But to-day all these things seemed insufficient to give the king the
blissful pleasure which, at other times, was wont to be with him
when he sat at table. He heard John Heywood's jests and biting
epigrams with a melancholy smile, and a cloud was on his brow.
To be in cheerful humor, the king absolutely needed the presence of
ladies. He needed them as the hunter needs the roe to enjoy the
pleasure of the chase--that pleasure which consists in killing the
defenceless and in declaring war against the innocent and peaceful.
The crafty courtier, Earl Douglas, readily divined Henry's
dissatisfaction, and understood the secret meaning of his frowns and
sighs. He hoped much from them, and was firmly resolved to draw some
advantage therefrom, to the benefit of his daughter, and the harm of
the queen.
"Your majesty," said he, "I am just on the point of turning traitor,
and accusing my king of an injustice."
The king turned his flashing eyes upon him, and put his hand,
sparkling with jewelled rings, to the golden goblet filled with
Rhenish wine.
"Of an injustice--me--your king?" asked he, with stammering tongue.
"Yes, of an injustice, inasmuch as you are for me God's visible
representative on earth. I would blame God if He withdrew from us
for a day the brightness of the sun, the gorgeousness and perfume of
His flowers, for since we children of men are accustomed to enjoy
these glories, we have in a certain measure gained a right to them.
Pages:
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172