontainedtheapartmentsofallthehigherofficersoftheroyalhousehold，andsothoseofthecourt-jestersalso；fortheking\'sfoolwasatthatperiodaveryimportantandrespectablepersonage，whooccupiedarankequaltothatofagentlemanoftheroyalbed-
chamber。
JohnHeywoodhadjustcrossedthissecondcourtyard，whenallatonceloud，wranglingvoices，andtheclear，peculiarringofaboxontheear，startledhimoutofhismeditations。Hestoppedandlistened。Hisface，beforesoserious，hadnowreassumeditsusualmerryandshrewdexpression；hislargeeyesagainglitteredwithhumorandmischief。\"Thereagainverilyismysweet，charminghousekeeper，GammerGurton，\"saidJohnHeywood，laughing；\"andshenodoubtisquarrellingagainwithmyexcellentservant，thatpoor，long-legged，blear-eyedHodge。Ah！ha！YesterdayIsurprisedherassheappliedakisstohim，atwhichhemadeasdolefulafaceasifabeehadstunghim。To-dayIhearhowsheisboxinghisears。Heisperhapsnowlaughingatit，andthinksitisarose-leafwhichcoolshischeek。ThatHodgeissuchaqueerbird！Butwewillatonceseewhatthereisto-day，andwhatfarceisbeingperformednow。\"
Hecreptsoftlyup-stairs，and，openingthedoorofhisroom，closeditagainbehindhimquicklyandgently。GammerGurton，whowasintheroomadjoining，hadheardnothing，seennothing；andhadtheheavenscometumblingdownatthatmoment，shewouldhavescarcelynoticedit；forshehadeyesandsenseonlyforthislong，lanklackeywhostoodbeforehershakingwithfear，andstaringatheroutofhisgreatbluish-whiteeyes。Herwholesoullayinhertongue；andhertongueranasfastasawill-wheel，andwiththeforceofthunder。How，then，couldGammerGurtonwellhavetimeandearstohearhermaster，whohadsoftlyenteredhischamberandslylycrepttothedoor，onlyhalfclosed，whichseparatedhisroomfromthatofthehousekeeper？\"How！\"screamedGammerGurtoh，\"yousillyragamuffin，youwishtomakemebelievethatitwasthecatthatranawaywithmysewing-needle，asifmysewing-needlewereamouseandsmeltofbacon，youstupid，blear-eyedfool！\"
\"Ah，youcallmeafool，\"criedHodge，withalaugh，whichcausedhismouthtodescribeagracefullineacrosshisfacefromeartoear；\"youcallmeafool，andthatisagreathonorforme，forthenIamaservantworthyofmymaster。Andastobeingblear-eyed，thatmustbecausedbythesimplefactthatIhavenothingalldaylongbeforemyeyesbutyou，GammerGurton——you，withyourfacelikeafullmoon——you，sailingthroughtheroomlikeafrigate，andwithyourgrappling-irons，yourhands，smashingtopieceseverythingexceptyourownlooking-glass。\"
\"Youshallpaymeforthat，youdouble-faced，thread-barelout！\"
screamedGammerGurton，assherushedonHodgewithclenchedfist。
ButJohnHeywood\'scunningservanthadanticipatedthis；hehadalreadyslippedunderthelargetablewhichstoodinthemiddleoftheroom。Asthehousekeepernowmadeaplungetodraghimoutofhisextemporaryfortress，hegavehersuchaheartypinchontheleg，thatshesprangbackwithascream，andsank，whollyovercomebythepain，intothehuge，leather-coveredelbow-chairwhichwasnearherworkstandatthewindow。
\"Youareamonster，Hodge，\"groanedshe，exhausted——\"aheartless，horriblemonster。Youhavestolenmysewing-needle——youonly。Foryouknewverywellthatitwasmylastone，andthat，ifIhavenotthat，Imustgoatoncetotheshopkeepertobuysomeneedles。Andthatisjustwhatyouwant，youweathercock，you。Youonlywantmetogoout，thatyoumayhaveanopportunitytoplaywithTib。\"
\"Tib？WhoisTib？\"askedHodgeashestretchedouthislongneckfromunderthetable，andstaredatGammerGurtonwithwell-assumedastonishment。
\"NowthisotterwantsmeyettotellhimwhoTibis！\"screamedtheexasperateddame。\"Well，then，Iwilltellyou。Tibisthecookforthemajor-domooverthere——ablack-eyed，false，coquettishlittledevil，whoisbadandmeanenoughtotrollawaytheloverofanhonestandvirtuouswoman，asIam；aloverwhoissuchapitifullittlethingthatonewouldthinknoonebutmyselfcouldfindhimoutandseehim；norcouldIhavedoneithadInotforfortyyearstrainedmyeyestothesearch，andforfortyyearslookedaroundforthemanwhowasatlengthtomarryme，andmakemearespectablemistress。Sincemyeyesthenwereatlaststeadilyfixedonthisphantomofman，andIfoundnothingthere，Ifinallydiscoveredyou，youcobwebofaman！\"
\"What！youcallmeacobweb？\"screamedHodge，ashecreptfromunderthetable，and，drawinghimselfuptohisfullheight，placedhimselfthreateninglyinfrontofGammerGurton\'selbow-chair。\"Youcallmeacobweb？Now，Isweartoyouthatyoushallhenceforthnevermorebethespiderthatdwellsinthatweb！Foryouareagarden-spider，anabominable，dumpy，oldgarden-spider，forwhomaweb，suchasHodgeis，ismuchtoofineandmuchtooelegant。Bequiet，therefore，oldspider，andspinyournetelsewhere！Youshallnotliveinmynet，butTib——for，yes，IdoknowTib。Sheisalovely，charmingchildoffourteen，asquickandnimbleasakid，withlipsredasthecoralwhichyouwearonyourfatpuddingofaneck，witheyeswhichshineyetbrighterthanyournose，andwithafiguresoslenderandgracefulthatshemighthavebeencarvedoutofoneofyourfingers。Yes，yes，IknowTib。Sheisanaffectionate，goodchild，whowouldneverbesohard-heartedastoabusethemansheloves，andcouldnotbesomeanandpitiful，eveninthought，astowishtomarrythemanshedidnotlove。Justbecauseheisaman。Yes，IknowTib，andnowIwillgostraighttoherandaskherifshewillmarryagood，honestlad，who，tobesure，issomewhatlean，butwhodoubtlesswillbecomefatterifhehasanyotherfarethanthemeagre，abominablestuffonwhichGammerGurtonfeedshim；aladwho，tobesure，isblear-eyed，butwillsoongetoverthatdiseasewhenhenomoreseesGammerGurton，whoactsonhiseyeslikeastinkingonion，andmakesthemalwaysredandrunningwater。Good-by，oldonion！IamgoingtoTib。\"
ButGammerGurtonwhirledupoutofherelbow-chairlikeatop，andwasuponHodge，whomsheheldbythecoat-tail，andbroughthimtoastand。
\"YoudaregotoTibagain！Youdarepassthatdoorandyoushallseethatthegentle，peaceable，andpatientGammerGurtonischangedintoalioness，whenanyonetriestotearfromherthatmostsacredanddearestoftreasures，herhusband。Foryouaremyhusband，inasmuchasIhaveyourwordthatyouwillmarryme。\"
\"ButIhavenottoldyouwhenandwhereIwilldoit，GammerGurton；
andsoyoucanwaittoalleternity，foronlyinheavenwillIbeyourhusband。\"
\"Thatisanabominable，maliciouslie！\"screamedGammerGurton。\"A
good-for-nothinglie，sayI！FordidyounotlongagosnivelandbegtillIwasforcedtopromiseyoutomakeawill，andinitdeclareHodge，mybelovedhusband，soleheirofallmygoodsandchattels，andbequeathtohimeverythingIhavescrapedtogetherinmyvirtuousandindustriouslife？\"
\"Butyoudidnotmakeit——thewill。Youbrokeyourword；and，therefore，Iwilldothesame。\"
\"Yes，Ihavemadeit，yougreyhound。Ihavemadeit；andthisverydayIwasgoingwithyoutoajusticeofthepeaceandhaveitsigned，andthento-morrowwewouldhavegotmarried。\"
\"Youhavemadethewill，youroundworldoflove？\"saidHodgetenderly，aswithhislong，withered，spindlingarmshetriedtoclaspthegiganticwaistofhisbeloved。\"Youhavemadethewillanddeclaredmeyourheir？Come，then，GammerGurton，come，letusgotothejusticeofthepeace！\"
\"Butdoyounotsee，then，\"saidGammerGurton，withatender，cat-
likepurr，\"doyounotsee，then，thatyourumplemyfrillwhenyouhugmeso？Letmego，then，andhelpmefindmyneedlequickly，forwithouttheneedlewecannotgotothejusticeofthepeace。\"
\"What，withouttheneedlenotgotothejusticeofthepeace？\"
\"No；foronlyseethisholewhichGib，thecat，toreinmyprettiestcapawhileago，asItookthecapoutoftheboxandlaiditonthetable。IndeedIcannotgotothejusticeofthepeacewithsuchaholeinmycap！Searchthen，Hodge，search，sothatIcanmendmycap，andgowithyoutothejusticeofthepeace！\"
\"LordGod，whereintheworldcanitbe，theunluckyneedle？Imusthaveit，Imustfindit，sothatGammerGurtonmaytakeherwilltothejusticeofthepeace！\"
Andinfranticdesperation，Hodgesearchedallaboutonthefloorforthelostneedle，andGammerGurtonstuckherlargespectaclesonherflamingrednoseandpeeredaboutonthetable。Soeagerwassheinthesearch，thatsheevenlethertonguerestalittle，anddeepsilencereignedintheroom。
Suddenlythissilencewasbrokenbyavoice；whichseemedtocomefromthecourtyard。Itwasasoft，sweetvoicethatcried:\"Hodge，dearHodge，areyouthere？Cometomeinthecourt，onlyforafewminutes！Iwanttohaveabitofalaughwithyou！\"
Itwasasthoughanelectricshockhadpassedthroughtheroomwiththatvoice，andstruckatthesametimebothGammerGurtonandHodge。
Bothstartled，anddiscontinuingthesearch，stoodtherewhollyimmovable，asifpetrified。Hodgeespecially，poorHodge，wasasifstruckbylightning。Hisgreatbluish-whiteeyesappearedtobecomingoutoftheirsockets；hislongarmshungdown，flappinganddanglingaboutlikeaflail；hisknees，halfbent，seemedalreadytobegivingwayinexpectationoftheapproachingstorm。
Thisstormdidnotinfactmakehimwaitlong。\"ThatisTib！\"
screamedGammerGurton，springinglikealionessuponHodgeandseizinghimbytheshoulderswithbothherhands。\"ThatisTib，youthread-like，pitifulgreyhound！Well，wasInotright，now，whenI
calledyouafaithless，good-for-nothingscamp，thatsparesnotinnocence，andbreakstheheartsofthewomenashewouldacracker，whichheswallowsathispleasure？WasInotright，insayingthatyouwereonlywatchingformetogooutinordertogoandsportwithTib？\"
\"Hodge，mydear，darlingHodge，\"criedthevoicebeneaththere，andthistimelouderandmoretenderthanbefore，\"Hodge，ohcome，donow，comewithmeinthecourt，asyoupromisedme；comeandgetthekissforwhichyoubeggedmethismorning！\"
\"Iwillbeadamnedotter，ifIbeggedherforit，andifI
understandasinglewordofwhatshesays！\"saidHodge，whollydumfoundedandquakingallover。
\"Ah，youunderstandnotawordofwhatshesays？\"screamedGammerGurton。\"Well，butIunderstandit。Iunderstandthateverythingbetweenusispastanddonewith，andthatIhavenothingmoretodowithyou，youMoloch，you！IunderstandthatIshallnotgoandmakemywill，tobecomeyourwifeandfretmyselftodeathoverthisskeletonofahusband，thatImayleaveyoutochuckleasmyheir。
No，no，itispast。Iamnotgoingtothejusticeofthepeace，andIwilltearupmywill！\"
\"Oh，sheisgoingtotearupherwill！\"howledHodge；\"andthenI
havetormentedmyselfinvain；invainhaveenduredthehorribleluckofbeinglovedbythisoldowl！Oh，oh，shewillnotmakeherwill，andHodgewillremainthesamemiserabledoghealwayswas！\"
GammerGurtonlaughedscornfully。\"Ah，youareawareatlastwhatapitiablewretchyouare，andhowmuchanobleandhandsomeperson，asIam，loweredherselfwhenshemadeuphermindtopickupsuchaweedandmakehimherhusband。\"
\"Yes，yes，Iknowit！\"whinedHodge；\"andIprayyoupickmeupandtakeme，andaboveallthingsmakeyourwill！\"
\"No，Iwillnottakeyou，andIshallnotmakemywill！Itisalloverwith，Itellyou；andnowyoucangoassoonasvoupleasetoTib，whohascalledyousolovingly。Butfirstgivemebackmysewing-needle，youmagpie，you！Givemeheremysewing-needle，whichyouhavestolen。Itisofnousetoyounow，foritisnotnecessaryformetogooutinorderthatyoumaygoandseeTib。Wehavenothingmoretodowitheachother，andyoucangowhereyouwish。
Mysewing-needle，sayI——myneedle，orIwillhangyouasascarecrowinmypea-patch，tofrightenthesparrowsoutofit。Mysewing-needle，or——\"
SheshookherclenchedfistthreateninglyatHodge，fullyconvincedthatnow，asalwaysbefore，Hodgewouldretreatbeforethismenacingweaponofhisjealousandirritablelady-love，andseeksafetyunderthebedorthetable。
Thistime，however，shewasmistaken。Hodge，whosawthatallwaslost，feltthathispatiencewasatlengthexhausted；andhistimiditywasnowchangedtothemadnessofdespair。Thelambwastransformedintoatiger，andwithatiger\'sragehepounceduponGammerGurton，and，throwingasideherfist，hedealtheragoodsoundblowonthecheek。
Thesignalwasgiven，andthebattlebegan。Itwaswagedbybothsideswithequalanimosityandequalvigor；onlyHodge\'sbonyhandmadebyfarthemosttellingblowsonGammerGurton\'smassofflesh，andwasalwayscertain，whereverhestruck，tohitsomespotofthishugemass；whileGammerGurton\'ssofthandseldomtouchedthatthin，threadlikefigure，whichdexterouslyparriedeveryblow。
\"Stop，youfools！\"suddenlyshoutedastentorianvoice。\"Seeyounot，yougoblins，thatyourlordandmasterishere？Peace，peacethen，youdevils，anddonotbehammeringawayatoneanother，butloveeachother。
Itisthemaster！\"exclaimedGammerGurton，loweringherfistintheutmostcontrition。
\"Donotturnmeaway，sir！\"moanedHodge；\"donotdismissmefromyourservicebecauseatlastIhaveforoncegiventheoldhagagoodbruising。Shehasdeserveditalongtime，andanangelhimselfmustatlastlosepatiencewithher。\"
\"Iturnyououtofmyservice！\"exclaimedJohnHeywood，ashewipedhiseyes，wetwithlaughing。\"No，Hodge，youarearealjewel，amineoffunandmerriment；andyoutwohave，withoutknowingit，furnishedmewiththechoicestmaterialsforapiecewhich，bytheking\'sorder，Ihavetowritewithinsixdays。Ioweyou，then，manythanks，andwillshowmygratitudeforthwith。Listenwelltome，myamorousandtenderpairofturtle-doves，andmarkwhatIhavetosaytoyou。Onecannotalwaystellthewolfbyhishide，forhesometimesputonasheep\'sskin；andso，too，amancannotalwaysberecognizedbyhisvoice，forhesometimesborrowsthatofhisneighbor。Thus，forexample，IknowacertainJohnHeywood，whocanmimicexactlythevoiceofacertainlittlemissnamedTib，andwhoknowshowtowarbleassheherself:\'Hodge，mydearHodge！\'\"Andherepeatedtothemexactly，andwiththesametoneandexpression，thewordsthatthevoicehadpreviouslycried。
\"Ah，itwasyou，sir？\"criedHodge，withabroadgrin——\"thatTibinthecourtthere，thatTibaboutwhomwehavebeenpummellingeachother？\"
\"IwasTib，Hodge——Iwhowaspresentduringthewholeofyourquarrel，andfoundithugelycomicaltosendTib\'svoicethunderingintothemidstofourlovers\'quarrel，likeacannon-stroke！Ah，ha！
Hodge，thatwasafinebomb-shell，wasitnot？AndasIsaid\'Hodge，mydearHodge，\'youtumbledaboutlikeakernelofcornwhichadung-beetleblowswithhisbreath。No，no，myworthyandvirtuousGammerGurton，itwasnotTibwhocalledthehandsomeHodge，andmorethanthat，IsawTib，asyourcontestbegan，gooutatthecourtyardgate。\"
\"ItwasnotTib！\"exclaimedGammerGurton，muchmoved，andhappyaslovecouldmakeher。\"ItwasnotTib，andshewasnotinthecourtatall，andHodgecouldnotthengodowntoher，whileIwenttotheshopkeeper\'stobuyneedles。Oh，Hodge，Hodge，willyouforgivemeforthis；willyouforgetthehardwordswhichIspokeinthefuryofmyanguish，andcanyoulovemeagain？\"
\"Iwilltry，\"saidHodge，gravely；\"andwithoutdoubtIshallsucceed，providedyougoto-dayforthwithtothejustice，andmakeyourwill。\"
\"Iwillmakemywill，andto-morrowwewillgotothepriest；shallitnotbeso，myangel？\"
\"Yes，wegotothepriestto-morrow！\"growledHodge，aswithafrightfulgrimacehescratchedhimselfbehindtheears。
\"Andnowcome，myangel，andgivemeakissofreconciliation！\"Shespreadherarmsout，andwhenHougedidnotcometoher，butremainedimmovable，andsteadfastinhisposition，shewenttoHodgeandpressedhimtenderlytoherheart。
Suddenlysheutteredashriek，andletgoofHodge，Shehadfeltaterriblepaininherbreast。Itseemedasthoughasmalldaggerhadpiercedherbosom。
Andthereitwas，thelostneedle，andHodgethenwasinnocentandpureastheearlydawn。
Hehadnotmischievouslypurloinedtheneedle，sothatGammerGurtonwouldbecompelledtoleaveherhouseinordertofetchsomenewneedlesfromtheshopkeeper\'s；hehadnotintendedtogotoTib，forTibwasnotinthecourt，buthadgoneout。
\"OhHodge，Hodge，goodHodge，youinnocentdove，willyouforgiveme？\"
\"Cometothejusticeofthepeace，GammerGurton，andIforgiveyou！\"
Theysanktenderlyintoeachother\'sarms，whollyforgetfuloftheirmaster，whostillstoodnearthem，andlookedon，laughingandnoddinghishead。
\"Now，then，Ihavefoundthefinestandmostsplendidmaterialsformypiece，\"saidJohnHeywood，asheleftthelovingpairandbetookhimselftohisownroom。\"GammerGurtonhassavedme，andKingHenrywillnothavethesatisfactionofseeingmewhippedbythosemostvirtuousandmostlovelyladiesofhiscourt。Towork，then，straightwaytowork！\"
Heseatedhimselfathiswriting-desk，andseizedpenandpaper。
\"Buthow！\"askedhe，suddenlypausing。\"Thatiscertainlyarichsubjectforacomposition；butIcanneverintheworldgetaninterludeoutofit！WhatshallIdowithit？Abandonthissubjectaltogether，andagainjeeratthemonksandridiculethenuns？Thatisantiquatedandwornout！Iwillwritesomethingnew，somethingwhollynew，andsomethingwhichwillmakethekingsomerry，thathewillnotsignadeath-warrantforawholeday。Yes，yes，amerryplayshallitbe，andthenIwillcallitboldlyandfearlesslyacomedy！\"
Heseizedhispenandwrote:\"GammerGurton\'sNeedle，arightpithy，pleasant，andmerrycomedy。\"
AndthusoriginatedthefirstEnglishcomedy，byJohnHeywood，fooltoKingHenrytheEighth。[Footnote:Thiscomedywasfirstprintedintheyear1661，butitwasrepresentedatChristCollegefullyahundredyearspreviously。Whowastheauthorofitisnotknownwithcertainty；butitispossiblethatthewriterofitwasJohnHeywood，theepigrammatistandcourt-jester——SeeDramaturgicoderTheorieundGeschichtederdramatischenKunst，vonTheodoreMundt，voli，p。809。Flogel\'sGeschicbtederHofnarren，p。399。]
CHAPTERXVIII。
LADYJANE。
AllwasquietinthepalaceofWhitehall。Eventheservantsonguardinthevestibuleoftheking\'sbedchamberhadbeenalongtimeslumbering，forthekinghadbeensnoringforseveralhours；andthismajesticalsoundwas，tothedwellersinthepalace，thejoyfulannouncementthatforonefinenighttheywereexemptfromservice，andmightbefreemen。
Thequeenalsohadlongsinceretiredtoherapartments，anddismissedherladiesatanunusuallyearlyhour。Shefelt，shesaid，weariedbythechase，andmuchneededrest。Noone，therefore，wastodisturbher，unlessthekingshouldorderit。
Buttheking，aswehavesaid，slept，andthequeenhadnoreasontofearthathernight\'srestwouldbedisturbed。
Deepsilencereignedinthepalace。Thecorridorswereemptyanddeserted，theapartmentsallsilent。
Suddenlyafiguretrippedalongsoftlyandcautiouslythroughthelongfeeblylightedcorridor。Shewaswrappedinablackmantle；aveilconcealedherface。
Scarcelytouchingthefloorwithherfeet，shefloatedaway，andglideddownalittlestaircase。Nowshestopsandlistens。Thereisnothingtohear；allisnoiselessandstill。
Then，onagain。Nowshewingshersteps。Forheresheissureofnotbeingheard。ItistheunoccupiedwingofthecastleofWhitehall。
Nobodywatchesherhere。
On，then，on，adownthatcorridor，descendingthosestairs。Thereshestopsbeforeadoorleadingintothesummer-house。Sheputshereartothedoor，andlistens。Thensheclapsherhandsthreetimes。
Thesoundisreechoedfromtheotherside。
\"Oh，heisthere，heisthere！\"Forgottennowarehercares，forgottenherpainsandtears。Heisthere。Shehashimagain。
Shethrowsopenthedoor。Itisdarkindeedinthechamber，butsheseeshim。fortheeyeoflovepiercesthenight；andiftheseeshimnot，yetshefeelshispresence。
Sherestsonhisheart；hepresseshercloselytohisbreast。
Leaningoneachother，theygropecautiouslyalongthroughthedark，desolatechambertothedivanattheupperend，andthere，bothlockedinahappyembrace，theysinkuponthecushion。
\"AtlastIhaveyouagain！andmyarmsagainclaspthisdivineform，andagainmylipspressthiscrimsonmouth！Oh，mybeloved，whataneternityhasthisseparationbeen！Sixdays！Sixlongnightsofagony！Haveyounotfelthowmysoulcriedoutforyou，andwasfilledwithtrepidation；howIstretchedmyarmsoutintothenight，andletthemfallagaindisconsolateandtremblingwithanguish，becausetheyclaspednothing——naughtbutthecold，vacantnightbreeze！Didyounothear，mybeloved，howIcriedtoyouwithsighsandtears，howinglowingdithyrambicsIpouredforthtoyoumylonging，mylove，myrapture？Butyou，cruelyou，remainedevercold，eversmiling。YoureyeswereeverflashinginalltheprideandgrandeurofaJuno。Therosesonyourcheekswerenotonewhitthepaler。No，no，youhavenotlongedforme；yourhearthasnotfeltthispainful，blissfulanguish。Youarefirstandaboveallthingstheproud，coldqueen，andnext，nextthelovingwoman。\"
\"Howunjustandhardyouare，myHenry！\"whisperedshesoftly。\"I
haveindeedsuffered；andperhapsmypainshavebeenmorecruelandbitterthanyours，forI——Ihadtoletthemconsumemewithin。Youcouldpourthemforth，youcouldstretchoutyourarmsafterme，youcouldutterlamentationsandsighs。Youwerenot，likeme，condemnedtolaugh，andtojest，andtolistenwithapparentlyattentiveeartoallthoseoftenheardandconstantlyrepeatedphrasesofpraiseandadorationfromthoseaboutme。Youwereatleastfreetosuffer。
Iwasnot。ItistrueIsmiled，butamidstthepainsofdeath。Itistruemycheeksdidnotblanch，butrougewastheveilwithwhichI
coveredtheirpaleness；andthen，Henry，inthemidstofmypainsandlongings，Ihad，too，asweetconsolation——yourletters，yourpoems，whichfelllikethedewofheavenuponmysicksoul，andrestoredittohealth，fornewtormentsandnewhopes。Oh，howI
lovethem——thosepoems，inwhosenobleandenchantinglanguageyourloveandoursufferingsarereechoed！HowmywholesoulflewforthtomeetthemwhenIreceivedthem，andhowpressedImylipsthousandsandthousandsoftimesonthepaperwhichseemedtomeredolentwithyourbreathandyoursighs！HowIlovethatgood，faithfulJane，thesilentmessengerofourlove！WhenIbeholdherenteringmychamber，withtheunsulliedpaperinhand，sheistomethedovewiththeolive-leaf，thatbringsmepeaceandhappiness，andIrushtoher，andpresshertomybosom；andgiveherallthekissesIwouldgiveyou，andfeelhowpoorandpowerlessIam，becauseIcannotrepayherallthehappinessthatshebringsme。Ah，Henry，howmanythanksdoweowetopoorJane！\"
\"Whydoyoucallherpoor，whenshecanbenearyou，alwaysbeholdyon，alwayshearyou？\"
\"Icallherpoor，becausesheisunhappy。Forsheloves，Henry——shelovestodesperation，tomadness，andsheisnotloved。Sheispiningawaywithgriefandpain，andwringsherhandsinboundlesswoe。Haveyounotnoticedhowpalesheis，andhowhereyesbecomedailymoredim？\"
\"No，Ihavenotseenit，forIseenaughtbutyou，andLadyJaneistomealifelessimage，asareallotherwomen。Butwhat！Youtremble；andyourwholeframewrithesinmyarms，asifinaconvulsion！Andwhatisthat？Areyouweeping？\"
\"Oh，Iweep，becauseIamsohappy。Iweep，becauseIwasthinkinghowfearfulthesufferingmustbe，togivethewholeheartaway，andreceivenothinginreturn，naughtbutdeath！PoorJane！\"