Quotes from Elizabeth I

Must! Is must a word to be addressed to princes? Little man, little man! Thy father, if he had been alive, durst not have used that word.

If I should say the sweetest speech with the eloquentest tongue that ever was in man, I were not able to express that restless care which I have ever bent to govern for the greatest wealth.

The use of sea and air is common to all; neither can a title to the ocean belong to any people or private persons, forasmuch as neither nature nor public use and custom permit any possession therof.

God has given such brave soldiers to this Crown that, if they do not frighten our neighbours, at least they prevent us from being frightened by them.

I do not so much rejoice that God hath made me to be a Queen, as to be a Queen over so thankful a people.

There is one thing higher than Royalty: and that is religion, which causes us to leave the world, and seek God.

Answer on being asked her opinion of Christ's presence in the Sacrament. 'Twas God the word that spake it, He took the Bread and brake it; And what the word did make it That I believe, and take it.

I thank God I am endued with such qualities that if I were turned out of the Realm in my petticoat I were able to live in any place in Christendom.

God forgive you, but I never can.

He that will forget God, will also forget his benefactors.

Let the good service of well-deservers be never rewarded with loss. Let their thanks be such as may encourage more strivers for the like.

Where might is mixed with wit, there is too good an accord in a government.

He who placed me in this seat will keep me here.

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

I shall lend credit to nothing against my people which parents would not believe against their own children.

It is monstrous that the feet should direct the head.

I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman but I have the heart and stomach of a King and of a King of England too.

There is no marvel in a woman learning to speak, but there would be in teaching her to hold her tongue

Where minds differ and opinions swerve there is scant a friend in that company.

I do not choose that my grave should be dug while I am still alive.

Let tyrants fear, I have always so behaved myself that, under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good-will of my subjects.

There is nothing about which I am more anxious than my country, and for its sake I am willing to die ten deaths, if that be possible.

Though the sex to which I belong is considered weak you will nevertheless find me a rock that bends to no wind.

My mortal foe can no ways wish me a greater harm than England's hate; neither should death be less welcome unto me than such a mishap betide me.