My Queen May I Once Speak Thy True Name

With whom do I stand at this vexing hour heeding thy council or those of lesser men? May I once speak thy true name, Catherine, formidable as thy northern tower from bloom to queenly grace did flower. May my words not retreat from me again bound to this truth, my lover, queen and friend; they yield their strength to thine enduring power. For this reason I know I must depart. I am called back by my mistress the sea. I will be thy hand which must strike free; enemies from foreign lands will fear thy name, heed thy voice and pledge to thy glorious heart their love, a love I was not born to claim.