Quotes from Elizabeth I

I find that I sent wolves not shepherds to govern Ireland, for they have left me nothing but ashes and carcasses to reign over!

I do not want a husband who honours me as a queen, if he does not love me as a woman.

Ye may have a greater prince, but ye shall never have a more loving prince.

The word must is not to be used to princes.

If thy heart fails thee, climb not at all.

The past can not be cured.

Grief never ends, but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness nor a lack of faith: it is the price of love.

I do not want a husband who honors me as a queen if he does not love me as a woman.

Those who appear the most sanctified are the worst.

A fool too late bewares when all the peril is past.

Brass shines as fair to the ignorant as gold to the goldsmiths.

I would rather be a beggar and single than a queen and married.

Words are leaves, the substance consists of deeds, which are the true fruits of a good tree.

Though God hath raised me high, yet this I count the glory of my crown: That I have reigned with your loves.

Do not tell secrets to those whose faith and silence you have not already tested.

Though I am not imperial, and though Elizabeth may not deserve it, the Queen of England will easily deserve to have an emperor's son to marry.

I observe and remain silent.

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

I have seen many a man turn his gold into smoke, but you are the first who has turned smoke into gold.

I cannot find it in me to fear a man who took ten years a learning of his alphabet.

Men fight wars. Women win them.

I have the heart of a man, not a woman, and I am not afraid of anything.

One man with a head on his shoulders is worth a dozen without.

I have no desire to make windows into men's souls.