A passionate love letter sent around 1528 by King Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn five years before she became Queen is being publicly displayed for the first time at British Library in late April.
It speaks of the king's "unchangeable intention" to marry her and marks a turning point in their relationship.
Before then, Anne had held out – aware of Henry's womanising reputation – and had refused any premarital sexual relations.
It reads: "The demonstrations of your affection are such, and the beautiful words of your letter are so cordially phrased, that they really oblige me to honour, love, and serve you for ever....
"For my part, I will outdo you, if this be possible, rather than reciprocate, in loyalty of heart and my desire to please you.
"Beseeching you also that if I have in any way offended you, you will give me the same absolution for which you ask, assuring you that henceforth my heart will be dedicated to you alone, and wishing greatly that my body was so too."
In 1536, he had her beheaded at the Tower of London and subsequently married four other women.
Jerk.