Today we remember the execution, not so very far away in quiet Fotheringhay, of Mary, Queen of Scots.
We recall that two cousins, who should have been tied by bonds of familial affection, were instead separated by religion, politics and ambition. And that religion, politics and ambition caused the death of Mary after, intentionally or not, she encouraged plots against her cousin.
And so we will spend today recalling all the times that religion, politics or ambition have broken the natural bonds of love between friends, within family (I hope you're reading, Mr Miliband), or between colleagues and within societies and teams (likewise, Senor Torres).
This could take a while so we're doing it in shifts. We've got from now till 3pm lined up just for religion as the causes of division. And even then we've split the Moot House into 3 for "Personal Experiences" and "English" and "World" history.
This is a solemn day, and not one for levity. So we're holding the "Was Mary Really Guilty" vote in the TV room. Where we'll also be re-screening Gazza's goal on a permanent loop.
I have always felt that this would have been an ideal, romantic tragedy for Shakespeare.
ReplyDeleteSomehow or other, bowing to political correctness, he did not feel up to the task.
The portrayal of Mary as the tragically flawed heroine, smitten with so many lovers that she had to consider doing away with Elizabeth to help keep them in the style they needed to be accustomed to.
In the wings - Elizabeth, a regal, but lonely monarch - facing down the world in the style of her father Henry, changing the world for women - she governed before Maggie Thatcher!
Faced with a troublesome cousin, what is a 'Gal' to do, mock trial (in the style of Henry) and execution, after all, Henry started the tradition and tradition is so important in these things if One is to Rule.
Dame Helen Mirren as Mary and Dame Judy Dench as Elizabeth - the cast of dreams.
Off course, Mary had the last laugh as James her son got the throne anyway.