You will adjudge the prize."
"Why not make Jane Seymour queen of the jousts?" said Anne, unable
to resist the remark.
"She will be present at them," said Henry, "but I have my own reasons,"
he added significantly, "for not wishing her to appear as queen on this
occasion."
"Whatever may be your reasons, the wish is sufficient for me," said
Anne. "Nay, will you tarry a moment with me? It is long since we have
had any converse in private together."
"I am busy at this moment," replied Henry bluffly; "but what is it you
would say to me?"
"I would only reproach you for some lack of tenderness, and much
neglect," said Anne. "Oh, Henry! do you remember how you swore by
your life--your crown--your faith--all that you held sacred or dear--that
you would love me ever?"
"And so I would, if I could," replied the king; "but unfortunately the heart
is not entirely under control. Have you yourself, for instance,
experienced no change in your affections?"
"No," replied Anne. "I have certainly suffered severely from your too
evident regard for Jane Seymour; but, though deeply mortified and
distressed, I have never for a moment been shaken in my love for your
majesty.
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