"For myself, l am ordered on a mission to France, but I
could not depart without entreating your forgiveness for the jeopardy in
which I have placed you. Would I could take your place."
"Do not heed me," replied Surrey; "I am well content with what has
happened. Virgil and Homer, Dante and Petrarch, are the companions
of my confinement; and in good sooth, I am glad to be alone. Amid the
distractions of the court I could find little leisure for the muse."
"Your situation is, in many respects, enviable, Surrey," replied Wyat.
"Disturbed by no jealous doubts and fears, you can beguile the tedious
hours in the cultivation of your poetical tastes, or in study. Still, I must
needs reproach myself with being the cause of your imprisonment."
"I repeat, you have done me a service," rejoined the earl."I would lay
down my life for my fair cousin, Anne Boleyn, and I am glad to be able to
prove the sincerity of my regard for you, Wyat. I applaud the king's
judgment in sending you to France, and if you will be counselled by me,
you will stay there long enough to forget her who now occasions you so
much uneasiness."
"Will the Fair Geraldine be forgotten when the term of your
imprisonment shall expire, my lord?" asked Wyat.
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