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