The warmth of my affection will grow icy cold by that
time."
"It were enough to try the patience of the most forbearing," rejoined the
king, smiling--" but it shall not be so-- by this lily hand it shall not! And
now, sweetheart, are we entirely reconciled?
"Not yet," replied Anne. "I shall claim a boon from your majesty before I
accord my entire forgiveness."
"Name it," said the king, still clasping her hand tenderly, and
intoxicated by the witchery of her glance.
"I ask an important favour," said Anne, "but as it is one which will
benefit your majesty as much as myself, I have the less scruple in
requesting it. I ask the dismissal of one who has abused your favour,
who, by his extortion and rapacity, has in some degree alienated the
affections of your subjects from you, and who solely opposes your
divorce from Catherine of Arragon because he fears my influence may
be prejudicial to him."
"You cannot mean Wolsey?" said Henry uneasily.
"Your majesty has guessed aright," replied Anne.
"Wolsey has incurred my displeasure oft of late," said Henry; "and yet
his fidelity--"
"Be not deceived, my liege," said Anne; "he is faithful to you only so far
as serves his turn.
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