On seeing M. du Bellay enter, his countenance lighted up; he ran on before him, and endeavored to arouse Wolsey from his stupor.
“My lord, the ambassador of France!” he cried in the ear of the dying man.
But he received no reply.
“It is singular,” said the doctors, “nothing can arouse him.” And they looked gravely at each other.
“He will not die! I tell you he will not die!” replied Cromwell, evincing the most impatient anxiety.
He approached the cardinal and shook his head.
“Crom—well,” murmured the sick man.
“Monsieur du Bellay!” shouted Cromwell a second time.
Wolsey’s eyes remained closed.
“Let him alone,” cried the physicians; “he must not be excited.”