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by
Queen Elizabeth I (1588) |
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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 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 at this time, not as for my
recreation or sport, 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 kingdom, and for my people, my honor and my blood, even
the dust. I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman; but
I have the heart 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 realms: to which, rather than any dishonor
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, by your forwardness, that you have deserved rewards
and crowns; and we do assure you, on the word of a prince, they shall
be duly paid you. In the mean my lieutenant general shall be in my
stead, than whom never prince commanded a more noble and worthy subject;
not doubting by your obedience to my general, by your concord in the
camp, and by your valor in the field, we shall shortly have a famous
victory over the enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my people. |
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