.

THE INTERCESSION.
"And now, Kate," said the king, when all had withdrawn, and he was again alone with her, "now let us forget everything, save that we love each other." He embraced her and with ardor pressed her to his breast.

Wearied to death, she bowed her head on his shoulder and lay there like a shattered rose, completely broken, completely passive.
"You give me no kiss, Kate ?" said Henry, with a smile.

"Are you then yet angry with me that I did not comply with your first request?
But what would you have me do, child?
How, indeed, shall I keep the crimson of my royal mantle always fresh and bright, unless I continually dye it anew in the blood of criminals?
Only he who punishes and destroys is truly a king, and trembling mankind will acknowledge him as such.

The tender-hearted and gracious king it despises, and his pitiful weakness it laughs to scorn.