Henry VIII. to Anne Boleyn.

[ June, 1528 ]

There came to me suddenly in the night the most afflicting news that could have arrived. On three accounts I must lament it. The first, to hear of the illness of my mistress,¹ whom I esteem more than all the world, and whose health I desire as I do my own, so that I would gladly bear half your illness to make you well. The second, from the fear that I have of being still longer harassed by my enemy. Absence much longer, who has hitherto given me all possible uneasiness, and as far as I can judge is determined to spite me more. The third, because I pray God to rid me of this troublesome tormentor, because my physician, in whom I have most confidence, is absent at the very time when he might do me the greatest pleasure; for I should hope, by him and his means, to obtain one of my chief joys on earth—that is the care of my mistress—yet for want of him I send you my second, and hope that he will soon make you well. I shall then love him more than ever. I beseech you to be guided by his advice in your illness. In so doing I hope soon to see you again, which will be to me a greater comfort than all the precious jewels in the world.
     Written by that secretary, who is, and for ever will be,

Your loyal and most assured servant,

H. (AB) R.