"Lady Anne," said the Queen unto the Mistress,
"Would that you more wise had been.
Though you've beauty fair and of grace are possessed,
You shall ne'er be England's queen."
"Watch and wait," said the Mistress to the Queen,
"For your end is drawing nigh.
And another soon shall your precious throne win
Who hath claimed King Henry's eye."
"Cross me not," said the Queen unto the Mistress,
"If I have lost Henry's love,
He'll not easy put aside his own wife blessed
By the powers from above."
"What cares he for the words of priests and friars,"
Scoffed the Mistress to the Queen,
"When their vows go against his own desires,
When one word might set him free?"
So the world moved as King Henry wished;
All the priests and friars fell.
But a man who'd of one wife be rid
Counts another just as well.
Lady Anne rose to a high estate
But was queen in only name.
And Queen Katherine, in a tower placed,
Bore cold honor to her grave.
In a list
A contest entry
- History Relived by Note The Sarcasm.
1050 points, ended June 14, 2008, 11 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - He Said, She Said by baghdaelf.
700 points, ended June 22, 11 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
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I like this. It just goes to show - watch what you wish for!
Thank you for entering.
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Appropriate title, as the mistress does eventually become Queen! Nicely abab rhymed. The concept of "Divine right of kingship" didn't do much toward training in self-restraint or constancy, did it? Or for peaceful family relationships...
I feel this would be an even stronger write with a consistent meter. Nicely handled parrying conversation. Love your "Would that you more wise had been." Portentous "But a man who'd of one wife be rid/counts another just as well."
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I liked how most of it was a conversation. Very interesting. Great write.
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I'm glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for the honorable mention!
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