Execution of Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, is being executed on charges of adultery, incest, and treason. She stands on the scaffold, moments away from her beheading, delivering her final words
Setting
Tower Green, Tower of London, England. A small, enclosed courtyard within the fortress, surrounded by high stone walls and towers. The execution site is a wooden scaffold draped in black cloth, erected in the center of the green.
Characters
Anne Boleyn
primary
A striking woman in her mid-30s, with dark expressive eyes and a slender figure. Her once-vibrant complexion is now pale from months of imprisonment, and her dark hair is loosely covered by a simple linen cap. She bears the regal bearing of a queen, even in her final moments.
Executioner
secondary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late 30s, with a weathered face and calloused hands. His dark, piercing eyes are cold and professional, devoid of personal animosity. His black hair is cropped short, and a faint scar runs along his right cheekbone.
Lady-in-Waiting
secondary
A young woman in her early twenties, slender with delicate features. Her fair complexion is flushed with emotion, and her light brown hair is neatly tucked under a crisp white coif. Her hands, though gently clasped, reveal slight tremors of distress.
Tower Chaplain
secondary
A middle-aged man of average height, with a thin frame and weary eyes. His face is lined with the marks of solemn duty and the weight of spiritual responsibility. His hands, though steady, show the faint tremble of one who has performed many last rites.
Guard Captain
background
A stern, middle-aged man with a muscular build, sharp features, and a closely trimmed beard. His weathered face bears the marks of years spent in military service, with a prominent scar running along his left cheekbone.
Dialog
Anne Boleyn
Good Christian people, I am come hither to die, for according to the law and by the law I am judged to die, and therefore I will speak nothing against it.
Tower Chaplain
May the Lord have mercy on thy soul. Receive this final blessing, my child.
Anne Boleyn
I pray God save the King and send him long to reign over you... for a gentler nor a more merciful prince was there never.
Executioner
Madam, I beg your pardon.
Anne Boleyn
I forgive you willingly. You are but the instrument of God's justice.
Tower Chaplain
Into thy hands, O Lord, we commend her spirit.
Anne Boleyn
Jesu, receive my soul...