Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/680

666 She always took a peculiar pleasure in reading the sacred writings, and seems to have been piously disposed from her infancy; but the religious duties she so carefully practised in her youth were according to the Roman catholic faith, though she was afterwards very strenuous in advancing the reformation, and encouraging the protestant cause. These designs she pursued as far as the mutable and perverse disposition of an arbitrary prince, and the iniquity of the times would admit; and even further than she could do, without exposing herself to the utmost danger. For though her endeavours were managed with great prudence, and as much secrecy as the nature of the thing would admit of; yet they were observed by Gardiner, bishop of Winchester, who, with chancellor Wriothesly, and others, conspired against her so artfully, that, having drawn up articles, they got a warrant signed with the king's own hand to commit her to the Tower; which being accidentally dropt, was luckily found by one who conveyed it to the queen. The sight of it, and the recollection of the hard fate of some of her predecessors, threw her into a violent disorder, which confined her to her bed. The king hearing of her illness, made her a very seasonable visit; spoke to her all the kind things imaginable; and sent her Dr. Wendy, one of his physicians. Being himself at that time somewhat ill disposed, the doctor advised her by all means to go and cheer him up, and recruit his drooping spirits; not doubting but that by her good sense, and prudent management, she might avert the impending danger. The queen took his advice, and soon after made his majesty a visit, attended only by her sister the lady Herbert, and lady Lane. She found him sitting and talking with some gentlemen of his chamber. The king seemed pleased with her visit; and breaking off his discourse with