Ponder it well, queen; I speak not for Earl Surrey's sake; I am thinking more of yourself.

If you have the courage, publicly and in spite of the disgrace with which King Henry threatens the Howards, to be nevertheless just to them, and to recognize _their_ merits as well as that of others--believe me, if you do that, the whole of this powerful party, which is now hostile to you, will fall at your feet overcome and conquered.

You will at last become the all-powerful and universally loved Queen of England; and, like the heretics, the papists also will call you their mistress and protectress.

Consider no longer! Let your noble and generous heart prevail! Spiteful fortune has prostrated Henry Howard in the dust.

Extend him your hand, queen, that he may rise again, and again stand there at your court, proud and radiant as he always was.