\"Iseeyoustillhateme，mylady，\"saidArabella，smiling。\"Youhavenotyetforgivenmethattheduke，yourhusband，foundmoredelightinmyyoung，handsomeface，thaninyours，nowgrowingold——
thatmysprightly，wantondispositionpleasedhimbetterthanyourcold，statelyair。\"
Theduchessturnedpalewithrage，andhereyesdartedlightning。
\"Silence，youshamelesscreature！silence，orIwillcallmyservantstoridmeofyou！\"
\"Youwillnotcallthem；forIhavecometobereconciledwithyou，andtoofferyoupeace。\"
\"Peacewithyou！\"sneeredtheduchess——\"peacewiththatshamelesswomanwhostolefrommemyhusband，thefatherofmychildren？——wholoadedmewiththedisgraceofstandingbeforethewholeworldasarepudiatedanddespisedwife，andofsufferingmyselftobecomparedwithyou，thattheworldmightdecidewhichofustwowasworthierofhislove？Peacewithyou，MissHolland？——withtheimpudentstrumpetwhosquandersmyhusband\'smeansinlavishluxury，and，withscoffingboldness，robsmychildrenoftheirlawfulproperty？\"
\"Itistrue，thedukeisverygenerous，\"saidMissHolland，composedly。\"Heloadedmewithdiamondsandgold。\"
\"AndmeanwhileIwasdoomedalmosttosufferwant，\"saidtheduchess，grindingherteeth。
\"Wantoflove，itmaybe，mylady，butnotwantofmoney；foryouareverymagnificentlyfittedup；andeveryoneknowsthattheDuchessofNorfolkisrichenoughtobeabletosparethetriflesthatherhusbandlaidatmyfeet。ByHeaven！mylady，Iwouldnothavedeemeditworththetroubletostoopforthem，ifIhadnotseenamongthesetrifleshisheart。Theheartofamaniswellworthawoman\'sstoopingfor！Youhaveneglectedthat，mylady，andthereforeyoulostyourhusband\'sheart。Ipickeditup。Thatisall。Whywillyoumakeacrimeofthat？\"
\"Thatisenough！\"criedtheduchess。\"Itdoesnotbecomemetodisputewithyou；Idesireonlytoknowwhatgaveyouthecouragetocometome？\"
\"Mylady，doyouhatemeonly？Ordoyoualsohatethedukeyourhusband？\"
\"SheasksmewhetherIhatehim！\"criedtheduchess，withawild，scornfullaugh。\"Yes，MissHolland，yes！IhatehimasardentlyasI
despiseyou。IhatehimsomuchthatIwouldgivemywholeestate——
ay，yearsofmylife——ifIcouldpunishhimforthedisgracehehasputuponme。\"
\"Then，mylady，weshallsoonunderstandeachother；forItoohatehim，\"saidMissHolland，quietlyseatingherselfonthevelvetdivan，andsmilingassheobservedthespeechlessastonishmentoftheduchess。
\"Yes，mylady，Ihatehim；andwithoutdoubtstillmoreardently，stillmoreintenselythanyouyourself；forIamyoungandfiery；
youareold，andhavealwaysmanagedtopreserveacoolheart。\"
Theduchesswasconvulsedwithrage；butsilently，andwithaneffort，shegulpeddownthedropofwormwoodwhichherwickedrivalmingledinthecupofjoywhichshepresentedtoher。
\"Youdohatehim，MissHolland？\"askedshe，joyfully。
\"Ihatehim，andIhavecometoleaguemyselfwithyouagainsthim。
Heisatraitor，aperfidiouswretch，aperjurer。Iwilltakevengeanceformydisgrace！\"
\"Ah，hashethendesertedyoualso？\"
\"Hehasdesertedmealso。\"
\"Well，then，Godbepraised！\"criedtheduchess，andherfacebeamedwithjoy。\"Godisgreatandjust；andHehaspunishedyouwiththesameweaponswithwhichyousinned！Foryoursake，hedesertedme；
andforthesakeofanotherwoman，heforsakesyou。\"
\"Notso，mylady！\"saidMissHolland，proudly。\"Awomanlikemeisnotforsakenonaccountofawoman；andhewholovesmewilllovenootherafterme。There，readhisletter！\"
Shehandedtheduchessherhusband\'sletter。
\"Andwhatdoyouwanttodonow？\"askedtheduchess，aftershehadreadit。
\"Iwillhaverevenge，mylady！Hesayshenolongerhasahearttolove；well，now，wewillsomanage，thathemaynolongerhaveaheadtothink。Willyoubemyally，mylady？
Iwill。\"
\"AndIalsowillbe，\"saidtheDuchessofRichmond，whojustthenopenedthedoorandcameoutoftheadjoiningroom。
Notawordofthisentireconversationhadescapedher，andsheverywellunderstoodthatthequestionwasnotaboutsomepettyvengeance，butherfather\'shead。SheknewthatMissHollandwasnotawomanthat，whenirritated，prickedwithapin；butonethatgraspedthedaggertostrikeherenemyamortalblow。
\"Yes，Itoowillbeyourally，\"criedtheDuchessofRichmond；\"wehaveallthreebeenoutragedbythesameman。Let，then，ourrevengebeacommonone。Thefatherhasinsultedyou；theson，me。Well，then，Iwillhelpyoutostrikethefather，ifyouinreturnwillassistmetodestroytheson。\"
\"Iwillassistyou，\"saidArabella，smiling；\"forIalsohatethehaughtyEarlofSurrey，whoprideshimselfonhisvirtue，asifitwereagoldenfleecewhichGodhimselfhadstuckonhisbreast。I
hatehim；forhenevermeetsmebutwithprouddisregard；andhealoneistoblameforhisfather\'sfaithlessness。\"
\"Iwaspresentwhenwithtearshebesoughttheduke，ourfather，tofreehimselffromyourfetters，andgiveupthisshamefulanddisgracefulconnectionwithyou，\"saidtheyoungduchess。
Arabellaanswerednothing。Butshepressedherhandsfirmlytogether，andaslightpalloroverspreadhercheeks。
\"Andwhyareyouangrywithyourbrother？\"askedtheoldduchess，thoughtfully。
\"WhyamIangrywithhim，doyouask，mymother？Iamnotangrywithhim；butIexecratehim，andIhavesworntomyselfnevertoresttillIhaveavengedmyself。Myhappiness，myheart，andmyfuture，layinhishands；andhehasremorselesslytroddenunderhishaughtyfeetthese——hissister\'sprecioustreasures。ItlaywithhimtomakemethewifeofthemanIlove；andhehasnotdoneit，thoughIlayathisfeetweepingandwringingmyhands。\"
\"Butitwasagreatsacrificethatyoudemanded，\"saidhermother。
\"Hehadtogivehishandtoawomanhedidnotlove，sothatyoumightbeThomasSeymour\'swife。\"
\"Mother，youdefendhim；andyetheitisthatblamesyoudaily；andbutyesterdayitseemedtohimperfectlyrightandnaturalthatthedukehadforsakenyou，ourmother。\"
\"Didhedothat？\"inquiredtheduchess，vehemently。\"Well，now，ashehasforgottenthatIamhismother，sowillIforgetthatheismyson。Iamyourally！Revengeforourinjuredhearts！Vengeanceonfatherandson！\"
Sheheldoutbothhands，andthetwoyoungwomenlaidtheirhandsinhers。
\"Vengeanceonfatherandson！\"repeatedtheyboth；andtheireyesflashed，andcrimsonnowmantledtheircheeks。
\"Iamtiredoflivinglikeahermitinmypalace，andofbeingbanishedfromcourtbythefearthatImayencountermyhusbandthere。\"
\"Youshallencounterhimtherenomore，\"saidherdaughter，laconically。
\"Theyshallnotlaughandjeeratme，\"criedArabella。\"Andwhentheylearnthathehasforsakenme，theyshallalsoknowhowIhaveavengedmyselfforit。\"
\"ThomasSeymourcanneverbecomemyhusbandsolongasHenryHowardlives；forhehasmortallyoffendedhim，asHenryhasrejectedthehandofhissister。PerhapsImaybecomehiswife，ifHenryHowardisnomore，\"saidtheyoungduchess。\"Soletusconsider。Howshallwebegin，soastostrikethemsurelyandcertainly？\"
\"Whenthreewomenareagreed，theymaywellbecertainoftheirsuccess，\"saidArabella，shrugginghershoulders。\"Welive——Godbepraisedforit——underanobleandhigh-mindedking，whobeholdsthebloodofhissubjectswithasmuchpleasureashedoesthecrimsonofhisroyalmantle，andwhohasneveryetshrunkbackwhenadeath-
warrantwastobesigned。\"
\"Butthistimehewillshrinkback，\"saidtheoldduchess。\"Hewillnotdaretorobthenoblestandmostpowerfulfamilyofhiskingdomofitshead。\"
\"Thatveryriskwillstimulatehim，\"saidtheDuchessofRichmond，laughing；\"andthemoredifficultitistobringdowntheseheads，somuchthemoreimpatientlywillhehankerafterit。Thekinghatesthemboth，andhewillthankus，ifwechangehishatredintoretributivejustice。\"
\"Thenletusaccusebothofhightreason！\"criedArabella。\"Thedukeisatraitor；forIwillandcanswearthathehasoftenenoughcalledthekingabloodthirstytiger，arelentlesstyrant，amanwithouttruthandwithoutfaith，althoughhecoquettishlypretendstobethefountainandrockofallfaith。\"
\"Ifhehassaidthat，andyouhaveheardhim，youareindutyboundtocommunicateittotheking，ifyoudonotwanttobeatraitoressyourself，\"exclaimedtheyoungduchess，solemnly。
\"Andhaveyounotnoticedthatthedukehasforsometimebornethesamecoat-of-armsastheking？\"askedtheDuchessofNorfolk。\"Itisnotenoughforhishaughtyandambitiousspirittobethefirstservantofthisland；hestrivestobelordandkingofit。\"
\"Tellthattotheking，andbyto-morrowtheheadofthetraitorfalls。Forthekingisasjealousofhiskingdomaseverawomanwasofherlover。Tellhimthatthedukebearshiscoat-of-arms，andhisdestructioniscertain。\"
\"Iwilltellhimso，daughter。\"
\"Wearesureofthefather，butwhathavewefortheson？\"
\"Asureandinfalliblemeans，thatwillascertainlydispatchhimintoeternityasthehunter\'stinybulletslaystheproudeststag。
Henrylovesthequeen；andIwillfurnishthekingproofofthat，\"
saidtheyoungduchess。
\"Thenletusgototheking！\"criedArabella，impetuously。
\"No，indeed！Thatwouldmakeasensation，andmighteasilyfrustrateourwholeplan，\"saidtheDuchessofRichmond。\"LetusfirsttalkwithEarlDouglas，andhearhisadvice。Come；everyminuteisprecious！Weoweittoourwomanlyhonortoavengeourselves。Wecannotandwillnotleaveunpunishedthosewhohavedespisedourlove，woundedourhonor，andtroddenunderfoottheholiesttiesofnature！\"
CHAPTERXXVII。
THEACKNOWLEDGMENT。
ThePrincessElizabethwassittinginherroom，melancholyandabsorbedinthought。Hereyeswereredwithweeping；andshepressedherhandonherheart，asifshewouldrepressitscryofanguish。
Withadisconsolate，perplexedlookshegazedaroundherchamber，anditssolitudewasdoublypainfultoherto-day，forittestifiedtoherforsakencondition，tothedisgracethatstillrestedonher。
Forwereitnotso，to-daywouldhavebeentothewholecourtadayofrejoicing，ofcongratulations。
To-daywasElizabeth\'sbirthday；fourteenyearsagoto-day，AnneBoleyn\'sdaughterhadseenthelightofthisworld。
\"AnneBoleyn\'sdaughter！\"Thatwasthesecretofherseclusion。Thatwaswhynoneoftheladiesandlordsofthecourthadrememberedherbirthday；forthatwouldhavebeenatthesametimearemembranceofAnneBoleyn，ofElizabeth\'sbeautifulandunfortunatemother，whohadbeenmadetoatoneforhergrandeurandprosperitybyherdeath。
Moreover，thekinghadcalledhisdaughterElizabethabastard，andsolemnlydeclaredherunworthyofsucceedingtothethrone。
Herbirthday，therefore，wastoElizabethonlyadayofhumiliationandpain。Recliningonherdivan，shethoughtofherdespisedandjoylesspast，ofherdesolateandingloriousfuture。
Shewasaprincess，andyetpossessednottherightsofherbirth；
shewasayoungmaiden，andyetdoomed，insadresignation，torenounceallthedelightsandenjoymentsofyouth，andtocondemnherpassionateandardenthearttotheeternalsleepofdeath。ForwhentheInfanteofSpainsuedforherhand，HenrytheEighthhaddeclaredthatthebastardElizabethwasunworthyofaprincelyhusband。Butinordertointimidateothersuitorsalso，hehadloudlyandopenlydeclaredthatnosubjectshoulddarebesopresumptuousastoofferhishandtooneofhisroyaldaughters，andhewhodaredtosolicittheminmarriageshouldbepunishedasatraitor。
SoElizabethwascondemnedtoremainunmarried；andneverthelesssheloved；neverthelesssheharboredonlythisonewish，tobethewifeofherbeloved，andtobeabletoexchangetheproudtitleofprincessforthenameofCountessSeymour。
Sinceshelovedhim，anewworld，anewsunhadarisenonher；andbeforethesweetandenchantingwhispersofherlove，eventheproudandalluringvoicesofherambitionhadtobesilent。Shenolongerthoughtofit，thatshewouldneverbeaqueen；shewasonlytroubledthatshecouldnotbeSeymour\'swife。
Shenolongerwantedtorule，butshewantedtobehappy。Butherhappinessreposedonhimalone——onThomasSeymour。
Suchwereherthoughts，asshewasinherchamberonthemorningofherbirthday，aloneandlonely；andhereyesreddenedbytears，herpainfullyconvulsedlips，betrayedhowmuchshehadweptto-day；howmuchthisyounggirloffourteenyearshadalreadysuffered。
Butshewouldthinknomoreaboutit；shewouldnotallowthelurking，everywhere-prying，malicious，andwickedcourtiersthetriumphofseeingthetracesofhertears，andrejoicingatherpainsandherhumiliation。Shewasaproudandresolutesoul；shewouldratherhavediedthantohaveacceptedthesympathyandpityofthecourtiers。
\"Iwillwork，\"saidshe。\"Workisthebestbalmforallpains。\"
Andshetookuptheelaboratesilkembroiderywhichshehadbegunforherpoor，unfortunatefriend，AnneofCleves，Henry\'sdivorcedwife。Buttheworkoccupiedonlyherfingers，notherthoughts。
Shethrewitasideandseizedherbooks。ShetookPetrarch\'sSonnets；andhisloveplaintsandgriefsenchainedandstirredherownlove-sickheart。
Withstreamingtears，andyetsmilingandfullofsweetmelancholy，Elizabethreadthesenobleandtenderpoems。ItappearedtoherasifPetrarchhadonlysaidwhatsheherselfsowarmlyfelt。Therewereherthoughts，hergriefs。Hehadsaidtheminhislanguage；shemustnowrepeattheminherown。Sheseatedherself，andwithhandstremblingwithenthusiasm，flutteringbreath，perfectlyexcitedandglowing，ingladhasteshebeganatranslationofPetrarch\'sfirstsonnet。[Footnote:Elizabeth，whoevenasagirloftwelveyearsoldspokefourlanguages，wasveryfondofcomposingverses，andoftranslatingthepoemsofforeignauthors。Butshekeptherskillinthisrespectverysecret，andwasalwaysveryangryifanyonebychancesawoneofherpoems。Afterherdeaththerewerefoundamongherpapersmanytranslations，especiallyofPetrarch\'sSonnets，whichweretheworkofherearliestyouth——Leti，vol。i，p。150。]A
loudknockinterruptedher；andinthehastilyopeneddoornowappearedthelovelyformofthequeen。
\"Thequeen！\"exclaimedElizabethwithdelight。\"Haveyoucometomeatsuchanearlymorninghour？\"
\"AndshouldIwaittilleveningtowishmyElizabethhappinessonherfestival？ShouldIfirstletthesungodownonthisday，whichgavetoEnglandsonobleandsofairaprincess？\"askedCatharine。
\"Oryouthought，perhaps，Ididnotknowthatthiswasyourbirthday，andthatto-daymyElizabethadvancesfromtheyearsofchildhood，asaproudmaidenfullofhope？\"
\"Fullofhope？\"saidElizabeth，sadly。\"AnneBoleyn\'sdaughterhasnohopes:andwhenyouspeakofmybirthday，youremindmeatthesametimeofmydespisedbirth！\"
\"Itshallbedespisednolonger！\"saidCatharine，and，assheputherarmtenderlyaroundElizabeth\'sneck，shehandedherarollofparchment。
\"Takethat，Elizabeth；andmaythispaperbetoyouthepromiseofajoyfulandbrilliantfuture！Atmyrequest，thekinghasmadethislaw，andhethereforegrantedmethepleasureofbringingittoyou。\"
Elizabethopenedtheparchmentandread，andaradiantexpressionoverspreadhercountenance。
\"Acknowledged！Iamacknowledged！\"criedshe。\"Thedisgraceofmybirthistakenaway！Elizabethisnomoreabastard——sheisaroyalprincess！\"
\"Andshemaysomedaybeaqueen！\"saidCatharine，smiling。
\"Oh，\"criedElizabeth，\"itisnotthatwhichstirsmewithsuchjoy。
Butthedisgraceofmybirthistakenaway；andImayfreelyholdupmyheadandnamemymother\'sname！Nowthoumaystsleepcalmlyinthygrave，foritisnolongerdishonored！AnneBoleynwasnostrumpet；shewasKingHenry\'slawfulwife，andElizabethistheking\'slegitimatedaughter！IthankThee，myGod——IthankThee！\"Andtheyoung，passionategirlthrewherselfonherknees，andraisedherhandsandhereyestoheaven。
\"Spiritofmyglorifiedmother，\"saidshe，solemnly，\"Icallthee！
Cometome！Overshadowmewiththysmile，andblessmewiththybreath！QueenAnneofEngland，thydaughterisnolongerabastard，andnoonedaresventuremoretoinsulther。ThouwertwithmewhenIweptandsuffered，mymother；andofteninmydisgraceandhumiliation，itwasasifIheardthyvoice，whichwhisperedcomforttome；asifIsawthyheavenlyeyes，whichpouredpeaceandloveintomybreast！Oh，abidewithmenowalso，mymother——now，whenmydisgraceistakenaway，abidewithmeinmyprosperity；andguardmyheart，thatitmaybekeptpurefromarroganceandpride，andremainhumbleinitsjoy！AnneBoleyn，theylaidthybeautiful，innocentheadupontheblock；butthisparchmentsetsuponitagaintheroyalcrown；andwoe，woetothosewhowillnowstilldareinsultthymemory！\"
Shesprangfromherkneesandrushedtothewallopposite，onwhichwasalargeoilpainting，whichrepresentedElizabethherselfasachildplayingwithadog。
\"Oh，mother，mother！\"saidshe，\"thispicturewasthelastearthlythingonwhichthylooksrested；andtothesepaintedlipsofthychildthougavestthylastkiss，whichthycruelhangmanwouldnotallowtothylivingchild。Oh，letmesipupthislastkissfromthatspot；letmetouchwithmymouththespotthatthylipshaveconsecrated！\"
Shebentdownandkissedthepicture。
\"Andnowcomeforthoutofthygrave，mymother，\"saidshe，solemnly。\"Ihavebeenobligedsolongtohide，solongtoveilthee！Nowthoubelongesttotheworldandtothelight！Thekinghasacknowledgedmeashislawfuldaughter；hecannotrefusemetohavealikenessofmymotherinmyroom。\"
Asshethusspoke，shepressedonaspringsetinthebroadgiltframeofthepicture；andsuddenlythepaintingwasseentomoveandslowlyopenlikeadoor，soastorendervisibleanotherpictureconcealedbeneathit，whichrepresentedtheunfortunateAnneBoleyninbridalattire，inthefullsplendorofherbeauty，asHolbeinhadpaintedher，atthedesireofherhusbandtheking。
\"Howbeautifulandangelicthatcountenanceis！\"saidCatharine，steppingnearer。\"Howinnocentandpurethosefeatures！Poorqueen！
Yetthineenemiessucceededincastingsuspicionontheeandbringingtheetothescaffold。Oh，whenIbeholdthee，Ishudder；
andmyownfuturerisesupbeforemelikeathreateningspectre！Whocanbelieveherselfsafeandsecure，whenAnneBoleynwasnotsecure；whenevenshehadtodieadishonorabledeath？Ah，dobutbelieveme，Elizabeth，itisamelancholylottobeQueenofEngland；andoftenindeedhaveIaskedthemorningwhetherI，asstillQueenofEngland，shallgreettheevening。Butno——wewillnottalkofmyselfinthishour，butonlyofyou，Elizabeth——ofyourfutureandofyourfortune。Maythisdocumentbeacceptabletoyou，andrealizeallthewishesthatslumberinyourbosom！\"
\"Onegreatwishofmineithasfulfilledalready，\"saidElizabeth，stilloccupiedwiththepicture。\"Itallowsmetoshowmymother\'slikenessunveiled！ThatIcouldonedaydosowasherlastprayerandlastwish，whichsheintrustedtoJohnHeywoodforme。Tohimshecommittedthispicture。Healoneknewthesecretofit，andhehasfaithfullypreservedit。\"
\"Oh，JohnHeywoodisatrustyandtruefriend，\"saidCatharine，heartily；\"anditwashewhoassistedmeinincliningthekingtoourplanandinpersuadinghimtoacknowledgeyou。\"
WithanunutterableexpressionElizabethpresentedbothhandstoher。\"Ithankyouformyhonor，andthehonorofmymother，\"saidshe；\"Iwillloveyouforitasadaughter；andnevershallyourenemiesfindwithmeanopenearandawillingheart。Letustwoconcludewitheachotheraleagueoffensiveanddefensive！Lotuskeeptruetoeachother；andtheenemiesoftheoneshallbetheenemiesoftheotheralso。Andwhereweseedangerwewillcombatitincommon；andwewillwatchovereachotherwithatruesisterlyeye，andwarnoneanotherwheneverachanceflashbringstolightanenemywhoisstealingalonginthedarkness，andwantswithhisdaggertoassassinateusfrombehind。\"
\"Sobeit！\"saidCatharine，solemnly。\"Wewillremaininseparable，andtruetooneanother，andloveeachotherassisters！\"
AndassheimprintedawarmkissonElizabeth\'slips，shecontinued:
\"Butnow，princess，directyourlooksoncemoretothatdocument，ofwhichatfirstyoureadonlythebeginning。Dobutbelieveme，itisimportantenoughforyoutoreaditquitetotheend；foritcontainsvariousarrangementsforyourfuture，andsettlesonyouasuiteandayearlyallowance，asissuitableforaroyalprincess。\"
\"Oh，whatcareIforthesethings？\"criedElizabeth，merrily。\"Thatismymajor-domo\'sconcern，andhemayattendtoit。\"
\"Butthereisyetanotherparagraphthatwillinterestyoumore，\"
saidCatharine，withaslightsmile；\"foritisafullandcompletereparationtomyproudandambitiousElizabeth。YourecollecttheanswerwhichyourfathergavetotheKingofFrancewhenhesolicitedyourhandforthedauphin？\"
\"DoIrecollectit！\"criedElizabeth，herfeaturesquicklybecominggloomy。\"KingHenrysaid:\'AnneBoleyn\'sdaughterisnotworthytoacceptthehandofaroyalprince。\'\"
\"Well，then，Elizabeth，thatthereparationmadetoyoumaybecomplete，theking，whilehegrantsyouyourlawfultitleandhonor，hasdecreedthatyouarepermittedtomarryonlyahusbandofequalbirth；togiveyourhandonlytoaroyalprince，ifyouwouldpreserveyourrightofsucceedingtothethrone，Oh，certainly，therecouldbenomorecompleterecantationoftheaffrontonceputuponyou。Andthatheconsentedtodothis，youowetotheeloquentintercessionofatrueandtrustyfriend；youhaveJohnHeywoodtothankforit。\"
\"JohnHeywood！\"criedElizabeth，inabittertone。
\"Oh，Ithankyou，queen，thatitwasnotyouwhodeterminedmyfathertothisdecision。JohnHeywooddidit，andyoucallhimmyfriend？Yousaythatheisatrueanddevotedservanttousboth？
Bewareofhisfidelity，queen，andbuildnotonhisdevotedness；forItellyouhissoulisfulloffalsehood；andwhileheappearstobowbeforeyouinhumbleness，hiseyesareonlysearchingfortheplaceonyourheelwherehecanstrikeyoumostsurelyandmostmortally。Oh，heisaserpent，avenomousserpent；andhehasjustwoundedmemortallyandincurably。Butno，\"continuedshe，energetically，\"Iwillnotsubmittothisfraud；Iwillnotbetheslaveofthisinjuriouslaw！Iwillbefreetoloveandtohateasmyheartdemands；Iwillnotbeshackled，norbecompelledtorenouncethisman，whomIperhapslove，andtomarrythatone，whomIperhapsabhor。\"
Withanexpressionoffirm，energeticresolve，shetooktherollofparchmentandhandeditbacktoCatharine。\"Queen，takethisparchmentbackagain；returnittomyfather，andtellhimthatI
thankhimforhisprovidentgoodness，butwilldeclinethebrilliantlotwhichthisactoffersme。Ilovefreedomsomuch，thatevenaroyalcrowncannotalluremewhenIamtoreceiveitwithmyhandsboundandmyheartnotfree。\"
\"Poorchild！\"sighedCatharine，\"youknownot，then，thattheroyalcrownalwaysbindsusinfettersandcompressesourheartinironclamps？Ah，youwanttobefree，andyetaqueen！Oh，believeme，Elizabeth，nonearelessfreethansovereigns！Noonehaslesstherightandthepowertoliveaccordingtothedictatesofhisheartthanaprince。\"
\"Then，\"exclaimedElizabeth，withflashingeyes，\"thenIrenouncethemelancholyfortuneofbeing，perchance，onedayqueen。ThenIdonotsubscribetothislaw，whichwantstoguidemyheartandlimitmywill。What！shallthedaughterofKingHenryofEnglandallowherwaystobetracedoutbyamiserablestripofparchment？andshallasheetofpaperbeabletointrudeitselfbetweenmeandmyheart？I
amaroyalprincess；andwhywilltheycompelmetogivemyhandonlytoaking\'sson？Ay，youareright；itisnotmyfatherthathasmadethislaw，formyfather\'sproudsoulhasneverbeenwillingtosubmittoanysuchconstraintofmiserableetiquette。Hehaslovedwherehepleased；andnoParliament——nolaw——hasbeenabletohinderhiminthisrespect。Iwillbemyfather\'sowndaughter。I
willnotsubmittothislaw！\"
\"Poorchild！\"saidCatharine，\"neverthelessyouwillbeobligedtolearnwellhowtosubmit；foroneisnotaprincesswithoutpayingforit。Nooneaskswhetherourheartbleeds。Theythrowapurplerobeoverit，andthoughitbereddenedwithourheart\'sblood，whothenseesandsuspectsit？Youareyetsoyoung，Elizabeth；youyethopesomuch！\"
\"Ihopesomuch，becauseIhavealreadysufferedsomuch——myeyeshavebeenalreadymadetoshedsomanytears。Ihavealreadyinmychildhoodhadtotakebefore-handmyshareofthepainandsorrowoflife；nowIwilldemandmyshareoflife\'spleasureandenjoymentalso。\"
\"Andwhotellsyouthatyoushallnothaveit？Thisloveforcesonyounoparticularhusband；itbutgivesyoutheproudright，oncedisputed，ofseekingyourhusbandamongtheprincesofroyalblood。\"
\"Oh，\"criedElizabeth，withflashingeyes，\"ifIshouldeverreallybeaqueen，IshouldbeproudertochooseahusbandwhomImightmakeaking，thansuchaoneaswouldmakemeaqueen。[Footnote:
Elizabeth\'sownwords，——Leti，vol。ii，p。62。]Oh，sayyourself，Catharine，mustitnotbeahighandnoblepleasuretoconfergloryandgreatnessononewelove，toraisehimintheomnipotenceofourlovehighaboveallothermen，andtolayourowngreatness，ourownglory，humblyathisfeet，thathemaybeadornedtherewithandmakehisownpossessionwhatisours？\"
\"ByHeaven，youareasproudandambitiousasaman！\"saidCatharine，smiling。\"Yourfather\'sowndaughter！SothoughtHenrywhenhegavehishandtoAnneBoleyn；sothoughthewhenheexaltedmetobehisqueen。Butitbehooveshimthustothinkandact，forheisaman。\"
\"Hethoughtthus，becauseheloved——notbecausehewasaman。\"
\"Andyou，too，Elizabeth——doyou，too，thinkthusbecauseyoulove？\"
\"Yes，Ilove！\"exclaimedElizabeth，aswithanimpulsivemovementshethrewherselfintoCatharine\'sarms，andhidherblushingfaceinthequeen\'sbosom。\"Yes，Ilove！Ilovelikemyfather——
regardlessofmyrank，ofmybirth；butfeelingonlythatmyloverisofequallyhighbirthinthenobilityofhissentiment，inhisgeniusandnoblemind；thatheismysuperiorinallthegreatandfinequalitieswhichshouldadornaman，andyetareconferredonsofew。Judgenow，queen，whetherthatlawtherecanmakemehappy。HewhomIloveisnoprince——nosonofaking。\"
\"PoorElizabeth！\"saidCatharine，claspingtheyounggirlferventlyinherarms。
\"Andwhydoyoubewailmyfate，whenitisinyourpowertomakemehappy？\"askedElizabeth，urgently。
\"Itwasyouwhoprevailedonthekingtorelievemeofthedisgracethatrestedonme；youwillalsohavepoweroverhimtosetasidethisclausewhichcontainsmyheart\'ssentenceofcondemnation。\"
Catharineshookherheadwithasigh。\"Mypowerdoesnotreachsofar，\"saidshe，sadly。\"Ah，Elizabeth，whydidyounotputconfidenceinme？Whydidyounotletmeknowsoonerthatyourheartcherishedalovewhichisinoppositiontothislaw？Whydidyounottellyourfriendyourdangeroussecret？\"
\"JustbecauseitisdangerousIconcealeditfromyou；andjustonthataccountIdonotevennowmentionthenameofthelovedone。
Queen，youshallnotthroughmebecomeaguiltytraitoressagainstyourhusband；foryouwellknowthathepunisheseverysecretconcealedfromhimasanactofhightreason。No，queen；ifIamacriminal，youshallnothemyaccomplice。Ah，itisalwaysdangeroustobetheconfidantofsuchasecret。YouseethatinJohnHeywood。
Healonewasmyconfidant，andhebetrayedme。Imyselfputtheweaponsintohishands，andheturnedthemagainstme。\"
\"No，no，\"saidCatharine，thoughtfully；\"JohnHeywoodistrueandtrusty，andincapableoftreachery。\"
\"Hehasbetrayedme！\"exclaimedElizabeth，impetuously。\"Heknew——heonly——thatIlove，andthatmybeloved，thoughofnoble，stillisnotofprincelybirth。Yetitwashe，asyousaidyourself，whomovedthekingtointroducethisparagraphintotheactofsuccession。\"
\"Then，withoutdoubt，hehaswishedtosaveyoufromanerrorofyourheart。\"
\"No，hehasbeenafraidofthedangerofbeingprivytothissecret，andatthecostofmyheartandmyhappinesshewantedtoescapethisdanger。Butoh，Catharine，youareanoble，greatandstrongwoman；youareincapableofsuchpettyfear——suchlowcalculation；
therefore，standbyme；bemysaviorandprotectress！Byvirtueofthatoathwhichwehavejustnowmutuallytaken——byvirtueofthatmutualclaspofthehandsjustgiven——Icallyoutomyhelpandmyassistance。Oh，Catharine，allowmethishighpleasure，sofullofblessing，ofbeingatsometime，perhaps，abletomakehimwhomI
lovegreatandpowerfulbymywill。Allowmethisintoxicatingdelightofbeingablewithmyhandtooffertohisambitionatoncepowerandglory——itmaybeevenacrown。Oh，Catharine，onmykneesIconjureyou——assistmetorepealthishatedlaw，whichwantstobindmyheartandmyhand！\"
Inpassionateexcitementshehadfallenbeforethequeen，andwasholdingupherhandsimploringlytoher。
Catharine，smiling，bentdownandraisedherupinherarms。
\"Enthusiast，\"saidshe，\"pooryoungenthusiast！Whoknowswhetheryouwillthankmeforitoneday，ifIaccedetoyourwish；andwhetheryouwillnotsometimecursethishourwhichhasbroughtyou，perhaps，insteadofthehoped-forpleasure，onlyaknowledgeofyourdelusionandmisery？\"
\"Andwereitevenso，\"criedElizabeth，energetically，\"stillitisbettertoendureawretchednessweourselveshavechosen，thantobeforcedtoahappylot。Say，Catharine——say，willyoulendmeyourassistance？Willyouinducethekingtowithdrawthishatedclause？
Ifyoudoitnot，queen，Isweartoyou，bythesoulofmymother，thatIwillnotsubmittothislaw；thatIwillsolemnly，beforealltheworld，renouncetheprivilegethatisofferedme；thatI——\"
\"Youareadear，foolishchild，\"interruptedCatharine——\"achild，thatinyouthfulpresumptionmightdarewishtofetchthelightningsdownfromheaven，andborrowfromJupiterhisthunderbolt。Oh，youarestilltooyoungandinexperiencedtoknowthatfateregardsnotourmurmursandoursighs，and，despiteourreluctanceandourrefusal，stillleadsusinitsownways，notourown。Youwillhavetolearnthatyet，poorchild！\"
\"ButIwillnot！\"criedElizabeth，stampingonthefloorwithallthepettishnessofachild。\"Iwillnoteverandeternallybethevictimofanother\'swill；andfateitselfshallnothavepowertomakemeitsslave！\"
\"Well，wewillseenow，\"saidCatharine，smiling。\"Wewilltrythistime，atleast，tocontendagainstfate；andIwillassistyouifI
can。\"
\"AndIwillloveyouforitasmymotherandmysisteratonce，\"
criedElizabeth，aswithardorshethrewherselfintoCatharine\'sarms。\"Yes，Iwillloveyouforit；andIwillprayGodthatHemayonedaygivemetheopportunitytoshowmygratitude，andtorewardyouforyourmagnanimityandgoodness。\"
CHAPTERXXVIII。
INTRIGUES。
Forafewdayspasttheking\'sgouthadgrownworse，and，tohiswrathandgrief，itconfinedhimasaprisonertohisrollingchair。
Thekingwas，therefore，verynaturallygloomyanddejected，andhurledthelightningsofhiswrathonallthosewhoenjoyedthemelancholyprerogativeofbeinginhispresence。Hispains，insteadofsofteninghisdisposition，seemedonlytoheightenstillmorehisnaturalferocity；andoftenmightheheardthroughthepalaceofWhitehalltheking\'sangrygrowl，andhisloud，thunderinginvectives，whichnolongersparedanyone，norshowedrespectforanyrankordignity。
EarlDouglas，Gardiner，andWriothesleyverywellknewhowtotakeadvantageofthiswrathfulhumorofthekingfortheirpurposes，andtoaffordthecruelmonarch，torturedwithpain，onesatisfactionatleast——thesatisfactionofmakingotherssufferalso。
NeverhadtherebeenseeninEnglandsomanyburntatthestakeasinthosedaysoftheking\'ssickness；neverhadtheprisonsbeensocrowded；neverhadsomuchbloodflowedasKingHenrynowcausedtobeshed。[Footnote:Duringtheking\'sreign，andattheinstigationoftheclergy，twenty-eighthundredpersonswereburntandexecuted，becausetheywouldnotrecognizethereligiousinstitutionsestablishedbythekingastheonlyrightandtrueones——Leti，vol。
i，p。34。]Butallthisdidnotyetsufficetoappeasetheblood-
thirstinessoftheking，andhisfriendsandcounsellors，andhispriests。
StillthereremaineduntouchedtwomightypillarsofProtestantismthatGardinerandWriothesleyhadtooverthrow。ThesewerethequeenandArchbishopCranmer。
StillthereweretwopowerfulandhatedenemieswhomtheSeymourshadtoovercome；theseweretheDukeofNorfolkandhisson，theEarlofSurrey。
Butthevariouspartiesthatinturnbesiegedtheking\'searandcontrolledit，wereinsingularandunheard-ofopposition，andatthesametimeinflamedwithbitterestenmity，andtheystrovetosupplanteachotherinthefavoroftheking。
TothepopishpartyofGardinerandEarlDouglas，everythingdependedondispossessingtheSeymoursoftheking\'sfavor；andthey，ontheotherhand，wantedaboveallthingstocontinueinpowertheyoungqueen，alreadyinclinedtothem，andtodestroyforthepapistsoneoftheirmostpowerfulleaders，theDukeofNorfolk。
Theonepartycontrolledtheking\'searthroughthequeen；theother，throughhisfavorite，EarlDouglas。
Neverhadthekingbeenmoregraciousandaffabletohisconsort——
neverhadherequiredmoreEarlDouglas\'spresencethaninthosedaysofhissicknessandbodilyanguish。
Buttherewasyetathirdpartythatoccupiedanimportantplaceintheking\'sfavor——apowerwhicheveryonefeared，andwhichseemedtokeepitselfperfectlyindependentandfreefromallforeigninfluences。ThispowerwasJohnHeywood，theking\'sfool，theepigrammatist，whowasdreadedbythewholecourt。
Onlyonepersonhadinfluencewithhim。JohnHeywoodwasthefriendofthequeen。Forthemoment，then，itappearedasifthe\"hereticalparty，\"ofwhichthequeenwasregardedasthehead，wasthemostpowerfulatcourt。
Itwasthereforeverynaturalforthepopishpartytocherishanardenthatredagainstthequeen；verynaturalforthemtobecontrivingnewplotsandmachinationstoruinherandhurlherfromthethrone。
ButCatharineknewverywellthedangerthatthreatenedher，andshewasonherguard。Shewatchedhereverylook，hereveryword；andGardinerandDouglascouldnotexaminethequeen\'smanneroflifeeachdayandhourmoresuspiciouslythansheherselfdid。
Shesawtheswordthathungdailyoverherhead；and，thankstoherprudenceandpresenceofmind，thankstotheever-thoughtfulwatchfulnessandcunningofherfriendHeywood！shehadstillknownhowtoavoidthefallingofthatsword。
SincethatfatalrideinthewoodofEppingForest，shehadnotagainspokentoThomasSeymouralone；forCatharineverywellknewthateverywhere，whithersoeversheturnedhersteps，somespyingeyemightfollowher，somelistener\'searmightbeconcealed，whichmighthearherwords，howeversoftlywhispered，andrepeatthemwheretheymightbeinterpretedintoasentenceofdeathagainsther。
Shehad，therefore，renouncedthepleasureofspeakingtoherloverotherwisethanbeforewitnesses，andofseeinghimotherwisethaninthepresenceofherwholecourt。
Whatneedhadsheeitherforsecretmeetings？Whatmatteredittoherpureandinnocentheartthatshewasnotpermittedtobealonewithhim？Stillshemightseehim，anddrinkcourageanddelightfromthesightofhishaughtyandhandsomeface；stillshemightbenearhim，andcouldlistentothemusicofhisvoice，andintoxicateherheartwithhisfine，euphoniousandvigorousdiscourse。
Catharine，thewomanofeight-and-twenty，hadpreservedtheenthusiasmandinnocenceofayounggirloffourteen。ThomasSeymourwasherfirstlove；andshelovedhimwiththatpurityandguilelesswarmthwhichisindeedpeculiartothefirstloveonly。
Itsufficedher，therefore，toseehim；tobenearhim；toknowthathelovedher；thathewastruetoher；thatallhisthoughtsandwishesbelongedtoher，asherstohim。
Andthatsheknew。Forthereeverremainedtoherthesweetenjoymentofhisletters——ofthosepassionatelywrittenavowalsofhislove。Ifshewasnotpermittedtosayalsotohimhowwarmlyandardentlyshereturnedthislove，yetshecouldwriteittohim。
ItwasJohnHeywood，thetrueanddiscreetfriend，thatbroughthertheseletters，andboreheranswerstohim，stipulating，asarewardforthisdangerouscommission，thattheybothshouldregardhimasthesoleconfidantoftheirlove；thatbothshouldburnuptheletterswhichhebroughtthem。HehadnotbeenabletohinderCatharinefromthisunhappypassion，butwantedatleasttopreserveherfromthefatalconsequencesofit。Sinceheknewthatthisloveneededaconfidant，heassumedthisrole，thatCatharine，inthevehemenceofherpassionandinthesimplicityofherinnocentheart，mightnotmakeotherssharersofherdangeroussecret。
JohnHeywoodthereforewatchedoverCatharine\'ssafetyandhappiness，asshewatchedoverThomasSeymourandherfriends。Heprotectedandguardedherwiththeking，assheguardedCranmer，andprotectedhimfromtheconstantlyrenewedassaultsofhisenemies。
Thisitwasthattheycouldneverforgivethequeen——thatshehaddeliveredCranmer，thenobleandliberal-mindedArchbishopofCanterbury，fromtheirsnares。MorethanonceCatharinehadsucceededindestroyingtheirintriguingschemes，andinrendingthenetsthatGardinerandEarlDouglas，withsoslyandskilfulahand，hadspreadforCranmer。
If，therefore，theywouldoverthrowCranmer，theymustfirstoverthrowthequeen。Forthistherewasarealmeans——ameansofdestroyingatoncethequeenandthehatedSeymours，whostoodinthewayofthepapists。
IftheycouldprovetothekingthatCatharineentertainedcriminalintercoursewithThomasSeymour，thenweretheybothlost；thenwerethepowerandgloryofthepapistssecured。
Butwhencetofetchtheproofsofthisdangeroussecret，whichthecraftyDouglashadreadonlyinCatharine\'seyes，andforwhichhehadnoothersupportthanhisbareconviction？Howshouldtheybegintoinfluencethequeentosomeinconsideratestep，toaspeakingwitnessofherlove？
Timehungsoheavilyontheking\'shands！Itwouldhavebeensoeasytopersuadehimtosomecrueldeed——toahastysentenceofdeath！
ButitwasnotthebloodoftheSeymoursforwhichthekingthirsted。EarlDouglasverywellknewthat。Hewhoobservedthekingdayandnight——hewhoexaminedandsoundedhiseverysigh，eachofhissoftlymurmuredwords，everytwitchofhismouth，everywrinkleofhisbrow——hewellknewwhatdarkandbloodythoughtsstirredtheking\'ssoul，andwhoseblooditwasforwhichhethirsted。
TheroyaltigerwoulddrinkthebloodoftheHowards；andthattheystilllivedinhealth，andabundance，andglory，whilehe，theirkingandmaster，lonelyandsad，wastossingonhiscouchinpainandagony——thatwasthewormwhichgnawedattheking\'sheart，whichmadehispainsyetmorepainful，historturesyetkeener。
Thekingwasjealous——jealousofthepowerandgreatnessoftheHowards。ItfilledhimwithgloomyhatredtothinkthattheDukeofNorfolk，whenherodethroughthestreetsofLondon，waseverywherereceivedwiththeacclamationsandrejoicingofthepeople，whilehe，theking，wasaprisonerinhispalace。ItwasagnawingpainforhimtoknowthatHenryHoward，EarlofSurrey，waspraisedasthehandsomestandgreatestmanofEngland；thathewascalledthenoblestpoet；thegreatestscholar；whileyethe，theking，hadalsocomposedhispoemsandwrittenhislearnedtreatises，aye，evenaparticulardevoutbook，whichhehadprintedforhispeople，andorderedthemtoreadinsteadoftheBible。[Footnote:Burnet，vol。
i，p。95。]
ItwastheHowardswhoeverywheredisputedhisfame。TheHowardssupplantedhiminthefavorofhispeople，andusurpedtheloveandadmirationwhichwereduetothekingalone，andwhichshouldbedirectedtowardnoonebuthim。Helayonhisbedofpain，andwithoutdoubtthepeoplewouldhaveforgottenhim，ifhehadnotbytheblock，thestake，andthescaffold，dailyremindedthemofhimself。Helayonhisbedofpain，whiletheduke，splendidandmagnificent，exhibitedhimselftothepeopleandtransportedthemwithenthusiasmbythelavishandkinglygenerositywithwhichhescatteredhismoneyamongthepopulace。
Yes，theDukeofNorfolkwastheking\'sdangerousrival。ThecrownwasnotsecureuponhisheadsolongastheHowardslived。Andwhocouldconjecturewhetherintimetocome，whenHenryclosedhiseyes，theexultantloveofthepeoplemightnotcalltothethronetheDukeofNorfolk，orhisnobleson，theEarlofSurrey，insteadoftherightfulheir——insteadofthelittleboyEdward，Henry\'sonlyson？
Whenthekingthoughtofthat，hehadafeelingasthoughastreamoffirewerewhirlinguptohisbrain；andheconvulsivelyclenchedhishands，andscreamedandroaredthathewouldtakevengeance——
vengeanceonthosehatedHowards，whowantedtosnatchthecrownfromhisson。
Edward，thelittleboyoftenderage——healonewasthedivinelyconsecrated，legitimateheirtotheking\'scrown。Ithadcosthisfathersogreatasacrificetogivehispeoplethissonandsuccessor！Inordertodoit，hehadsacrificedJaneSeymour，hisownbelovedwife；hehadletthemotherbeputtodeath，inordertopreservetheson，theheirofhiscrown。
AndthepeopledidnotoncethankthekingforthissacrificethatJaneSeymour\'shusbandhadmadeforthem。ThepeoplereceivedwithshoutstheDukeofNorfolk，thefatherofthatadulterousqueenwhomHenrylovedsomuchthatherinfidelityhadstruckhimlikethestabofapoisoneddagger。
Thesewerethethoughtsthatoccupiedthekingonhisbedofpain，anduponwhichhedweltwithallthewilfulnessandmoodinessofasickman。
\"WeshallhavetosacrificetheseHowardstohim！\"saidEarlDouglastoGardiner，astheyhadjustagainlistenedtoaburstofragefromtheirroyalmaster。\"Ifwewouldatlastsucceedinruiningthequeen，wemustfirstdestroytheHowards。\"
Thepiousbishoplookedathiminquiringly，andinastonishment。
EarlDouglassmiled。\"Yourhighnessistooexaltedandnobletobealwaysabletocomprehendthethingsofthisworld。Yourlook，whichseeksonlyGodandheaven，doesnotalwaysseethepettyandpitifulthingsthathappenhereontheearthbelow。\"
\"Oh，but，\"saidGardiner，withacruelsmile，\"Iseethem，anditcharmsmyeyewhenIseehowGod\'svengeancepunishestheenemiesoftheChurchhereonearth。Setupthen，byallmeans，astakeorascaffoldfortheseHowards，iftheirdeathcanbetousameanstoourpiousandgodlyend。Youarecertainofmyblessingandmyassistance。OnlyIdonotquitecomprehendhowtheHowardscanstandinthewayofourplotswhichareformedagainstthequeen，inasmuchastheyarenumberedamongthequeen\'senemies，andprofessthemselvesoftheChurchinwhichaloneissalvation。\"
\"TheEarlofSurreyisanapostate，whohasopenedhisearandhearttothedoctrinesofCalvin！\"
\"Thenlethisheadfall，forheisacriminalbeforeGod，andnooneoughttohavecompassiononhim！Andwhatistherethatwelaytothechargeofthefather？\"
\"TheDukeofNorfolkiswell-nighyetmoredangerousthanhisson；
foralthoughaCatholic，hehasnotneverthelesstherightfaith；
andhissoulisfullofunholysympathyandinjuriousmildness。HebewailsthosewhosebloodisshedbecausetheyweredevotedtothefalsedoctrineofthepriestsofBaal；and-hecallsusboththeking\'sblood-hounds。\"
\"Well，then，criedGardinerwithanuneasy，dismalsmile，\"wewillshowhimthathehascalledusbytherightname；wewillrendhiminpieces！\"
\"Besides，aswehavesaid，theHowardsstandinthewayofourschemesinrelationtothequeen，\"saidEarlDouglas，earnestly。
\"Theking\'smindissocompletelyfilledwiththisonehatredandthisonejealousy，thatthereisnoroominitforanyotherfeeling，foranyotherhate。Itistruehesignsoftenenoughthesedeath-warrantswhichwelaybeforehim；buthedoesit，asthelion，withuttercarelessnessandwithoutanger，crushesthelittlemousethatisbychanceunderhispaws。Butifthelionistorendinpieceshisequal，hemustbeforehandbeputintoarage。Whenheisraging，thenyoumustlethimhavehisprey。TheHowardsshallbehisfirstprey。But，then，wemustexertourselves，thatwhenthelionagainshakeshismanehiswrathmayfalluponCatharineParrandtheSeymours。\"
\"TheLordourGodwillbewithus，andenlightenus，thatwemayfindtherightmeanstostrikeHisenemiesasureblow！\"exclaimedGardiner，devoutlyfoldinghishands。
\"Ibelievetherightmeansarealreadyfound，\"saidEarlDouglas，withasmile；\"andevenbeforethisdaydescendstoitsclose，thegatesoftheTowerwillopentoreceivethishaughtyandsoft-
heartedDukeofNorfolkandthisapostateEarlSurrey。PerchancewemayevensucceedinstrikingatoneblowthequeentogetherwiththeHowards。See！anequipagestopsbeforethegrandentrance，andIseetheDuchessofNorfolkandherdaughter，theDuchessofRichmond，gettingoutofthecarriage。Onlysee！theyaremakingsignstous。
Ihavepromisedtoconductthesetwonobleandpiousladiestotheking，andIshalldoso。Whilstwearethere，prayforus，yourhighness，thatourwords，likewell-aimedarrows，maystriketheking\'sheart，andthenrebounduponthequeenandtheSeymours！\"
CHAPTERXXIX。
THEACCUSATION。
Invainhadthekinghopedtomasterhispains，oratleasttoforgetthem，whilehetriedtosleep。Sleephadfledfromtheking\'scouch；andashenowsatinhisrolling-chair，sad，weary，andharassedwithpain，hethought，withgloomyspite，thattheDukeofNorfolktoldhimbutyesterdaythatsleepwasathingunderhiscontrol，andhecouldsummonittohimwheneveritseemedgoodtohim。Thisthoughtmadehimravingwithanger；andgrindinghisteeth，hemuttered:\"Hecansleep；andI，hislordandking——IamabeggarthatinvainwhinestoGodaboveforalittlesleep，alittleforgetfulnessofhispains！ButitisthistraitorousNorfolkthatpreventsmefromsleeping。Thoughtsofhimkeepmeawakeandrestless。AndIcannotcrushthistraitorwiththesehandsofmine；
Iamaking，andyetsopowerlessandweak，thatIcanfindnomeansofaccusingthistraitor，andconvictinghimofhissinfulandblasphemousdeeds。Oh，wheremayIfindhim——thattruefriend，thatdevotedservant，whoventurestounderstandmyunutteredthoughts，andfulfilthewishestowhichIdarenotgiveaname？\"
Justashewasthusthinking，thedoorbehindhimopenedandinwalkedEarlDouglas。Hiscountenancewasproudandtriumphant，andsowildajoygleamedfromhiseyesthateventhekingwassurprisedatit。
\"Oh，\"saidhe，peevishly，\"youcallyourselfmyfriend；andyouarecheerful，Douglas，whileyourkingisapoorprisonerwhomthegouthaschainedwithbrazenbandstothischair。\"
\"Youwillrecover，myking，andgoforthfromthisimprisonmentastheconqueror，dazzlingandbright，thatbyhisappearanceunderGod\'sblessingtreadsallhisenemiesinthedust——thattriumphsoverallthosewhoareagainsthim，andwouldbetraytheirking！\"
\"Arethere，then，anysuchtraitors，whothreatentheirking？\"askedHenry，withadarkfrown。
\"Ay，therearesuchtraitors！\"
\"Namethemtome！\"saidtheking，tremblingwithpassionateimpatience。\"Namethemtome，thatmyarmmaycrushthemandmyavengingjusticeovertaketheheadsoftheguilty。\"
\"Itissuperfluoustomentionthem，foryou，KingHenry，thewiseandall-knowing——youknowtheirnames。\"
Andbendingdownclosertotheking\'sear，EarlDouglascontinued:
\"KingHenry，Icertainlyhavearighttocallmyselfyourmostfaithfulanddevotedservant，forIhavereadyourthoughts。Ihaveunderstoodthenoblegriefthatdisturbsyourheart，andbanishessleepfromyoureyesandpeacefromyoursoul。Yousawthefoethatwascreepinginthedark；youheardthelowhissoftheserpentthatwasdartinghisvenomousstingatyourheel。Butyouweresomuchthenobleandintrepidking，thatyouwouldnotyourselfbecometheaccuser——nay，youwouldnotoncedrawbackthefootmenacedbytheserpent。Greatandmerciful，likeGodHimself，yousmileduponhimwhomyouknewtobeyourenemy。ButI，myking——Ihaveotherduties。
Iamlikethefaithfuldog，thathaseyesonlyforthesafetyofhismaster，andfallsuponeveryonethatcomestomenacehim。Ihaveseentheserpentthatwouldkillyou，andIwillbruisehishead！\"
\"Andwhatisthenameofthisserpentofwhichyouspeak？\"askedtheking；andhisheartbeatsoboisterouslythathefeltitonhistremblinglips。
\"Itiscalled，\"saidEarlDouglas，earnestlyandsolemnly——\"itiscalledHoward！\"
Thekingutteredacry，and，forgettinghisgoutandhispains，arosefromhischair。
\"Howard！\"saidhe，withacruelsmile。\"SayyouthataHowardthreatensourlife？Whichoneisit？Namemethetraitor！\"
\"Inamethemboth——fatherandson！InametheDukeofNorfolkandtheEarlofSurrey！Isaythattheybotharetraitors，whothreatenthelifeandhonorofmyking，andwithblasphemousarrogancedarestretchouttheirhandseventothecrown！\"
\"Ah，Iknewit，Iknewit！\"screamedtheking。\"Anditwasthisthatmademesleepless，andateintomybodylikered-hotiron。\"
AndashefastenedonDouglashiseyesflashingwithrage，heasked，withagrimsmile:\"CanyouprovethattheseHowardsaretraitors？
Canyouprovethattheyaimatmycrown？\"
\"Ihopetobeabletodoso，\"saidDouglas。\"Tobesure，therearenogreatconvincingfacts——\"
\"Oh，\"saidtheking，interruptinghimwithasavagelaugh，\"thereisnoneedofgreatfacts。Giveintomyhandbutalittlethread，andI
willmakeoutofitacordstrongenoughtohaulthefatherandsonuptothegallowsatonetime。\"
\"Oh，forthesonthereisproofenough，\"saidtheearl，withasmile:\"andasregardsthefather，Iwillproduceyourmajestysomeaccusersagainsthim，whowillbeimportantenoughtobringthedukealsototheblock。Willyouallowmetobringthemtoyouimmediately？\"
\"Yes，bringthem，bringthem！\"criedtheking。\"Everyminuteispreciousthatmayleadthesetraitorssoonertotheirpunishment。\"
EarlDouglassteppedtothedoorandopenedit。Threeveiledfemalefiguresenteredandbowedreverentially。
\"Ah，\"whisperedtheking，withacruelsmile，ashesankbackagainintohischair，\"theyarethethreeFatesthatspintheHowards\'
threadoflife，andwillnow，itistobehoped，breakitoff。I
willfurnishthemwiththescissorsforit；andiftheyarenotsharpenough，Iwill，withmyownroyalhands，helpthemtobreakthethread。\"
\"Sire，\"saidEarlDouglas，as，atasignfromhim，thethreewomenunveiledthemselves——\"sire，thewife，thedaughter，andthemistressoftheDukeofNorfolkhavecometoaccusehimofhightreason。ThemotherandthesisteroftheEarlofSurreyareheretochargehimwithacrimeequallyworthyofdeath。\"
\"Nowverily，\"exclaimedtheking，\"itmustbeagrievousandblasphemoussinwhichsomuchexasperatesthetemperofthesenoblewomen，andmakesthemdeaftothevoiceofnature！\"
\"Itisindeedsuchasin，\"saidtheDuchessofNorfolk，inasolemntone；and，approachingafewpacesnearertotheking，shecontinued:\"Sire，Iaccusetheduke，mydivorcedhusband，ofhightreasonanddisloyaltytohisking。Hehasbeensoboldastoappropriateyourownroyalcoat-of-arms；andonhissealandequipage，andovertheentranceofhispalace，aredisplayedthearmsofthekingsofEngland。\"
\"Thatistrue，\"saidtheking，who，nowthathewascertainofthedestructionoftheHowards，hadregainedhiscalmnessandself-
possession，andperfectlyreassumedtheairofastrict，impartialjudge。\"Yes，hebearstheroyalarmsonhisshield，butyet，ifwerememberrightly，thecrownandparaphofourancestorEdwardtheThirdarewanting。\"
\"Hehasnowaddedthiscrownandthisparaphtohiscoat-of-arms，\"
saidMissHolland。\"Hesaysheisentitledtothem；forthat，liketheking，healsoisdescendedindirectlinefromEdwardtheThird；
and，therefore，theroyalarmsbelonglikewisetohim。\"
\"Ifhesaysthat，heisatraitorwhopresumestocallhiskingandmasterhisequal，\"criedtheking，coloringupwithagrimjoyatnowatlengthhavinghisenemyinhispower。
\"Heisindeedatraitor，\"continuedMissHolland。\"OftenhaveI
heardhimsayhehadthesamerighttothethroneofEnglandasHenrytheEighth；andthatadaymightcomewhenhewouldcontendwithHenry\'ssonforthatcrown。\"
\"Ah，\"criedtheking，andhiseyesdartedflashessofiercethatevenEarlDouglasshrankbeforethem，\"ah，hewillcontendwithmysonforthecrownofEngland！Itiswell，now；fornowitismysacredduty，asakingandasafather，tocrushthisserpentthatwantstobitemeontheheel；andnocompassionandnopityoughtnowtorestrainmelonger。Andweretherenootherproofsofhisguiltandhiscrimethanthesewordsthathehasspokentoyou，yetaretheysufficient，andwillriseupagainsthim，likethehangman\'saidswhoaretoconducthimtotheblock。\"
\"Butthereareyetotherproofs，\"saidMissHolland，laconically。
Thekingwasobligedtounbuttonhisdoublet。Itseemedasthoughjoywouldsuffocatehim。
\"Namethem！\"commandedhe。
\"Hedaresdenytheking\'ssupremacy；hecallstheBishopofRomethesoleheadandholyFatheroftheChurch。\"
\"Ah，doesheso？\"exclaimedtheking，laughing。\"Well，weshallseenowwhetherthisholyFatherwillsavethisfaithfulsonfromthescaffoldwhichwewillerectforhim。Yes，yes，wemustgivetheworldanewexampleofourincorruptiblejustice，whichovertakeseveryone，howeverhighandmightyhemaybe，andhowevernearourthronehemaystand。Really，really，itgrievesourhearttolaylowthisoakwhichwehadplantedsonearourthrone，thatwemightleanuponitandsupportourselvesbyit；butjusticedemandsthissacrifice，andwewillmakeit——notinwrathandspite，butonlytomeetthesacredandpainfuldutyofourroyalty。Wehavegreatlylovedthisduke，anditgrievesustotearthislovefromourheart。\"
Andwithhishand，glitteringwithjewels，thekingwipedfromhiseyesthetearswhichwerenotthere。
\"Buthow？\"askedtheking，then，afterapause，\"willyouhavethecouragetorepeatyouraccusationpubliclybeforeParliament？Willyou，hiswife，andyou，hismistress，publiclyswearwithasacredoathtothetruthofyourdeclaration？\"
\"Iwilldoso，\"saidtheduchess，solemnly，\"forheisnolongermyhusband，nolongerthefatherofmychildren，butsimplytheenemyofmyking；andtoservehimismymostsacredduty。\"
\"Iwilldoso，\"criedMissHolland，withabewitchingsmile；\"forheisnolongermylover，butonlyatraitor，anatheist，whoisaudaciousenoughtorecognizeastheholyheadofChristendomthatmanatRomewhohasdaredtohurlhiscurseagainstthesublimeheadofourking。Itisthis，indeed，thathastornmyheartfromtheduke，andthathasmademenowhatehimasardentlyasIoncelovedhim。\"
Withagracioussmile，thekingpresentedbothhishandstothetwowomen。\"Youhavedonemeagreatserviceto-day，myladies，\"saidhe，\"andIwillfindawaytorewardyouforit。Iwillgiveyou，duchess，thehalfofhisestate，asthoughyouwerehisrightfulheirandlawfulwidow。Andyou，MissHolland，Iwillleaveinundisputedpossessionofallthegoodsandtreasuresthattheenamoreddukehasgivenyou。\"
Thetwoladiesbrokeoutintoloudexpressionsofthanksandintoenthusiasticraptureovertheliberalandgenerousking，whowassograciousastogivethemwhattheyalreadyhad，andtobestowonthemwhatwasalreadytheirownproperty。
\"Well，andareyouwhollymute，mylittleduchess，\"askedthekingafterapause，turningtotheDuchessofRichmond，whohadwithdrawntotheembrasureofawindow。
\"Sire，\"saidtheduchess，smiling，\"Iwasonlywaitingformycue。\"
\"Andthiscueis——\"
\"HenryHoward，EarlofSurrey！Asyourmajestyknows，Iamamerryandharmlesswoman；andIunderstandbetterhowtolaughandjokethantotalkmuchseriously。Thetwonobleandfairladieshaveaccusedtheduke，myfather；andtheyhavedonesoinaverydignifiedandsolemnmanner。Iwishtoaccusemybrother，HenryHoward；butyoumustexerciseforbearance，ifmywordssoundlesssolemnandelevated。Theyhavetoldyou，sire，thattheDukeofNorfolkisatraitorandacriminalwhodenominatesthePopeofRome，andnotyou，myexaltedking，theheadoftheChurch。Now，theEarlofSurreyisneitheratraitornorapapist；andhehasneitherdevisedcriminalplotsagainstthethroneofEngland，norhashedeniedthesupremacyoftheking。No，sire，theEarlofSurreyisnotraitorandnopapist！\"
Theduchesspaused，andlookedwithamaliciousanddrollsmileintotheastonishedfacesofthosepresent。
Adarkfrowngatheredontheking\'sbrow，andhiseyes，whichjustbeforehadlookedsocheerful，werenowfixedwithanangryexpressionontheyoungduchess。
\"Why，then，mylady，haveyoumadeyourappearancehere？\"askedhe。
\"Whyhaveyoucomehere，ifyouhavenothingfurthertosaythanwhatIalreadyknow——thattheEarlofSurreyisaveryloyalsubject，andamanwithoutanyambition，whoneithercourtsthefavorofmypeoplenorthinksoflayinghistraitoroushandsonmycrown？\"
Theyoungduchessshookherheadwithasmile。\"Iknownotwhetherhedoesallthat，\"saidshe。\"Ihaveindeedheardthathesaid，withbitterscorn，thatyou，myking，wantedtobetheprotectorofreligion，yetyouyourselfwereentirelywithoutreligionandwithoutbelief。Also，heoflatebrokeoutintobittercursesagainstyou，becauseyouhadrobbedhimofhisfield-marshal\'sstaff，andgivenittoEarlHertford，thatnobleSeymour。Also，hemeanttoseewhetherthethroneofEnglandweresofirmandsteadythatithadnoneedofhishandandhisarmtopropit。AllthatI
haveofcourseheardfromhim；butyouareright，sire，itisunimportant——itisnotworthmentioning，andthereforeIdonotevenmakeitasanaccusationagainsthim。\"
\"Ah，youarealwaysamadlittlewitch，Rosabella！\"criedtheking，whohadregainedhischeerfulness。\"Yousayyouwillnotaccusehim，andyetyoumakehisheadaplaythingthatyoupoiseuponyourcrimsonlips。Buttakecare，mylittleduchess——takecare，thatthisheaddoesnotfallfromyourlipswithyourlaughing，androlldowntotheground；forIwillnotstopit——thisheadoftheEarlofSurrey，ofwhomyousaythatheisnotraitor。\"
\"Butisitnotmonotonousandtiresome，ifweaccusethefatherandsonofthesamecrime？\"askedtheduchess，laughing。\"Letushavealittlevariation。Letthedukebeatraitor；theson，myking，isbyfaraworsecriminal！\"
\"Isthere，then，astillworseandmoreexecrablecrimethantobeatraitortohiskingandmaster，andtospeakoftheanointedoftheLordwithoutreverenceandlove？\"
\"Yes，yourmajesty，thereisastillworsecrime；andofthatI
accusetheEarlofSurrey。Heisanadulterer！\"
\"Anadulterer！\"repeatedtheking，withanexpressionofabhorrence。
\"Yes，mylady，youareright；thatisamoreexecrableandunnaturalcrime，andweshalljudgeitstrictly。Foritshallnotbesaidthatmodestyandvirtuefoundnoprotectorinthekingofthisland，andthathewillnotasajudgepunishandcrashallthosewhodaresinagainstdecencyandmorals。Oh，theEarlofSurreyisanadulterer，ishe？\"
\"Thatistosay，sire，hedareswithhissinfullovetopursueavirtuousandchastewife。Hedarestoraisehiswickedlookstoawomanwhostandsashighabovehimasthesunabovemortals，andwho，atleastbythegreatnessandhighpositionofherhusband，shouldbesecurefromallimpuredesiresandlustfulwishes。\"
\"Ah，\"criedtheking，indignantly，\"Iseealreadywhitherthattends。Itisalwaysthesameaccusation；andnowIsay，asyoudidjustnow，letushavealittlevariation！TheaccusationIhavealreadyoftenheard；buttheproofsarealwayswanting。\"
\"Sire，thistime，itmaybe，wecangivetheproofs，\"saidtheduchess，earnestly。Wouldyouknow，mynobleking，whotheGeraldineistowhomHenryHowardaddresseshislove-songs？ShallItellyoutherealnameofthiswomantowhom，inthepresenceofyoursacredpersonandofyourwholecourt，heutteredhispassionateprotestationsofloveandhisoathofeternalfaithfulness？Well，now，thisGeraldine——soadored，sodeified——isthequeen！\"
\"Thatisnottrue！\"criedtheking，crimsonwithanger；andheclenchedhishandssofirmlyaboutthearmsofhischairthatitcracked。\"Thatisnottrue，mylady！\"
\"Itistrue！\"saidtheduchess，haughtilyandsaucily。\"Itistrue，sire，fortheEarlofSurreyhasconfessedtomemyselfthatitisthequeenwhomheloves，andthatGeraldineisonlyamelodiousappellationforCatharine。\"
\"Hehasconfessedittoyouyourself？\"inquiredtheking，withgaspingbreath。\"Ah，hedareslovehisking\'swife？Woetohim，woe！\"