“None, my liege, in all these realms.

In thy person bides the majesty of England. Thou art the king — thy word is law.”

Tom responded, in a strong, earnest voice, and with great animation —

“Then shall the king’s law be law of mercy, from this day, and never more be law of blood! Up from thy knees and away! To the Tower, and say the King decrees the Duke of Norfolk shall not die!”

The words were caught up and carried eagerly from lip to lip far and wide over the hall, and as Hertford hurried from the presence, another prodigious shout burst forth —

“The reign of blood is ended! Long live Edward, King of England!”