THE DEVOTED DAUGHTER. fort us at Chelsey in this your absence ? Surely, the remembrance of your manner of life passed among us, -your holy conversation,-your whole- some counsels,-your examples of virtue, of which there is hope that they do not only persevere with you, but that they are by God's grace much more increased." Fifteen months dragged their slow length away ; and Sir Thomas More was arraigned on a charge of high treason. His noble defence, his pale and care- worn looks, his tottering steps, drew sympathy from every spectator; but in vain. He was found GUILTY; and condemned to the fearful death awarded in cases of treason. As he quitted the bar, the ominous edge of the executioner's axe turned towards him; his son John met him, and throwing himself on his knees, begging his father's blessing; but a more trying scene awaited the condemned. man. Margaret, knowing that he should pass the Tower wharf on his return, was watching for him, attended only by her maid. When he approached, shepressed through the crowd, and falling at his feet, received his blessing, then flinging herself wildly into his arms in an agony of despair, she embraced and kissed him in speechless grief. With a few words of gentle comfort, he extricated himself from her clasping arms, and moved on ; but he had hardly advanced a couple of paces, when, regardless of the throng, or of the guards that with halberds and bills encompassed him, she again ran towards him, 21
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