* * * * * *
That is the story of the assassination of Henry IV. re-told in
the light of certain records which appear to me to have been
insufficiently studied. They should suggest a train of speculation
leading to inferences which, whilst obvious, I hesitate to define
absolutely.
"If it be asked," says Perefixe, "who were the friends that
suggested to Ravaillac so damnable a design, history replies that
it is ignorant and that upon an action of Such consequences it is
not permissible to give suspicions and conjectures for certain
truths. The judges themselves who interrogated him dared not open
their mouths, and never mentioned the matter but with gestures of
horror and amazement."
VI. THE BARREN WOOING
The Murder of Amy Robsart
There had been a banquet, followed by a masque, and this again by
a dance in which the young queen had paired off with Lord Robert
Dudley, who in repute was the handsomest man in Europe, just as
in fact he was the vainest, shallowest, and most unscrupulous.
There had been homage and flattery lavishly expressed, and there
was a hint of masked hostility from certain quarters to spice the
adventure, and to thrill her bold young spirit.
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