"
"A race that never forgets that a daughter of their house has sat on
your throne."
"But they shall forget it," cried the king, "and I must wash these
proud and haughty thoughts out of their brain with their own blood.
They have not then learned, from the example of their sister, how I
punish disloyalty. This insolent race needs another fresh example.
Well, they shall have it. Only put the means in my hand, Douglas,
only a little hook that I can strike into the flesh of these
Howards, and I tell you, with that little hook I will drag them to
the scaffold. Give me proof of the earl's criminal love, and I
promise you that for this I will grant you what you ask."
"Sire, I will give you this proof."
"When?"
"In four days, sire! At the great contest of the poets, which you
have ordered to take place on the queen's birthday."
"I thank you, Douglas, I thank you," said the king with an
expression almost of joy. In four days you will have rid me of the
troublesome race of Howards."
"But, sire, if I cannot give the proof you demand without accusing
one other person?"
The king, who was just about to pass the door of his cabinet, stood
still, and looked steadily into the earl's eyes. "Then," said he, in
a tone peculiarly awful, "you mean the queen? Well, if she is
guilty, I will punish her. God has placed the sword in my hand that
I may bear it to His honor and to the terror of mankind. If the
queen has sinned, she will be punished.
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