Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/755

Rh visit there; where she used all the arguments, reason, and eloquence she was mistress of, to bring him to a compliance with the oath, notwithstanding she herself took it with this exception, "as far as would stand with the law of God," that if it had been possible she might have saved his life: but all proved ineffectual, his conscience being dearer to him than any worldly consideration whatever; even that of his favourite daughter's peace and happiness.

Dr. Knight, in his Life of Erasmus, says, "that after sentence of death was passed on Sir Thomas, as he was going back to the Tower, she rushed through the guards and crouds of people, and came pressing towards him; at such a sight, as courageous as he was, he could hardly bear up under the surprize his passionate affection for her raised in him; for she fell upon his neck, and held him fast in the most endearing embraces, but could not speak one word, great griefs having the stupifying quality of making the most eloquent dumb. The guards, though justly reputed an unrelenting crew, were much moved at this sight, and therefore were more willing to give Sir Thomas leave to speak to her, which he did in these few words: 'My most dear Margaret, bear with patience, nor grieve any longer for me. It is the Will of God, and therefore must be submitted to;' and then gave her a parting kiss. But after she was withdrawn ten or a dozen feet off, she came running to him again, fell upon his neck, but grief stopped her mouth. Her father looked wistfully upon her but said nothing, the tears trickling down his cheeks, a language too well understood by his distressed daughter, though he bore ail this without the least change of countenance; but just when he was to take his final