Elizabeth I

I have ever used to set the Last Judgment Day before mine eyes, and so to rule as I shall be judged to answer before a higher judge, to whose judgment seat I do appeal, that never thought was cherished in my heart that tended not to my people's good.

There is no prince in the world that governs a people more loving, more faithful, or more obedient than I do.

I may not be a lion, but I have a lion's heart, and I will not be afraid.

Must I be forced to make a husband of a man that I cannot affect?

I will not open a window into any man's conscience.

It is not my desire to live or to reign longer than my life and my reign shall be for your good.

I am your queen, and I will be your mother.

I will never be by violence constrained to do anything.

My lords, I am not ignorant of the labours and perils that I shall enter into.

I have no need of a husband, for my people are my children.

I assure you, I am a queen, and will be treated as such.

I care not for the world, I care for my country.

I am more afraid of England, now that I am queen, than I ever was when I was a princess.

I have but one mistress, and no master.

I thank God I am not a fool.

I would rather go to war than marry.

Let us pray to God, and he will deliver us from the hands of our enemies.

I am not afraid of anything, for I know that God is with me.

I have always been a lover of peace, but I am not afraid of war.

I am a woman, but I have the heart of a man.