some
few of his favorite noblemen, appeared so animated by a new cause of
excitement as to be almost unconscious of the internal pains which even
at that moment were more than usually intense. His courtiers looked on
unconcernedly while, literally shaking with disease and weakness, he
coolly and deliberately traced those letters which gave a base and
ignominious death to one of the best, the noblest, loveliest spirits
that ever walked the earth, and signed the doom of misery and madness to
another; and yet no avenging hand stretched forth between him and his
victim, no pang was on his heart to bid him pause, be merciful, and
spare. Oh, what would this earth be were it all in all, and what were
life if ending in the grave? Faith, thou art the crystal key opening to
the spirit the glorious vision of immortality, bidding the trusting
heart, when sick and weary of the dark deeds and ruthless spoilers of
this lovely earth, rest on thy downy wings, and seek for peace and
comfort there.

"Who waits?" demanded the king, as his pen ceased in its task.

"Sir Stephen Fitzjohn, my liege, sent by the Earl of Berwick with the
warrant, for which he waits."

"He need wait no longer then, for it is there. Two hours before noon the
traitor dies; we give him grace till then, that our good subjects of
Berwick may take warning by his fate, and our bird in the cage witness
the end of the gallant so devoted to her cause. Bid the knight begone,
my Lord of Arundel; he hath too long waited our pleasure. Ha! whom have
we here? who craves admittance thus loudly?" he added, observing, as the
earl lifted the hangings to depart, some bustle in the ante-room. "Who
is it so boldly demanding speech with us?"

"Her Highness the Princess Joan, Countess of Gloucester, please you, my
liege," replied the chamberlain; "she will not take denial."

"Is it so hard a thing for a daughter to gain admittance to a father,
even though he be a sovereign?" interrupted the princess, who, attended
only by a single page bearing her train, advanced within the chamber,
her firm and graceful deportment causing the lords to fall back on
either side, and give her passage, though the expression of their
monarch's countenance denoted the visit was unwelcome.

"Humbly and earnestly I do beseech your grace's pardon for this
over-bold intrusion," she said, bending one knee before him; "but indeed
my business could not be delayed. My liege and father, grant me but a
few brie