第5章

Theywishtostriphimofthislasthopealso，thathisheartmayhardenentirelytostone，andnoemotionofpityevermorefindaccesstohim。Ah，Douglas，Douglas，bewareofmywrath，ifyoucannotprovewhatyousay！"

"Sire，Icanproveit！ForLadyJaneherself，nolongeragothanyesterday，wasmadetogiveupanotefromAnneAskewtothequeen。"

Thekingremainedsilentforawhile，andgazedfixedlyontheground。Histhreeconfidantsobservedhimwithbreathless，tremblingexpectation。

Atlengththekingraisedhisheadagain，andturnedhisgaze，whichwasnowgraveandsteady，uponthelordchancellor。"MyLordChancellorWriothesley，"saidhe，"IempoweryoutoconductAnneAskewtothetorture-room，andtrywhetherthetormentswhicharepreparedforthebodyareperchanceabletobringthiserringsoultoanacknowledgmentofherfaults。MyLordBishopGardiner，I

promisemywordthatIwillgiveattentiontoyouraccusationagainsttheArchbishopofCanterbury，andthat，ifitbewellfounded，heshallnotescapepunishment。MyLordDouglas，IwillgivemypeopleandalltheworldproofthatIamstillGod\'srighteousandavengingvice-gerentonearth，andthatnoconsiderationcanrestrainmywrath，noafter-thoughtstaymyarm，wheneveritisreadytofallandsmitetheheadoftheguilty。Andnow，mylords，letusdeclarethissessionatanend。Letusbreathealittlefromtheseexertions，andseeksomerecreationforonebriefhour。

"MyLordsGardinerandWriothesley，youarenowatliberty。You，Douglas，willaccompanymeintothesmallreception-room。Iwanttoseebrightandlaughingfacesaroundme。CallJohnHeywood，andifyoumeetanyladiesinthepalace，ofcourseIbegthemtoshedonusalittleofthatsunshinewhichyousayispeculiarlywoman\'s。"

Helaughed，and，leaningontheearl\'sarm，leftthecabinet。

GardinerandWriothesleystoodthereinsilence，watchingtheking，whoslowlyandheavilytraversedtheadjacenthall，andwhosecheeryandlaughingvoicecameringingbacktothem。

"Heisaweathercock，turningeverymomentfromsidetoside，"saidGardiner，withacontemptuousshrugoftheshoulders。

"HecallshimselfGod\'sswordofvengeance，butheisnothingmorethanaweaktool，whichwebendanduseatourwill，"mutteredWriothesley，withahoarselaugh。"Poor，pitifulfool，deeminghimselfsomightyandsturdy；imagininghimselfafreeking，rulingbyhissovereignwillalone，andyetheisbutourservantanddrudge！Ourgreatworkisapproachingitsend，andweshallonedaytriumph。AnneAskew\'sdeathisthesignofanewcovenant，whichwilldeliverEnglandandtramplethehereticslikedustbeneathourfeet。AndwhenatlengthweshallhaveputdownCranmer，andbroughtCatharineParrtothescaffold，thenwillwegiveKingHenryaqueenwhowillreconcilehimwithGodandtheChurch，outofwhichisnosalvation。"

"Amen，sobeit！"saidGardiner；andarminarm theybothleftthecabinet。

Deepstillnessnowreignedinthatlittlespot，andnobodysawJohnHeywoodashenowcamefrombehindthehanging，and，completelywornoutandfaint，slippedforamomentintoachair。

"NowIknow，sofaratleast，theplanoftheseblood-thirstytiger-

cats，"mutteredhe。"TheywishtogiveHenryapopishqueen；andsoCranmermustbeoverthrown，that，whentheyhavedeprivedthequeenofthispowerfulprop，theymaydestroyheralsoandtreadherinthedust。ButasGodliveth，theyshallnotsucceedinthis！Godisjust，andHewillatlastpunishtheseevil-doers。AndsupposingthereisnoGod，thenwillwetryalittlewiththedevilhimself。

No，theyshallnotdestroythenobleCranmerandthisbeautiful，high-mindedqueen。Iforbidit——I，JohnHeywood，theking\'sfool。I

willseeeverything，observeeverything，heareverything。Theyshallfindmeeverywhereontheirpath；andwhentheypoisontheking\'searwiththeirdiabolicalwhisperings，Iwillhealitagainwithmymerrydeviltries。Theking\'sfoolwillbetheguardianangelofthequeen。"

CHAPTERXV。

JOHNHEYWOOD。

Aftersomuchcareandexcitement，thekingneededanhourofrecreationandamusement。Sincethefairyoungqueenwasseekingthesefarawayinthechase，andamidthebeautiesofNature，Henrymust，nodoubt，becontenttoseekthemforhimself，andinawaydifferentfromthequeen\'s。Hisunwieldinessandhisloadoffleshpreventedhimfrompursuingthejoysoflifebeyondhisownhalls；

sothelordsandladiesofhiscourthadtobringthemhithertohim，andstationtheflittinggoddessofJoy，withherwingsfettered，infrontoftheking\'strundle-chair。

Thegouthadthatdayagainovercomethatmightykingofearth；andaheavy，grotesquemassitwaswhichsatthereintheelbow-chair。

Butthecourtiersstillcalledhimafine-lookingandfascinatingman；andtheladiesstillsmiledonhimandsaid，bytheirsighsandbytheirlooks，thattheylovedhim；thathewasevertothemthesamehandsomeandcaptivatingmanthathewastwentyyearsbefore，whenyetyoung，fine-looking，andslim。Howtheysmileuponhim，andoglehim！HowLadyJane，themaidenotherwisesohaughtyandsochaste，doeswishtoensnarehimwithherbrighteyesaswithanet！

HowbewitchinglydoestheDuchessofRichmond，thatfairandvoluptuouswoman，laughattheking\'smerryjestsanddoubleentendres！

Poorking！whosecorpulencyforbidshimtodanceasheoncehaddonewithsomuchpleasureandsomuchdexterity！Poorking！whoseageforbidshimtosingasoncehehaddonetothedelightbothofthecourtandhimself！

Butthereareyet，however，pleasant，precious，joyoushours，whenthemanrevivessomelittleintheking；whenevenyouthoncemoreagainawakeswithinhim，andsmilesinafewdear，blessedpleasures。Thekingstillhasatleasteyestoperceivebeauty，andahearttofeelit。

HowbeautifulLadyJaneis，thiswhitelilywiththedark，star-likeeyes！HowbeautifulLadyRichmond，thisfull-blownredrosewiththepearl-whiteteeth！

Andtheybothsmileathim；andwhenthekingswearshelovesthem，theybashfullycastdowntheireyesandsigh。

"Doyousigh，Jane，becauseyouloveme？"

"Oh，sire，youmockme。Itwouldbeasinformetoloveyou，forQueenCatharineisliving。"

"Yes，sheisliving！"mutteredtheking；andhisbrowdarkened；andforamomentthesmiledisappearedfromhislips。

LadyJanehadcommittedamistake。Shehadremindedthekingofhiswifewhenitwasyettoosoontoaskforherdeath。

JohnHeywoodreadthisinthecountenanceofhisroyalmaster，andresolvedtotakeadvantageofit。Hewishedtodiverttheattentionoftheking，andtodrawitawayfromthebeautiful，captivatingwomenwhowerejugglinghimwiththeirbewitchingcharms。

"Yes，thequeenlives！"saidhe，joyfully，"andGodbepraisedforit！Forhowtediousanddullitwouldbeatthiscourthadwenotourfairqueen，whoisaswiseasMethuselah，andinnocentandgoodasanew-bornbabe！Doyounot，LadyJane，saywithme，GodbepraisedthatQueenCatharineisliving？"

"Isaysowithyou！"saidJane，withill-concealedvexation。

"Andyou，KingHenry，doyounotsayittoo？"

"Ofcourse，fool！"

"Ah，whyamInotKingHenry？"sighedJohnHeywood。"King，Ienvyyou，notyourcrown，oryourroyalmantle；notyourattendantsoryourmoney。Ienvyyouonlythis，thatyoucansay，\'Godbepraisedthatmywifeisstillalive！\'whileIneverknowbutonephrase，\'Godhavepity，mywifeisstillalive！\'Ah，itisveryseldom，king，thatIhaveheardamarriedmanspeakotherwise！Youareinthattoo，asinallthingselse，anexception，KingHenry；andyourpeoplehaveneverlovedyoumorewarmlyandpurelythanwhenyousay，\'IthankGodthatmyconsortisalive！\'Believeme，youareperhapstheonlymanatyourcourtwhospeaksafterthismanner，howeverreadytheymaybetobeyourparrots，andre-echowhatthelordhigh-priestsays。"

"Theonlymanthatloveshiswife？"saidLadyRichmond。"Beholdnowtherudebabbler！Doyounotbelieve，then，thatwewomendeservetobeloved？"

"Iamconvincedthatyoudonot。"

"Andforwhatdoyoutakeus，then？"

"Forcats，whichGod，sinceHehadnomorecat-skin，stuckintoasmoothhide！"

"Takecare，John，thatwedonotshowyouourclaws！"criedtheduchess，laughing。

"Doitanyhow，mylady！Iwillthenmakeacross，andyewilldisappear。Fordevils，youwellknow，cannotendurethesightoftheholycross，andyearedevils。"

JohnHeywood，whowasaremarkablyfinesinger，seizedthemandolin，whichlaynearhim，andbegantosing。

Itwasasong，possibleonlyinthosedays，andatHenry\'svoluptuousandatthesametimecantingcourt——asongfullofthemostwantonallusions，ofthemostcuttingjestsagainstbothmonksandwomen；asongwhichmadeHenrylaugh，andtheladiesblush；andinwhichJohnHeywoodhadpouredforthinglowingdithyrambicsallhissecretindignationagainstGardiner，thesneakinghypocriteofapriest，andagainstLadyJane，thequeen\'sfalseandtreacherousfriend。

Buttheladieslaughednot。TheydartedflashingglancesatJohnHeywood；andLadyRichmondearnestlyandresolutelydemandedthepunishmentoftheperfidiouswretchwhodaredtodefamewomen。Thekinglaughedstillharder。Therageoftheladieswassoexceedinglyamusing。

"Sire，"saidthebeautifulRichmond，"hehasinsultednotus，butthewholesex；andinthenameofoursex，Idemandrevengefortheaffront。"

"Yes，revenge！"criedLadyJane，hotly。

"Revenge！"repeatedtherestoftheladies。

"See，now，whatpiousandgentle-hearteddovesyeare！"criedJohnHeywood。

Thekingsaid，laughingly:"Well，now，youshallhaveyourwill——youshallchastisehim。"

"Yes，yes，scourgemewithrods，astheyoncescourgedtheMessiah，becauseHetoldthePhariseesthetruth。Seehere！Iamalreadyputtingonthecrownofthorns。"

Hetooktheking\'svelvetcapwithsolemnair，andputiton。

"Yes，whiphim，whiphim！"criedtheking，laughing，ashepointedtothegiganticvasesofChineseporcelain，containingenormousbunchesofroses，onwhoselongstemsarosearealforestofformidable-lookingthorns。

"Pullthelargebouquetstopieces；taketherosesinyourhand，andwhiphimwiththestems！"saidtheking，andhiseyesglistenedwithinhumandelight，forthescenepromisedtobequiteinteresting。Therose-stemswerelongandhard，andthethornsonthempointedandsharpasdaggers。Hownicelytheywouldpiercetheflesh，andhowhewouldyellandscrewhisface，thegood-naturedfool！

"Yes，yes，lethimtakeoffhiscoat，andwewillwhiphim！"criedtheDuchessofRichmond；andthewomen，alljoininginthecry，rushedlikefuriesuponJohnHeywood，andforcedhimtolayasidehissilkuppergarment。Thentheyhurriedtothevases，snatchedoutthebouquets，andwithbusyhandspickedoutthelongestandstouteststems。Andloudweretheirexclamationsofsatisfaction，ifthethornswererightandsharp，suchaswouldpenetratethefleshoftheoffenderrightdeeply。Theking\'slaughterandshoutsofapprovalanimatedthemmoreandmore，andmadethemmoreexcitedandfurious。Theircheeksglowed，theireyesglared；theyresembledBacchantescirclingthegodofriotousjovialitywiththeirshoutsof"Evoe！evoe！"

"Notyet！donotstrikeyet！"criedtheking。"Youmustfirststrengthenyourselvesfortheexertion，andfireyourarmsforapowerfulblow！"

Hetookthelargegoldenbeakerwhichstoodbeforehimand，tastingit，presentedittoLadyJane。

"Drink，mylady，drink，thatyourarmmaybestrong！"

Andtheyalldrank，andwithanimatedsmilespressedtheirlipsonthespotwhichtheking\'smouthhadtouched。Andnowtheireyeshadabrighterflame，andtheircheeksamorefieryglow。

Astrangeandexcitingsightitwas，toseethosebeautifulwomenburningwithmaliciousjoyandthirstforvengeance，whoforthemomenthadlaidasidealltheirelegantattitudes，theirloftyandhaughtyairs，totransformthemselvesintowantonBacchantes，bentonchastisingtheoffender，whohadsooftenandsobitterlylashedthemallwithhistongue。

"Ah，Iwouldapainterwerehere！"saidtheking。"HeshouldpaintusapictureofthechastenymphsofDianapursuingActaeon。YouareActaeon，John！"

"Buttheyarenotthechastenymphs，king；no，farfromit，"criedHeywood；laughing，"andbetweenthesefairwomenandDianaIfindnoresemblance，butonlyadifference。"

"Andinwhatconsiststhedifference，John？"

"Herein，sire，thatDianacarriedherhornatherside；butthesefairladiesmaketheirhusbandsweartheirhornsontheforehead！"

Aloudpealoflaughterfromthegentlemen，ayellofragefromtheladies，wasthereplyofthisnewepigramofJohnHeywood。Theyarrangedthemselvesintworows，andthusformedalanethroughwhichJohnHeywoodhadtopass。

"Come，JohnHeywood，comeandreceiveyourpunishment"；andtheyraisedtheirthornyrodsthreateningly，andflourishedthemwithangrygestureshighabovetheirheads。

ThescenewasbecomingtoJohninallrespectsverypiquant，fortheserodshadverysharpthorns，andonlyathinlinenshirtcoveredhisback。

Withboldstep，however，heapproachedthefatalpassagethroughwhichhewastopass。

Alreadyhebeheldtherodsdrawnback；anditseemedtohimasifthethornswereevennowpiercinghisback。

Hehalted，andturnedwithalaughtotheking。"Sire，sinceyouhavecondemnedmetodiebythehandsofthesenymphs，Iclaimtherightofeverycondemnedcriminal——alastfavor。"

"Thewhichwegrantyou，John。"

"IdemandthatImayputonthesefairwomenonecondition——oneconditiononwhichtheymaywhipme。Doesyourmajestygrantmethis？"

"Igrantit！"

"Andyousolemnlypledgemethewordofakingthatthisconditionshallbefaithfullykeptandfulfilled？"

"Mysolemn，kinglywordforit！"

"Now，then，"saidJohnHeywood，asheenteredthepassage，"now，then，myladies，myconditionisthis:thatoneofyouwhohashadthemostlovers，andhasoftenestdeckedherhusband\'sheadwithhorns，letherlaythefirststrokeonmyback。"[Footnote:Flogel\'s"GeschichtederHofnarren，"p。899]

Adeepsilencefollowed。Theraisedarmsofthefairwomensank。Therosesfellfromtheirhandsanddroppedtotheground。Justbeforesobloodthirstyandrevengeful，theyseemednowtohavebecomethesoftestandgentlestofbeings。

Butcouldtheirlookshavekilled，theirfirecertainlywouldhaveconsumedpoorJohnHeywood，whonowgazedatthemwithaninsolentsneer，andadvancedintotheverymidstoftheirlines。

"Now，myladies，youstrikehimnot？"askedtheking。

"No，yourmajesty，wedespisehimtoomucheventowishtochastisehim，"saidtheDuchessofRichmond。

"Shallyourenemywhohasinjuredyougothusunpunished？"askedtheking。"No，no，myladies；itshallnotbesaidthatthereisamaninmykingdomwhomIhaveletescapewhensorichlydeservingpunishment。Wewill，therefore，imposesomeotherpunishmentonhim。

Hecallshimselfapoet，andhasoftenboastedthathecouldmakehispenflyasfastashistongue！Now，then，John，showusinthismannerthatyouarenoliar！Icommandyoutowrite，forthegreatcourtfestivalwhichtakesplaceinafewdays，anewinterlude；andoneindeed，hearyou，John，whichiscalculatedtomakethegreatestgrowlermerry，andoverwhichtheseladieswillbeforcedtolaughsoheartily，thattheywillforgetalltheirire！"

"Oh，"saidJohndolefully，"whatanequivocalandlewdpoemitmustbetopleasetheseladiesandmakethemlaugh！Myking，wemust，then，topleasethesedearladies，forgetalittleourchastity，modesty，andmaidenbashfulness，andspeakinthespiritoftheladies——thatistosay，aslasciviouslyaspossible。"

"Youareawretch！"saidLadyJane；"avulgarhypocriticalfool。"

"EarlDouglas，yourdaughterisspeakingtoyou，"saidJohnHeywood，calmly。"Sheflattersyoumuch，yourtenderdaughter。"

"Nowthen，John，youhaveheardmyorders，andwillyouobeythem？

Infourdayswillthisfestivalbegin；Igiveyoutwodaysmore。Insixdays，then，youhavetowriteanewinterlude。Andifhefailstodoit，myladies，youshallwhiphimuntilyoubringtheblood；

andthatwithoutanycondition。"Justthenwasheardwithoutaflourishoftrumpetsandtheclatterofhorse-hoofs。

"Thequeenhasreturned，"saidJohnHeywood，withacountenancebeamingwithjoy，ashefixedhissmilinggazefullofmischievoussatisfactiononLadyJane。

"Nothingfurthernowremainsforyoutodo，butdutifullytomeetyourmistressuponthegreatstaircase，for，asyousowiselysaidbefore，thequeenstilllives。"

Withoutwaitingforananswer，JohnHeywoodranoutandrushedthroughtheanteroomanddownthestepstomeetthequeen。LadyJanewatchedhimwithadark，angrylook；andassheturnedslowlytothedoortogoandmeetthequeen，shemutteredlowbetweenherclosely-pressedlips:"Thefoolmustdie，forheisthequeen\'sfriend！"

CHAPTERXVI。

THECONFIDANT。

Thequeenwasjustascendingthestepsofthegreatpublicstaircase，andshegreetedJohnHeywoodwithafriendlysmile。

"Mylady，"saidhealoud，"Ihaveafewwordsinprivatetosaytoyou，inthenameofhismajesty。"

"Wordsinprivate！"repeatedCatharine，asshestoppedupontheterraceofthepalace。"Well，then，fallback，mylordsandladies；

wewishtoreceivehismajesty\'smysteriousmessage。"

Theroyaltrainsilentlyandrespectfullywithdrewintothelargeanteroomofthepalace，whilethequeenremainedalonewithJohnHeywoodontheterrace。

"Now，speak，John。"

"Queen，heedwellmywords，andgravethemdeeponyourmemory！A

conspiracyisforgedagainstyou，andinafewdays，atthegreatfestival，itwillberipeforexecution。Guardwell，therefore，everywordyouutter，ay，evenyourverythoughts。Bewareofeverydangerousstep，foryoumaybecertainthatalistenerstandsbehindyou！Andifyouneedaconfidant，confideinnoonebutme！Itellyou，agreatdangerliesbeforeyou，andonlybyprudenceandpresenceofmindwillyoubeabletoavoidit。"

Thistimethequeendidnotlaughatherfriend\'swarningvoice。Shewasserious；sheeventrembled。

Shehadlostherproudsenseofsecurityandhersereneconfidence——

shewasnolongerguiltless——shehadadangeroussecrettokeep，consequentlyshefeltadreadofdiscovery；andshetremblednotmerelyforherself，butalsoforhimwhomsheloved。

"Andinwhatconsiststhisplot？"askedshe，withagitation。

"Idonotyetunderstandit；Ionlyknowthatitexists。ButIwillsearchitout，andifyourenemieslurkaboutyouwithwatchfuleyes，well，then，Iwillhavespyingeyestoobservethem。"

"AndisitIalonethattheythreaten？"

"No，queen，yourfriendalso。"

Catharinetrembled。"Whatfriend，John？"

"ArchbishopCranmer。"

"Ah，thearchbishop！"repliedshe，drawingadeepbreath。

"Andisheall，John？Doestheirenmitypursueonlymeandhim？"

"Onlyyoutwo！"saidJohnHeywood，sadly，forhehadfullyunderstoodthequeen\'ssighofrelief，andheknewthatshehadtrembledforanother。"Butremember，queen，thatCranmer\'sdestructionwouldbelikewiseyourown；andthatasyouprotectthearchbishop，healsowillprotectyouwiththeking——you，queen，andyourFRIENDS。"

Catharinegaveaslightstart，andthecrimsononhercheekgrewdeeper。"Ishallalwaysbemindfulofthat，andeverbeatrueandrealfriendtohimandtoyou；foryoutwoaremyonlyfriends:isitnotso？"

"No，yourmajesty，Ispoketoyouofyetathird，ofThomasSeymour。"

"Oh，he！"criedshewithasweetsmile。Thenshesaidsuddenly，andinalowquickvoice:"YousayImusttrustnooneherebutyou。

Now，then，Iwillgiveyouaproofofmyconfidence。Awaitmeinthegreensummer-houseattwelveo\'clockto-night。Youmustbemyattendantonadangerousexcursion。Haveyoucourage，John？"

"Couragetolaydownmylifeforyou，queen！"

"Come，then，butbringyourweaponwithyou。"

"Atyourcommand！andisthatyouronlyorderforto-day？"

"Thatisall，John！only，"addedshe，withhesitationandaslightblush，"only，ifyouperchancemeetEarlSudley，youmaysaytohimthatIchargedyoutogreethiminmyname。"

"Oh！"sighedJohnHeywood，sadly。

"Hehasto-daysavedmylife，John，"saidshe，asifexcusingherself。"Itbecomesmewell，then，tobegratefultohim。"

Andgivinghimafriendlynod，shesteppedintotheporchofthecastle。

"Nowletanybodysayagain，thatchanceisnotthemostmischievousandspitefulofalldevils！"mutteredJohnHeywood。"Thisdevil，chance，throwsinthequeen\'swaytheverypersonsheoughtmosttoavoid；andshemustbe，asindutybound，verygratefultoalover。

Oh，oh，sohehassavedherlife？Butwhoknowswhetherhemaynotbeonedaythecauseofherlosingit！"

Hedroppedhisheadgloomilyuponhisbreast，whensuddenlyheheardbehindhimalowvoicecallinghisname；andasheturned，hesawtheyoungPrincessElizabethhasteningtowardhimwithahurriedstep。Shewasatthatmomentverybeautiful。Hereyesgleamedwiththefireofpassion；hercheeksglowed；andabouthercrimsonlipsthereplayedagentle，happysmile。Shewore，accordingtothefashionofthetime，aclose-fittinghigh-neckeddress，whichshowedofftoperfectionthedelicatelinesofherslenderandyouthfulform，whilethewidestandingcollarconcealedthesomewhattoogreatlengthofherneck，andmadeherruddy，asyetalmostchildishfacestandoutasitwerefromapedestal。Oneithersideofherhigh，thoughtfulbrow，fell，inluxuriousprofusion，lightflaxencurls；herheadwascoveredwithablackvelvetcap，fromwhichawhitefeatherdroopedtohershoulders。

Shewasaltogetheracharmingandlovelyapparition，fullofnoblenessandgrace，fulloffireandenergy；andyet，inspiteofheryouthfulness，notwantinginacertaingrandeuranddignity。

Elizabeth，thoughstillalmostachild，andfrequentlybowedandhumbledbymisfortune，yeteverremainedherfather\'sowndaughter。

AndthoughHenryhaddeclaredherabastardandexcludedherfromthesuccessiontothethrone，yetsheborethestampofherroyalbloodinherhigh，haughtybrow；inherkeen，flashingeye。

AsshenowstoodbeforeJohnHeywood，shewasnot，however，thehaughty，imperiousprincess，butmerelytheshy，blushingmaiden，whofearedtotrustherfirstgirlishsecrettoanother\'sear，andventuredonlywithtremblinghandtodrawasidetheveilwhichconcealedherheart。

"JohnHeywood，"saidshe，"youhaveoftentoldmethatyoulovedme；

andIknowthatmypoorunfortunatemothertrustedyou，andsummonedyouasawitnessofherinnocence。Youcouldnotatthattimesavethemother，butwillyounowserveAnneBoleyn\'sdaughter，andbeherfaithfulfriend？"

"Iwill，"saidHeywood，solemnly，"andastrueasthereisaGodaboveus，youshallneverfindmeatraitor。"

"Ibelieveyou，John；IknowthatImaytrustyou。Listenthen，I

willnowtellyoumysecret——asecretwhichnoonebutGodknows，andthebetrayalofwhichmightbringmetothescaffold。Willyouthensweartome，thatyouwillnever，underanypretext，andfromanymotivewhatsoever，betraytoanybody，somuchasasinglewordofwhatIamnowabouttotellyou？Willyousweartome，nevertointrustthissecrettoanyone，evenonyourdeath-bed，andnottobetrayitevenintheconfessional？"

"Nowasregardsthat，princess，"saidJohn，withalaugh，"youareperfectlysafe。Inevergotoconfession，forconfessionisahighly-spiceddishofpoperyonwhichIlongsincespoiltmystomach；andasconcernsmydeathbed，onecannot，undertheblessedandpiousreignofHenrytheEighth，altogetherknowwhetherhewillbereallyaparticipantofanykind，orwhetherhemaynotmakeafarmorespeedyandconvenienttripintoeternitybytheaidofthehangman。"

"Oh，beserious，John——do，Iprayyou！Letthefool\'smask，underwhichyouhideyoursoberandhonestface，nothideitfrommealso。

Beserious，John，andsweartomethatyouwillkeepmysecret。"

"Well，then，Iswear，princess；Iswearbyyourmother\'sspirittobetraynotawordofwhatyouaregoingtotellme。"

"Ithankyou，John。Nowleanthiswaynearertome，lestthebreezemaycatchasinglewordofmineandbearitfarther。John，Ilove！"

Shesawthehalf-surprised，half-increduloussmilewhichplayedaroundJohnHeywood\'slips。"Oh，"continuedshe，passionately，"youbelievemenot。Youconsidermyfourteenyears，andyouthinkthechildknowsnothingyetofamaiden\'sfeelings。Butremember，John，thatthosegirlswholiveunderawarmsunareearlyripenedbyhisglowingrays，andarealreadywivesandmotherswhentheyshouldstillbedreamingchildren。Well，now，Itooamthedaughterofatorridzone，onlyminehasnotbeenthesunofprosperity，andithasbeensorrowandmisfortunewhichhavematuredmyheart。Believeme，John，Ilove！Aglowing，consumingfirerageswithinme；itisatoncemydelightandmymisery，myhappinessandmyfuture。

"Thekinghasrobbedmeofabrilliantandgloriousfuture；letthemnot，then，grudgemeahappyone，atleast。SinceIamnevertobeaqueen，Iwillatleastbeahappyandbelovedwife。IfIamcondemnedtoliveinobscurityandlowliness，attheveryleast，I

mustnotbeprohibitedfromadorningthisobscureandingloriousexistencewithflowers，whichthrivenotatthefootofthethrone，andtoilluminateitwithstarsmoresparklingthantherefulgenceofthemostradiantkinglycrown。"

"Oh，youaremistakenaboutyourownself！"saidJohnHeywood，sorrowfully。"Youchoosetheoneonlybecausetheotherisdenied。

Youwouldloveonlybecauseyoucannotrule；andsinceyourheart，whichthirstsforfameandhonor，canfindnoothersatisfaction，youwouldquenchitsthirstwithsomeotherdraught，andwouldadministerloveasanopiatetolulltorestitsburningpains。

Believeme，princess，youdonotyetknowyourself！Youwerenotborntobemerelyalovingwife，andyourbrowismuchtoohighandhaughtytowearonlyacrownofmyrtle。Therefore，considerwellwhatyoudo，princess！Benotcarriedawaybyyourfather\'spassionateblood，whichboilsinyourveinsalso。Thinkwellbeforeyouact。Yourfootisyetononeofthestepstothethrone。Drawitnotbackvoluntarily。Maintainyourposition；then，thenextstepbringsyouagainonestairhigherup。Donotvoluntarilyrenounceyourjustclaim，butabideinpatiencethecomingofthedayofretributionandjustice。Onlydonotyourselfmakeitimpossible，thattheremaythenbeafullandgloriousreparation。PRINCESS

Elizabethmayyetonedaybequeen，providedshehasnotexchangedhernameforonelessgloriousandnoble。"

"JohnHeywood，"saidshe，withabewitchingsmile，"IhavetoldyouIlovehim。"

"Well，lovehimasmuchasyouplease，butdoitinsilence，andtellhimnotofit；butteachyourloveresignation。"

"John，heknowsitalready。"

"Ah，poorprincess！youarestillbutachild，thatsticksitshandsinthefirewithsmilingbraveryandscorchesthem，becauseitknowsnotthatfireburns。"

"Letitburn，John，burn！andlettheflamescurlovermyhead！

Betterbeconsumedinfirethanperishslowlyandhorriblywithadeadlychill！Ilovehim，Itellyou，andhealreadyknowsit！"

"Well，then，lovehim，but，atleast，donotmarryhim！"criedJohnHeywood，surlily。

"Marry！"criedshe，withastonishment。"Marry！Ihadneverthoughtofit。"

Shedroppedherheaduponherbreast，andstoodthere，silentandthoughtful。

"IammuchafraidImadeablunder，then！"mutteredJohnHeywood。"I

havesuggestedanewthoughttoher。Ah，ah，KingHenryhasdonewellinappointingmehisfool！Justwhenwedeemourselvesthewisest，wearethegreatestfools！"

"John，"saidElizabeth，assheraisedherheadagainandsmiledtohiminaglowofexcitement，"John，youareentirelyright；ifwelove，wemustmarry。"

"ButIsaidjustthecontrary，princess！"

"Allright！"saidshe，resolutely。"Allthisbelongstothefuture；

wewillbusyourselveswiththepresent。Ihavepromisedmyloveraninterview。"

"Aninterview！"criedJohnHeywood，inamazement。"Youwillnotbesofoolhardyastokeepyourpromise？"

"JohnHeywood，"saidshe，withanairofapproachingsolemnity，"KingHenry\'sdaughterwillnevermakeapromisewithoutfulfillingit。Forbetterorforworse，Iwillalwayskeepmyplightedword，evenifthegreatestmiseryandruinweretheresult！"

JohnHeywoodventuredtooffernofurtheropposition。Therewasatthismomentsomethingpeculiarlylofty，proud，andtrulyroyalinherair，whichimpressedhimwithawe，andbeforewhichhebowed。

"Ihavegrantedhimaninterviewbecausehewishedit，"saidElizabeth；"and，John，Iwillconfessittoyou，myownheartlongedforit。Seeknot，then，toshakemyresolution；itisasfirmasarock。Butifyouarenotwillingtostandbyme，sayso，andIwillthenlookaboutmeforanotherfriend，wholovesmeenoughtoimposesilenceonhisthoughts。"

"Butwho，perhaps，willgoandbetrayyou。No，no，ithasbeenonceresolvedupon，andunalterably；sonoonebutImustbeyourconfidant。Tellme，then，whatIamtodo，andIwillobeyyou。"

"Youknow，John，thatmyapartmentsaresituatedinyonderwing，overlookingthegarden。Well，inmydressing-room，behindoneofthelargewallpictures，Ihavediscoveredadoorleadingintoalonely，darkcorridor。Fromthiscorridorthereisapassageupintoyondertower。Itisunoccupiedanddeserted。Nobodyeverthinksofenteringthatpartofthecastle，andthequietofthegravereignsthroughoutthoseapartments，whichneverthelessarefurnishedwithamagnificencetrulyregal。TherewillIreceivehim。"

"Buthowshallhemakehiswaythither？"

"Oh，donotbeconcerned；Ihavethoughtoverthatmanydayssince；

andwhileIwasrefusingmylovertheinterviewforwhichheagainandagainimploredme，Iwasquietlypreparingeverythingsoastobeableonedaytograntittohim。Todaythisobjectisattained，andtodayhaveIfulfilledhiswish，voluntarilyandunasked；forI

sawhehadnomorecouragetoaskagain。Listen，then。Fromthetower，aspiralstaircaseleadsdowntoasmalldoor，throughwhichyougainentranceintothegarden。Ihaveakeytothisdoor。Hereitis。Onceinpossessionofthiskey，hehasnothingfurthertodobutremainbehindintheparkthisevening，insteadofleavingthecastle；andbymeansofthishewillcometome，forIwillwaitforhiminthetower，inthelargeroomdirectlyoppositethestaircaselanding。Here，takethekey；giveittohim，andrepeattohimallthatIhavesaid。"

"Well，princess，thereremainsforyounowonlytoappointthehouratwhichyouwillreceivehimthere。"

"Thehour，"saidshe，assheturnedawayherblushingface。"Youunderstand，John，thatitisnotfeasibletoreceivehimtherebyday，becausethereisbydaynotasinglemomentinwhichIamnotwatched。"

"Youwillthenreceivehimbynight！"saidJohnHeywood，sadly。"Atwhathour？"

"Atmidnight！Andnowyouknowall；andIbegyou，John，hastenandcarryhimmymessage；for，look，thesunissetting，anditwillsoonbenight。"

Shenoddedtohimwithasmile，andturnedtogo。

"Princess，youhaveforgottenthemostimportantpoint。Youhavenotyettoldmehisname。"

"MyGod！andyoudonotguessit？JohnHeywood，whohassuchsharpeyes，seesnotthatthereisatthiscourtbutasingleonethatdeservestobelovedbyadaughteroftheking！"

"Andthenameofthissingleoneis——"

"ThomasSeymour，EarlofSudley！"whisperedElizabeth，assheturnedawayquicklyandenteredthecastle。

"Oh，ThomasSeymour！"saidJohnHeywood，utterlyastounded。Asifparalyzedwithhorror，hestoodtheremotionless，staringupattheskyandrepealingoverandover，"ThomasSeymour！ThomasSeymour！Soheisasorcererwhoadministersalove-potiontoallthewomen，andbefoolsthemwithhishandsome，saucyface。ThomasSeymour！Thequeenloveshim；theprincessloveshim；andthenthereisthisDuchessofRichmond，whowillbyallmeansbehiswife！Thismuch，however，iscertain，heisatraitorwhodeceivesboth，becausetobothhehasmadethesameconfessionoflove。Andthereagainisthatimp，chance，whichcompelsmetobetheconfidantofboththesewomen。ButIwillbewellonmyguardagainstexecutingbothmycommissionstothissorcerer。Lethimatanyratebecomethehusbandoftheprincess；perhapsthiswouldbethesurestmeansoffreeingthequeenfromherunfortunatelove。"

Hewassilent，andstillgazedupthoughtfullyatthesky。"Yes，"

saidhethen，quitecheerfully，"thusshallitbe。Iwillcombattheonelovewiththeother。Forthequeentolovehim，isdangerous。I

willthereforesoconductmattersthatshemusthatehim。Iwillremainherconfidant。Iwillreceiveherlettersandhercommissions，butIwillburnherlettersandnotexecutehercommissions。IamnotatlibertytotellherthatthefaithlessThomasSeymourisfalsetoher，forIhavesolemnlypledgedmywordtotheprincessnevertobreathehersecrettoanyone；andIwillandmustkeepmyword。Smileandlove，then；dreamonthysweetdreamoflove，queen；Iwakeforthee；Iwillcausethedarkcloudrestingontheetopassby。Itmay，perhaps，touchthineheart；butthynobleandbeautifulhead——thatatleastitshallnotbeallowedtocrush；that——"

"Now，then，whatareyoustaringupattheskyfor，asifyoureadthereanewepigramwithwhichtomakethekinglaugh，andtheparsonsrave？"askedavoicenearhim；andahandwaslaidheavilyonhisshoulder。

JohnHeywooddidnotlookroundatall；heremainedinthesameattitude，gazingupsteadilyatthesky。Hehadveryreadilyrecognizedthevoiceofhimwhohadaddressedhim；heknewverywellthathewhostoodnearhimwasnootherthantheboldsorcererwhomhewasjustthencursingatthebottomofhisheart；nootherthanThomasSeymour，EarlofSudley。

"Say，John，isitreallyanepigram？"askedThomasSeymouragain。

"Anepigramonthehypocritical，lustful，andsanctimoniouspriestlyrabble，thatwithblasphemoushypocrisyfawnabouttheking，andareeverwatchfulhowtheycansetatrapforoneofushonorableandbravemen？IsthatwhatHeavenisnowrevealingtoyou？"

"No，mylord，Iamonlylookingatahawkwhichhoversaboutthereintheclouds。Isawhimmount，earl，andonlythinkofthewonder——

hehadineachtalonadove！Twodovesforonehawk。Isnotthattoomuch——whollycontrarytolawandnature？"

Theearlcastonhimapenetratinganddistrustfullook。ButJohnHeywood，remainingperfectlycalmandunembarrassed，continuedlookingattheclouds。

"Howstupidsuchabruteis，andhowmuchtohisdisadvantagewillhisverygreedinessbe！Forsinceheholdsadoveineachclaw，hewillnotbeabletoenjoyeitherofthem；becausehehasnoclawatlibertywithwhichtotearthem。Soonashewishestoenjoytheone，theotherwillescape；whenhegrabsafterthat，theotherfliesaway；andsoatlasthewillhavenothingatall，becausehewastoorapaciousandwantedmorethanhecoulduse。"

"Andyouarelookingafterthishawkintheskies？Butyouareperhapsmistaken，andhewhomyouseekisnotabovethereatall，butherebelow，andperchancequiteclosetoyou？"askedThomasSeymoursignificantly。

ButJohnHeywoodwouldnotunderstandhim。

"Nay，"saidhe，"hestillflies，butitwillnotlastlong。ForverilyIsawtheownerofthedovecotfromwhichthehawkhasstolenthetwodoves。Hehadaweapon；andhe，beyesureofit——hewillkillthishawk，becausehehasrobbedhimofhispetdoves。"

"Enough，enough！"criedtheearl，impatiently。"Youwouldgivemealesson，butyoumustknowItakenocounselfromafool，evenwerehethewisest。"

"Inthatyouareright，mylord，foronlyfoolsaresofoolishastohearkentothevoiceofwisdom。Besides，eachmanforgeshisownfortune。Andnow，wisesir，Iwillgiveyouakey，whichyouyourselfhaveforged，andbehindwhichliesyourfortune。There，takethiskey；andifyouatmidnightslipthroughthegardentothetoweroveryonder，thiskeywillopentoyouthedoorofthesame，andyoucanthenwithouthesitationmountthespiralstaircaseandopenthedoorwhichisoppositethestaircase。Behindthatyouwillfindthefortunewhichyouhaveforgedforyourself，sirblacksmith，andwhichwillbidyouwelcomewithwarmlipsandsoftarms。AndsocommendingyoutoGod，Imusthastenhometothinkoverthecomedywhichthekinghascommandedmetowrite。"

"Butyoudonotsomuchastellmefromwhomthismessagecomes？"

saidEarlSudley，retaininghim。"Youinvitemetoameetingandgivemeakey，andIknownotwhowillawaitmethereinthattower。"

"Oh，youdonotknow？Thereisthenmorethanonewhomightawaityouthere？Well，then，itistheyoungestandsmallestofthetwodoveswhosendsyouthekey。"

"PrincessElizabeth？"

"Youhavenamedher，notI！"saidJohnHeywood，ashedisengagedhimselffromtheearl\'sgraspandhurriedacrossthecourtyardtobetakehimselftohislodgings。

ThomasSeymourwatchedhimwithascowl，andthenslowlydirectedhiseyestothekeythatHeywoodhadgivenhim。

"Theprincessthenawaitsme，"whisperedhe，softly。"Ah，whocanreaditinthestars？whocanknowwhitherthecrownwillrollwhenittumblesfromKingHenry\'shead？IloveCatharine，butIloveambitionstillmore；andifitisdemanded，toambitionmustI

sacrificemyheart。"

CHAPTERXVII。

GAMMERGUETON\'SNEEDLE。

Slowlyandlostingloomythought，JohnHeywoodwalkedtowardhislodgings。TheselodgingsweresituatedinthesecondorinnercourtofthevastpalaceofWhitehall，inthatwingofthecastlewhichcontainedtheapartmentsofallthehigherofficersoftheroyalhousehold，andsothoseofthecourt-jestersalso；fortheking\'sfoolwasatthatperiodaveryimportantandrespectablepersonage，whooccupiedarankequaltothatofagentlemanoftheroyalbed-

chamber。

JohnHeywoodhadjustcrossedthissecondcourtyard，whenallatonceloud，wranglingvoices，andtheclear，peculiarringofaboxontheear，startledhimoutofhismeditations。Hestoppedandlistened。Hisface，beforesoserious，hadnowreassumeditsusualmerryandshrewdexpression；hislargeeyesagainglitteredwithhumorandmischief。"Thereagainverilyismysweet，charminghousekeeper，GammerGurton，"saidJohnHeywood，laughing；"andshenodoubtisquarrellingagainwithmyexcellentservant，thatpoor，long-legged，blear-eyedHodge。Ah！ha！YesterdayIsurprisedherassheappliedakisstohim，atwhichhemadeasdolefulafaceasifabeehadstunghim。To-dayIhearhowsheisboxinghisears。Heisperhapsnowlaughingatit，andthinksitisarose-leafwhichcoolshischeek。ThatHodgeissuchaqueerbird！Butwewillatonceseewhatthereisto-day，andwhatfarceisbeingperformednow。"

Hecreptsoftlyup-stairs，and，openingthedoorofhisroom，closeditagainbehindhimquicklyandgently。GammerGurton，whowasintheroomadjoining，hadheardnothing，seennothing；andhadtheheavenscometumblingdownatthatmoment，shewouldhavescarcelynoticedit；forshehadeyesandsenseonlyforthislong，lanklackeywhostoodbeforehershakingwithfear，andstaringatheroutofhisgreatbluish-whiteeyes。Herwholesoullayinhertongue；andhertongueranasfastasawill-wheel，andwiththeforceofthunder。How，then，couldGammerGurtonwellhavetimeandearstohearhermaster，whohadsoftlyenteredhischamberandslylycrepttothedoor，onlyhalfclosed，whichseparatedhisroomfromthatofthehousekeeper？"How！"screamedGammerGurtoh，"yousillyragamuffin，youwishtomakemebelievethatitwasthecatthatranawaywithmysewing-needle，asifmysewing-needlewereamouseandsmeltofbacon，youstupid，blear-eyedfool！"

"Ah，youcallmeafool，"criedHodge，withalaugh，whichcausedhismouthtodescribeagracefullineacrosshisfacefromeartoear；"youcallmeafool，andthatisagreathonorforme，forthenIamaservantworthyofmymaster。Andastobeingblear-eyed，thatmustbecausedbythesimplefactthatIhavenothingalldaylongbeforemyeyesbutyou，GammerGurton——you，withyourfacelikeafullmoon——you，sailingthroughtheroomlikeafrigate，andwithyourgrappling-irons，yourhands，smashingtopieceseverythingexceptyourownlooking-glass。"

"Youshallpaymeforthat，youdouble-faced，thread-barelout！"

screamedGammerGurton，assherushedonHodgewithclenchedfist。

ButJohnHeywood\'scunningservanthadanticipatedthis；hehadalreadyslippedunderthelargetablewhichstoodinthemiddleoftheroom。Asthehousekeepernowmadeaplungetodraghimoutofhisextemporaryfortress，hegavehersuchaheartypinchontheleg，thatshesprangbackwithascream，andsank，whollyovercomebythepain，intothehuge，leather-coveredelbow-chairwhichwasnearherworkstandatthewindow。

"Youareamonster，Hodge，"groanedshe，exhausted——"aheartless，horriblemonster。Youhavestolenmysewing-needle——youonly。Foryouknewverywellthatitwasmylastone，andthat，ifIhavenotthat，Imustgoatoncetotheshopkeepertobuysomeneedles。Andthatisjustwhatyouwant，youweathercock，you。Youonlywantmetogoout，thatyoumayhaveanopportunitytoplaywithTib。"

"Tib？WhoisTib？"askedHodgeashestretchedouthislongneckfromunderthetable，andstaredatGammerGurtonwithwell-assumedastonishment。

"NowthisotterwantsmeyettotellhimwhoTibis！"screamedtheexasperateddame。"Well，then，Iwilltellyou。Tibisthecookforthemajor-domooverthere——ablack-eyed，false，coquettishlittledevil，whoisbadandmeanenoughtotrollawaytheloverofanhonestandvirtuouswoman，asIam；aloverwhoissuchapitifullittlethingthatonewouldthinknoonebutmyselfcouldfindhimoutandseehim；norcouldIhavedoneithadInotforfortyyearstrainedmyeyestothesearch，andforfortyyearslookedaroundforthemanwhowasatlengthtomarryme，andmakemearespectablemistress。Sincemyeyesthenwereatlaststeadilyfixedonthisphantomofman，andIfoundnothingthere，Ifinallydiscoveredyou，youcobwebofaman！"

"What！youcallmeacobweb？"screamedHodge，ashecreptfromunderthetable，and，drawinghimselfuptohisfullheight，placedhimselfthreateninglyinfrontofGammerGurton\'selbow-chair。"Youcallmeacobweb？Now，Isweartoyouthatyoushallhenceforthnevermorebethespiderthatdwellsinthatweb！Foryouareagarden-spider，anabominable，dumpy，oldgarden-spider，forwhomaweb，suchasHodgeis，ismuchtoofineandmuchtooelegant。Bequiet，therefore，oldspider，andspinyournetelsewhere！Youshallnotliveinmynet，butTib——for，yes，IdoknowTib。Sheisalovely，charmingchildoffourteen，asquickandnimbleasakid，withlipsredasthecoralwhichyouwearonyourfatpuddingofaneck，witheyeswhichshineyetbrighterthanyournose，andwithafiguresoslenderandgracefulthatshemighthavebeencarvedoutofoneofyourfingers。Yes，yes，IknowTib。Sheisanaffectionate，goodchild，whowouldneverbesohard-heartedastoabusethemansheloves，andcouldnotbesomeanandpitiful，eveninthought，astowishtomarrythemanshedidnotlove。Justbecauseheisaman。Yes，IknowTib，andnowIwillgostraighttoherandaskherifshewillmarryagood，honestlad，who，tobesure，issomewhatlean，butwhodoubtlesswillbecomefatterifhehasanyotherfarethanthemeagre，abominablestuffonwhichGammerGurtonfeedshim；aladwho，tobesure，isblear-eyed，butwillsoongetoverthatdiseasewhenhenomoreseesGammerGurton，whoactsonhiseyeslikeastinkingonion，andmakesthemalwaysredandrunningwater。Good-by，oldonion！IamgoingtoTib。"

ButGammerGurtonwhirledupoutofherelbow-chairlikeatop，andwasuponHodge，whomsheheldbythecoat-tail，andbroughthimtoastand。

"YoudaregotoTibagain！Youdarepassthatdoorandyoushallseethatthegentle，peaceable，andpatientGammerGurtonischangedintoalioness，whenanyonetriestotearfromherthatmostsacredanddearestoftreasures，herhusband。Foryouaremyhusband，inasmuchasIhaveyourwordthatyouwillmarryme。"

"ButIhavenottoldyouwhenandwhereIwilldoit，GammerGurton；

andsoyoucanwaittoalleternity，foronlyinheavenwillIbeyourhusband。"

"Thatisanabominable，maliciouslie！"screamedGammerGurton。"A

good-for-nothinglie，sayI！FordidyounotlongagosnivelandbegtillIwasforcedtopromiseyoutomakeawill，andinitdeclareHodge，mybelovedhusband，soleheirofallmygoodsandchattels，andbequeathtohimeverythingIhavescrapedtogetherinmyvirtuousandindustriouslife？"

"Butyoudidnotmakeit——thewill。Youbrokeyourword；and，therefore，Iwilldothesame。"

"Yes，Ihavemadeit，yougreyhound。Ihavemadeit；andthisverydayIwasgoingwithyoutoajusticeofthepeaceandhaveitsigned，andthento-morrowwewouldhavegotmarried。"

"Youhavemadethewill，youroundworldoflove？"saidHodgetenderly，aswithhislong，withered，spindlingarmshetriedtoclaspthegiganticwaistofhisbeloved。"Youhavemadethewillanddeclaredmeyourheir？Come，then，GammerGurton，come，letusgotothejusticeofthepeace！"

"Butdoyounotsee，then，"saidGammerGurton，withatender，cat-

likepurr，"doyounotsee，then，thatyourumplemyfrillwhenyouhugmeso？Letmego，then，andhelpmefindmyneedlequickly，forwithouttheneedlewecannotgotothejusticeofthepeace。"

"What，withouttheneedlenotgotothejusticeofthepeace？"

"No；foronlyseethisholewhichGib，thecat，toreinmyprettiestcapawhileago，asItookthecapoutoftheboxandlaiditonthetable。IndeedIcannotgotothejusticeofthepeacewithsuchaholeinmycap！Searchthen，Hodge，search，sothatIcanmendmycap，andgowithyoutothejusticeofthepeace！"

"LordGod，whereintheworldcanitbe，theunluckyneedle？Imusthaveit，Imustfindit，sothatGammerGurtonmaytakeherwilltothejusticeofthepeace！"

Andinfranticdesperation，Hodgesearchedallaboutonthefloorforthelostneedle，andGammerGurtonstuckherlargespectaclesonherflamingrednoseandpeeredaboutonthetable。Soeagerwassheinthesearch，thatsheevenlethertonguerestalittle，anddeepsilencereignedintheroom。

Suddenlythissilencewasbrokenbyavoice；whichseemedtocomefromthecourtyard。Itwasasoft，sweetvoicethatcried:"Hodge，dearHodge，areyouthere？Cometomeinthecourt，onlyforafewminutes！Iwanttohaveabitofalaughwithyou！"

Itwasasthoughanelectricshockhadpassedthroughtheroomwiththatvoice，andstruckatthesametimebothGammerGurtonandHodge。

Bothstartled，anddiscontinuingthesearch，stoodtherewhollyimmovable，asifpetrified。Hodgeespecially，poorHodge，wasasifstruckbylightning。Hisgreatbluish-whiteeyesappearedtobecomingoutoftheirsockets；hislongarmshungdown，flappinganddanglingaboutlikeaflail；hisknees，halfbent，seemedalreadytobegivingwayinexpectationoftheapproachingstorm。

Thisstormdidnotinfactmakehimwaitlong。"ThatisTib！"

screamedGammerGurton，springinglikealionessuponHodgeandseizinghimbytheshoulderswithbothherhands。"ThatisTib，youthread-like，pitifulgreyhound！Well，wasInotright，now，whenI

calledyouafaithless，good-for-nothingscamp，thatsparesnotinnocence，andbreakstheheartsofthewomenashewouldacracker，whichheswallowsathispleasure？WasInotright，insayingthatyouwereonlywatchingformetogooutinordertogoandsportwithTib？"

"Hodge，mydear，darlingHodge，"criedthevoicebeneaththere，andthistimelouderandmoretenderthanbefore，"Hodge，ohcome，donow，comewithmeinthecourt，asyoupromisedme；comeandgetthekissforwhichyoubeggedmethismorning！"

"Iwillbeadamnedotter，ifIbeggedherforit，andifI

understandasinglewordofwhatshesays！"saidHodge，whollydumfoundedandquakingallover。

"Ah，youunderstandnotawordofwhatshesays？"screamedGammerGurton。"Well，butIunderstandit。Iunderstandthateverythingbetweenusispastanddonewith，andthatIhavenothingmoretodowithyou，youMoloch，you！IunderstandthatIshallnotgoandmakemywill，tobecomeyourwifeandfretmyselftodeathoverthisskeletonofahusband，thatImayleaveyoutochuckleasmyheir。

No，no，itispast。Iamnotgoingtothejusticeofthepeace，andIwilltearupmywill！"

"Oh，sheisgoingtotearupherwill！"howledHodge；"andthenI

havetormentedmyselfinvain；invainhaveenduredthehorribleluckofbeinglovedbythisoldowl！Oh，oh，shewillnotmakeherwill，andHodgewillremainthesamemiserabledoghealwayswas！"

GammerGurtonlaughedscornfully。"Ah，youareawareatlastwhatapitiablewretchyouare，andhowmuchanobleandhandsomeperson，asIam，loweredherselfwhenshemadeuphermindtopickupsuchaweedandmakehimherhusband。"

"Yes，yes，Iknowit！"whinedHodge；"andIprayyoupickmeupandtakeme，andaboveallthingsmakeyourwill！"

"No，Iwillnottakeyou，andIshallnotmakemywill！Itisalloverwith，Itellyou；andnowyoucangoassoonasvoupleasetoTib，whohascalledyousolovingly。Butfirstgivemebackmysewing-needle，youmagpie，you！Givemeheremysewing-needle，whichyouhavestolen。Itisofnousetoyounow，foritisnotnecessaryformetogooutinorderthatyoumaygoandseeTib。Wehavenothingmoretodowitheachother，andyoucangowhereyouwish。

Mysewing-needle，sayI——myneedle，orIwillhangyouasascarecrowinmypea-patch，tofrightenthesparrowsoutofit。Mysewing-needle，or——"

SheshookherclenchedfistthreateninglyatHodge，fullyconvincedthatnow，asalwaysbefore，Hodgewouldretreatbeforethismenacingweaponofhisjealousandirritablelady-love，andseeksafetyunderthebedorthetable。

Thistime，however，shewasmistaken。Hodge，whosawthatallwaslost，feltthathispatiencewasatlengthexhausted；andhistimiditywasnowchangedtothemadnessofdespair。Thelambwastransformedintoatiger，andwithatiger\'sragehepounceduponGammerGurton，and，throwingasideherfist，hedealtheragoodsoundblowonthecheek。

Thesignalwasgiven，andthebattlebegan。Itwaswagedbybothsideswithequalanimosityandequalvigor；onlyHodge\'sbonyhandmadebyfarthemosttellingblowsonGammerGurton\'smassofflesh，andwasalwayscertain，whereverhestruck，tohitsomespotofthishugemass；whileGammerGurton\'ssofthandseldomtouchedthatthin，threadlikefigure，whichdexterouslyparriedeveryblow。

"Stop，youfools！"suddenlyshoutedastentorianvoice。"Seeyounot，yougoblins，thatyourlordandmasterishere？Peace，peacethen，youdevils，anddonotbehammeringawayatoneanother，butloveeachother。

Itisthemaster！"exclaimedGammerGurton，loweringherfistintheutmostcontrition。

"Donotturnmeaway，sir！"moanedHodge；"donotdismissmefromyourservicebecauseatlastIhaveforoncegiventheoldhagagoodbruising。Shehasdeserveditalongtime，andanangelhimselfmustatlastlosepatiencewithher。"

"Iturnyououtofmyservice！"exclaimedJohnHeywood，ashewipedhiseyes，wetwithlaughing。"No，Hodge，youarearealjewel，amineoffunandmerriment；andyoutwohave，withoutknowingit，furnishedmewiththechoicestmaterialsforapiecewhich，bytheking\'sorder，Ihavetowritewithinsixdays。Ioweyou，then，manythanks，andwillshowmygratitudeforthwith。Listenwelltome，myamorousandtenderpairofturtle-doves，andmarkwhatIhavetosaytoyou。Onecannotalwaystellthewolfbyhishide，forhesometimesputonasheep\'sskin；andso，too，amancannotalwaysberecognizedbyhisvoice，forhesometimesborrowsthatofhisneighbor。Thus，forexample，IknowacertainJohnHeywood，whocanmimicexactlythevoiceofacertainlittlemissnamedTib，andwhoknowshowtowarbleassheherself:\'Hodge，mydearHodge！\'"Andherepeatedtothemexactly，andwiththesametoneandexpression，thewordsthatthevoicehadpreviouslycried。

"Ah，itwasyou，sir？"criedHodge，withabroadgrin——"thatTibinthecourtthere，thatTibaboutwhomwehavebeenpummellingeachother？"

"IwasTib，Hodge——Iwhowaspresentduringthewholeofyourquarrel，andfoundithugelycomicaltosendTib\'svoicethunderingintothemidstofourlovers\'quarrel，likeacannon-stroke！Ah，ha！

Hodge，thatwasafinebomb-shell，wasitnot？AndasIsaid\'Hodge，mydearHodge，\'youtumbledaboutlikeakernelofcornwhichadung-beetleblowswithhisbreath。No，no，myworthyandvirtuousGammerGurton，itwasnotTibwhocalledthehandsomeHodge，andmorethanthat，IsawTib，asyourcontestbegan，gooutatthecourtyardgate。"

"ItwasnotTib！"exclaimedGammerGurton，muchmoved，andhappyaslovecouldmakeher。"ItwasnotTib，andshewasnotinthecourtatall，andHodgecouldnotthengodowntoher，whileIwenttotheshopkeeper\'stobuyneedles。Oh，Hodge，Hodge，willyouforgivemeforthis；willyouforgetthehardwordswhichIspokeinthefuryofmyanguish，andcanyoulovemeagain？"

"Iwilltry，"saidHodge，gravely；"andwithoutdoubtIshallsucceed，providedyougoto-dayforthwithtothejustice，andmakeyourwill。"

"Iwillmakemywill，andto-morrowwewillgotothepriest；shallitnotbeso，myangel？"

"Yes，wegotothepriestto-morrow！"growledHodge，aswithafrightfulgrimacehescratchedhimselfbehindtheears。

"Andnowcome，myangel，andgivemeakissofreconciliation！"Shespreadherarmsout，andwhenHougedidnotcometoher，butremainedimmovable，andsteadfastinhisposition，shewenttoHodgeandpressedhimtenderlytoherheart。

Suddenlysheutteredashriek，andletgoofHodge，Shehadfeltaterriblepaininherbreast。Itseemedasthoughasmalldaggerhadpiercedherbosom。

Andthereitwas，thelostneedle，andHodgethenwasinnocentandpureastheearlydawn。

Hehadnotmischievouslypurloinedtheneedle，sothatGammerGurtonwouldbecompelledtoleaveherhouseinordertofetchsomenewneedlesfromtheshopkeeper\'s；hehadnotintendedtogotoTib，forTibwasnotinthecourt，buthadgoneout。

"OhHodge，Hodge，goodHodge，youinnocentdove，willyouforgiveme？"

"Cometothejusticeofthepeace，GammerGurton，andIforgiveyou！"

Theysanktenderlyintoeachother\'sarms，whollyforgetfuloftheirmaster，whostillstoodnearthem，andlookedon，laughingandnoddinghishead。

"Now，then，Ihavefoundthefinestandmostsplendidmaterialsformypiece，"saidJohnHeywood，asheleftthelovingpairandbetookhimselftohisownroom。"GammerGurtonhassavedme，andKingHenrywillnothavethesatisfactionofseeingmewhippedbythosemostvirtuousandmostlovelyladiesofhiscourt。Towork，then，straightwaytowork！"

Heseatedhimselfathiswriting-desk，andseizedpenandpaper。

"Buthow！"askedhe，suddenlypausing。"Thatiscertainlyarichsubjectforacomposition；butIcanneverintheworldgetaninterludeoutofit！WhatshallIdowithit？Abandonthissubjectaltogether，andagainjeeratthemonksandridiculethenuns？Thatisantiquatedandwornout！Iwillwritesomethingnew，somethingwhollynew，andsomethingwhichwillmakethekingsomerry，thathewillnotsignadeath-warrantforawholeday。Yes，yes，amerryplayshallitbe，andthenIwillcallitboldlyandfearlesslyacomedy！"

Heseizedhispenandwrote:"GammerGurton\'sNeedle，arightpithy，pleasant，andmerrycomedy。"

AndthusoriginatedthefirstEnglishcomedy，byJohnHeywood，fooltoKingHenrytheEighth。[Footnote:Thiscomedywasfirstprintedintheyear1661，butitwasrepresentedatChristCollegefullyahundredyearspreviously。Whowastheauthorofitisnotknownwithcertainty；butitispossiblethatthewriterofitwasJohnHeywood，theepigrammatistandcourt-jester——SeeDramaturgicoderTheorieundGeschichtederdramatischenKunst，vonTheodoreMundt，voli，p。809。Flogel\'sGeschicbtederHofnarren，p。399。]

CHAPTERXVIII。

LADYJANE。

AllwasquietinthepalaceofWhitehall。Eventheservantsonguardinthevestibuleoftheking\'sbedchamberhadbeenalongtimeslumbering，forthekinghadbeensnoringforseveralhours；andthismajesticalsoundwas，tothedwellersinthepalace，thejoyfulannouncementthatforonefinenighttheywereexemptfromservice，andmightbefreemen。

Thequeenalsohadlongsinceretiredtoherapartments，anddismissedherladiesatanunusuallyearlyhour。Shefelt，shesaid，weariedbythechase，andmuchneededrest。Noone，therefore，wastodisturbher，unlessthekingshouldorderit。

Buttheking，aswehavesaid，slept，andthequeenhadnoreasontofearthathernight\'srestwouldbedisturbed。

Deepsilencereignedinthepalace。Thecorridorswereemptyanddeserted，theapartmentsallsilent。

Suddenlyafiguretrippedalongsoftlyandcautiouslythroughthelongfeeblylightedcorridor。Shewaswrappedinablackmantle；aveilconcealedherface。

Scarcelytouchingthefloorwithherfeet，shefloatedaway，andglideddownalittlestaircase。Nowshestopsandlistens。Thereisnothingtohear；allisnoiselessandstill。

Then，onagain。Nowshewingshersteps。Forheresheissureofnotbeingheard。ItistheunoccupiedwingofthecastleofWhitehall。

Nobodywatchesherhere。

On，then，on，adownthatcorridor，descendingthosestairs。Thereshestopsbeforeadoorleadingintothesummer-house。Sheputshereartothedoor，andlistens。Thensheclapsherhandsthreetimes。

Thesoundisreechoedfromtheotherside。

"Oh，heisthere，heisthere！"Forgottennowarehercares，forgottenherpainsandtears。Heisthere。Shehashimagain。

Shethrowsopenthedoor。Itisdarkindeedinthechamber，butsheseeshim。fortheeyeoflovepiercesthenight；andiftheseeshimnot，yetshefeelshispresence。

Sherestsonhisheart；hepresseshercloselytohisbreast。

Leaningoneachother，theygropecautiouslyalongthroughthedark，desolatechambertothedivanattheupperend，andthere，bothlockedinahappyembrace，theysinkuponthecushion。

"AtlastIhaveyouagain！andmyarmsagainclaspthisdivineform，andagainmylipspressthiscrimsonmouth！Oh，mybeloved，whataneternityhasthisseparationbeen！Sixdays！Sixlongnightsofagony！Haveyounotfelthowmysoulcriedoutforyou，andwasfilledwithtrepidation；howIstretchedmyarmsoutintothenight，andletthemfallagaindisconsolateandtremblingwithanguish，becausetheyclaspednothing——naughtbutthecold，vacantnightbreeze！Didyounothear，mybeloved，howIcriedtoyouwithsighsandtears，howinglowingdithyrambicsIpouredforthtoyoumylonging，mylove，myrapture？Butyou，cruelyou，remainedevercold，eversmiling。YoureyeswereeverflashinginalltheprideandgrandeurofaJuno。Therosesonyourcheekswerenotonewhitthepaler。No，no，youhavenotlongedforme；yourhearthasnotfeltthispainful，blissfulanguish。Youarefirstandaboveallthingstheproud，coldqueen，andnext，nextthelovingwoman。"

"Howunjustandhardyouare，myHenry！"whisperedshesoftly。"I

haveindeedsuffered；andperhapsmypainshavebeenmorecruelandbitterthanyours，forI——Ihadtoletthemconsumemewithin。Youcouldpourthemforth，youcouldstretchoutyourarmsafterme，youcouldutterlamentationsandsighs。Youwerenot，likeme，condemnedtolaugh，andtojest，andtolistenwithapparentlyattentiveeartoallthoseoftenheardandconstantlyrepeatedphrasesofpraiseandadorationfromthoseaboutme。Youwereatleastfreetosuffer。

Iwasnot。ItistrueIsmiled，butamidstthepainsofdeath。Itistruemycheeksdidnotblanch，butrougewastheveilwithwhichI

coveredtheirpaleness；andthen，Henry，inthemidstofmypainsandlongings，Ihad，too，asweetconsolation——yourletters，yourpoems，whichfelllikethedewofheavenuponmysicksoul，andrestoredittohealth，fornewtormentsandnewhopes。Oh，howI

lovethem——thosepoems，inwhosenobleandenchantinglanguageyourloveandoursufferingsarereechoed！HowmywholesoulflewforthtomeetthemwhenIreceivedthem，andhowpressedImylipsthousandsandthousandsoftimesonthepaperwhichseemedtomeredolentwithyourbreathandyoursighs！HowIlovethatgood，faithfulJane，thesilentmessengerofourlove！WhenIbeholdherenteringmychamber，withtheunsulliedpaperinhand，sheistomethedovewiththeolive-leaf，thatbringsmepeaceandhappiness，andIrushtoher，andpresshertomybosom；andgiveherallthekissesIwouldgiveyou，andfeelhowpoorandpowerlessIam，becauseIcannotrepayherallthehappinessthatshebringsme。Ah，Henry，howmanythanksdoweowetopoorJane！"

"Whydoyoucallherpoor，whenshecanbenearyou，alwaysbeholdyon，alwayshearyou？"

"Icallherpoor，becausesheisunhappy。Forsheloves，Henry——shelovestodesperation，tomadness，andsheisnotloved。Sheispiningawaywithgriefandpain，andwringsherhandsinboundlesswoe。Haveyounotnoticedhowpalesheis，andhowhereyesbecomedailymoredim？"

"No，Ihavenotseenit，forIseenaughtbutyou，andLadyJaneistomealifelessimage，asareallotherwomen。Butwhat！Youtremble；andyourwholeframewrithesinmyarms，asifinaconvulsion！Andwhatisthat？Areyouweeping？"

"Oh，Iweep，becauseIamsohappy。Iweep，becauseIwasthinkinghowfearfulthesufferingmustbe，togivethewholeheartaway，andreceivenothinginreturn，naughtbutdeath！PoorJane！"