A copy of the widely circulated Eikon Basilike (Eikōn basilikē) would have found its way into Pulter’s book collection. She was acquainted with the printer of the King’s book, William Dugard. As a royalist, who lamented the deaths of Lucas and Lisle, Pulter felt obliged and honored to contribute to the commemorative, often emblematic, literature on the tragically martyred king, who trades a crown of thorns for a heavenly crown in the frontispiece and emblem of Eikon Basilike. The tribute and glorification of Charles I is a key theme in “And Must the Sword this Controverse Decide” (Poem 64).

Charles I and John Gauden, Eikōn basilikē. The pourtraicture of His sacred Majestie in his solitudes and sufferings. Printed by W[illiam] D[u-gard]. [for Francis Eglesfield] in R.M., 1649. LUNA Folger Digital Image Collection. Digital Image File Name: 9368. Source Call Number: E308a.