If you would like to use our texts and translations, please click here for more information.

Text

Anne Boleyn (1536)
English source: Anne Boelyn

Try me, good king, …and let me have a lawful trial, and let not my...enemies sit as my accusers and judges. ...Let me receive an open trial for my truth shall fear no open shame. ...Never a prince had a wife more loyal in all duty, ...in all true affection, than you have ever found in Anne Bulen ...You have chosen me from low estate to be your wife and companion. ...Do you not remember the words of your own hand? "My own darling…I would you were in my arms for think it long since I kissed you. My mistress and friend…" Try me good king. ...If ever I have found favor in your sight ‒if ever the name of Anne Bulen has been pleasing to your ears‒ then let me obtain this request...and my innocence shall be…known and…cleared.

Good Christian People, I come hither to die, …and by the law I am judged to die. ... I pray God save the King. I hear the executioner's good, and my neck is so little…

Letter from Anne Boleyn, Queen of England, to Henry VIII, 6 May 1536; Excerpts from two letters from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn; Anne Boleyn's speech at her execution, 19 May 1536

Composer

Libby Larsen

Libby Larsen is a contemporary American classical composer. Along with composer Stephen Paulus, she is a co-founder of the Minnesota Composers Forum, now the American Composers Forum.  https://libbylarsen.com

Performances

Previously performed at:

Help us with a Donation

Enjoying our texts and translations? Help us continue to offer this service to all.

Make a Donation

Select Tickets