"
"If the king will have it so, my lords," she replied, " I must needs go; but
I protest my innocence, and will protest it to the last. I have ever been
a faithful and loyal consort to his highness, and though I may not have
demeaned myself to him so humbly and gratefully as I ought to have
done--seeing how much I owe him- yet I have lacked nothing in
affection and duty. I have had jealous fancies and suspicions of him,
especially of late, and have troubled him with them; but I pray his
forgiveness for my folly, which proceeded from too much regard, and if I
am acquitted of my present charge, I will offend him so no more."
"We will report what you say to the king," rejoined Suffolk gravely; "but
we are bound to add that his highness does not act on mere suspicion,
the proofs of your guilt being strong against you."
"There can be no such proofs," cried Anne quickly. "Who are my
accusers? and what do they state?"
"You are charged with conspiring against the king's life, and
dishonouring his bed," replied Suffolk sternly. "Your accusers will
appear in due season."
"They are base creatures suborned for the purpose!" cried Anne. "No
loyal. person would so forswear himself.
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