The Tower of London: A Historical Romance, IllustratedAinsworth, William Harrison
General
The Tower of London: A Historical Romance, Illustrated
Ainsworth, William Harrison
Grey, Jane, Lady, 1537-1554 -- Fiction; London (England) -- Fiction; Tower of London (London, England) -- Fiction
As Northumberland slowly accompanied the bishop along the nave, he saw,
with some misgiving, the figures of Simon Renard and Gunnora emerge from
behind the pillars of the northern aisle. His glance met that of Renard,
and there was something in the look of the Spaniard that made him fear
he was the dupe of a plot—but it was now too late to retreat. When
within a few paces of the altar, the Duke again knelt down, while the
bishop removed his mitre as before, and placed himself in front of him.
0205
Meanwhile, the whole nave of the church, the aisles, and the circular
openings of the galleries above, were filled with spectators. A wide
semicircle was formed around the converts. On the right stood several
priests. On the left Simon Renard had planted himself, and near to him
stood Gunnora; while, on the same side against one of the pillars, was
reared the gigantic frame of Magog. A significant look passed between
them as Northumberland knelt before the altar. Extending his arms
over the convert, Gardiner now pronounced the following exhortation:—
“Omnipotens sempiterne Deus hanc ovem tuam de faucibus lupi tua virtute
subtractam paterna recipe, pietate et gregi tuo reforma piâ benignitate
ne de familiâ tua damno inimicus exultet; sed de conversione et
liberatione jus ecclesiam ut pia mater de filio reperto gratuletur per
Christum Dominum nostrum.”
“Amen!” ejaculated Northumberland.
After uttering another prayer, the bishop resumed his mitre, and seating
himself upon the faldstool, which, in the interim, had been placed by
the attendants in front of the altar, again interrogated the proselyte:—
“Homo, abrcnuncias Sathanas et angelos ejus?”
“Abrenuncio,” replied the Duke.
“Abrenuncias etiam omnes sectas hereticæ pravitatis?” continued the
bishop.
“Abrenuncio,” responded the convert.
“Vis esse et vivere in imitate sancto fidei Catholico?” demanded
Gardiner.
“Volo,” answered the Duke.
Then again taking off his mitre, the bishop arose, and laying his right
hand upon the head of the Duke, recited another prayer, concluding by
signing him with the cross. This done, he resumed his mitre, and seated
himself on the faldstool, while Northumberland, in a loud voice, again
made a profession of his faith, and abjuration of his errors—admitting
and embracing the apostolical ecclesiastical traditions, and
all others—acknowledging all the observances of the Roman
church——purgatory—the veneration of saints and relics—the power of
indulgences—promising obedience to the Bishop of Rome,—and engaging to
retain and confess the same faith entire and invio-lated to the end
of his life. “Ago talis,” he said, in conclusion, “cognoscens veram
Catholicam et Apostolicum fidem. Anathematizo hic publiée omnem heresem,
procipuè illam de qua hactenus extiti.” This he affirmed by placing both
hands upon the book of the holy gospels, proffered him by the bishop,
exclaiming, “Sic me Deus adjunct, et hoc sancta Dei evangelia!”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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