Giles Darvill
Princess Elizabeth
Our father murdered most of his wives.
Queen Anne was my mother.
Poor Jane was gentle and careful towards me.
For a while death skirmished with
the King of England's Cock
inside the reeking cod–piece
then sallied forth
to destroy their bellies
or sever heads from necks.
A last disease trapped
inside the cock–piece
rotted him from extremity to core
but not before
his rounded hand
tampered with my inheritance.
Queen Mary does not trust me.
Test me for loyalty, sister.
Her eyes register more than resentment.
The Admiral romps around me,
praising my mettle to the household.
Is he wise to gambol with my prospects?
Come sweet Kate and Blanche who love me,
freshen this body and clothe me
in elegance.
My body was born cold.
This carcass will be warmed,
warmed by glimpses of sun.
I am a chip off my father's
block
and still young.
Queen Anne was my mother.
Poor Jane was gentle and careful towards me.
For a while death skirmished with
the King of England's Cock
inside the reeking cod–piece
then sallied forth
to destroy their bellies
or sever heads from necks.
A last disease trapped
inside the cock–piece
rotted him from extremity to core
but not before
his rounded hand
tampered with my inheritance.
Queen Mary does not trust me.
Test me for loyalty, sister.
Her eyes register more than resentment.
The Admiral romps around me,
praising my mettle to the household.
Is he wise to gambol with my prospects?
Come sweet Kate and Blanche who love me,
freshen this body and clothe me
in elegance.
My body was born cold.
This carcass will be warmed,
warmed by glimpses of sun.
I am a chip off my father's
block
and still young.
Page(s) 37
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