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Search - Henry VIII (World Cultural Heritage Library)

Henry VIII - World Cultural Heritage Library
Author: Helen Simpson

FOREWORD: In a book of this length the writer must choose; he may record events or interpret them. Either method has its pitfalls. For example, if the reign of Henry VIII is told as a story, the central figure easily becomes an ogre, moving through a succession of cruel caprices to an unregretted end. This is to do a great King ... more »poor justice. It is more interesting, I think, to try his character and rule by a touchstone, which comes irresistibly to hand when we remember that Machiavelli's Prince reached European statesmen somewhere about the year 1515. It is not my contention that Henry consciously took any part of his policy from this book; but its brutally clear exposition of the art of contemporary government allows a reader to understand by comparison where, and why, he succeeded or failed. Only the chief incidents of this life and reign, therefore, are given, viewed from the political perspective of the Florentine Secretary. Quotations from him are given in italics throughout. I am glad to acknowledge here the kindness of the Duke of Buccleuch in permitting the miniature of Henry VIII to be reproduced; and of Mr. Francis Edwards, who lent me many necessary books. a selection from the first chapter:- I - YOUNG MEN AT WAR Henry VIII, when he came to the throne of England, was a beautiful young man, eighteen years old; tall, strong, the only morning star in this Western orb.' The accounts of him given by the Venetians on their arrival in England are well known, but bear retelling for the reason that they were, so far as the King's person was concerned, disinterested. They could, and did, speak sharply of the appearance and manners of other rulers. The King of Hungary 'resembles a statue, and becomes incoherent when he discusses state affairs'; the King of France is idle, and under petticoat government'; and though they found Lucrezia Borgia 'bland and gracious,' they were shrewd members of a merchant nobility, rarely deceived to enthusiasm by any personal flattery. Pasqualigo's description may come first: 'His majesty is the handsomest potentate I ever set eyes on; above the usual height, with an extremely fine calf to his leg, his complexion very fair and bright, with auburn hair combed straight and short in the French fashion, and a round face so very beautiful that it would become a pretty woman, his throat being rather long and thick. He speaks French, English and Latin, and a little Italian, plays well on the lute and harpsichord, sings from book at sight, draws the bow with greater strength than any man in England, and jousts marvellously.' Here is Giustiniani's picture: 'Nature could not have done more for him. He is much handsomer than any other sovereign in Christendom, a great deal handsomer than the King of France; very fair, and his whole frame admirably proportioned. On hearing that Francis I wore a beard, he let his own grow, and as it is reddish, his chin now looks like gold. He is very accomplished; a good musician; composes well; is a most capital horseman; a fine jouster; speaks good French, Latin, and Spanish; is very religious; hears three masses daily when he hunts and sometimes five on other days...He is very fond of hunting, and never takes this diversion without tiring eight or ten horses...He is extremely fond of tennis, and it is the prettiest thing in the world to see him play, his fair skin glowing through a shirt of the finest texture.' Sagudino saw him at the jousts of Tournai, and noted how he looked like St. George in person on a horse caparisoned with cloth of gold, and excelled all the other knights there for horsemanship and strength. In his own country he showed himself to the same observer most affable, courageous, and learned for his age and station; besides displaying an innocent pleasure in splendour.

ISBN-13: 9781438789446
ISBN-10: 1438789440
Publication Date: 9/9/2009
Pages: 150
Rating:

0 stars, based on 0 rating

Publisher: Intl Business Pubns USA
Book Type: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

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