“Heaven has stirred your heart to much good work, Madam,” said the Cardinal. “The Church will have cause to bless your name.”
“Yet another matter,” observed the Queen. “I desire to have masses said for the repose of my father’s soul, and would fain endow a church for that especial purpose.”
“Alas! Madam, I cannot aid you there,” replied Pole. “His Holiness will never permit the endowment of a church for the benefit of the soul of so determined a foe to the See of Rome as Henry VIII. No priest will pray for him.”
“But I can pray for him, and do so daily,” rejoined Mary. “I trust his heavily-laden soul is not beyond the reach of intercession. Since I may not endow a church to say masses for him, I will augment the revenues of the college he re-founded at Cambridge, in the hope that those who are taught there may pray for the soul of their benefactor.”
“A pious act, Madam,” said Pole, “and I trust it may be profitable to your father’s soul.”
“All these things I do, my Lord Cardinal,” pursued Mary, “in preparation for my hour of travail, when I may be called away suddenly from this transitory life. If I should be, you will religiously fulfil my designs.”
“By Heaven’s grace, Madam, I will accomplish the work you confide to me,” said the Cardinal. “The goods of the Church shall be restored to holy uses, and all other things done as you have appointed.”
“One question more, and I have done,” said Mary. “I am about to make my will, and propose to settle the crown on the King my husband, after my decease.”
“Is his Majesty aware of your intention, Madam,” inquired the Cardinal.
“It is his wish that I should do so,” replied Mary.