" "Humph!" exclaimed
the king.
"To prove that I speak the truth, sire," continued the wily cardinal, "the
palace at Hampton Court, which I have just completed--"
"And at a cost more lavish than I myself should have expended on it,"
interrupted the king angrily.
"If I had destined it for myself, I should not have spent a tithe of what I
have done," rejoined Wolsey. "Your highness's unjust accusations
force me to declare my intentions somewhat prematurely. Deign," he
cried, throwing at the king's feet, "deign to accept that palace and all
within it. You were pleased, during your late residence there,to
express your approval of it. And I trust it will find equal favour in your
eyes, now that it is your own."
"By holy Mary, a royal gift!" cried Henry. "Rise, You are not the
grasping, selfish person you have been represented."
"Declare as much to my enemies, sire, and I shall be more content.
"You will find the palace better worth acceptance than at first sight
might appear."
"How so?" cried the king.
" Your highness will be pleased to take this key," said the cardinal; "it
is the key of the cellar."
"You have some choice wine there," cried Henry significantly; "given
you by some religious house, or sent you by some foreign potentate,
ha!"
"It is wine that a king might prize," replied the cardinal.
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