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