For he preaches to them that
God is love and mercy; he teaches them that Christ came into the
world in order to bring to the world love and the forgiveness of
sins, and that they alone are Christ's true disciples and servants
who emulate His love. Do you not see then, sire, that this is a
covert and indirect accusation against yourself, and that while he
praises pardoning love, he at the same time condemns and accuses
your righteous and punitory wrath?"
The king did not answer immediately, but sat with his eyes fixed,
grave and pondering. The fanatical priest had gone too far; and,
without being aware of it, it was he himself who was that very
instant accusing the king.
Earl Douglas felt this. He read in the king's face that he was just
then in one of those moments of contrition which sometimes came over
him when his soul held involuntary intercourse with itself. It was
necessary to arouse the sleeping tiger and point out to him some
prey, so as to make him again bloodthirsty.
"It would be proper if Cranmer preached only Christian love," said
he. "Then would he be only a faithful servant of his Lord, and a
follower of his king. But he gives to the world an abominable
example of a disobedient and perfidious servant; he denies the truth
of the six articles, not in words, but in deeds. You have ordered
that the priests of the Church remain single. Now, then, the
Archbishop of Canterbury is married!"
"Married!" cried the king, his visage glowing with rage.
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