Page:The Queens of England.djvu/34

22 THE QUEENS OF ENGLAND. wedded only a few months before the fatal wreck of the Blanchenef made her a widow, faithful to his memory until death. William and his sister were both promising children, though even in youth Matilda showed the germ of that haughty spirit through which she afterwards lost the English crown. During the years which had elapsed since Henry ascended the throne, he had been fortunate in domestic life, and prosperous in his kingdom. His people loved him much, and he fulfilled the promises which he had made on his accession. On every occasion he showed respect to the laws and customs of the race from whence his queen had sprung ; and the enthusiastic loyalty of the Saxons was raised to the highest pitch when Henry and Matilda personally attended the removal of the bones of the beloved Alfred and his queen from their lowly tomb near Win- chester, to Hyde Abbey, founded and endowed by them as a fitting resting-place for that truly noble king. The ceremony was conducted with great pomp and royal state, and was a just tribute of respect to the remains of one of England's greatest monarchs. Henry and Matilda passed the Christmas of 1115 together at the Abbey of St. Alban's, where a portrait of the queen was painted, of which a copy still exists in the Golden Book of St. Albans, now in the British Museum, which confirms the reputa- tion of Matilda for a mild and amiable beauty. . Besides this portrait, there is also a statue of this excellent queen in the Cathedral of Rochester, forming the pilaster of the western door ; one of the king forming the other. The latter years of Matilda's life were far from peaceful. The tumults that constantly rose up in Henry's new kingdom of Normandy seemed a punishment for his injustice towards his brother in thus seizing upon his duchy. Sometimes young William of Normandy vainly struggled with his uncle — some- times it was the people themselves who rebelled against their new ruler. Henry's presence was frequently required abroad, to subdue these revolts A and his absences from Matilda were long and frequent. He showed his confidence and affection by always making the queen regent during his absence, and thus England was ruled quite as often by the queen as by the king. Matilda was not seldom deprived of her son as well as her husband, for Prince William usually accompanied his father. At Christmas, 11 17, Henry returned home, after a long sojourn in Normandy, leaving Prince William there still. Ma- tilda's health was declining fast, and she had wished to see her