Page:The religious life of King Henry VI.djvu/44

24 his married life as a chaste, Christian husband. As an example of the purity of his life it may be mentioned that he avoided all immodesty of dress and, having the example of King David before his mind, he made a covenant with his eyes never to look at any woman with sinful pleasure. On one occasion whilst the young people at the Court were enjoying some Christmas dances, one of the great lords of the Court brought into the hall some female performers who were very scantily dressed and presented them to the young King. This, says Blackman, the author of this life, was "perhaps to test his virtue or to ensnare his young soul." Henry, however, "not taken off his habitual guard and recognizing the snare of the devil, was highly indignant. He lowered his eyes, and quickly turning his back, left the apartment saying: 'Fye, fye for shame, foresooth ye be to blame.'"

At another time, whilst riding through the city of Bath, where are the hot springs, in which the people of those parts are accustomed to bathe, the King, looking into the bath, saw men with all their clothes off and practically naked. He at once left the place, regarding such nudity as a crime, not forgetting the