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The tutoress having got this letter from the innocent young lady, she inclosed it in one written by herself to the king. The king was pleased with the letters, and made all the haste he could to put an end to the affairs that kept him in Normandy. Now it happened that the lady Clifford going into her daughter's closet, accidentally espied the king's letter to Rosamond; at which, being greatly surprised, as knowing nothing of what had passed between them, she called her daughter to her, and asked what was the meaning of that letter? Rosa- mond, as much surprised at that question as her mother was at the letter, knew not what to answer. Her mother taking her silence for an argument of her guilt, took the letter in her hand, and went immediately to Lord Clifford, who had a very ten- der love for Rosamond, and shewing him the letter, he was execeedingly disturbed: and they went to their daughter's chamber, upbraiding her with being criminal with the king, and taking away the only comfort of their lives, who looked on her as their chief treasure. She kneeled down and solemnly protested she was an unblemished virgin, and that she never had yet given herself up to the king's embraces. This letter, she said, was presented to her by an unknown hand, as she was going to chapel, not knowing it was from the king till she had read it, which whilst she was doing the mes- senger withdrew. And now, my honoured father, I desire to know wherein I am criminal, unless it be not acquainting you I had received the letter. Her father replied, -"My only child, my dear Rosamond, the staff and comfort of thy father's age, I am glad to find thou art innocent. What honour would it be to have said, Rosamond is king Henry's concubine, and for unlawful love has lost her virtue! The king's addresses to thee are the effects of lust, and not of love. He has a queen to
