Our Historical Tidbit for today focuses on an important detail from Chapter 26. Though the detail in the story is fictional, we can still make some comparisons to real life. Today’s Historical Tidbit is about…
LETTERS FROM EDWARD VI
Keep reading or watch the video below to learn more.
In this chapter, Edward realizes that no one has come looking for him, which he finds extremely odd. To remedy this situation, he decides to send a letter in three languages to prove who he is:
“ ‘But I have a plan that shall right us both—I will write a paper, in three tongues—Latin, Greek and English—and thou shalt haste away with it to London in the morning. Give it to none but my uncle, the Lord Hertford; when he shall see it, he will know and say I wrote it. Then he will send for me.’ ” (p. 157)
Edward’s Letter to the dean and chapter of Exeter
‘Edward
Trustie and welbiloved we grete youe well. And whereas the right reverend father in god our right trusty and welbiloved the bishop of Excetre hath passed a certaine graunte under his seale unto our right trustie and welbiloved comisineor Sir Willm paget knight of our ordre and comptroller of our household w[hi]ch we send unto you herewith. Nothing doubting of your conformitie to do us gratuitie and pleasour we desire and praye you to conforme the said graunte under yor chapiter seale and send the same unto us by this bearer whereby you shall do us pleasure w[hi]ch we will consider accordingly. Geven under our Signet at our pallaice of Westmr the xth of February the secound yere of our regne.
E. Somerset’
Edward’s Letter to Queen Katharine Parr
(translated from original Latin)
As I was so near to you, and saw you, or expected to see you every day, I wrote no letter to you, since letters are tokens of remembrance and kindness between those who are at a great distance. But being urged by your request, I would not abstain longer from writing; first, that I may do what is acceptable to you, and then to answer the letter you wrote to me when you were at St. James’s, in which, first, you set before my eyes the great love you bear my father the king, of most noble memory, then your good will towards me, and lastly, your godliness and knowledge, and learning in the Scriptures. Proceed, therefore, in your virtuous course; continue to love my father, and to show the same great kindness to me which I have ever perceived in you. Cease not to love and read the Scriptures, but persevere in always reading them; for in the first you show the duty of a good wife and a good subject, and in the second, the warmth of your friendship, and in the third, your piety to God.
Wherefore, since you love my father, I cannot but much esteem you; since you love me, I cannot but love you in return; and since you love the word of God, I do love and admire you with my whole heart. Wherefore, if there be anything wherein I may do you a kindness, either in word or deed, I will do it willingly.
Farewell, this 30th of May.
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References
Pontes Books 