Queen Jane was in labour Six weeks and some more; The women grew wearied, And the midwife gave o'er. "O women, kind women, I take you to be, Just pierce my right side open And save my baby." "O no," said the women, "That never could be; I'll send for King Henry In the time of your need." King Henry was sent for On horseback and speed; King Henry he reached her In the hour of her need. King Henry he come And he bent o'er the bed: "What's the matter with my flower Makes her eyes look so red?" "O Henry, kind Henry, Pray listen to me, And pierce my right side open And save my baby." "O no," said King Henry, "That never could be, I would lose my sweet flower To save my baby." Queen Jane she turned over And fell in a swound, And her side was pierced open And the baby was found. The baby were christened All on the next day; But its mother's poor body Lay cold as the clay. So black was the mourning, So yellow was the bed, So costly was the white robe Queen Jane was wrapped in. Six men wore their robes, Four carrying her along; King Henry followed after With his black mourning on. King Henry he wept Till his hands was wrung sore. The flower of England Will flourish no more. And the baby were christened All on the next day, And its mother's poor body Lying mouldering away. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HIS PRAYER FOR ABSOLUTION by ROBERT HERRICK WINTER EVENING by ARCHIBALD LAMPMAN FROM THE ANTIQUE (2) by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI THE ARGONAUTS (ARGONATUICA): MEDEA BETRAYED by APOLLONIUS RHODIUS TO A GIRL by ASCLEPIADES OF SAMOS AN EPITAPH, ON A FOOLISH BOASTER by PHILIP AYRES |