Then, when Henry is no more, then will you be mine, mine with yonr
entire being, with your whole life; and instead of a proud regal
crown, a crown of myrtle shall adorn your head! Swear that to me,
Catharine; swear that you will become my wife, as soon as death has
set you free."
The queen shuddered and her cheeks. grew pale. "Oh," said she with a
sigh, "death then is our hope and perhaps the scaffold our end!"
"No, Catharine, love is our hope, and happiness our end. Think of
life, of our future! God grant my request. Swear to me here in the
face of God, and of sacred and calm nature around us, swear to me,
that from the day when death frees you from your husband you will be
mine, my wife, my consort! Swear to me, that you, regardless of
etiquette and unmindful of tyrannical custom, will be Lord Seymour's
wife, before the knell for Henry's death has died away. We will find
a priest, who may bless our love and sanctify the covenant that we
have this day concluded for eternity! Swear to me, that, till that
wished--for day, you will keep for me your truth and love, and never
forget that my honor is yours also, that your happiness is also
mine!"
"I swear it!" said Catharine, solemnly. "You may depend upon me at
all times and at all hours. Never will I be untrue to you; never
will I have a thought that is not yours. I will love you as Thomas
Seymour deserves to be loved, that is with a devoted and faithful
heart. It will be my pride to subject myself to you, and with glad
soul will I serve and follow you, as your true and obedient wife.
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