Quotes by Elizabeth I

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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