--Look, my Fleming,
suppose then such clustered locks as these of our Catherine,
they would not put shame upon thy skill.' So saying she
passed her hand fondly over the head of her youthful
favourite, while her more aged attendant replied
despondently, 'Alas, madam, your thoughts stray far from
home.' 'They do, my Fleming,' said the queen, 'but is it
well or kind in you to call them back?--God knows they have
kept the perch this night but too closely.--Come, I will
recall the gay vision, were it but to punish them. Yes, at
that blithesome bridal, Mary herself shall forget the weight
of sorrows, and the toil of state, and herself once more
lead a measure.--At whose wedding was it that we last
danced, my Fleming? I think care has troubled my memory--yet
something of it I should remember, canst thou not aid me? I
know thou canst.' 'Alas, madam,' replied the lady. 'What,'
said Mary, 'wilt thou not help us so far? this is a peevish
adherence to thine own graver opinion which holds our talk
as folly.
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