QUEEN ELIZABETH I

Much suspected by me,
Nothing proved can be.

Christ was the word that spake it.
He took the bread and break it;
And what his words did make it
That I believe and take it.

This is the Lord's doing and it is marvellous in our eyes.

Fortune sometimes doth conquer kings
And rules and reigns on earth and earthly things

I will be as good unto ye as ever a queen was unto her people. No will in me can lack, neither do I trust shall there lack any power. And persuade yourselves that for the safety and quietness of you all I will not spare if need be to spend my blood.

Though after my death you may have many stepdames, yet shall you never have a more natural mother unto you all.

I have no desire to make windows into mens souls

It would please me best if, at the last, a marble stone shall record that this queen, having lived such and such a time, lived and died a virgin.

Young heads take example of the ancient.

My Lords, do whatever you wish. As for me, I shall do no otherwise than pleases me.

I will never be by violence constrained to do anything.

It is monstrous that the feet should direct the head.

Never tempt too far a prince's patience.

I am no morning woman

A strength to harm is perilous in the hand of an ambitious head.

With your head and my purse I could do anything.

Unbridled persons, whose mouths were never snaffled by the rider, did rashly ride.

I will have here but one mistress and no master.

You are like my little dog. When people see you they know I am nearby.

What availeth wit when it fails the owner at greatest need?

Anger makes dull men witty but keeps them poor.

I do consider a multitude doth make rather discord and confusion than good counsel.

I have already joined myself in marriage to a husband, namely the kingdom of England.

Better beggar woman and single than Queen and married.

We princes are set upon stages in the sight and view of the world.

There is only one Christ, Jesus, one faith. All else is a dispute over trifles.

Your judgement I condemn not, neither do I mistake your reasons, but pray you to accept my thankfulness, excuse my doubtfulness, and take in good part my answer, answerless.

If I were turned out of my realm in my petticoat, I would prosper anywhere in Christendom.

I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and a king of England too!

He that will forget God will also forget his benefactors.

Those who touch the sceptres of princes deserve no pity.

My mind was never to invade my neighbours.

GOLDEN SPEECH 1601

To be a King and wear a crown is a thing more pleasant to them that see it, than it is pleasant to them that bear it.

I were content to hear matters argued and debated pro and contra as all princes must that will understand what is right, yet I look ever as it were upon a plain tablet wherein is written neither partiality or prejudice.

There is no jewel, be it of never so rich a price, which I set before this jewel; I mean your love.

Though God hath raised me high, yet this I account the glory of my reign, that I have reigned with your loves.

I have ever used to set the last Judgement Day before mine eyes, and so to rule as I shall be judged to answer before a higher judge.

You may have many a wiser prince sitting in this seat, but you never have had, or shall have, any who loves you better.

It is not my desire to live or to reign longer than my life and reign shall be for your good.