| |
||
|
Letter of Anne of Cleves to her
husband, King Henry VIII Background Henry was very impressed by this letter. Its tone of respectful subservience to his wishes inspired his gratitude. Despite his reputation for tyranny, the great king could be kind and generous. Anne had little cause to think ill of him. After all, most historians focus on Henry's feelings in this matter - but perhaps the lady from Cleves was less than enamored with her husband and was equally desperate to escape the marriage. According to all reports, she learned to love English beer and grew plump and happy in her adopted country. Pleaseth your most excellent majesty to understand that, whereas,
at sundry times heretofore, I have been informed and perceived by certain
lords and others your grace's council, of the doubts and questions which
have been moved and found in our marriage; and how hath petition thereupon
been made to your highness by your nobles and commons, that the same
might be examined and determined by the holy clergy of this realm; to
testify to your highness by my writing, that which I have before promised
by my word and will, that is to say, that the matter should be examined
and determined by the said clergy; it may please your majesty to know
that, though this case must needs be most hard and sorrowful unto me,
for the great love which I bear to your most noble person, yet, having
more regard to God and his truth than to any worldly affection, as it
beseemed me, at the beginning, to submit me to such examination and determination
of the said clergy, whom I have and do accept for judges competent in
that behalf. So now being ascertained how the same clergy hath therein
given their judgment and sentence, I acknowledge myself hereby to accept
and approve the same, wholly and entirely putting myself, for my state
and condition, to your highness' goodness and pleasure; most humbly
beseeching your majesty that, though it be determined that the pretended
matrimony between us is void and of none effect, whereby I neither can
nor will repute myself for your grace's wife, considering this sentence
(whereunto I stand) and your majesty's clean and pure living with me,
yet it will please you to take me for one of your humble servants, and
so determine of me, as I may sometimes have the fruition of your most
noble presence; which as I shall esteem for a great benefit, so, my
lords and others of your majesty's council, now being with me, have
put me in comfort thereof; and that your highness will take me for your
sister; for the which I most humbly thank you accordingly.
to Letters of the Six Wives of Henry VIII to Primary Sources |