Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 4.djvu/248

228 chancellor to give his sanction. The order was read. The clerk of the Upper House at the close pronounced the customary words—soit faict comme il est desiré.

The peers, knights, and burgesses departed to their houses. On the day which followed they met as usual for despatch of business; but their business was a form; they were no longer a Parliament. On the same morning, an hour after midnight, Henry VIII. had died. Late on Thursday evening the symptoms had become rapidly worse. He was asked which of his bishops he desired to see. He answered Cranmer. The Archbishop was sent for, but there was some delay; and when he reached Whitehall, the King, though conscious, was speechless. Cranmer, 'speaking comfortably to him, desired him to give him some token that he put his trust in God through Jesus Christ; therewith the King wrung hard the Archbishop's hand,' and expired.

The great event was come; and what would follow? Had it occurred a few weeks sooner it would have been the signal of confusion, persecution, perhaps insurrection and civil war. The peril was escaped for the moment; but whether for the moment only might depend on the foresight of the sovereign, who being dead was yet to