brother, was appointed to that office. Grey had hardly been a week in Ireland, ere the murderer, Offaly, was in his tent, with something like a pro

mise of his life.

2. In spite of his brave looks, Henry was concerned about the interdict. Anne prayed him to seek support in Germany, and put himself at the head of a Gospel League. The Germans were prepared to act. Alesse, a Scottish priest, who had been driven from Edinburgh on account of his attachment to the new learning, and was now a confidential friend of Melancthon, arrived in London with a copy of the Loci Theologici, which was inscribed to Henry by the great reformer. Known to Cromwell as a learned minister, Alesse was carried by the secretary to the royal closet, where he urged the King, in Melancthon's name, to send an embassy to Germany. Though it was hard for a Defender of the Faith to send ambassadors to heretics, yet the King was brought to yield, on which Fox and Heath, high-priests of the new learning and the new order, crossed the seas, to learn by personal intercourse with the German princes what might be done towards the formation of a Gospel League.

3. A liberal policy at home kept pace with this attempt abroad. Italian cardinals were deprived of their fat bishoprics, and English learned men were raised to power. Campeggio lost his sinecure of Salisbury, and Shaxton took that pluralist's seat. Ghinucchi lost his see of Worcester, which the bold

reformer Latimer obtained. Cranmer was printing his edition of the English Bible, and the texts were almost ready for the public eye.

4. The Queen appeared to have a great success; but this success, as the good Scottish priest said afterwards, laid the sword across her neck. When Gardiner, now in Paris, heard of the projected Gospel League, he felt that every friend of Rome and of the ancient order must be up at once. They had no time to lose. If Fox and Heath brought back a good report, the King might join that Gospel League, and England might be hopelessly cut off from Rome. Learning that Cromwell was estranged from Anne, and might be willing to destroy her, he suggested to the Secretary of State that the way to ruin Anne was to accuse her of unfaithfulness to the King. But Gardiner's hints arrived at an unlucky time. The hope which had already failed her was renewed. Again the doctors and astrologers told the King he was to have a son. Anne was again the sweetheart, and a shadow fell across the path of Jane.

5. Anne now gave up her task of reconciling Mary to her father. Lady Shelton had been trying to bring her charge into a gentler frame of mind, using, by the Queen's authority, a softer method than either King or council had prescribed. But she had met with no success. 'My pleasure is,' Anne wrote to Lady Shelton, that you no further seek to move the Lady Mary towards the King's

grace, other than as he himself directed in his own words to her. What I have done myself, has been more from charity, than because the King or I can care what course she takes, or whether she will change, or will not change her purpose. When I shall have a son, as soon I look to have, I know not what will then come to her. Remembering the Word of God that we should do good to our enemies, I have wished to give her notice before the time, because by my daily experience, I know the wisdom of the King to be such, that he will not value her repentance on the cessation of her madness and unnatural obstinacy when she has no longer power to choose. She would acknowledge her error and evil conscience, by the law of God and the King, if blind affection had not so sealed her eyes that she will not see but what she pleases. Mrs. Shelton, I beseech you trouble not yourself to turn her from any of her wilful ways, for to me she can do neither good nor ill. Do your own duty towards her, following the King's commandment, as I am assured that you do and will do, and you shall find me your good lady, whatever comes.'

6. Lady Exeter ran to Chapuys with news that the King was in a sullen mood. He had been heard to say the two ladies should either bend or break. One of his councillors was saying that the King would not go on as he had done; that his vexations were too great to bear any longer; that, as Parliament was about to meet, he should refer

This

his business to the peers and burgesses. news is true as gospel,' said Lady Exeter; 'for God's sake let the Emperor know the worst in time; and beg him to do something for the honour of his blood.' Chapuys answered that his Majesty was worried by the Turks, the Lutherans, and other enemies; but he would write and see what could be done. A few days later, Lady Exeter came to his lodgings in disguise, and told him things were getting worse and worse. The 'concubine' was conspiring to be rid of Catharine and Mary, and Henry, in his present mood, would let her do so if she liked. Parliament, she added, was about to meet, and when the peers and burgesses met, the King would make them partners in his crimes. Anne was governing every one at court. Unless the Emperor spoke at once, his word would come too late. Parliament would be committed to the King, and knowing that the Emperor would never overlook their votes, both lords and commoners might rally round the Queen.

7. While these conspirators were at their work, intelligence from Kimbolton suddenly changed the aspect of events.

CHAPTER III.

KIMBOLTON.

1535-36.

1. BEGGING an audience of the King, Chapuys informed his Grace that Catharine was dangerously sick. Henry was surprised. No news of any change in her condition had arrived at Court, though Bedyngfeld and Chamberlain, his trusty officers, were living at Kimbolton in the house with her. Chapuys assured him that his news was true; the Queen was sick-yea, sick to death. To death!' growled Henry, thinking of the trouble she was causing him; if she were but to die, my quarrels with the Emperor would cease.' Chapuys requested leave to go and see her; a request that could not be refused to an imperial envoy. Chapuys, however, wanted something more. The Princess Mary, urged the plotter, ought to go and see her mother ere that mother died. Might he conduct the Princess to Kimbolton for these last adieux?

2. It was a strange request. Though Henry was far from guessing to what lengths and depths his visitor was prepared to go, he saw at once the