Rosamund Queen of the Lombards Author:Algernon Charles Swinburne Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837-1909) was a 19th century British Victorian poet. The reoccurring of themes of sadomasochism, death-wish, lesbianism and irreligion appear in his work and made his work quite controversial. Rosamund, queen of the Lombards was a dramatic tragedy set in the year 573. This was one of Swinburne's last works. Rosam... more »und was the daughter of Cunimond, King of the Gepidae. She was forced to marry Alboin, King of the Lombards, who had defeated her father. Alboin forced her to drink from her father's skull. Rosamund plotted against her husband and had him poisoned. She escaped to Ravenna and was in turn poisoned by Elmichi.« less