He caught her masterfully in his arms.
'This is a golden world, and thou a golden Queen,' he said.
She held her head back from his lips, and struggled from him.
'I may not find any straightness here. I can see no clear way. Let me go.'
He took her again to him, and again she tore herself free.
'Listen to me,' she cried, 'listen to me! There have been broadsides printed against the truth of my body; there have been witnesses prepared against me. I will have you swear that you will read of these broadsides, and consider of these witnesses.'
'Before God,' he said, 'I will hang the printers, and slay the witnesses with my fist. I know how these things be made.' He shook his fist. 'I love thee so that were they true, and wert thou the woman of Sodom, I would have thee to my Queen!'
She cried out 'Ah!'
'Child,' he calmed himself, 'I will keep my hands from thee. But I would fain have the kisses of thy mouth.'
She went to lean upon her table, for her knees trembled.