, 1843-08-19
QUEEN III E.

HER LAST INTERVIEW WITH HENRY VIII.
On the first appearance Of Anne
Boleyn at St. Georges Chapel, she
was accompanied by the King, and
they heard vespers performed. Just
os they were about to return, an ush-
err advanced towards Henry, and
making a profound reverence, said
that a masked dame, whose habila-
ments proclaimed her of the highest
rank, craved a moments audience o!
him.
where is sheY demanded the
King.
'In the north aisle an please your
majesty replied the usher, neal the
Urswick Chapel. | told her that this
was not the place for an audience OF
your majesty, nor the time; but she
would not be said nay, and therefore,
at tie risk of mourning your sovereign
d~ispleasure, | have ventured to prof
fer her request
The usher omitted TO state that
his chief induccment TO incur the
risk. was n valuable ring given him
by the lady.
Well, will 90 to her. said the
King. i pray You Reuse me for a
short space. fair Mistress he added,
to Anne Boleyn.
With this, he quilted the chair, and
entered the northern aisle. Casting
his eyes down the line of noble col
umns bv which it is nankcd, and see
ing no one, he concluded that the la
DIV most have retired into the Yrs
wick Chapel. And so il proved; for
on reaching this exquisite little recess.
he perceived a tall. masked dame
within it. clad in robes Of the richest
back velvet. As he entered the
Chapel. the lady advanced toward
him. and throwing herself on her
knees. removed her mask. disclosing
features stamped with suffering and
sorrow. but still retaining IN express
sion of the greatest dignity. They
were those of Catharine of Arragon.
Uttering an angry exclamation,
Henry turned on his heel. and would
have left her, but she chung TO the
skirts of his robe.
Hear me a moment, Henrv-my
king--my bushand-one single mo-
ment-hear met she cried IN tones
of such passionate anguish, that he
could not resist the appeal.
BE brief, then, Kate he ~reioined,
taking her hand to raise her.
Blessings on you for the world
cried the Queen, covering his hand
with kisses. ] am. indeed. Your own
true Kate Your faithful, loving, law
ful wife,
Rise. madam said Henry coldIv;
this posture becomes not Catharlne
Of Arragon.'
Il obey you as | have ever DONE
she replied rising, though if ] follow
ed the prom,ings Of my own heart, |
should not quit my knees ill | had
gained my suit
You have done wrong in ceming
here, Catharine, al this luncture,' said
Henry, 'and may compel me to some
harsh measure which ! would willing
" have avoided
No one knows that | am here re-
piled the Queen, 'excep: two faithful
attendants, who are vowed TO Secre-
cy; and ! shall depart as came
Il am glad you have taken these
precautions,' replied Henry. Now
speak freely, but again must bid you
be brief
Il will be brief as cam replied
the Queen, 'but | pray you bear with
me, Henry, i'll u~nhappiiy weary you.
| am full of misery and affection. and
never was the daughter and wife of
a King wretched as | am. Pity me.
Henry, pity me! But that | restrain
myself, | should ponr forth my soul
IN tears before you. Oh fenry, al
ter twenty wears duty and love, to
be brought 10 this unspeakable shame
be cast from you with dishonor
be supplanted by another-it is
terrible"
IF you have only come here to
utter reproaches, madam, | must put
an end to the interview said Henry
4 do not reproach you, Henry
said Catharine meekly, 4 only wish
show you the depth and extent of
nv affection. only inplore you to
do me right and justice-not to bring
upon me to v your own
wrongful actions. Have compass.
sion upon the Princess, our daughter