Episode Summary: King Henry VIII receives word that his cousin Reginald Pole now made Cardinal has written a pamphlet branding him as a heretic and an adulterer. Cardinal Pole has also been going around Europe seeking the audience of other kings in order to ask their help in rekindling the rebellion against King of England. Though markedly alarmed with this news, King Henry brushes it off, and uses his desire to have the Doge’s boat built for the coronation of Jane Seymour as a distraction. The coronation, however, will not take place until after Jane gives birth.Continue reading...
Conspiring to deprive the King of the title of head of the church, seeking to hold a Parliament, and levying war against the King are the charges brought upon Mr. Robert Aske, all of which he was found guilty of, and so Mr. Aske is sentenced to death by hanging in York. Sir Ralph Ellerker, however, denounced his having joined the insurrection declaring that he had only done so out of fear for his life. Moreover, he had agreed to sign an oath condemning the insurrection, and swear to inform of any acts of rebellion. By taking the oath, Sir Ellerker eludes execution. Meanwhile, Mr. Aske bound in chains speaks to an ordained priest who secretly keeps with him a badge worn at the Pilgrimage of Grace. Mr. Aske confesses his disgust at having to ask Thomas Cromwell for forgiveness, which he is going to do to ensure the safety of his family. Moreover, he asks the priest to give the jewel Lady Mary had given him to his wife.
Lord Suffolk sets forth to fulfill His Majesty’s orders with a heavy heart. His wife, Catherine, pleads that he show mercy to the innocent. This is a request that he cannot enact for it was made his duty to show a fearful example of those who took part in the supposed insurrection including the women and children. With the cries of the people within his earshot, Charles Brandon prays to God for His forgiveness. Charles Brandon returns home, and spends time with his son. As they are fishing in a stream, Charles sees a figure of a man wearing the badge of the Pilgrimage of Grace. It is a figure only he sees, but he forces his son to acknowledge its presence. Fully aware of the ghastliness of the task he carried out, and overcome with guilt, Charles rationalizes that fulfilling the King’s command is in service to God. Catherine is not in agreement with his justification. She has become unhappy with her husband that she finds no pleasure in telling him that she is pregnant with his child.
Jane Seymour learns that Thomas Cromwell has been accepting bribes from noblemen who have interest in purchasing the suppressed abbeys. Edward Seymour, her brother, informs her that Cromwell is heard to have made himself rich from this, and that the King could not care less so long that the Crown receives its share of the profit. The trade of the sacred buildings disgusts Jane Seymour, but her brother finds the operation clever for it ensures the loyalty of the noble subjects. Loyalty is something Edward has yet to earn from his wife, Anne Stanhope, who has taken up an affair with Sir Francis Bryan. Having been instructed to go to France to apprehend Cardinal Pole, Sir Francis convinces Anne to have intercourse with him in just a few feet from where Edward stands. Sir Francis following the orders of the King begins the long journey to Normandy in order to apprehend Cardinal Reginald Pole. He brings with him Mr. Thomas Seymour, Jane’s brother, and they meet with Count Talleyrand. The Count, however, informs him that King Francois has already given safe passage to the Cardinal, and that Pole is by now on his way to Italy.
Mr. Robert Aske still bound in chains is brought to York Castle where his aghast family arrives to meet him. The metal strappings created severe wounds on Mr. Aske, and he struggles to walk to the platform where he will meet his death. He asks forgiveness from God, the people who put their trust on him, the King, Cromwell, and even Lord Suffolk who had come to witness his execution. Thrown to the edge of the castle bound by a noose around his neck, Mr. Aske suffers a gruesome death. With the slaughter of the leaders and many of the rebels, Cromwell delightfully reports the successful execution of the traitors.
Ambassador Bishop Chapuys arrives as the Emperor’s envoy to arrange the marriage of Lady Mary with Don Louis, the heir to the throne of Portugal, and the brother of the Emperor’s wife Isabella. Ambassador Chapuys shares the news to Lady Mary who showed no resistance and even hinted delight at the description of her future husband. Moreover, she learns that Jane Seymour has persuaded the King to reinstate her succession to the throne. The news brought her joy, but truly earnest she finds it impolitic to feel gladness at the remembrance of Mr. Robert Aske’s fate.
The King’s court becomes harried as Jane Seymour begins a difficult labor. All watch in anticipation and concern at the long and tumultuous delivery of a prince who will be a suitable heir to the throne. King Henry VIII fears of losing both his wife and newborn. Hours have passed, and Jane is still in labor. It is the recommendation of the physicians to cut her open in order to save the child, but the consequence is sure death for Jane. The decision on whom to save lies with Henry, but Jane pushes through and manages to deliver a healthy baby boy. All rejoice at the birth of the future King of England, Prince Edward VI. Jane Seymour survives the birth of her son, but has become weak and has remained in bed. Her health quickly deteriorated soon after giving birth. King Henry VIII knows the illness all too well for his mother died of it. He begs his beloved Jane, the wife who delivered on all her promises with kindness and compassion, not to leave him. The King turns to God, and pleads that He not take her away from him. Despite his fervent pleas, Jane Seymour dies.
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