Home » History » Tudor England » An Interview with Sir Thomas Wyatt, the Elder

An Interview with Sir Thomas Wyatt, the Elder

© Wendy J. Dunn

Wendy:

Firstly, Tom, can I say how truly delighted I am that you, one of the finest Metaphysical poets of the Tudor era, has agreed to give his time for this interview.

Sir Tom:

By my faith, Wendy, time's no longer an issue to me. And, soothly, 'tis doth me good to speak to you. Consider it part payment towards the debt I owe you.

Wendy(confused- her normal state but we'll not go there!). Debt, Tom? You owe me no debt!

Sir Tom:

I am beholden to you, Wendy, and you know that full well! 'Tis you who listened to me and wrote my tale as best you could. 'Tis something I'll remember always!

Wendy: (blushing):

Tom, I will never forget you considered me worthy to tell your story. Let's say we are in each other debts! But I wanted us to speak about you, and- if it isn't too painful- your life up to the execution of Anne Boleyn. Would you mind?

Sir Tom:

You know my tale, Wendy, you could tell it well enough yourself.

Wendy:

But not as good as coming from your own lips. If you're ready, we can make a start now...?

Sir Tom:

Aye- ask your questions.

Wendy:

So, what can tell me about your early life, Tom?

Sir Tom:

I was born in 1503, at Allington Castle, in Kent, the eldest son of Sir Henry Wyatt. A good as man that ever walked on this green earth. My father loyally supported the first Tudor King, Henry VII of good memory. My home, Allington Castle, was a gift of the King to my father. You would be remembering that my father was imprisoned and tortured by Richard III, that vile, murderous, child killing...

Wendy:

Please Tom! You know you and I disagree about Richard. I think you best steer us back to safer subjects.

Sir Tom:

In truth, I fail to understand why you never listen to what I know full well. Do you think my father would lie to me?

Wendy:

No, Tom, I'm not saying that. And I do listen to you. Even when it meant hours correcting your grammar I listened to you. Tom...why have you got your hand on your dagger?

Sir Tom:

Making sure its razor is as sharp as your tongue.

Wendy:

(Moving her seat back three spaces.)Tom, can we please return to the interview?

Sir Tom:

Perchance that would be best. Did you not once tell me that little is known of my early years?

Wendy:

Yes- and the same goes for Anne Boleyn. Nobody guessed, not even your parents, that history would remember your lives forever.