Elizabeth I Quotes

A collection of quotes by Elizabeth I.

Elizabeth I was born on September 7, 1533, to King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn, in Greenwich, England. She ascended to the throne in 1558, becoming the Queen of England and the last monarch of the Tudor dynasty. Elizabeth's reign, often referred to as the Elizabethan era, is considered a golden age in English history.

Known for her intelligence, strong will, and political acumen, Elizabeth was a skilled ruler who navigated the challenges of her time with remarkable finesse. Her reign marked a period of stability, prosperity, and cultural growth for England. Under her rule, England experienced advancements in literature, music, and the arts, with notable figures like William Shakespeare flourishing.

Elizabeth faced many political and religious challenges during her reign, including threats from Spain and internal tensions between Catholics and Protestants. However, her shrewd diplomacy and decisiveness helped maintain peace and equilibrium throughout her kingdom. Her resilience and ability to command respect and loyalty from her subjects earned her the epithet "The Virgin Queen" due to her decision to never marry and produce an heir.

Elizabeth I’s reign lasted for 44 years, making her one of the longest-reigning monarchs in English history. She passed away on March 24, 1603, and was succeeded by James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England, thus signaling the end of the Tudor era and the beginning of the Stuart dynasty. Elizabeth's legacy as a strong and iconic ruler endures, leaving an indelible mark on English history.

Do not tell secrets to those whose faith and silence you hav

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

Elizabeth I


Where might is mixed with wit, there is too good an accord i

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

Elizabeth I

Government

Monarchs ought to put to death the authors and instigators o

Monarchs ought to put to death the authors and instigators of war, as their sworn enemies and as dangers to their states.

Elizabeth I

Death

My mortal foe can no ways wish me a greater harm than Englan

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.

Elizabeth I

Death

There is one thing higher than Royalty: and that is religion

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

Elizabeth I

Religion

Fear not, we are of the nature of the lion, and cannot desce

Fear not, we are of the nature of the lion, and cannot descend to the destruction of mice and such small beasts.

Elizabeth I

Fear

I do not want a husband who honours me as a queen, if he doe

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

Elizabeth I

Love

Though God hath raised me high, yet this I count the glory o

Though God hath raised me high, yet this I count the glory of my crown: that I have reigned with your loves. And though you have had, and may have, many mightier and wiser princes sitting in this seat; yet you never had, nor shall have any that will love you better.

Elizabeth I

Royalty Kings

Must! Is must a word to be addressed to princes? Little man,

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.

Elizabeth I

Necessity

I would rather be a beggar and single than a queen and marri

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

Elizabeth I

Marriage

I am your anointed Queen. I will never be by violence constr

I am your anointed Queen. I will never be by violence constrained to do anything. 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.

Elizabeth I

Royalty Kings

Although I may not be a lioness, I am a lion's cub, and inhe

Although 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

Kindness

I do not so much rejoice that God hath made me to be a Queen

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.

Elizabeth I

Thankful

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

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

Elizabeth I

Strength