"I do not reproach you, Henry," replied Catherine meekly, "I only wish to
show you the depth and extent of my affection. I only implore you to do
me right and justice--not to bring shame upon me to cover your own
wrongful action. Have compassion upon the princess our daughter--
spare her, if you will not spare me!"
"You sue in vain, Catherine," replied Henry. "I lament your condition,
but my eyes are fully opened to the sinful state in which I have so long
lived, and I am resolved to abandon it."
"An unworthy prevarication," replied Catherine, "by which you seek to
work my ruin, and accomplish your union with Anne Boleyn. And you
will no doubt succeed; for what can I, a feeble woman, and a stranger in
your country, do to prevent it? You will succeed, I say--you will divorce
me and place her upon the throne. But mark my words, Henry, she will
not long remain there."
The king smiled bitterly
"She will bring dishonour upon you," pursued Catherine. "The woman
who has no regard for ties so sacred as those which bind us will not
respect other obligations."
"No more of this!" cried Henry. "You suffer your resentment to carry
you too far."
"Too far!" exclaimed Catherine.
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