Talbot nods his head. “When men take up rebellion against the king, that is the only outcome. Pardons do not win men’s hearts. Fear is the only way.”
“Do you truly think that? The king must govern by fear?” “I do not think that fear is necessary when the realm is quiet. But when it is disordered as it is today, the people must fear the king so that they follow his law.” “Do you think it is so with God?” “That is a strange question, young Master Fletcher. I do not know how to answer it. You should ask a priest.” “The priests tell me only that God loves me, but then they threaten me with hell if I do not love Him back.” Talbot smiles. “Do you fear God? Death?” “I fear death. I do not know whether I should fear God. That is why I ask.” “You sound like-” “Strelley, yes, I know. You are not the first to make that observation.” That'll be George Talbot, the son of the fourth Earl of Shrewsbury, and Guy Fletcher, sitting outside Exeter contemplating bringing about the end of the Prayer Book Rebellion. Book IV is at just over 70000 words, with several strands nearing completion and one with a way to go. Hopefully progress will be sustained! Leave a Reply. |
Andy RichardsonWhen to the sessions of sweet silent thought Archives
March 2022
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