And my brother
would not be here, had he not faith in and respect for a love which
has preserved itself so faithful and constant amidst storms and
dangers. I have selected these two noble friends as my suitors, and
in their presence I will ask you: 'Queen Catharine, the king is
dead, and no fetters longer bind your heart; will you not give it me
as my own? Will you accept me as your husband, and sacrifice for me
your royal title and your exalted position?'"
With a bewitching smile she gave him her hand. "You well know,"
whispered she, "that I sacrifice nothing for you, but receive from
you all of happiness and love that I hope for."
"Will you then, in the presence of these two friends, accept me as
your future husband, and plight me your vow of truth and love?"
Catharine trembled and cast down her eyes with the bashfulness of a
young girl. "Alas!" whispered she, "do you not then see my mourning
dress? Is it becoming to think of happiness, while the funeral
lamentations have scarcely died away?"
"Queen Catharine," said Archbishop Cranmer, "let the dead bury their
dead! Life also has its rights; and man should not give up his claim
on happiness, for it is a most holy possession. You have endured
much and suffered much, queen, but your heart is pure and without
guilt; therefore you may now, with a clear conscience, bid welcome
to happiness also. Do not delay about it. In God's name I have come
to bless your love, and give to your happiness a holy consecration.
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