Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 5.djvu/180

160 would find it difficult to refuse to the entreaties of a dying prince. When Edward's mind was first set working upon the subject, the extremity of his danger was concealed from him, and Scheyfne was informed rightly, that one of the points pressed upon his consideration was the objection to a female sovereign. The plot was altogether precipitate and inconsistent: the Duke had resolved on nothing beyond setting Mary aside. Some time in the beginning of June Edward wrote with his own hand what he called 'his device for the succession.'

For lack of issue male of my body to the issue male coming of the issue female, as I have after declared: to the Lady Frances's heirs males, for lack of if she have any such issue before my death: to the Lady Jane 's and her heirs males. To the Lady Catherine's heirs males. To the Lady Mary's heirs males. To the heirs males of the daughters which she [i.e. the Duchess of Suffolk] shall have hereafter. Then to the Lady Margaret's heir's males. For lack of such issue, to the heirs males of the Lady Jane's