mortal, like others. You see why I repressed my longing and parental
tenderness, which was suspected by no one, and appeared to be a
heartless father, because nobody would help me and make it easy for
me to be a tender father. Ah, these courtiers! They are so stupid,
that they can understand only just what is echoed in our words; but
what our heart says, and longs for, of that they know nothing. But
you know, Kate; you are an acute woman, and a high-minded one
besides. Come, Kate, a thankful father gives you this kiss, and
this, ay, this, your husband gives you, my beautiful, charming
queen."




CHAPTER VII.

HENRY THE EIGHTH AND HIS WIVES.


The calm of night had now succeeded to the tempest of the day, and
after so much bustle, festivity, and rejoicing, deep quiet now
reigned in the palace of Whitehall, and throughout London. The happy
subjects of King Henry might, without danger, remain for a few hours
at least in their houses, and behind closed shutters and bolted
doors, either slumber and dream, or give themselves to their
devotional exercises, on account of which they had that day,
perhaps, been denounced as malefactors. They might, for a few hours,
resign themselves to the sweet, blissful dream of being freemen
untrammelled in belief and thought. For King Henry slept, and
likewise Gardiner and the lord chancellor had closed their watchful,