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A DRAMATIC CRITIC<br />

gotten. After the word " say " there was<br />

a second's hesitation, then the phrase de-<br />

scriptive of herself, " his long trouble," was<br />

breathed in a sort of sob, into which was<br />

concentrated with meek unconsciousness<br />

a damning indictment of her cruel lord.<br />

Throughout the final fifty verses of the<br />

scene Miss Cushman caused Katharine's<br />

voice to grow gradually thicker, as the<br />

night of death closed in upon sight and<br />

speech. But Katharine's last command,<br />

that she " be used with honour " after<br />

her death, and, " although unqueen'd," be<br />

interred "yet like a queen, and daugh-<br />

ter to a king," given slowly and with the<br />

clutch of the Destroyer upon her throat,<br />

was superb and majestic. The queenly<br />

soul had prevailed, and wore its crown<br />

despite the treason of king, prelates, and<br />

courts. After Miss Cushman, all recent<br />

attempts, even by clever actresses, to im-<br />

personate Katharine of Aragon seem to<br />

me light, petty, and ineffectual.<br />

[ 92 ]

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