Letter To Anne Boleyn From Mark Smeaton

Dearest Anne,

                      I loved you from the first moment I set my eyes on you. You were dancing at the court pageant that my predecessor had composed for you and the King. It was so dazzling and bright with all the clothes of scarlett and purples. You were wearing your beautiful gown of bright red with the gold beading running through the sleeves and bodice.

    I knew that watching you meant that I would never love anyone apart from you ever again. I knew that I could never tell you for fear of death. The King or even you could order that death and yet it has happened. For love of you I am condemned to die.

    You heard my music and asked for me to be your musician. My heart swelled with pride and the attention you gave me made it grow even more with burning love. Every look and smile in my direction gave me hope that you loved me even though I knew it not to be true. I hung to your every word, laughed at your jokes and hoped to be included in your group of male admirers. 

    I knew of your past with Northumberland. I knew you loved him but the King wanted you and there was no escape from him. You did well not to be like your sister. She gave in and was discarded just as quick with nothing to show for it. 

    Anne my dearest love, I am sorry for what has happened and I am sorry that every man is now set to die for love of you. You are not the witch they say you are. You never bewitched me. I loved you for your beauty and wit. You never bewitched the King, he wanted you just like all of us.

    When they came to me and asked me if we have ever been intimate, I told them the truth. I told them no. They asked again and again and I declared your innocence each and every time they came to state the opposite. I did not give them the answer they wanted.

    The last time they came was in the dead of night. It was so dark that there were no stars to light my way from my home to the tower. My heart was heavy at the thought of what was to happen. I am no nobleman and knew that this time there would be torture involved. My mind told me to keep telling the truth and truth would win no matter what they did to me. I would not lie or betray you.

    I shall spare you the details of the torture my love but know it was painful and yet I still told the truth of your innocence and purity. I could never betray you. I write this to give you courage for the end as I head to the end myself. Please do not think of the way I will die due to being born low and not into a title. It will not be pretty or over fast but I hold onto my love for you and hope that I have the courage and endurance to withstand the excruciating pain that is to happen.

    Please think of me the way I was just as I remember your beauty and sparkling exquisite eyes. Dark like the night but with stars in them. I remember your smiles and glances and they give me the fortitude to endure what I must.

    May Henry never get what he wants for as long as he lives. That is my curse upon him for the cruelty he has done to you, me and the others. 

    Be strong my rose, the loveliest flower I ever did see in my short sweet life. Goodbye forever.

    Love your darling musician Mark Smeaton.