Interview with Lady Godiva
85
The Ride of Lady Godiva
Listen, my friends, no secrets will I dare to hide.
About our dear Lady Godiva’s very strange ride.
With the now supernatural interviewing skills I’ve saved,
I was able to interview Godiva straight from the grave.
There was one important question I wanted to pose,
You know what it is, You hit it right on the nose.
Did Lady Godiva ride a horse wearing only a smile?
(Lady Godiva that is, not the horse.)
Yes, she did and it was a very difficult trial,
For the Lady, not the horse, of course.
me – Good day, my lady, you look ravishing.
Godiva – I threw this on; it’s not a lavish thing.
me – Tell me about this strange event,
The ride you rode and how far you went.
But first, let’s have personal information,
About you, your hubby and other relations.
Godiva – I was born between 1000 and 1020.
Record keepers then needed help aplenty.
My name originally was spelled Godgifu.
I prefer the English Godiva instead, don’t you?
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me – Absolutely, what does the name mean, pray tell?
Godiva – It means ‘God’s gift” - isn’t that swell?
For gourmet chocolate, Godiva became a wonderful name.
Would you buy Godgifu chocolate – that name is so lame.
me – Tell me more about your family life.
And when did you become a wife?
Godiva – My father, Earl of Lincolnshire, was a nobleman and wealthy.
My brother, Thorold, and I grew up cherished and healthy.
I was married when young but my first husband died.
Then I met Leofric, Earl of Mercia, and became his bride.
He owned so much land including Southern Buckinghamshire,
Cheshire and Gloucestershire and Herefordshire,
Oxfordshire and Shropshire and Staffordshire,
Warwickshire and Worcestershire – many acres to be sure.
He became wealthy as a landowner and from sheep he raised.
They called it mutton which we ate every day, broiled or braised.
There were sheep here, sheep there, sheep all over the place.
To this day, I can't look a rack of lamb in the face.
Coventry
We moved to Coventry for the quiet country life,
And I looked for ways to become a more religious wife.
You know “being sent to Coventry” means being banished.
It was so quiet there I felt that from life I had vanished.
I was used to being a patron of the arts and equestrienne.
I rode my horse everywhere – I was seldom a pedestrian.
While Leofric was tending to various business pursuits,
I was riding with the local folks discussing local disputes.
One that concerned us was the lack of proper facilities,
For housing and training those with religious bent and abilities.
So I persuaded Leofric to build and fund a local village abbey,
A simple structure, the largest around, and far from being shabby.
This building also became the center of village social activity
As well as a haven for those who sought religious tranquility.
Leofric, was admired for his philanthropy, and monetary gumption,
So soon he was named in charge of the village’ taxing function.
Maureen O'Hara as Lady Godiva of Coventry
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Godiva - The village people didn’t realize the extent of my hubby’s mode,
He soon began taxing every person and every horse they rode.
He taxed the land, the people, the farms, even a tax on manure.
But he didn’t realize that the Coventry folk were very, very poor.
me – Did you try to get your husband’s explanation?
Did you explain to him the poverty-level situation?
Godiva – I did my best but he laughed so hard he fell off his chair.
He made me so angry I was tempted to shout and swear.
He insisted my well-meant social experiment,
Could only result in his financial detriment.
I pleaded, I begged, I argued. I was overly dramatic.
It was a war of wills; he thought me a religious fanatic.
me – What happened, I pray
What did hubby say?
Godiva – Because of my argument and the manner in which I insisted,
He’d waive all taxes except on horses which already existed.
What was the challenge my sweet husband imposed?
I ride my horse through Coventry without any clothes.
me – Was he serious?
Or just delirious?
Godiva – I think he was upset and angry and plotted revenge,
Believing I would never accept his ‘naked’ challenge.
I made up my mind that nothing would stand in my way,
I would ride through the streets naked during the midday.
me – Did he try to dissuade you?
Deter or degrade you?
Godiva – No, he knew the strength of my will,
As well as my equestrian skill.
He finally gave me his permissions,
To perform the ride on three conditions.
me – What were the conditions that were imposed,
As you rode your steed while completely exposed?
Godiva – The villagers were told to remain inside,
With all their shutters closed during my ride.
I was to ride my horse through the main street during the noonday.
I mounted and loosened my beautiful long hair all the way.
My long shapely legs were exposed but little else during my ride,
On sidesaddle, I saw a placard that read, “Hurray for our side.”
My husband, the Earl, to his promise was true.
He removed the taxes as he said he would do.
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me – I have to ask you, Godiva, as a woman deeply religious,
Why would you ride in a manner some say egregious?
Godiva – As spoken by emperors, by kings and by queens,
It is said that 'the end often justifies the means'!
Coventry now has an official Lady Godiva employed by the city council and the town presents annual Lady Godiva festivals and pageants. Signage, souvenirs and knickknacks are available everywhere.
Godiva Chocolatier was founded 80 years ago in Brussels, Belgium when master chocolatier Joseph Draps founded a chocolate company that was named in honor of the legend of Lady Godiva. Why Godiva? Because her name embodied the timeless qualities of passion, style, sensuality and modern boldness.
Note: The tale of "Peeping Tom", who was struck blind (or dead) when he alone gazed upon Lady Godiva was not added until the 17th century – six centuries later.
Sources: Stenton, Sir Frank. Anglo Saxon England. Oxford 1971. Tosh, John. The Pursuit of History. Longman 2nd edition 1991. Whitelock, D. The Beginnings of English Society/ Penguin Books 1952. William of Malmsbury. Gesta Regum Anglorum The History of the English Kings. Volume 11.Clarendon Press, Oxford 1999
© Copyright BJ Rakow 2011. All rights reserved. Author, "Much of What You Know about Job Search Just Ain't So."
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Hey, do you think if all the women today rode naked on horseback we'd get tax relief?
WOW! Wonderfully done as always drbj. She was a saucy minx that Lady Godiva! Loved the prose, innovative and a great read. Musta been a right old task, sharing your cleverly purloined facts about the most famous topless woman ever to have sat astride a horse, a pole or a man's knee - whilst delivering it in a medieval-esque style.
Bravo :)
drbj, I love these interview hubs you are doing. They are entertaining and very clever. Lady Godiva was quite a head strong woman.
Brilliant! Love the lyrical way you've handled this one! :)
Hi, CMHypno. Yes, I guess Godiva showed hubby a thing or two! Ho, ho.
Thanks for visiting and appreciating my different way of retelling this famous tale. It was fun for me, too.
What an absolutely fascinating idea, Lynda, for every woman to ride naked on horseback to solicit tax relief.
I don't know about the tax relief, but I do think other kinds of soliciting could be called into play. :)
Hi, Andria. How great to see you here. Thank you for those marvelous comments - I knew you would appreciate this style of 'medieval' verse.
Yes, 'saucy minx' would be a great way to describe our Lady who had no compunction about removing her clothing for a worthy cause. And we're talking 11th century here. Thanks for the visit and the brava, m'luv.
Bravo :)
You are so right, Pamela. Lady Godiva was a very strong woman and knew just how to push her husband's, you'll pardon the expression, buttons.
Thank you for loving my 'entertaining and clever interviews'. I love you, too.
Thank you for being so faithful, Feline, and loving this 'lyrical' interview. I love that word. Love the "brilliant," too. Thank you.
...well there is nothing quite like your interview series hubs I would imagine anywhere in this cyber universe and that makes you truly unique - and this one is another world class winner with so much research put into it ...... of course your witty poetic comments to me are in a class of their own too - and that's just another unique side of you!!!
Did such a ride take place? Hard to believe that a woman of the ruling elite would go out on a limb for the commoner. A more plausible reason perhaps is she lost a bet or maybe the peeping Tom was her husband and/or she was an exhibitionist and they needed to pep up their sex life.There was no Viagra then :)If you consider the sex escapades and scandals of the aristocracy.This is a reasonable hypothesis However,If true then that ride should go into the books as the first government approved and church sanction of exhibitionism.
Very funny. Lady Godiva is a bit out of your usual interviewing range, but a welcome change.
Very clever of her to speak in rhyme.
I hope she didnt catch a cold.
Already on those days - what all women had to do? Men haven't changed. lol
What a clever girl you are DRBJ ;-))) Very entertaining and eloquent. When I croak, I shall make sure that you are the first person I give an interview to, so get your questions ready about the afterlife and all shall be revealed! :-))))
Good Doctor bj - It is always fun reading (and instructive) to experience another of your great historical interviews. Thanks.
Gus :-)))
Drbj- you are bookmarked as the most fun way to teach my kid about history. I mean, come on, there are rhymes, and Charmed, and a naked lady with pretty hair on a horse... who wouldn't find this interesting?
You are skilled. No, you are wicked skilled. It's always a tremendous pleasure to read, learn and be entertained by you!
We should have to buy tickets for this one! As good as a Broadway show - award winning at it's best! Enjoyed every word, every video and cartoon, mixed with informative and entertaining presentations in each paragraph. An A+...#1...Best of the Best (made that one up) :) A huge thank you!!!!
I have to say, Ive been utterly fascinated by this write, really clever & well done to say the least. I cant wait to read the other interviews:-)
Really Enjoyed It !! thanx alot.
I was wondering the same thing as lmmartin! But I doubt our governors would care...
This was a great read. I love your story telling style.
Wow! You allowed Lady Gift-of-God to expose her poetic talents so many years after she exposed her strong will and boldness. I am stunned with awe. I can easily identify with Lady Godiva, even though, or perhaps because, I was under the impression she rode that horse without a saddle :)
My mother always called me Lady Godive when she was mad at me.
I think it is time for me to buy a horse. Our municipality needs a demonstration of boldness. Before they lower the taxes, however, they must repair all the potholes in the streets.
Thanks for interviewing the remarkable Lady Godiva, drjb. I’m looking forward to your next interview. Now who will it be.... :)
A nice idea - a rhyming historical interview. These horses look happy.
This was so much fun. You are brilliant!! Your poetry was perfect for the occasion. Thank you for a most enjoyable interview.
What an entertaining and informative hub! The verse was a great way to present the information. I’m looking forward to reading some of your other “supernatural” interviews.
Well, BJ - all kidding aside, that you could rhyme so much of this is truly remarkable but you always are so good at the rhyme.
Second of all, I think we'd best be on our toes about Sir Dim's demise and make SURE you get his questions all nailed down so to speak as I'm sure the entire world will be waiting for his 'speech from the dead'.
Thirdly, I hate to admit this to anyone but I am the Lady Godiva of Prineville Oregon although I don't have a horse....I just ride around on the sled and the scooter and unfortunately, my hair isn't as long as it used to be....I think people are truly in love with me but I can't really hear what they're saying over the honking of the horns and the gagging...I think they just must be a bit stupid in terms of their own sexuality. Haven't they ever seen a old lady in the buff? What the heck is that about?
Anyhow....when I post up my pics on youtube, I'll be sure and send you the link to add to your glorious as usual hub....no, please don't thank me - I'm sure the beauty of the moment will spread throughout the world and we shall both be rich.....ha ha
Wonderfully done as usual....and here I thought when I saw the title that it was going to be about Lady Gag Gag...but alas she is still with us....oops - did I say that?
It's a pleasure to see you here, Colin. You have no idea how much I enjoy our mutual admiration society. And how very much I appreciate your welcoming my (bordering on the insignificant) rhyming comments on your hubs of eloquent epigrams.
Your comments are always special and this time is no exception. "World class winner ... unique ..." - don't stop.
Hello, SilentReed. Did such a ride take place you ask? Of course, I got it straight from the horse's mouth ... I mean Godiva's mouth.
According to her confession, it was not exhibitionism or any other sexual deviation that motivated her. She was caring and kind and thought only of helping the villagers survive by not being taxed into oblivion as some leaders would do. No names.
I appreciate your furnishing your interesting hypotheses but Lady G tells me they are fabrications. I believe her, of course. After all, she is a Lady! :)
Oh and p.s....I like the sounds of Godgifu chocolate...it has a nice ring to it....or at least it's a mouthful. Could I have some of that Godgifu chocolate please? And the clerk would answer 'god bless you' thinking I sneezed!
Oh, Christopher, you made me laugh with your hope that Lady G did not catch cold, and how clever she was to speak in rhyme. You devil, you.
Yes, Godiva is not one of my more normal subjects but then most of them have been a little out of the ordinary. Her 'ride' at that time in history was a bit abnormal, doncha agree?
Thank you for enjoying this 'welcome change.'
Hi, hello. Down through the ages it seems it has ever been thus. Do you subscribe to that old adage: 'God made women beautiful so men would love them.
And He made women dumb so they would love men. Gives you something to think about, no? :)
Entertaining and eloquent, you say? Clever, too? Okay, dimi, all is forgiven about that 'culled' comment. I'm sure you didn't realize how it could affect my sensitive sensibilities (?)
As far as croaking goes, you will have to interview me, since I have been around since the Pleistocene era. But as they say, so far, so good. :)
Hi, Gus, it is always so nice to see you here. Thank you for your gracious - all true, of course - comments.
And no thanks are necesary. It is entirely my pleasure to be hysterical, I mean historical, with these supernatural Interviews. :)
Now I know! I always wondered why she rode her horse naked through town. Very soon my hair will be long enough to cover me so I can make that ride! Hmm, I wonder... if I do that, the taxes will probably be raised! I'd better rethink things...
I love the poetry you've added to this one! Very different from your other 'interview' Hubs!
I can't wait to see who you interview next! Thank you!
A LOT of poetic history, beautifully done!! Amazing
You get all the buttons pushed for this grand effort! Beautiful! You worked hard on this wonderful poetry and story. I loved it all- as usual!
This hub is quite interesting and entertaining. You have a unique way of writing the history of Lady Godiva. It attracts everyone to read it from start to finish. Thumbs up!
Listen, my hubbers, and you shall hear
Of the midday ride of a lady most dear.
You have given another great history lesson, this time in verse. Wow! Such talent!
Drbj, if you have time, would you please read and comment on my latest hub about Electra? I know it is too long and it lacks humor, but I am bothered that a couple of commenters had to read it more than once.
Hi, Sue. Thanks for the bookmark and the sublime comments. Wow, 'wicked skilled' - that's really neat. Going to have to try even harder to live up to that one.
I look forward to your visits - your comments are always so pleasurable. Here's to providing more pleasure to being read and entertained ... by both of us!
Audrey, m'dear - I couldn't have written more fabulous comments than you did if I had to invent them myself. You are so good for my ego with those remarks about having to buy tickets for this one ... award winning ... good as a Broadway show ... A+ ... #1. Even best of the best.
It doesn't get any better than that, sweet Audrey. A huge thank you from me to YOU!
A pleasure to meet you, pearlmacb, especially since you were 'utterly fascinated' by this Interview. Thank you for the gracious comments and please, do read the others and let me know what you think.
No thanks are necessary. It was entirely my pleasure.
So, Ivorwen, you were thinking like Lynda about the possibility of getting tax relief by performing a 'Godiva ride'?
Such a ride would certainly provide 'relief' to the gentlemen spectators. But as far as tax relief, our government (in the U.S.) is much too busy finding new ways to spend taxpayers' money and increase the deficit.
Thanks for loving my storytelling style.
I like the way you described Lady Gift-of-God, Martie. Me, too, I thought Godiva rode sidesaddle without a saddle. But she confirmed, in person, that she did ride an English saddle because it aided in concealing her beauteous bottom.
So you mother called your Lady Godiva when she was angry with you. Sounds like good hub material to me. I agree with your declaration - do not attempt this feat until all the potholes are repaired. The municipality will retort, I know, that they cannot lower taxes - they need the money to fix the potholes. I've heard that tune before.
I haven't decided yet who I will defame, er, extol next. Working on it. Thanks as always for the visit and your more than salubrious comments.
Thank you, Amillar, for liking this rhyming historical or maybe even hysterical, interview.
I can always depend on you to sum things up in a clever but not verbose fashion. You made me laugh out loud when I read your remark: "These horses look happy." So they do!
Hi, Ruby. Thank you, thank you for the 'brilliant'. Delighted that you found this fun to read and enjoyable. And especially so since you, as one of the sublime poets on Hubpages, found my poetry 'perfect'.
How nice to meet you, Alicia C. Thank you for visiting and the more than gracious comments.
So happy you found this Interview entertaining and informative at the same time. Please do read the other supernatural Interviews, although they are not in rhyme, and let me know what you think.
Thanks, Audrey, for appreciating my rhyme, especially since this was my first attempt at rhyming more than just four lines.
As per Dimi's suggestion, I would find it very difficult to interview and spoof someone I had known in life even though it was only 'virtual'.
So YOU are the Lady Godiva of Prineville - your fame has preceded you, fair lady. I can hear the honking of the car horns in Oregon from here in Florida. But they are not gagging, m'luv, they are Googling. In the nicest way, of course.
You know I am looking forward with great anticipation to your You Tube debut. Are you going to perform the Lady Gaga routine? Or the Charlie Chaplin skit? Just kiddin.
Thank you for being such a loyal and fun virtual friend - I am so lucky to have found you. Thank you for your wonderfully humorous and approbatory remarks.
You realize it will be difficult from this point on not to include Gaga somewhere in the narrative. :)
Hi, susie, So now you know the rationale for Godiva's famous ride. And why she let her hair grow so long.
Thanks for visiting and loving my poetry - a big departure from my other supernatural interviews.
I've made a list of additional potential interviewees so I'll pick one out of a hat. No make that a bowl, I don't own a hat. Unless you count an old, falling-apart straw sombrero I once purchased in Mexico. Ole!
Thank you for visiting, m'dear, always a pleasure to see you.
Hi, Kindacrazy - happy to see you here. And thanks for the very kind words about this poetic history. Delighted you find it beautifully done and amazing. Great minds think alike. Ho, ho.
Hi, Micky. Thank you for pushing all the buttons. This is one time when I do not mind having my buttons pushed!
And thank you for loving it all and commenting on my effort and poetry. Really appreciate it. And you!
Hi, Tina. Thank you for stopping by and the thumbs up. Always delighted to have you visit.
Happy, too, that you found this history interesting and entertaining. Attracting readers who feel that way and want to read it from start to finish makes my day. Night time, too. :)
Gesundheit, Audrey. Loved your Godgifu/bless you joke. Don't forget to wear your mittens and your cap with the ear flaps - it's cold out there in Prineland.
Hi, Mysterylady.
Delighted you enjoyed this history lesson in verse and thank you, thank you for the 'talent' comment.
I shall now hie myself forthwith to read your 'Electra' and subsequently comment thereupon within the fortnight.
Deff my fav so far as I loved the poetry take on it. I never knew the history of Lady Godiva and also the origin of the Peeping Tom.
You should put all these in a book and try and get them published my friend because my guess is there would be a demand for it. Totally brilliant from start to finish, look forward to your next venture.
Giselle Bundchen is deff one hot chick and a redhead as well, do you have her email address ????
Thank you, Art, for loving my poetic Godiva. I have tinkered with the idea of publishing these Interviews. After I write a few more, I may do that.
Because you called this 'totally brilliant,' I will share some Gisele info with you. She is 31, 5' 11' tall, probably the richest supermodel in the world, married to Tom Brady, the quarterback of the US football team, the New England Patriots (who didn't make it to the Super Bowl this year), and has a son 1 year old named Benjamin.
She hails from Brazil, speaks Portuguese, Spanish and English and was so thin as a 12-year-old, her friends called her 'Olive Oyl' (Popeye's super skinny girlfriend.)
She also has interests in shoe and clothing companies and a Brazilian hotel. Dunno if that email idea will fly.
Very good, To bad so many give the milk away free these days, leaving us with no recourse to get tax and debt relief. Loved it! rated up! :) Katie
Oh, katie, you rascal, you. "Too many give the milk away free." What a pointed and unfortunately accurate insight!
Thank you, m'luv, for visiting and loving it and the up. :)
I think you enjoyed writing this as much as I enjoyed reading it
sheila - you are both a mindreader and a clever lady. How did you know?
Yes, I enjoyed writing Godiva's Interview very much and I'm even more delighted that you enjoyed reading it. Thanks.
drbj,
OK, this one is my favorite - awesome! Chocolate is my passion. Loved the back story on the Godiva chocolate. I must now watch the movie with Maureen O'Hara. Thank you!
We have a lot in common, Gma, this hub is one of my favorites, too. And as far as chocolate is concerned, I believe a balanced diet is a chocolate bar in each hand!
Thanks for the awesome and loving the Godiva story as well as loving the Godiva chocolate. Enjoy the movie and thanks for the visit. Popcorn is available at the concession stand.
What a cute idea this was! I really enjoyed it...it was very entertaining! Great job on this hub!!!
How nice to see you again, erthfrend. Thanks for the visit and delighted you enjoyed this cute idea and entertaining hub. I though it was cute, too. Thanks for the kind comments.
I am certain this is the first time I have seen equestrienne rhymed with pedestrian. Brilliant!
You are not only established as a great writer but now you are also lauded throughout the realm as a poet who don't know it. God Bless You!
Oh, James, what high praise since it comes from you. A great writer lauded throughout the realm and a poet - what more could I ask?
Thank you immensely for stopping by and your sublime comments which warm the cockles of my heart. Though I'm not too sure about the "cockles." Isn't there a song about Molly Malone who wanders the city streets selling "cockles and mussels, alive, alive-o?" :)
Great interview doc as usual. I'm with Lynda, but why stop at taxes? It would be a tough sell; however, since women are still getting arresting for going topless on our beaches. I loved the clip with Maureen! Thanks!
You are spot on, Hillary, if women rode horseback as Godiva did, and as Lynda suggests to solicit tax relief, I strongly believe the only thing we would solicit is new 'friends'. Which depending on one's situation could be interesting. ???
Thanks as always for visiting. Delighted you enjoyed Maureen as Godiva.
They'd all stay indoors
The Fathers and Moms
But i'll wager a guinea
There were peeping Toms
It's nice to read some facts about Lady Godiva, especially such entertaining ones. I've been to Coventry, of my own accord, to watch my beloved Wolves lose 2-0 at soccer.
Keith, my friend, you are probably right,
Some fellows just had to view that sight.
Delighted you found Lady Godiva entertaining. Is it possible your beloved Wolves lost the game that day because they were fixated on what Coventry once represented? Speaking Godiva-wise?
No it's because we've got a crap team.
What a joy, and a Compliment you have bestowed upon this Coventry historic tale.
You have excelled yourself here, as not only have you used two languages to make it understood between our two great countries. You have kept the original history alive with the ole English too.
And now for the recognition you deserve...
How genius of you to not loose any content whilst rhyming the History lesson.
I am in awe : )
So happy to have you back, debbie. Thank you for the gracious and sublime comments - you know you are always welcome with such flowery but accurate verbiage.
Thank you also for appreciating the verse
I would say more but here comes the nurse.
With my meds, of course.
And thanks for being in awe - one of my favoritest words. :)
CMHypno Level 6 Commenter 16 months ago
Well hubby certainly got his comeuppance! Very interesting way to tell the story of Lady Godiva, drbj