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Six Hearts for Henry A Tale in Six Octets The Players (in order of appearance): (and exit): Henry VIII r. 1509 - 1547 Catherine of Aragon Divorced Anne Boleyn Beheaded Jane Seymour Died Anne of Cleves Divorced Catherine Howard Beheaded Catherine Parr Survived "Sweet Catherine, I choose you for my bride. Leave Aragon; as England's Queen abide." And so her soft consent she gladly gave. But when no son would come to claim the throne, 'Round royal neck she turned, a miller's stone. And Henry played the part of high-born knave. He sent her hence to live in towers cold, And of her life from thence sad tales were told. "Young Anne, thy countenance is comely fair, If you will dance, I will compose the air." Her dainty feet delighted in his tune. Elizabeth was all the child she wrought, So all the dancing done just went for naught. The eager in his eye led to her ruin. She strode in silent splendor to the sword And bled reluctant homage to her lord. "John Seymour, send your daughter, Jane, to me." And gladly did John heed his sovereign's plea. Jane's time began with full and hopeful heart. To Henry's great delight, a son was born. Prince Edward now relieved the King's forlorn. Blessings on this King God did impart. Jane strove to bear a proper Tudor heir, In striving, rent her heart beyond repair. From Cleves, a portrait came and thus began The story, sadly told, of Lady Anne. She brought with her no more than quiet grace. In time too short, he named her, "Flander's Mare." Pinned unbecoming ribbons in her hair. Hid not the scorn he showed upon his face. Her visage never caused a minstrel's singing. The marriage died with wedding bells still ringing. Catherine Howard stepped upon the scene And eagerly agreed to be the Queen. They say she had a sailor's roving eye. The game she played was fraught with death and danger. She turned the King from lover into stranger. He barely gave her leave to say goodbye. In heavy shame she mounted to the ax And paid upon demand the gruesome tax. Now comes the dusk to this most fateful life. He seeks the comfort of a loving wife. So Catherine Parr will sit at Henry's side. A quiet calm to court with her she brought, Though sovereign love she said she never sought. Was Catherine Queen? Let history decide. While night approached, she held his aging hand As Henry's glass forthwith ran out of sand. |
Additional Notes:
r. = "reigned" - (1509 - 1547 marks the time of Henry VIII's ascension to the throne to his death.)
"Divorce/Beheaded/Died..Divorce/Beheaded/Survived" - a bit of doggerel used to call to mind the fates
of Henry's wives - I'm not sure of its origin.
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