us are broad oriel windows, ornamented gateways and many deco
rations of terracotta carvings, which bespeak the foreign taste of
the owner.
’Tis the home of the great cardinal, and we see him pacing up
and down the paved way with quick, impatient strides.
Servants are hurrying hither and thither, and presently one of
them ushers in the young man whom we saw under the yew tree.
“ I marvel not a little at' thy. folly,” exclaimed the cardinal,
without waiting for Percy to speak, “ that thou wouldst thus
attempt to assure thyself with that foolish girl yonder on- the
court, Anne Bullen. Dost thou not consider the estate that God
hath called thee unto in this world? See what thou hast done in
thy usefulness. Thou hast not only offended thy father, but also
thy loving sovereign lord. I will send for thy father, that his
majesty may complain of thee to him.” .
‘ 1 Sir, ’ ’ quote the Ford Percy, weeping, 1 ‘ I know not the king’s
pleasure, and lam sorry for it. I consider myself of good years
and able to provide myself with a wife as my fancy please-me.
Though she be but a simple maid, yet she is descended' of right
noble parentage and she hath my plighted troth. Why, then, sir,
should Ibe scrupulous to match with her. Therefore, I most
humbly beseech your grace’s favor therein, and also entreat the
king in this matter, which I cannot forsake. ’ ’
‘ ‘ So, sirs, ’ ’ exclaimed the cardinal to some of his gentlemen
who were standing near, “ ye may see what wisdom is in this wil
ful boy’s head. I thought,” turning to Percy, “ that when thou
heardest the king’s pleasure and intention therein thou wouldst
have put thyself to the king’s will and pleasure, and by him been
ordered as his grace thought good.”
‘ ‘ Sir, so I would, ’ ’ answered the unhappy lover, ‘ ‘ but I have
gone so far in this matter, and before so many witnesses, that I
know not how to discharge myself and my conscience. ’ ’
‘‘Why thinkest thou that the king and I know not what we
have to do in as weighty matters as this ? Yes, I warrant thee,
but I see no submission in thee to that purpose. ’ ’
‘ ‘ Forsooth, my lord, if it please your grace I will submit my
self wholly to the king and your grace in this matter, my con
science being discharged of a weighty burden thereof. ’ ’
‘‘Well, then,” concluded the cardinal rising, ‘‘l will send for
thy father out of the north; in the mean season I charge thee that
thou resort no more' unto her company, as thou wilt abide the
king’s indignation.”
The Free Lance .
[February,