"Yes, my lady, you are right; that is a more execrable and unnatural
crime, and we shall judge it strictly. For it shall not be said that
modesty and virtue found no protector in the king of this land, and
that he will not as a judge punish and crash all those who dare sin
against decency and morals. Oh, the Earl of Surrey is an adulterer,
is he?"
"That is to say, sire, he dares with his sinful love to pursue a
virtuous and chaste wife. He dares to raise his wicked looks to a
woman who stands as high above him as the sun above mortals, and
who, at least by the greatness and high position of her husband,
should be secure from all impure desires and lustful wishes."
"Ah," cried the king, indignantly, "I see already whither that
tends. It is always the same accusation; and now I say, as you did
just now, let us have a little variation! The accusation I have
already often heard; but the proofs are always wanting."
"Sire, this time, it may be, we can give the proofs," said the
duchess, earnestly. Would you know, my noble king, who the Geraldine
is to whom Henry Howard addresses his love-songs? Shall I tell you
the real name of this woman to whom, in the presence of your sacred
person and of your whole court, he uttered his passionate
protestations of love and his oath of eternal faithfulness? Well,
now, this Geraldine--so adored, so deified--is the queen!"
"That is not true!" cried the king, crimson with anger; and he
clenched his hands so firmly about the arms of his chair that it
cracked.
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