19 May 1536, 8 o'clock in the morning; Anne Boleyn's
speech at her execution, recorded by Edward Hall.
This was the first public execution of an English queen.
'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.'
after being blindfolded and kneeling at the block, she
repeated several times:
'To Jesus Christ I commend my soul; Lord Jesu receive my soul.'
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