feasted with the Knights--Companions in Saint George's Hall.


From a balcony overlooking the upper ward, Anne Boleyn beheld the
king's approach on his return from the Garter Tower, and waving her
hand smilingly to him, she withdrew into the presence-chamber.
Hastening to her, Henry found her surrounded by her ladies of honour,
by the chief of the nobles and knights who had composed her train from
Hampton Court, and by the Cardinals Wolsey and Campeggio; and
having exchanged a few words with her, he took her hand, and led her
to the upper part of the chamber, where two chairs of state were set
beneath a canopy of crimson velvet embroidered with the royal arms,
and placed her in the seat hitherto allotted to Catherine of Arragon. A
smile of triumph irradiated Anne's lovely countenance at this mark of
distinction, nor was her satisfaction diminished as Henry turned to
address the assemblage.

"My lords," he said, "ye are right well aware of the scruples of
conscience I entertain in regard to my marriage with my brother's
widow, Catherine of Arragon. The more I weigh the matter, the more
convinced am I of its unlawfulness; and were it possible to blind myself
to my sinful condition, the preachers, who openly rebuke me from the
pulpit, would take care to remind me of it. Misunderstand me not, my
lords. I have no ground of complaint against the queen. Far otherwise.
She is a lady of most excellent character--full of devotion, loyalty,
nobility, and gentleness. And if I could divest myself of my misgivings,
so far from seeking to put her from me, I should cherish her with the
greatest tenderness. Ye may marvel that I have delayed the divorce
thus long. But it is only of late that my eyes have been opened; and the
step was hard to take. Old affections clung to me--old chains