Into the Cecil family was born an only son
and to the baby was given the name of William.
His father, Richard, was a minor courtier
who ascended quite fast in his career.

It was after William’s birth he began to rise
as each promotion materialized.
His father was a yeoman from Wales.
His son had power that would prevail.

William Cecil was opportunism personified
that he was a – user – cannot be denied.
Being a long-term MP was not his fate.
By 1550 he was Secretary of State.

Elizabeth was given Hatfield Palace when Edward was King.
She had been there since childhood, countryside living.
Cecil agreed to be her agent in charge of the estate,
a personal link with the Princess since that date.

The link between them was to remain
as he advised the Queen throughout her reign.
And he made sure that, when he was gone,
his son, Robert, would carry the work on.

Tom came to court in 1543.
That year Cecil’s  first wife died, sadly.
By 1547 Tom was in Scotland fighting.
Cecil was also up there, observing.

They knew each other for many years,
but were destined for different careers.
One, a civil servant with manipulated malice;
the other a soldier, when not at the palace.

One thing about William Cecil,
he had mastered political skill.
In a police state you can do as you please
with cover ups and conspiracies.

When Edward de Vere was twenty-one
Cecil composed the Act of Treason.
It was an offence to even talk of the succession.
The Act was designed for complete oppression.

Knowing the circumstance of Edward’s birth,
William realized what he was worth.
He had the possibility of being regal.
The Act made any of the Queen’s issue legal.

At 21, Edward married Cecil’s daughter Anne.
It was all part of William’s master plan.
He was given the title of Lord Burghley,
up there with the noblemen, none too early.

But in a way it was not a good match.
Edward proved to be not a fine catch.
A travelling man he wanted to be,
not caught up in domesticity.

He spent money with great haste
and liquidated his estates.
He lived a bisexual life.
That was no treat for any wife.

It was an early grave for Anne
and William disliked this man.
And when the Queen’s end eventually came
she had decided on another name.

The warrant for Mary Queen of Scots’ death
made Elizabeth sigh and take a deep breath.
William’s hand was no doubt involved.
He thought he had the succession solved.

There was another relative
to keep the royal line active.
She must have deliberated while alone,
she would not let rascals have the throne.

Edward was in a group of influential men
who backed King James I succession.
That wasn’t where he wanted to be.
He had seen enough of monarchy.