be.' This offence
to him mayhap was not good policy, but methinks it had made but little
difference even had I spoken in more gentle tone," said the Queen,
addressing herself to me.

"'Well then, madam,' said the Cardinal, with a great show of offended
dignity; though how he came by it I know not, 'hear the complement of
the Lord Protector's message. In case thou dost still persevere in
thine obstinate refusal to deliver the young Duke into the hands of his
duly appointed guardian, his Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester,
his aforesaid Royal Highness, the Protector, by this act of thine, and
by no desire or willingness of his, must needs obey the wishes of the
King and take the aforesaid little Prince from this place by force;
which act, in any other case than this, shouldst be a sacrilege, and an
offence most grievous unto Heaven.'

"'What! tellest thou me that Gloucester dare to take from a Sanctuary
one that hath taken refuge there?' I cried.

"'Indeed, madam, he surely will,' replied the Cardinal.

"'And wilt thou, a Cardinal, permit such an insult to a house of God?'
I asked.

"'Ah! your Majesty, thou dost not understand the circumstance,' he
replied, with a smile that had cost him his head, before that hump-back
came to power.

"'And what strange circumstance, Master Cardinal, is my son placed
under, that so permits of armed force, without the fear of God's
indignation, to take him from a Sanctuary?' I asked.

"'It is this,' he replied. 'Your son, the Duke of York, is of too
tender years to be, and in fact is not, guilty of any offence.
Therefore he hath not the right of Sanctuary, which right, according to
the strict interpretation of the rules of Holy Church, belongs solely
to those standing in the fear of our Country's laws. This rule,' he
continued, as though he shamed to say the words, 'Duke Richard will see
fit to resort to, in case your Majesty should be obstinate.'

"'And in this hath he thine approval and help?' I cried.

"'Nay, madam,' he replied, 'I am but the lackey messenger, and
therefore am far beneath the honour of being consulted in this matter.'

"'Leave me, thou insolent cur!' I cried; 'How darest thou to stand
before my face and mock me? A pretty servant of God art thou, to side
with one who hath the position of power, against what thou knowest to
be right. Be assured, sirrah, that thou shalt be reported to thy
master, the Pope at Rome, for thy disgraceful conduct in thus