The year is 1530, Christmas is fast approaching, Anne Boleyn briefly adopts the motto “Aisi sera groigne qui groigne” – ‘Let them grumble; that is how it is going to be!’ (Ives, Pg. 141) and inspires a Christmas carol by an anonymous Boleyn supporter:
Grudge on who list, this is my lot: Nothing to want if it were not.
My years be young, even as ye see; All things thereto doth well agree;
In faith, in face, in each degree, Nothing doth want, as seemeth me,
If it were not.
Some men doth say that friends be scarce, But I have found, as in this case, A friend which giveth to no man place But makes me happiest that ever was,
If it were not.
A heart I have, besides all this, That hath my heart, and I have his. If he doth will, it is my bliss, And when we meet no lack there is,
If it were not.
If he can find that can me please, A-thinks he does his own heart’s ease, And likewise I could well appease The chiefest cause of his mis-ease,
If it were not.
A master eke God hath me sent To whom my will is wholly lent To serve and love for that intent That both we might be well content,
If it were not.
And here an end: it doth suffice To speak few words among the wise; Yet take this note before your eyes: My mirth should double once or twice,
If it were not.
Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle
Eric Ives suggests that even if the song were not written by Anne herself or for Anne it was “certainly expressive of her position” (Pg. 142)
At one time it was suggested that the author might have been Thomas Wyatt although it is now accepted that he was not.
The line ‘If it were not’- referring to Henry and Catherine’s marriage, now the only obstacle to Anne and Henry’s happiness. It’s also suggested that line 11- ‘But makes me happiest that ever was’- might be a “pre-echo”of Anne’s most famous motto: ‘The Most Happy’ (Ives, Pg. 386).
I think it’s a fascinating piece that offers us a glimpse into Henry and Anne’s relationship and the charged atmosphere that existed at court during these uncertain times.
It’s a pity that we do not know who penned this piece in support of Anne or even if Anne wrote it herself! But I guess like so much about Anne we can let our imaginations run free.
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