Quotes by Queen Elizabeth I

To the wife of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Queen did not approve of married clergy. Madam, I may not call you; mistress, I am shamed to call you; and so I know not what to call you; but howsoever, I thank you.

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

The use of the 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 thereof.

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 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.

My care is like my shadow in the sun- Follows me flying - flies when I pursue it.

I am no lover of pompous title, but only desire that my name may be recorded in a line or two, which shall briefly express my name, my virginity, the years of my reign, the reformation of religion under it, and my preservation of peace.

Semper eadem {Ever the same].

As for me, I see no such great cause why I should either be fond to live or fear to die. I have had good experience of this world, and I know what it is to be a subject and what to be a sovereign. Good neighbours I have had, and I have met with bad: and in trust I have found treason.

To Robert Cecil on her death-bed. 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.