"
"You are his enemy, Suffolk," said the king sternly.
"I am your majesty's friend," replied the duke. " I beseech you, yield to
me on this occasion, and I am sure of your thanks hereafter."
"Well, I believe you are right, my good friend and brother," said Henry,
"and I will curb my impulses of rage and jealousy. To-morrow, before I
see either the queen or Anne, we will ride forth into the forest, and talk
the matter further over."
"Your highness has come to a wise determination," said the duke.
"Oh,Suffolk!" sighed Henry, "would I had never seen this siren! She
exercises a fearful control over me, and enslaves my very soul."
"I cannot say whether it is for good or ill that you have met, my dear
liege," replied Suffolk, "but I fancy I can discern the way in which your
ultimate decision will be taken. But it is now near midnight. I wish your
majesty sound and untroubled repose."
"Stay!" cried Henry, "I am about to visit the Curfew Tower, and must
take you with me. I will explain my errand as we go. I had some
thought of sending you there in my stead. Ha!" he exclaimed, glancing
at his finger, "By Saint Paul, it is gone!"
"What is gone, my liege?" asked Suffolk.
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