Henry’s letter to Anne

Can you prove it’s a love letter?

14 clues to spot.

Henry’s love letters

• Henry wrote lots of love letters to Anne. They look like this one, discovered only last year. Its far too hard to read like this. Even the translation is hard, but I think if we work together we can crack it.

The drawing near of that time which has for me been so long deferred, so much rejoiceth me that it is as if it already come. Nevertheless, the perfect accomplishing thereof cannot be until the two persons are together met, the which meeting is on my part the more desired than any earthly thing; for what joy in this world can be greater than to have the company of her who is the most dearly loved, knowing likewise that she by her choice holds the same, the thought of which greatly delights me.

Judge, therefore, what that very person shall do, whose absence hath so aggrieved my heart that neither tongue nor pen can express the hurt, which no other thing excepting that can ever cure. Praying you, my mistress , to say to my lord your father on my part that I beg of him to hasten by two days the time appointed, or that he may be at court before his former promise or at least, on the day already agreed. For otherwise I shall think he will not serve a lover’s return, as was his promise, nor will not allow of mine expectation.

No more at present, for lack of time, trusting soon to tell you by word of mouth the residue of my sufferings, that I by your absence have sustained. Written with the hand of that secretary who wishes himself at this time private with you, and who is and ever will beYour loyal and most assured servant,

H. autre ne cherce R.

H. no other seeks Rex)

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• The drawing near of that time which has for me been so long deferred, so much rejoiceth me that it is as if it already come. Nevertheless, the perfect accomplishing thereof cannot be until the two persons are together met, the which meeting is on my part the more desired than any earthly thing ; for what joy in this world can be greater than to have the company of her who is the most dearly loved , knowing likewise that she by her choice holds the same the thought of which greatly delights me .

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• Judge, therefore, what that very person shall do, whose absence hath so aggrieved my heart that neither tongue nor pen can express the hurt, which no other thing excepting that can ever cure. Praying you, my mistress , to say to my lord your father on my part that I beg of him to hasten by two days the time appointed , or that he may be at court before his former promise or at least, on the day already agreed. For otherwise I shall think he will not serve a lover’s return , as was his promise, nor will not allow of mine expectation.

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• No more at present, for lack of time, trusting soon to tell you by word of mouth the residue of my sufferings, that I by your absence have sustained . Written with the hand of that secretary who wishes himself at this time private with you , and who is and ever will be

• Your loyal and most assured servant,

• H. autre ne cherce R.

• H. no other seeks Rex ()

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