Lady Jane Grey (Volume 1); An Historical Romance

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1840. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XV. There was a lady once, ('tis an old story, ) That would not be a queen, that would she not, For all the mud in Egypt. King Henry VIII. Leaving Gilbert Pots to pursue his journey, our story now carries us into the very heart of these stirring times, and to the presence of the Lady Jane Grey. It would be a dry and unwelcome task to analyze her feelings, from the time that her quietude was first disturbed by her ambitious mother, up to the period of the death of Edward. Suffice it to say that the crafty Duchess continued to work upon her at every opportunity, beset her morning and night, in a similar way to that which we have attempted to describe in a former chapter, until she could occupy her mind with no other thoughts, than that Fate had destined her to become a queen: and the beautiful victim half lent her reluctant ear to its belief, wept, sighed and prayed, yet could think of nothing else. Her mind was filled with the thoughts which had been forced upon her during the day, until her rest was broken; and in sleep she saw visions of crowns, beheld beheaded relatives, heard the fires crackle, and saw the faggots blaze, which were consuming all that were dear to her: then she awoke, and wet her pillow with tears--went to sleep with a sigh, and dreamed over the same dreams again. Her mind was gradually and unweariedly prepared for the great part which she was destined to play. The poison was administered in slow but sure doses; her unfeeling mother was constantly holding the chalice to her lips, and she drank without knowing when. Pages might be dedicated to the plans of the attack, and even rendered interesting, but they would not forward our story a jot; they were revolting, coldblooded and devilish, yet she saw not through the designs of the t...