Thomas Wyatt quotes from The Tudors

Thomas Wyatt

Well, do you like it?

Anne Boleyn

Should I like something that accuses me of being cruel?

Thomas Wyatt

But you are cruel Mistress Anne.

Anne Boleyn

Am I? You have no claim on me Master Wyatt.

Thomas Wyatt

I have the same claim as every other lover to whom their heart has been freely given.

Anne Boleyn

[to Master Wyatt] You are a poet as I am a woman. Poets and women are always free with their hearts, are they not?

Thomas Wyatt

No

King Henry VIII

Mister Wyatt.

Thomas Wyatt

Your Majesty.

King Henry

I hear you're a poet.

Thomas Wyatt

I write poems, I don't know how to be "a poet".

King Henry

I've read some, I like them.

Thomas Wyatt

My Lord, I don't know what to say.

King Henry

[whispers in Wyatt's ear] Were you in love with Anne Boleyn?

Thomas Wyatt

I...

King Henry

Cardinal Wolsey tells me you were once engaged.

Thomas Wyatt

No, that's not true.

King Henry

Did you love her?

Thomas Wyatt

Lady Anne is so beautiful, it is the duty of every man to love her. Of course I loved her, but from a distance. Personally, I have a wife.

Thomas Cromwell

The Queen was tried yesterday at Westminster Hall. She pleaded not guilty to all charges against her, but the evidence being overwhelming...she was sentenced to death, either by burning or decapitation according to the King's pleasure.

Thomas Wyatt

[fighting back tears] And her accomplices? What of us?

Thomas Cromwell

Smeaton, Brereton, Norris and George Boleyn, all guilty as charged.

Thomas Wyatt

Thomas, what about me? Am I to be tried too?

Thomas Cromwell

No. We found no evidence against you. You're to be released...eventually. [Cromwell leaves the cell]

Thomas Wyatt

[tearfully] BUT I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO'S GUILTY!

Anne Boleyn

Good Christian people, I have come here to die according to the law and thus yield myself to the will of the King, my Lord. And if ever in my life I did offend the King's grace, then surely with my death I do now atone. I pray and beseech you all to pray for the life of the King, my sovereign Lord and yours who is one of the best princes of the Earth, who has always treated me so well. Where for I submit to death a goodwill, humbly asking for pardon from all the world. If anyone should take up my case, I ask them only to judge it kindly. [her tearful attendants take off her cloak and jewelry; she gives them a weak smile]

(kneels before Anne) Madam... forgive me, for what I must do.

Anne Boleyn

Gladly. And here is your purse. (hands him a pouch with payment for the beheading) Thus I take my leave of the world and of you.

Thomas Wyatt

(in tears at the back of the crowd) Bless you.

Anne Boleyn

I heartily desire all of you to pray for me. [she kneels; the onlookers begin to kneel and pray for her, led by Archbishop Cranmer; eventually, even Charles Brandon, reluctantly, does so]

Anne Boleyn

(glancing fearfully at the executioner) Jesus Christ receive my soul, oh Lord, God have pity on my soul. Jesus Christ receive my soul, oh Lord, God have pity on my soul. Jesus Christ receive my soul, Oh Lord God have pity on my soul. Jesus Christ receive my soul, oh Lord, God have pity on my soul, to Lord Christ I commend myself. To Christ I commend myself...

Boy! Fetch my sword! [Anne glances reflexively to the right. Behind her, the executioner swiftly draws his broadsword from beneath a burlap sack, and raises it to swing]