"The king delights only in change. With him, the last face is
ever the most beautiful.",
"You speak fearful treason, sir! " replied Anne; "but I believe it to be the
truth."
"Oh, then, madam!" pursued Norris, "since the king is so regardless of
you, why trouble yourself about him? There are those who would
sacrifice a thousand lives, if they possessed them, for your love."
"I fear it is the same with all men," rejoined Anne. "A woman's heart is a
bauble which, when obtained, is speedily tossed aside."
"Your majesty judges our sex too harshly," said Norris. "If I had the
same fortune as the king, I should never change."
"The king himself once thought so--once swore so," replied Anne
petulantly. "It is the common parlance of lovers. But I may not listen to
such discourse longer."
"Oh, madam!" cried Norris, "you misjudge me greatly. My heart is not
made of the same stuff as that of the royal Henry. I can love deeply--
devotedly--lastingly."
"Know you not that by these rash speeches you place your head in
jeopardy?" said Anne."
"I would rather lose it than not be permitted to love you," he replied.
"But your rashness endangers me," said the queen.
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