At 8 am on 19 May 1536, Anne Boleyn was taken to a specially
erected scaffold within the confines of the Tower of London for execution on
charges of adultery and treason. Before placing her head upon the block she briefly
addressed the crowd in a calm if sometimes hesitant voice in a speech
remarkable for its lack of malice and generosity of spirit which belied her
reputation for petulance and excessive self-regard.
Good Christian people,
I am come hither to die, for according to the law, and by the law I am judged
to die, and therefore I will speak nothing against it. I am come hither to
accuse no man, nor to speak anything of that, whereof I am accused and
condemned to die, but I pray God save the king and send him long to reign over
you, for a gentler nor a more merciful prince was there never: and to me he was
ever a good, a gentle and sovereign lord. And if any person will meddle of my
cause, I require them to judge the best. And thus I take my leave of the world
and of you all, and I heartily desire you all to pray for me. O Lord have mercy
on me, to God I commend my soul.
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