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of awaiting his coronation, and who also desires to gain 

 possession of his brother. A long and stormy debate had 

 taken place in the star-chamber, close to Elizabeth's 

 retreat. It was argued there, that men and women might 

 remain in sanctuary, but that young children had no 

 need, they being guileless of all crimes that might 

 affect the state ; that consequently the Duke of Gloucester 

 might possess himself of his nephew whenever it pleased 

 him. The archbishop was extremely concerned when he 

 heard all this, and he preferred his services to speak with 

 the queen, rather than force should be used.* 



The scene has changed from the great hall, with its fresh 

 flowers around the hearthstone, and its floor strewed 

 with green rushes, to the great Jerusalem chamber, with 

 its Gothic window of richly stained and painted glass, its 

 curious tapestry, and ancient picture of King Richard. 

 Observe the venerable man, beneath the surface of whose 

 placid and pale features deep feelings are at work. He 

 knows not what to say, nor how to prepare the mind of 

 the poor queen for the stern resolve of the hunchbacked 

 protector, with regard to the young prince. At length 

 he began by urging that the king required the company 

 of his brother, being much cast down for the want of a 

 playfellow. 



" Troweth the protector," replies the queen, (heaven 

 grant that he may prove a protector,) "that the king 

 doth lack a playfellow ? Can none be found to play 

 *Hall. 



