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Accomplished, beloved and in manners most mild,
Began his brief reign when he nine years had seen,
And died of consumption, when aged sixteen. . . .
This was in 1553 and there was no further Edward until 1901—a period of 348 years—when the grandfather of last week's new King took the Throne as Edward VII and founded the Anglo-French entente which was to defeat Germany. Such was the talent of Victorians that by memorizing only the following 20 lines one has upon tongue-tip all the sovereigns of England from the Conqueror to Victoria:
First came William the Conqueror,
William Rufus, his son,
Henry, Stephen, Matilda,
Henry, Richard and John.
After Henry the Third,
Edwards three, Richard Second,
Henrys Fourth, Fifth and Sixth,
Edwards Fourth, Fifth are reckoned.
After Richard the Third,
Henrys Seven and Eight,
Edward Sixth and Queen Mary,
And Elizabeth date.
James the First and Charles First;
Then with Cromwell they vary;
Charles the Second, James Second;
Then came William and Mary.
Good Queen Anne wore the crown,
Georges one, two, three, four,
William Fourth; and Victoria
Now retains queenly power.