Earl
Douglas followed him thither, and let the heavy velvet curtain drop
behind them.
"Sire," said he, hardily and resolutely, "the question now is this:
Whose head would you rather give over to the executioner, mine or
the Earl of Surrey's? You have the choice between the two. You are
aware that I have ventured for a moment to deceive you. Well, send
me to the Tower then, and set free the noble Henry Howard, that he
may henceforth disturb your sleep and poison your days; that he may
further court the love of the people, and perhaps some day rob your
son of the throne that belongs to him. Here is my head, sire; it is
forfeited to the headsman's axe, and Earl Surrey is free!"
"No, he is not free, and never shall be!" said the king, grinding
his teeth.
"Then, my king, I am justified; and instead of being angry with me,
you will thank me? It is true I have played a hazardous game, but I
did so in the service of my king. I did it because I loved him, and
because I read on your lofty clouded brow the thoughts that begirt
with darkness my master's soul, and disturbed the sleep of his
nights. You wanted to have Henry Howard in your power; and this
crafty and hypocritical earl knew how to conceal his guilt so
securely under the mask of virtue and loftiness of soul! But I knew
him, and behind this mask I had seen his face distorted with passion
and crime. I wanted to unmask him; but for this, it was necessary
that I should deceive first him, and then for the hour even
yourself.
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