Hello all,

As you see, this link is to discuss Mary, Queen of Scots, or indeed, anything pertaining to sixteenth Century Scottish history.  I realize this subject may not be everyone's 'cup of tea', nevertheless, you, as I did, may well become as absorbed as I with little research.  I should remind that Mary was a Queen of Scotland  (married Lord Darnley, and France (married the French Dauphin (also laid claim, possibly rightly so, to the English throne. She was a  "marked woman" when she  married James Hepburn, who, some would say, raped her/. She was, in fact, the mother of the king of a United Kingdom , the beginning of the current line of Regal succession.

 To "Kick Off", here is a poem I wrote, descriptive of the beheading of Mary

Harry

The Long  Night

Long was the night 'ere the axe-man's blade

Would fall upon the neck of Scotland's maid

The raven of death she once espied

As her ship anchored at Leith on a morning tide

Now ominously perched beyond the pane

Bringing a message of death, once again

Her memories of France's gaiety and laughter

Would end in loneliness and disaster

No more to rule as Scotland's queen

The fairest princess that any had seen

Now alabaster skin parched as sand       

And aching bones, alone, unable to stand   

Her gentle hands once pure and fair          

Besieged with pain, yet clasped in prayer

Her anguished soul sought eternal peace

And physical anguish to finally cease

"My Father, why have you forsaken me?"

Words of Christ on the cross were the plea

She whispered to the walls of her cell

Yet no more would she suffer a living hell

At the close of that mournful night 

The queen beheld a brilliant light       

God came to her as she sat and penned

 Letters to those who were faithful until her end

"Hate not your enemies," the words were spoken

"The bond of love cannot be broken".

The Queen then completed her task

Yet there was one more thing she would ask

Before she was to bid "Adieu" -

"Forgive them father, for they know not what they do".

Hi Ron!  Thank you!  Super busy these days, but found a bit of time today.  I miss everyone here when I'm not around.  It's past my bedtime right now, you know.  lol

Oh Harry!!! I am so happy to see you back!! That poem is absolutely beautiful. I know one of Mary Queen of Scots' ancestors that lives here in the US. She used to work with my husband. Very sweet girl she is. 

Ruth so good to have you back too!

You both have been terribly missed!!! 

Thank you Ruth,Ron, Stephanie, Catherine, and Diana, for your warm welcome.  I am  currently off chemotherapy, and awaiting the results of a recent biopsy.  I feel reasonably well.

Before I continue with further notes on MQ of S here is a little poem you may wish to refer to your husbands/partners ( not YOU Ron!).

If only I could find the words

To tell you what you mean to me

If only I could smell the perfume of your golden hair

If only I could touch the softness of your silken skin

If only I could see the beauty of your radiant face

If only I could hear the sweetness of your tender voice

If only I could feel the softness of your breast

If only I could place my arms around your waist

If only I could hear the rhythm of your heart

As it beats with quiet fervour at my chest

If only I could find the words

To tell you what you mean to me

(Not to be confused with Kiplings poem "If" !)

I haven't read 'Forests', John. I read 'Sarum' soon after it was published and thoroughly enjoyed it.  As a boy I would cycle to Salisbury and often marvelled at  the 'stones' at Stonehenge.

Harry