se you because you have withdrawn from us the embodied flowers and
the incarnate suns; because you have been so cruel, sire, as to send the
queen to Epping Forest."

"Not so; the queen wanted to ride," said Henry, peevishly. "The spring
weather attracted her, and since I, alas! do not possess God's
exalted attribute of ubiquity, I was, no doubt, obliged to come to the
resolution of being deprived of her presence. There is no horse capable
of carrying the King of England."

"There is Pegasus, however, and in masterly manner you know how to
manage him. But how, your majesty! the queen wanted to ride, though she
was deprived of your presence thereby? She wanted to ride, though this
pleasure-ride was at the same time a separation from you? Oh how cold
and selfish are women's hearts! Were I a woman, I would never depart
from your side, I would covert no greater happiness than to be near
you, and to listen to that high and exalted wisdom which pours from your
inspired lips. Were I a woman--"

"Earl, I opine that your wish is perfectly fulfilled," said John Heywood
seriously. "You make in all respects the impression of an old woman!"

All laughed. But the king did not laugh; he remained serious and looked
gloomily before him.

"It is true," muttered he, "she seemed excited with joy about this
excursion, and in her eyes shone a fire I have seldom seen there.
There must be some peculiar circumstance connected with this ride. Who
accompanied the queen?"

"Princess Elizabeth," said John Heywood, who had heard everything, and
saw clearly the arrow that the earl had shot at the queen. "Princess
Elizabeth, her true and dear friend, who never leaves her side. Besides,
her maids of honor, who, like the dragon in the fable, keep watch over
the beautiful princess."

"Who else is in the queen's company?" inquired Henry, sullenly.

"The master of horse, Earl of Sudley," said Douglas, "and--"

"That is an observation in the highest degree superfluous," interrupted
John Heywood; "it is perfectly well understood by itself that the master
of horse accompanies the queen. That is just as much his office as it is
yours to sing the song of your cousin, my parrot."

"He is right," said the king quickly. "Thomas Seymour must accompany
her, and it is my will also. Thomas Seymour is a faithful servant, and
this he has inherited from his sister Jane, my much loved queen, now at
rest with God, that he is devoted to his king in steadfast affec