February 8th, 1587.

A doomed Queen approaches a stage.

From the Washington Post, quote,

Eyes straight ahead, back rigid and head high, she paused at the foot of the steps leading

to the scaffold.

Her once magnificent looks had faded with age and years of imprisonment, but she still

radiated royal dignity.

The man who for so long had been her jailer offered his hand to assist her assent.

I thank you, sir, she said, according to a historical account of the day.

This is the last trouble I shall ever give you.

Reaching the platform, the 44-year-old queen was directed to sit in a chair.

Looking about the great hall of a full-ering Gay Castle, she saw the crowd gathered to witness her demise.

More than 100 people were riveted by the unfolding spectacle.

Her eyes met the hooded axeman dressed entirely in black, the instrument of his

trade lying on the floor nearby.

End quote. Kings and Queens across Europe had been killed throughout history by various

assassins, serpers and political nemesis. But not once before this cold February day had a royal been legally ordered to die.

Quote, the executioner stepped forward and knelt before her.

Forgive me, he said.

I forgive you and all the world with all my heart, she answered with a smile,

for I hope this death will make an end to all my troubles. She kissed her ivory crucifix and laid it beside her clothing, then added her prayer book.

Taking out a gold-bordered handkerchief, she handed it to one of her ladies, whose hands were trembling

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