As it was the anniversary of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey's execution this week, I thought I'd pay tribute to this Tudor man by giving you an overview of his life and sharing some of his works.
Here are the other videos and resources I mention:
You can read Surrey's works at:
- The Works of Henry Howard Earl of Surrey and of Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder, in 2 Vols., Vol. I - https://archive.org/details/dli.granth.35810
- The Works of Henry Howard Earl of Surrey and of Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder, in 2 Vols., Vol. II - https://archive.org/details/worksofhenryhowa02surruoft
- http://www.luminarium.org/renlit/henrybib.htm
I love one of Henry Howard’s poems! I don’t know the title off the top of my head, but I think its beautiful and wise. Thanks for sharing. Fascinating man. Michelle t
HENRY HOWARD, EARL OF SURREY
THE MEANS TO ATTAIN A HAPPY LIFE.
MARTIAL, the things that do attain
The happy life, be these, I find :
The riches left, not got with pain ;
The fruitful ground, the quiet mind :
The equal friend, no grudge, no strife ;
No charge of rule, nor governance ;
Without disease, the healthful life ;
The household of continuance :
The mean diet, no delicate fare ;
True wisdom join’d with simpleness ;
The night discharged of all care,
Where wine the wit may not oppress :
The faithful wife, without debate ;
Such sleeps as may beguile the night.
Contented with thine own estate ;
Nor wish for Death, nor fear his might.
Source:
Surrey, Henry Howard, Earl of.
The Poetical Works of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey.
Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1854. 57.
This is one of my favourite poems and there is a slightly different version which I read at my mum in laws funeral.
I love Henry Howard, he was a bit of a rogue, but no traitor and I have a big soft spot for him.
I feel the same way. He certainly didn’t deserve his end. I love that poem!