"That is a lie, a shameless lie, hatched up to ruin the queen; for it is very well known that the poor king, who has been so often deceived, so often imposed upon, believes himself to have at last found in this woman a being whom he can trust, and in whom he can put faith.

And they grudge him that.

They wish to strip him of this last hope also, that his heart may harden entirely to stone, and no emotion of pity evermore find access to him.

Ah, Douglas, Douglas, beware of my wrath, if you cannot prove what you say!" "Sire, I can prove it! For Lady Jane herself, no longer ago than yesterday, was made to give up a note from Anne Askew to the queen." The king remained silent for a while, and gazed fixedly on the ground.

His three confidants observed him with breathless, trembling expectation.
At length the king raised his head again, and turned his gaze, which was now grave and steady, upon the lord chancellor.