This very morrow shall he be
installed in his princely dignity in due and ancient form. Take
instant order for it, my Lord Hertford.'
One of the nobles knelt at the royal couch, and said:
'The king's majesty knoweth that the Hereditary Great Marshal of
England lieth attainted in the Tower. It were not meet that one
attainted-'
'Peace! Insult not mine ears with his hated name. Is this man to
live forever? Am I to be balked of my will? Is the prince to tarry
uninstalled, because, forsooth, the realm lacketh an earl marshal free
of treasonable taint to invest him with his honors? No, by the
splendor of God! Warn my parliament to bring me Norfolk's doom
before the sun rise again, else shall they answer for it
grievously!*(3)
Lord Hertford said:
'The king's will is law'; and, rising, returned to his former
place.
Gradually the wrath faded out of the old king's face, and he said:
'Kiss me, my prince. There... what fearest thou? Am I not thy
loving father?'
'Thou art good to me that am unworthy, O mighty and gracious lord;
that in truth I know. But- but- it grieveth me to think of him that is
to die, and-'
'Ah, 'tis like thee, 'tis like thee! I know thy heart is still the
same, even though thy mind hath suffered hurt, for thou wert ever of a
gentle spirit. But this duke standeth between thee and thine honors: I
will have another in his stead that shall bring no taint to his
great office. Comfort thee, my prince: trouble not thy poor head
with this matter.
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