A GRUESOME CHASE

A GRUESOME CHASE

Margaret, Countess Salisbury, was her name:
A macabre pursuit brought her historical fame.

Loyal, long-time friend, this Catholic paragon,
Supported Mary and Katherine of Aragon.

Her foolish son wrote a critical letter
which sent King Henry on a cruel vendetta.

Furious Henry roared, "I've had enough,
A stretch in the Tower will call his bluff".

The writer, knowing he'd blown his last chance
Packed his dud and shot through to France.

The frustrated King looked for another.j
"If I can't get him, I'll behead his mother."

So the frail old lady in Henry's power
Spent her last days in the cold bleak Tower.

A big crowd gathered for a jolly display
Upon Tower Green on a soft spring day.

When she enquired "What have I done?"
They laughed and replied, "Ask your son."

Headsman and crowd were transfixed in shock
As she took off at speed and hurdled the block.

Adrenaline charged, belying her fears,
She raced round the Green propelled by her fears.

The headsman was shaken and in despair
As he struggled to lift the axe in the air.

Urged on by the crowd at last he gave chase
To catch the old lady in this singular race.

The crowd drew back as he swung the great axe
And finally felled her wih several sharp whacks.