"Cranmer is a noble and staunch friend; and often enough already he has protected me, in the king's presence, against those little pin-prickings of my enemies, which do not indeed kill, but which make the whole body sore and faint." "Protect him, and thus protect yourself." "Well, and the other friends ?" "I have given Cranmer the precedence; but now, queen, I name myself as the second of your friends.

If Cranmer is your staff, I will be your dog; and, believe me, so long as you have such a staff and so faithful a dog, you are safe.

Cranmer will warn you of every stone that lies in your way, and I will bite and drive off the enemies, who, hidden behind the thicket, lurk in the way to fall upon you from behind." "I thank you! Really, I thank you!" said Catharine, heartily.

"Well, and what more ?" "More ?" inquired Heywood with a sad smile.
"Mention a few more of my friends." "Queen, it is a great deal, if one in a lifetime has found two friends upon whom he can rely, and whose fidelity is not guided by selfishness.
You are perhaps the only crowned head that can boast of such friends." "I am a woman," said Catharine, thoughtfully, "and many women surround me and daily swear to me unchanging faithfulness and attachment.

How! are all these unworthy the title of friends?
Is even Lady Jane Douglas unworthy; she, whom I have called my friend these many long years, and whom I trust as a sister?
Tell me, John Heywood, you who, as it is said, know everything, and search out everything that takes place at court, tell me, is not Lady Jane Douglas my friend ?" John Heywood suddenly became serious and gloomy, and looked on the ground, absorbed in reflection.