Julia’s Entry
As she mounted the scaffold she did so with Queenly dignity and she spoke with composure. When she knelt down to receive her punishment I did not want to watch and yet could not take my eyes from her. The sword moved swiftly as she murmured prayers. I felt she looked right through me momentarily and then all went dark.
I had fainted as her head fell from her body. I did not see it hit the boards and roll in the straw, but I saw her ladies wrap it carefully in a white cloth and carry her away to her final resting place. Walking away I felt justice had not been done that day.
By Julia A Strouse
