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Rh they were Englishmen, could not fail to pity him." So he went piteously, after weary months of sickness and hopes renewed only to be disappointed, at last to his sad end. Anne Bullen's "tablet of gold," which she took from her girdle and sent to him by the hands of Master Doctor Butts, the King's physician, "with very gentle and comfortable words and commendations," would not long deceive the fallen man; for in the lordly house he had built she sat in half-royal stateliness beside the King.

III

Henry entered upon the possession of Hampton Court as soon as he had sent Wolsey into retirement at Esher. He began building at once. His tennis-court may still be seen, though his bowling-alley is not so easily traced. His great hall was soon to rise in the Clock-court. Everywhere he was adding and decorating, and his pleasure in all things ruled the day. His patient wife still had her rooms in the Palace; but daily the mistress stood by the King's side as he shot, or wandered with him on the terrace walks by the river. It was at Hampton Court, at last, that Henry heard the news of his faithful servant's death, and it was from honest Cavendish that he heard it. The day of the burial, when it was all over, at about six in the morning, the loyal servant was sent to tell the King.