Angelo ... that was a droll stroke! Then the soldiers
in jest, under the windows of the Castle, called out for Martin
Luther as Pope."
"Name not his cursed name," growled the King, but more in anger at
what he saw in the rose-garden than at the mention of Luther.
The Cardinal understood him. "I do not like a union between
Northumberland and Norfolk," he said.
"What do you say?" asked the King. He was angry that Wolsey had read
his thoughts, but did not wish to betray himself.
"Anne is really too good for a Percy, and I find it improper of the
Queen to act as a match-maker, and let them go alone in the
shrubbery. No, that must have an end!"
"Sire, it is already at an end; I have written to Anne's father to
call her home to Hever."
"You did well in that, by heaven! Two such families, who both aim at
the succession, ought not to unite."
"Who is there that does _not_ aim at the throne? Just now it was
Buckingham, now it is Northumberland, and only because there is no
proper heir. Sire, you must consider the country, and your people,
and name a successor."
"No! I will not have anyone waiting for my decease."
"Then we shall have the Wars of the Roses again, which cost England
a million men and eighty of our noblest families."
The King smiled.
Pages:
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282