I will not play the hypocrite with you,
whatever I may do with others. I cast off Catherine that I may wed
Anne, because I cannot otherwise obtain her. And shall I now, when I
have dared so much, and when the prize is within my grasp, abandon
it?--Never! Threats, expostulations, entreaties are alike unavailing."
"I grieve to hear it, my liege," replied Wolsey, heaving a deep sigh. "It
is an ill-omened union, and will bring woe to you, woe to your realm,
and woe to the Catholic Church."
"And woe to you also, false cardinal," cried Anne Boleyn, throwing
aside the arras, and stepping forward. "I have overheard what has
passed; and from my heart of hearts I thank you, Henry, for the love
you have displayed for me. But I here solemnly vow never to give my
hand to you till Wolsey is dismissed from your counsels."
"Anne!" exclaimed the king.
"My own enmity I could forego," pursued Anne vehemently,"but I
cannot forgive him his duplicity and perfidy towards you. He has just
proffered you his splendid palace of Hampton, and his treasures; and
wherefore?--I will tell you: because he feared they would be wrested
from him. His jester had acquainted him with the discovery just made
of the secret hoard, and he was therefore compelled to have recourse
to this desperate move.
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