“What can I do?” cried Mary. “I have promised the King an order for her removal from your Eminence, and deliverance up to Bonner.”
“Madam, if that order be given and acted upon, I shall resist it,” replied Pole.
“Heaven aid me!” exclaimed the Queen. “I am sorely perplexed, and know not how to act for the best.”
“Consult the King, your husband, Madam,” rejoined the Cardinal. “Tell him what I have told you, and of my resolution.”
“I shall not need to be told,” said Philip, coming from behind the arras. “I have heard all that has passed between you and her Majesty.”
“I shrink from nothing I have uttered, Sire,” rejoined Pole. “I should have spoken with equal freedom had you stood before me. But I beseech you pursue not this matter further. Consequences you may not foresee will flow from it. You will array against you a force stronger than you can resist. I may be compelled to yield, but my voice will be heard, and its echoes may shake your throne to its foundations.”
“Your Eminence menaces me,” cried Philip, sternly.
“No, Sire, I warn you,” rejoined the Cardinal, with dignity. “You are on a perilous path, from which it were wise to turn back.”
| Cardinal Pole counsels the Queen. | |
| P. 300. | |