Katharine kept her eyes upon Throckmorton who, knowing her power to sway the King, nodded gravely and looked into her eyes to assure her that these words were true.
But the King, upon his feet, marched towards the door.
'Let us arm my guard,' he said. 'I will play Nero to London town.'
Nevertheless Throckmorton kept his knees.
'Majesty,' he said, 'I have this man in my keeping.' And indeed, at his passing London Bridge he had sent men to take the printer and bring him to Hampton. 'I pray your pardon that I took him lacking your warrant, and Privy Seal's I dare not ask.'
The King stayed in his pacing.
'Thou art a jewel of a man,' he said. 'By Cock, I would I had many like thee.' And at the news that the head of this confederacy was taken his sudden fear fell. 'I will see this man. Bring him to me.'
'Sire,' Katharine said, 'we spoke even now of Cinna. Remember him!'
'Madam,' Throckmorton dared to speak. 'This is the man that hath printed broadsides against you. No man more hateth you in land or hath uttered more lewdnesses of your chastity.'
'The more I will have him pardoned,' Katharine said, 'that his Highness and all people may see how little I fear his lyings.'