To think that such as these should know the lash!- in England! Ay,
there's the shame of it- not in Heathenesse, but Christian England!
They will be scourged; and I, whom they have comforted and kindly
entreated, must look on and see the great wrong done; it is strange,
so strange! that I, the very source of power in this broad realm, am
helpless to protect them. But let these miscreants look well to
themselves, for there is a day coming when I will require of them a
heavy reckoning for this work. For every blow they strike now they
shall feel a hundred then.'
A great gate swung open and a crowd of citizens poured in. They
flocked around the two women, and hid them from the king's view. A
clergyman entered and passed through the crowd, and he also was
hidden. The king now heard talking, back and forth, as if questions
were being asked and answered, but he could not make out what was
said. Next there was a deal of bustle and preparation, and much
passing and repassing of officials through that part of the crowd that
stood on the further side of the women; and while this proceeded a
deep hush gradually fell upon the people.
Now, by command, the masses parted and fell aside, and the king
saw a spectacle that froze the marrow in his bones. Fagots had been
piled about the two women, and a kneeling man was lighting them!
The women bowed their heads, and covered their faces with their
hands; the yellow flames began to climb upward among the snapping
and crackling fagots, and wreaths of blue smoke to stream away on
the wind; the clergyman lifted his hands and began a prayer- just then
two young girls came flying through the great gate, uttering
piercing screams, and threw themselves upon the women at the stake.
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