“His tongue ought to be torn from his throat for giving utterance to the lies his black heart has conceived!” cried Philip.
“My tongue has uttered no lies,” said Carver. “I have shown the Queen how she has been deceived.”
“Thou hast simply proved thine own wickedness and malevolence,” said Pole. “Her Majesty despises thy slander.”
“But it cannot pass unpunished.” said Philip. “Let the false villain instantly retract the calumnies he has uttered, or he shall be tied to yon post and scourged till he shall confess himself a liar and a slanderer. Let him be forced to recite the prayer for her Majesty’s safe deliverance, on pain of further torture. And, until he manifest contrition for his offences, let his chastisement be daily repeated.”
“I will do none of these things,” rejoined Carver, resolutely. “Scourge me to death, and I will not retract a single word I have uttered. I will not pray that the Queen, whom thou hast deceived and wronged, may bear thee a son, and so confirm thine authority. But I will pray to the last that my country may be delivered from oppression, that the Papal power may be overthrown, and the Protestant religion be re-established.”
“Thy resolution shall be tested,” said Philip.
“Your Majesty is justly incensed against this miserable man,” said Pole to the King. “Yet would I step between him and your anger, and entreat you to spare him the chastisement you have ordered to be inflicted upon him. I do not seek to extenuate his offences, they are many and heinous, and he must bear their punishment. But spare him additional suffering. Spare him the scourge and the rack.”
“I will spare him nothing unless he retract,” replied Philip, sternly.
“I would accept no grace procured by thee,” said Carver to Pole. “As the representative of Antichrist, I regard thee with loathing and detestation, and will take nothing from thee.”
“Were not thy mind distraught, thou couldst have no antipathy to one who would befriend thee,” replied the Cardinal. “My religion teaches me to bless those that curse us, to pray for them that use us despitefully. Be assured I shall not forget thee in my prayers.”
Carver regarded him steadily, but made no answer.
“I shall pray that thy heart may be softened,” pursued Pole, “that thou mayst understand thy sinfulness, and truly repent of it ere it be too late. Once more I beseech your Majesty to spare him the torture.”