IV. How King Henry the Eighth held a Chapter of the Garter--How he
attended Vespers and Matins in Saint George's Chapel--And how he
feasted with the Knights--Companions in Saint George's Hall.
From a balcony overlooking the upper ward, Anne Boleyn beheld the
king's approach on his return from the Garter Tower, and waving her
hand smilingly to him, she withdrew into the presence-chamber.
Hastening to her, Henry found her surrounded by her ladies of honour,
by the chief of the nobles and knights who had composed her train from
Hampton Court, and by the Cardinals Wolsey and Campeggio; and
having exchanged a few words with her, he took her hand, and led her
to the upper part of the chamber, where two chairs of state were set
beneath a canopy of crimson velvet embroidered with the royal arms,
and placed her in the seat hitherto allotted to Catherine of Arragon. A
smile of triumph irradiated Anne's lovely countenance at this mark of
distinction, nor was her satisfaction diminished as Henry turned to
address the assemblage.
"My lords," he said, "ye are right well aware of the scruples of
conscience I entertain in regard to my marriage with my brother's
widow, Catherine of Arragon.
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