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. Therefore I have cause to wish nothing more than to content the subject and that is a duty which I owe. Neither do I desire to live longer days than I may see your prosperity and that is my only desire.
Elizabeth IThere is one thing higher than Royalty: and that is religion, which causes us to leave the world, and seek God.
Elizabeth IThough the sex to which I belong is considered weak you will nevertheless find me a rock that bends to no wind.
Elizabeth IThere 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.
Elizabeth IAlthough I may not be a lioness, I am a lion's cub, and inherit many of his qualities; and as long as the King of France treats me gently he will find me as gentle and tractable as he can desire; but if he be rough, I shall take the trouble to be just as troublesome and offensive to him as I can.
Elizabeth I