Anne Boleyn's Plea

Anne Boleyn's Plea

It is unworthy of a reigning King

to seek disposal of his loyal wife

who’s always served him well and done no thing

to warrant such a cruel end to her life.

Long have I been glad vessel of your seed

a willing maid to your nighttime pleasures,

one fine child born, two lost, but I accede

to join again for a son together.

If thou hast in you son and future heir

then let us continue Fate’s course of time,

and if your loins have not that power there

the yield through others will be same as mine.

      Be not Time’s fool, my dear impatient King

      dismiss this plan lest only shame it bring.

                                 --W.E. Hudson

               First published in  Lyrical Iowa