Prove it by pardoning this maiden, and having consideration for her impassioned excitement.
Prove it by allowing me to lead Anne Askew to her room and enjoin silence upon her." But at this moment the king was wholly inaccessible to any other feelings than those of anger and delight in blood.
He indignantly repelled Catharine, and without moving his sharp, penetrating look from the young maiden, he said in a quick, hollow tone: "Let her alone; let her speak; let no one dare to interrupt her!" Catharine, trembling with anxiety and inwardly hurt at the harsh manner of the king, retired with a sigh to the embrasure of one of the windows.
Anne Askew had not noticed what was going on about her.

She remained in that state of exaltation which cares for no consequences and which trembles before no danger.

She would at this moment have gone to the stake with cheerful alacrity, and she almost longed for this blessed martyrdom.
"Speak, Anne Askew, speak!" commanded the king.

"Tell me, do you know what the countess, for whose pardon you are beseeching me, has done?
Know you why those four men were sent to the stake ?" "I do know, King Henry, by the wrath of God," said the maiden, with burning passionateness.

"I know why you have sent the noble countess to the slaughter-house, and why you will exercise no mercy toward her.