So this is what it is like – to know that this is one’s last day on earth. A strange quiet fills me. I want now that the deed be over with.
“My lady, please my lady.”
“Yes, Lady Margaret?”
“It is so cold by the window Madame, I feel you will get chilled.”
“I find the cold iron bars on the window rather cooling on my hot forehead.”
“Oh! My lady! I …”
“Don’t cry, Margaret. My dear old friend, there is nothing I can do to change the fact that today I will lose my head.”
I find it rather comforting to muse again and recall wonderful events in my life. The King taking me to Hampton Court Palace for our honeymoon; the day I was crowned Queen; the birth of our daughter Elizabeth. Elizabeth! My darling child. How I have missed you!
On the day when I knew I would be executed, I sent a list of requests to Henry. My top priority was to see my daughter. I also asked that a fine French sword be brought from France, for I most certainly don’t want the headsman to have to try more than once to decapitate me! I suggested to Henry that a ride through my beloved Essex countryside would be very welcome. Of course, I didn’t really expect him to agree to that. However, my request for my Bible has given me great comfort. I need it today to give me strength. Thank God Henry sent for the French sword─I will not be so terrified when I place my neck on the headsman’s block. I had hoped that Henry might visit me but, alas, he did not even send a message.
Gossip has told me that Henry is leading a hunt in the forest today. He will, I am sure, stay within sound of the Tower guns. The guns will tell him when I am dead.
“Mistress, will you change?”
“Indeed I will. I must not only act like a Queen today – I must also look like a Queen.”
“Madame, what of your hair?”
“Brush and pin it high. I want no impediments.”
“Here is a net, my lady, it will help.”
“You have been a loyal maid, Margaret. Here, I want you to have this.”
“Oh Madame! It is such a beautiful broach.”
“Yes, my grandfather, the Duke of Norfolk, gave it to my mother on her wedding day.”
“Thank you my lady. I will always treasure it. Will you rest for a while?”
“No, I am finding it cold in here; the mists from the river seem to have crept in the room.”
“What then, Madame?”
“I will try and pray for a while.”
My thoughts turned to Cranmer. What a pity he made such weak protests to save me. To think I was convicted of treason and infidelity! So stupid! I know I have been foolish at times; I adore being admired and am somewhat vain; but I am, after all, a beautiful woman. How vile of them to drag my brother George’s name into all of this. He is an entirely innocent party.
I pray it will be a fine May morn when I venture forth. I must not shiver or look to be afraid. I shall go to my death in calmness and dignity.
Shame on the King for not granting all of my wishes! If only the boy-child had lived – I would not be awaiting death in the Tower today. My power and wealth cannot help me now.
Photo Credit
Anne Boleyn London Tower – Wikimedia Public Domain
Guest Author Bio
Mary Piggott
Mary was born in London, England, the youngest of four children. Her Mother was widowed when Mary was only one year old. This led to her Mother working long, hard hours at whatever she had the opportunity to do. A lifetime of “making do” and scraping was the only life the family knew and this also resulted in each child having to leave school early to find work. Mary always had the ambition to travel and has visited over fifty countries. In 1967 Mary and her husband Colin emigrated to Canada with their little daughter. Mary is a talented artist who enjoys painting, writing and the challenge of crossword puzzles.
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