He sought great things for himself, and it mattered little to him by what crooked ways they were followed. Is this worthy of imitation?

It is certain what the answer to this question must be. Every unprejudiced young reader will, in his heart, say "No."

This is the right answer. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, in His own appointed way; and then your heavenly Father will give you that grace, in the sanctification of all your powers, which will enable you to exercise your energy and perseverance in life, beneficially both to yourself and others.

CHAPTER IV.

STAGE THE FOURTH.

EAR London, and on the north side of the Thames,

is a palace, called Hampton Court. Like all other old houses, this palace has witnessed a great many changes in its inhabitants, for "one generation passeth away, and another cometh." The greater part of the people who once lived at Hampton Court, and spun out a little part of their short thread of existence there, are now quite forgotten: the place which once knew them, knows them no more. Their accomplished hopes and disappointed desires have passed away for ever. Even their names are unknown.

Some of them, however, live in history; and we have only to turn back our thoughts some three hundred and fifty years, to see walking in the pleasant gardens of that palace, or feasting with grand company in its

magnificent halls, a proud haughty man, the Great Man of whom our story tells. It is he who has built this palace for his own delight and enjoyment, and here he spends his leisure and entertains his guests.

He is a cardinal now. A cardinal, you may know, is a high official of the Romish church, being next to the Pope in dignity and power. Thomas Wolsey is now a cardinal, and is privileged among other things to wear a low-crowned, broad-brimmed red hat, a red cassock, a purple mantle, and red stockings. Besides being such a high dignitary in the Church, Thomas Wolsey is the greatest man in the State, next to the king; and the richest man in the country, not excepting the king. People bow down before him, and seem almost afraid to look him in the face, though they are ready to complain bitterly of his pride and haughtiness behind his back, and do not forget that he was "cast out of a butcher's stall," as they say. No doubt this remembrance is kept alive by envy at Wolsey's rapid rise in life; but it is envenomed by his own conduct to all whom he considers to be his inferiors, that is to say, the whole nation, excepting only king Henry the Eighth, in whose favour he still stands high.

Here is a letter written by one who had occasion to see him on business, on behalf of an English nobleman, which shows something of Cardinal Wolsey's pride, and the insolence of his manner.

"I followed him to the court," writes Master Thomas Allen to his employer, the Earl of Shrewsbury, "and there gave attendance; and could have no answer. Upon Friday last he came from thence to Hampton

Court, where he lieth. The day after I besought his grace I might know his pleasure: I could have no answer then. Upon Monday last, as he walked in the park at Hampton Court, I besought him I might know if he would command me any service: he was not pleased with me that I spake to him. The Sunday before, I delivered the letter unto him that Ralph Leche brought: I can have no answer. He that shall be a suitor unto him, may have no other business, but give attendance unto his pleasure: he that shall do so is needful to be a wiser man than I am. I saw no better remedy than come without answer, to pursue such things in London as your lordship commands to be done; except I would have done [waited] as my Lord Dacre's servant doth, which came with letters for the king his grace, five months since, and yet have no answer. And another servant of the deputy of Calais in like wise, which came before he rode to Walsingham. I hear that he answered them, 'If ye be not content to tarry my leisure, depart when ye will.' This is truth. I had liefer your lordship commanded me to [any other service] than to deliver unto him letters, and bring answer of the same. When he walks in the park he will suffer no suitor to come nigh unto him, but commands him away as far as a man will shoot an arrow."

Pretty well this, for the son of an Ipswich butcher! No wonder that he was looked upon with envy and dislike, and that there were some who remembered where it is written, and perhaps quoted the words, "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."