音频下载[点击右键另存为]
The 16th century English King Henry VIII is best known for his prodigious appetite and habit of executing wives he was unhappy with, but a love letter written by Henry shows a softer side to his character.
The letter, which has been hidden in the Vatican for nearly 500 years, is to go on display at the British Library in London in April.
Henry wrote to Anne Boleyn, who would become his second wife, in January 1528, apologising to her for suggesting that she become his mistress.
In the letter Henry promises Anne that "henceforth my heart will be dedicated to you alone", an assurance that contradicts Henry’s womanising reputation.
Henry continues, "The beautiful words of your letter are so cordially phrased, that they really oblige me to honour, love, and serve you for ever."
Henry went on to marry Anne Boleyn after divorcing his first wife, the Spanish princess Catherine of Aragon, but despite having written to Anne like a lovesick schoolboy, Henry’s marriage to her ended badly.
Having failed to provide him with a male heir, Anne fell from favour with the king, whose chief minister had her charged with treason and adultery.
Anne was executed by beheading at the Tower of London in May 1536, leaving the way clear for Henry to marry his third wife Jane Seymour.
According to contemporary witnesses Anne went to her death displaying queenly dignity; on the morning of her execution she told her prison guard, "I heard say the executioner was very good, and I have a little neck."
Henry went on to be married a total of six times, divorcing twice and executing another wife, but in spite of all his efforts, Henry died without leaving a surviving male heir, a situation which resulted in the coronation of Anne’s daughter, Queen Elizabeth I.
16th century16世纪
Henry VIII亨利八世
executing处决
British Library大英图书馆
the Vatican梵蒂冈
henceforth 从今以后
mistress情妇
womanisingreputation跟许多女人有染的名声
cordially phrased 诚恳地诉说
divorcing离婚
lovesick schoolboy害相思病的小男生
male heir男性继承人
fell from favour失宠
treason叛国罪
adultery通奸
beheading斩首
contemporary witnesses 当时的证人
queenly dignity 女王的尊严
coronation 加冕礼