Though the circumstances of the ballad's composition are not documented, a close correspondence of names and events suggests that it very likely describes Jane Seymour, the third wife of Henry VIII of England.
[1] Historically, Jane Seymour gave birth to a son who became Edward VI of England on 12 October 1537.
Queen Jane is in difficult labour – the time given ranges from three days to an astonishing six weeks – and asks a succession of people to cut open her sides and save her baby.
The song ends with descriptions of the mourning, and most versions contrast the joy at the birth of a male heir with the grief over the death of the queen.
In the versions in which he is sent for to hear her plea he is shown as first refusing: King Henry was sent for, and sat by her bedside: 'Why weep you, Queen Jeany?
Version 170D makes this explicit: The surgeon was sent for, he came with all speed, In a gown of black velvet from heel to the head; He gave her rich caudle, but the death-sleep slept she, Then her right side was opened, and the babe was set free.
The doctor was called for and set by her bedside: 'What aileth thee, my ladie, thine eyes seem so red?'