When Doome of Death by Judgement fore appointed,
Strayninge the Lawe beyonde all Reache of Reason,
Had unto Death condemnde a Queene annoynted
And founde (oh straunge) without Alleageance Treason:
That Axe that should have done that Execution
Shunde to cutt off a Head that had been crowned:
The Hangman loste his wonted Resolution
To kill a Queene so noble, so renowned.
Ah, was Remorse in Hangman and in Steele
When peers, and judges no remorse could feele?
Graunte Lord that in this noble Ile a Queene
Without a Heart maye never more be seene.
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| In this poem, circulated in the reign of James I of England (it could hardly have been published in the reign of the poet's godmother), Harrington makes reference to the three blows of the axe which were necessary to sever the head of Mary, Queen of Scots. |
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