Boleyn Traitor: A Novel

by Philippa Gregory

But this was no help when courtier work was degraded into slavish charm for only one man.

The more things change, the more they remain the same. “But this was no help when courtier work was degraded into slavish charm for only one man. There is no subtle work of politics and persuasion at Henry’s court; it has become nothing more than pleasing a difficult man in a court of weakened men.”

There is no subtle work of politics and persuasion at Henry’s court; it has become nothing more than pleasing a difficult man in a court of weakened men.

it was just as Machiavelli describes – as one power rises, another falls, and as soon as a power falls, it will try to rise again. Nothing ever changes: there is rise and fall, flood tide and ebb, but it is the same river.

How true it is, as Machiavelli would say: a friend is more dangerous than an enemy!’

How true it is, as Machiavelli would say: a friend is more dangerous than an enemy!’ HA

All that is needed to defeat a tyrant is the courage to say ‘no’.

History tells us that we must find the courage to defend others, and our country’s institutions and traditions before the danger is immediate and personal. By the time the tyrant comes for us – it is too late.