such contemptible, foolish children, that they have respect
only for him who makes them feel the lash daily, and every now and then
whips a few of them to death. Look at me, Kate: where is there a king
who has reigned longer and more happily than I? whom the people love
more and obey better than me? This arises from the fact that I have
already signed more than two hundred death-warrants, [Footnote: Tytler,
p. 428. Leti, vol. i, p. 187.] and because every one believes that,
if he does not obey me, I will without delay send his head after the
others!"

"Oh, you say you love me," murmured Catharine, "and you speak only of
blood and death while you are with me."

The king laughed. "You are right, Kate," said he, "and yet, believe me,
there are other thoughts slumbering in the depths of my heart, and
could you look down into it, you would not accuse me of coldness and
unkindness. I love you truly, my dear, virgin bride, and, to prove it,
you shall now ask a favor of me. Yes, Kate, make me a request, and,
whatever it may be, I pledge you my royal word, it shall be granted you.
Now, Kate, think, what will please you? Will you have brilliants, or a
castle by the sea, or, perhaps, a yacht? Would you like fine horses, or
it may be some one has offended you, and you would like his head? If so,
tell me, Kate, and you shall have his head; a wink from me, and it
drops at your feet. For I am almighty and all-powerful, and no one is
so innocent and pure, that my will cannot find in him a crime which will
cost him his life. Speak, then, Kate; what would you have? What will
gladden your heart?"

Catharine smiled in spite of her secret fear and horror. "Sire," said
she, "you have given me so many brilliants, that I can shine and glitter
with them, as night does with her stars. If you give me a castle by the
sea, that is, at the same time, banishing me from Whitehall and your
presence; I wish, therefore, for no castle of my own. I wish only to
dwell with you in your castles, and my king's abode shall be my only
residence."

"Beautifully and wisely spoken," said the king; "I will remember these
words if ever your enemies endeavor to send you to a dwelling and a
castle other than that which your king occupies. The Tower is also a
castle, Kate, but I give you my royal word you shall never occupy that
castle. You want no treasures and no castles? It is, then, somebody's
head that you demand of me?"

"Yes, sire, it is the head of some on