Greensleeve : The Love Letters of Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn

The obsession of King Henry VIII with Anne Boleyn started in 1526.

Greensleeve - Guitar Version

King Henry VIII wrote the following  in an excerpt from a love letter to Anne Boleyn which was written in 1528:

"...having been for more than a year now struck by the dart of love, and being uncertain either of failure or of finding a place in your heart and affection..."

Greensleeve - Piano Version

This King Henry VIII quotation clearly illustrates the unfamiliar position of apparent unrequited love that King Henry had found himself in during his early courtship of Anne Boleyn. King Henry VIII was an extremely accomplished Musician and Composer. Music and the ability to play musical instruments was essential during the Tudor era and the education of King Henry VIII included great attention to the development of musical skills.

First Verse

Alas, my love, you do me wrong,
To cast me off discourteously.
For I have loved you well and long,
Delighting in your company.

Second Verse

So must I meditate alone
Upon your insincerity.

Third Verse

If you intend thus to disdain,
It does the more enrapture me,
And even so, I still remain
A lover in captivity.

Fourth Verse

I have been ready at your hand,
To grant whatever you would crave.

Fifth Verse

Thou couldn't desire no earthly thing,
But still thou hadn't it readily.

 Nineth Verse

My men were clothed all in green,
And they did ever wait on thee;
All this was gallant to be seen,
And yet thou would not love me.

Last Verse

Ah, Greensleeves, now farewell, adieu,
To God I pray to prosper thee,
For I am still thy lover true,
Come once again and love me.


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