The king is old, weak, and failing; death lurks
behind his throne, and will soon enough press him in his arms. Then
Edward is king. With him, the heresy of Protestantism triumphs; and
however great and numerous our party may be, yet we shall be
powerless and subdued. Yes, we shall be the oppressed and
persecuted."
"We shall then know how to fight, and if it must be so, to die
also!" cried her brother. "It is more honorable to die on the
battle-field than to purchase life and humiliation."
"Yes, it is honorable to die on the field of battle; but, Henry, it
is a disgrace to come to an end upon the scaffold. And that, my
brother, may be your fate, if you do not this time bend your pride;
if you do not grasp the hand that Lord Hertford extends to you in
reconciliation, but mortally offend him. He will take bloody
vengeance, when once he comes into power."
"Let him do it, if he can; my life is in God's hand! My head belongs
to the king, but my heart to myself; and that I will never degrade
to merchandise, which I may barter for a little security and royal
favor."
"Brother, I conjure you, consider it!" cried the duchess, no longer
able to restrain her passionate disposition, and all ablaze in her
savage wrath. "Dare not in proud arrogance to destroy my future
also! You may die on the scaffold, if you choose; but I--I will be
happy; I will at last, after so many years of sorrow and disgrace,
have my share of life's joys also.
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