“Why has the punishment he so richly merits been so long delayed?” demanded Philip.
“His offences, Sire, are of so heinous a nature,” responded Gardiner, “and so fraught with injury to our holy religion in its most vital part, that it has been necessary to refer them to that supreme tribunal before which such inquests can only properly be held. His case has been laid before the Pope, who has appointed the Bishop of Gloucester and a commission to try him. On their report, judgment will be pronounced in solemn consistory by his Holiness. What that judgment will be, cannot for a moment be doubted. Cranmer will be excommunicated and anathematised, deprived of the archbishopric of Canterbury, and of all ecclesiastical privileges. Furthermore he will be degraded and delivered to the secular power, and your Majesties will be required by his Holiness to proceed towards him as the law directs.”
“For his offences the law prescribes death by fire, and by that death he shall die,” said Mary.
“Alas, that it should be so!” muttered Pole. “When will the true spirit of the Gospel, which inculcates toleration, charity, and forgiveness of injuries, be understood, and its principles practised? I would make a last appeal to your Majesties in behalf of those unfortunates,” he added to the Queen.
Before replying, Mary consulted the King by a look. His stern expression of countenance confirmed her.
“It is in vain,” she replied. “My heart is steeled against them.”
CHAPTER V.
BISHOP BONNER.