A Royal's Querulous Debate
The curtain slowly rises...the audience is spell-bound
by the appearance of royalty
Act 1, Scene 1
King Henry VIII: O adored wife, you never drew
another man to your breasts;
have I loved you more or less?
King Henry VIII: O voluptuous lips that have kissed mine,
when roses spurred to greatness,
is your trust in me flimsy or fortified?
Queens Katherine: Why are you asking me this,
beloved husband, if the promise
of that young virgin was more than true?
I have desired your strong arms around me,
to dispel my fears and doubts on many moonless and frightening nights...
when the northern wind ruthlessly entered in the chambers,
and blew out all the candles that were more aromatic than columbines!
O dearest love, which need I didn't provide you by touch?
King Henry VIII: No, sweeheart everything you offered me,
but lust for another woman led me astray...
leaving your marital bed and sneaking away!
Queen Katherine: O dishonorable husband, what made you so unfaithful...
if I made you the vessel of these dreams,
to transport me on soft waves like cherubs' wings?
King Henry VIII: Not enough passion in love-making, insensible wife...
permitting your guilt prevent the pleasure
I sought in every embrace and intimate feeling,
to boost this amorous ego without ending!
Queen Katherine: How dare you say that, unmeritous husband...
while your attention was focused on a mistress?
King Henry VIII: How can you blame me, uncaring wife...
making me escape and causing me to cheat?
Queen Katherine: This marriage took place under the eyes of the Almighty,
and you solemnly swore to honor me,
to love me, to strengthen me and to spend a lifetime
of joys, of hopes and sorrows through love and fidelity!
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