ELIZABETH I (r.1558-1603)
A message to her army at Tilbury on the eve of the Spanish Armada, 1588
My loving people, we have been persuaded by some that are careful of
our safety, to take heed how we commit ourselves to armed multitudes for
fear of treachery; but, I do assure you, I do not desire to live to distrust
my faithful and loving people.
Let tyrants fear; I have always so behaved myself, that under God I have
placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good will
of my subjects; and, therefore, I am come amongst you as you see at this time,
not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat
of the battle, to live or die amongst you all - to lay down for my God, and for
my kingdoms, and for my people, my honour and my blood even in the dust.
I know I have the body of a weak, feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach
of a king - and of a King of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or
Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm; to
which, rather than any dishonour should grow by me, I myself will take up arms -
I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues
in the field.
I know already, for your forwardness, you have deserved rewards and crowns, and,
we do assure you, on the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you. For the
meantime, my Lieutenant General Leicester shall be in my stead, than whom never
prince commanded a more noble or worthy subject; not doubting but by your
obedience to my General, by your concord in the camp, and your valour in the
field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over these enemies of my God, of
my kingdom and of my people.
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