"No interlude, but a wholly novel, comical affair--a play full of
lampoons and jokes, at which your eyes are to overflow, yet not with
weeping, but with laughter. To the right noble Earl of Surrey
belongs the proud honor of having presented to our happy England her
first sonnets. Well, now, I also will give her something new. I
present her the first comedy; and as he sings the beauty of his
Geraldine, so I celebrate the fame of Gammer Gurton's sewing-needle-
-Gammer Gurton's needle--so my piece is called; and you, King Henry,
shall listen to it as a punishment for your sins!"
"I will do so," cried the king, cheerfully, "provided you permit it,
Kate! But before I do so, I make also one more condition--a
condition for you, queen! Kate, you have disdained to impose a
penance on me, but grant me at least the pleasure of being allowed
to fulfil some wish of yours! Make me a request, that I may grant it
you!"
"Well, then, my lord and king," said Catharine with a charming
smile, "I beg you to think no more of the incidents of this day, and
to forgive those whom I accused, only because their accusation was
my vindication. They who brought charges against me have in this
hour felt contrition for their own fault. Let that suffice, king,
and forgive them, as I do!"
"You are a noble and great woman, Kate!" cried the king; and, as his
glance swept over toward Gardiner with an almost contemptuous
expression, he continued: "Your request is granted.
Pages:
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345