Lord Hertford flew to Tom, but returned to the King before very
long, troubled and empty-handed. He delivered himself to this
effect--
"It grieveth me, my lord the King, to bear so heavy and unwelcome
tidings; but it is the will of God that the prince's affliction
abideth still, and he cannot recall to mind that he received the
Seal. So came I quickly to report, thinking it were waste of
precious time, and little worth withal, that any should attempt to
search the long array of chambers and saloons that belong unto his
royal high--"
A groan from the King interrupted the lord at this point. After a
little while his majesty said, with a deep sadness in his tone--
"Trouble him no more, poor child. The hand of God lieth heavy
upon him, and my heart goeth out in loving compassion for him, and
sorrow that I may not bear his burden on mine old trouble-weighted
shoulders, and so bring him peace."
He closed his eyes, fell to mumbling, and presently was silent.
After a time he opened his eyes again, and gazed vacantly around
until his glance rested upon the kneeling Lord Chancellor.
Instantly his face flushed with wrath--
"What, thou here yet! By the glory of God, an' thou gettest not
about that traitor's business, thy mitre shall have holiday the
morrow for lack of a head to grace withal!"
The trembling Chancellor answered--
"Good your Majesty, I cry you mercy! I but waited for the Seal."
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