Page:The religious life of King Henry VI.djvu/50

30 Speaking of King Henry's humility, the writer Blackman says that it must first be understood that he was specially devoted to this virtue. He was never ashamed to act as the server of any priest celebrating Mass in his presence, answering: ''Amen. Sed libera nos a malo'', etc. This, says Blackman, he often did "to me an unworthy priest."

At table, even at a short repast, Henry always finished "as religious do," by rising quickly, standing for a moment in silence, and every time devoutly rendering thanks to God. Master Doctor Town testifies that the King ordered his almoner always to place in front of him on the table at every meal a plaque, having upon it a representation of the Five Wounds of Christ as if wet with His blood. Before any course was served he would devoutly gaze upon the image, and renew his devotion to God.

It is related of him that riding one day along a road, he stopped to rest outside a cemetery at the east side of the church. At the time the Blessed Sacrament was not in the pyx hanging over the altar and, to the astonishment of his suite, Henry did not remove his hat, as he was always accustomed to do out of