Letter First To Anne Boleyn


On turning over in my mind the contents of your last letters, I have put

myself into great agony, not knowing how to interpret them, whether to my

disadvantage, as you show in some places, or to my advantage, as I

understand them in some others, beseeching you earnestly to let me know

expressly your whole mind as to the love between us two. It is absolutely

necessary for me to obtain this answer, having been for above a whole year<
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stricken with the dart of love, and not yet sure whether I shall fail of

finding a place in your heart and affection, which last point has

prevented me for some time past from calling you my mistress; because, if

you only love me with an ordinary love, that name is not suitable for you,

because it denotes a singular love, which is far from common. But if you

please to do the office of a true loyal mistress and friend, and to give

up yourself body and heart to me, who will be, and have been, your most

loyal servant, (if your rigour does not forbid me) I promise you that not

only the name shall be given you, but also that I will take you for my

only mistress, casting off all others besides you out of my thoughts and

affections, and serve you only. I beseech you to give an entire answer to

this my rude letter, that I may know on what and how far I may depend. And

if it does not please you to answer me in writing, appoint some place

where I may have it by word of mouth, and I will go thither with all my

heart. No more, for fear of tiring you. Written by the hand of him who

would willingly remain yours,



H. R.



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