Elizabeth broke in suddenly on his thoughts.
"Now," she said, "and what of you, Mr. Norris?"
"I am your Grace's servant," he said.
"I am not so sure of that," said Elizabeth. "If you are my servant, why
are you a priest, contrary to my laws?"
"Because I am Christ's servant too, your Grace."
"But Christ's apostle said, 'Obey them that have the rule over you.'"
"In indifferent matters, madam."
The Queen frowned and made a little angry sound.
"I cannot understand you Papists," said the Queen. "What a-God's name do
you want? You have liberty of thought and faith; I desire to inquire into
no man's private opinions. You may worship Ashtaroth if it please you, in
your own hearts; and God looks to the heart, and not to the outer man.
There is a Church with bishops like your own, and ministers; there are
the old churches to worship in--nay, you may find the old ornaments still
in use. We have sacraments as you have; you may seek shrift if you will;
nay, in some manner we have the mass--though we do not call it so--but we
follow Christ's ordinance in the matter, and you can do no more. We have
the Word of God as you have, and we use the same creeds. What more can
the rankest Papist ask? Tell me that, Mr. Norris; for I am a-weary of
your folk."
The Queen turned and faced him again a moment, and her eyes were peevish
and resentful.
Presently she went on again.
"Mr. Campion told me it was the oath that troubled him. He could not take
it, he said.
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