The Girls' Book of Famous QueensFarmer, Lydia Hoyt
History
The Girls' Book of Famous Queens
Farmer, Lydia Hoyt
Queens -- Biography -- Juvenile literature
In 1521 Henry VIII. determined to defend the Catholic faith against
the attacks of Martin Luther. King Henry had no other weapon to use
against the monk except his pen. Whereupon Henry published “A Defence
of the Seven Sacraments against Martin Luther.” This was gorgeously
bound, and presented with much ceremony to Pope Leo X. Thereupon the
royal author received the title, from the holy father, of “Defender
of the Faith,” of which title the royal hypocrite made strange use
afterwards. Meanwhile, the haughty Cardinal Wolsey became more arrogant
and overbearing. Having the royal ear, even princes and nobles fawned
upon him in menial attentions, and high titled lords served the pompous
cardinal on their knees, and deemed it a privilege to do his august
bidding. But Wolsey’s fall was soon to come, and would be as direful as
his power was now ascendant.
In 1522 the beautiful Anne Boleyn was recalled from France to England,
and became one of Queen Catharine’s maids of honor. From this time
troubles fell thick and heavy upon the poor queen, who was herself a
faithful wife and loving mother, and was, moreover, self-denying and
devout. And, strange as it may appear, up to this time, such had been
the life of King Henry and Queen Catharine that they had become famous
as a pattern couple; and the celebrated Erasmus had said of them: “What
household is there, among the subjects of their realms, that can offer
an example of such united wedlock? Where can a wife be found better
matched with the best of husbands?”
We can hardly imagine the atrocious Henry VIII. ever to have been
worthy of such commendation. After being married for seventeen years
to his devoted Catharine, this prince of hypocrites is all at once
troubled with most grievous qualms of conscience. For seven years he
had been flirting with the pretty Anne Boleyn; even from the momentous
time when he had noticed her dancing at the festivals attending the
celebrated occasion of the Field of the Cloth of Gold. But not until
1527 did this conscience-troubled king declare publicly his very
serious doubts as to the validity of his marriage with Catharine, who
had been previously married to his elder brother Arthur. His pretended
scruples were now confided to Cardinal Wolsey, who advised the king
to sue for a divorce. This welcome advice the royal hypocrite most
sanctimoniously declared to be most _bitter_ for him to follow, but
nevertheless, for his conscience’ sake, he was ready to make this
enormous sacrifice.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account