Elizabeth I of England Quotes

70 Sourced Quotes

The daughter of debate, that eke discord doth sow.

Elizabeth I of England
This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.

Elizabeth I of England
I am and am not; freeze, and yet I burn,
Since from myself my other self I turn.

Elizabeth I of England
Do not tell secrets to those whose faith and silence you have not already tested.

Elizabeth I of England
Must is not a word to be used to princes! Little man, little man, if your late father were here he would never dare utter such a word.

Elizabeth I of England
If I am to disclose to you what I should prefer if I follow the inclination of my nature, it is this: beggar-woman and single, far rather than queen and married!
Reply to an imperial envoy

Elizabeth I of England
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 I of England
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.

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

Elizabeth I of England