[Queen Mary on signing Jane Grey's death warrant] I have no thirst for blood; nor yet would shrink From shortening earthly life; for what is life That we should court its stay? a pearl of price In festal days - but mockery to mourners. What's life to thee - thy loved one dead - poor Jane? What's life to me, by him I loved betrayed? I take from thee what is no loss to thee; And much infects the realm. Gladly would I My life on such conditions sacrifice. The time for thy short widowhood is come: But ye shall reunite above. For me The heart's blank widowhood must be for ever. Jane! on thy block the throned Queen envies thee! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DEAF HOUSE AGENT by KATHERINE MANSFIELD GOOD-BYE DOROTHY GAYLE: THE ROAD TO BUFFALO by KAREN SWENSON THE POOR-HOUSE by SARA TEASDALE THIS LIME-TREE BOWER MY PRISON by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE |