His attendants perceiving that he was awake, one of them asked his pleasure

Concerning the Lord Chancellor, who was waiting without.

'Admit him, admit him!' exclaimed the king eagerly.

The Lord Chancellor entered, and knelt by the king's couch, saying:

'I have given order, and, according to the king's command, the peers of the

Realm, in their robes, do now stand at the bar of the House, where, having

confirmed the Duke of Norfolk's doom, they humbly wait his majesty's

further pleasure in the matter.'

The king's face lit up with a fierce joy. Said he:

'Lift me up! In mine own person will I go before my Parliament, and with

mine own hand will I seal the warrant that rids me of —'

His voice failed; an ashen pallor swept the flush from his cheeks; and the

Attendants eased him back upon his pillows, and hurriedly assisted him with

restoratives. Presently he said sorrowfully:

'Alack, how have I longed for this sweet hour! and lo, too late it cometh, and I

am robbed of this so coveted chance. But speed ye, speed ye! let others do this

happy office sith 'tis denied to me. I put my Great Seal in commission: choose

thou the lords that shall compose it, and get ye to your work. Speed ye, man!

Before the sun shall rise and set again, bring me his head that I may see it.'

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'According to the king's command, so shall it be. Will't please your majesty to