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.