"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！"