The Question of the Seal.

           Aboutfiveo’clockHenryVIII.awokeoutofanunrefreshingnap,andmutteredtohimself,"Troublousdreams,troublousdreams!Mineendisnowathand:sosaythesewarnings,andmyfailingpulsesdoconfirmit."Presentlyawickedlightflamedupinhiseye,andhemuttered,"YetwillnotIdietillHegobefore."

           Hisattendantsperceivingthathewasawake,oneofthemaskedhispleasureconcerningtheLordChancellor,whowaswaitingwithout.

           "Admithim,admithim!"exclaimedtheKingeagerly.

           TheLordChancellorentered,andkneltbytheKing’scouch,saying—

           "Ihavegivenorder,and,accordingtotheKing’scommand,thepeersoftherealm,intheirrobes,donowstandatthebaroftheHouse,where,havingconfirmedtheDukeofNorfolk’sdoom,theyhumblywaithismajesty’sfurtherpleasureinthematter."

           TheKing’sfacelitupwithafiercejoy.Saidhe—

           "Liftmeup!InmineownpersonwillIgobeforemyParliament,andwithmineownhandwillIsealthewarrantthatridsmeof—"

           Hisvoicefailed;anashenpallorswepttheflushfromhischeeks;andtheattendantseasedhimbackuponhispillows,andhurriedlyassistedhimwithrestoratives.Presentlyhesaidsorrowfully—

           "Alack,howhaveIlongedforthissweethour!andlo,toolateitcometh,andIamrobbedofthissocovetedchance.Butspeedye,speedye!letothersdothishappyofficesith‘tisdeniedtome.IputmyGreatSealincommission:choosethouthelordsthatshallcomposeit,andgetyetoyourwork.Speedye,man!Beforethesunshallriseandsetagain,bringmehisheadthatImayseeit."