which delayed, for a few days only, the accomplishment of his wishes. So absolute a monarch had no resistance to encounter-no murmurs to apprehend. The heart is not more ingenious in suggesting apologies for its deviations, than courtiers, in finding expedients for gratifying the inclinations of their master. The queen's enemies, of whom there were many among Henry's nobles, immediately sensible of the alienation of his affections, completed her ruin by flattering his new passion. They represented that freedom of manners which Anne had acquired in France, in a criminal light; and they extolled the virtues of Seymour. The queen was, therefore, committed to the Tower, impeached, brought to trial, condemned without evidence, and executed without remorse.

On the day following the execution of Boleyn, or, according to others, three days after, he gave his hand to Seymour. He either affected to disregard public opinion; or he might wish to insinuate, that a woman, whom his laws had proclaimed and punished as an adulteress, did not merit even the slightest symptom of regret. The new queen, at the ceremony of her marriage, made a most beautiful appearance; and it was the observation of Sir John Russel, afterwards Earl of Bedford, who was present, that the richer she was in clothes, the fairer she appeared; whereas, the richer the former queen (whether Katharine or Anne, is not expressed,) was apparelled the worse she looked. The amiable simplicity of Jane, and the remarkable suavity of her manner, appear to have strongly attached him to her. Of his domestic happiness he gave the most public and unequivocal proofs. In the parliament which he summoned soon after his marriage, he declared, that notwithstanding the misfortunes which had attended his two former marriages, he had, for the good of his subjects, ventured on a third. His divorce with Anne Boleyn was ratified-that queen and all her accomplices were attained-the issue of both his former marriages were declared illegitimate, and it was even made treason to assert the legitimacy of either of them to throw any slander upon the king, his present queen, or their issue, was subjected to the same penalty-the crown was settled on the king's issue by Jane, or any subsequent wife-and in case he should die without children, he was empowered to dispose of the crown by his will or letters patent.

This exorbitant power was accompanied with the most flattering addresses from the two houses. They compared him to Solomon for justice and prudence-to Samson for strength and fortitude-to Absalom for beauty and comeliness. Henry replied with affected humility, that he disavowed these praises, since, if he were really possessed of such endowments, they were the gift of Almighty God only. He found, indeed, that this parliament was no less submissive in deeds, than complaisant in their expressions; and that they would go the same lengths as any of the former in gratifying even his most lawless passions. Among other reasons for annulling the king's former marriage with Anne Boleyn, and granting such liberal supplies on the present occasion, they give this curious one:- "For that his Highness had chosen to wife, the excellent and virtuous Lady Jane, who, for her convenient years, excellent beauty, and pureness of flesh and blood, would be apt, God willing, to conceive issue by his highness."

In this expectation they were not disappointed, for the queen was, on the 12th of October, 1537, to the inexpressible joy of the king, who was always passionately fond of male issue, delivered of a son, who was baptized by the

name of Edward. But his happiness was considerably damped by the death of his young and amiable queen, who expired two days after the birth of the prince. It has been repeatedly said, that owing to some obstruction, she underwent the Cæsarian operation, and that Henry, when informed that though it might save the infant, it would probably destroy the mother, assented to the experiment, with the brutal but characteristic remark, 'that he could easily find another wife, but was not so certain of having another son.' But there seems to be no foundation for this story. The prince was born in the ordinary way, and the queen was so well the day after, that the council issued dispatches, giving notice of her safe delivery, and of her being in good health. It is probable, therefore, that she was suddenly seized with some disorder peculiar to women in her condition, of which she died, and was buried at Windsor.

The birth of a son, which prevented disputes with regard to the succession, after the acts declaring the two Princesses illegitimate, had given the king so much satisfaction, that his affliction seemed to be drowned in his joy.

He, however, lamented her death, and she certainly appears to have been beloved by him, more than any other of his queens;-of this, she was every way worthy, by her submissive, prudent, and affectionate conduct.

Of the character of Jane, and the details of her private life, little is known. Her career of splendour was short, and prematurely closed; and did not display those remarkable events which had distinguished the lives of her predecessors. Her influence was merely personal, and did not extend to political transactions. Even the rapid exaltation of every branch of her family to riches and dignities, was less owing to her own exertions, than to the pleasing remembrance which her virtues had impressed upon her husband, and sire.

She expired, happily perhaps for herself, after having added to the satisfaction of the king by the birth of a son, the undoubted heir of the throne, and before she had experienced the inconstancy, and cruel violence of his temper.

ST. BRUNO DISTRIBUTING HIS WEALTH AMONG THE

POOR.

(Painted by Le Sueur.)

Saint Bruno and his companions, having resolved to seclude themselves from the world, are seen distributing their effects among the indigent.

There exists a Fresco of Dominichino, representing a similar subject: St. Cecilia dividing among the poor, her money, furniture, and costly attire. In the composition of Dominichino, there is more variety, and a greater number of episodes; but in the picture of Le Sueur, there reigns more uniformity. The attention of the spectator is less divided; and although the figures of the indigent, have almost all the same object, still by the difference of age, sex, and attitudes, Le Sueur has sufficiently contrasted them with each other.

This picture is the lightest in the collection. Its style is pure; its design correct; and is executed with the greatest facility. In the Museum at Versailles, there is a sketch from the first conception of the subject, which is highly prized for its energy and grace.