Philip II of Spain:

I would rather lose all my lands, and a hundred lives if I had them, than be king over heretics.

— Philip II of Spain Early Modern

Spanish Empire ruler

Regarding his stance on religious uniformity and the Low Countries.

c. 1560s

Verification

Confirmed

Found in 2 providers: grok,gemini

Cross Reference

2 sources

"I would rather govern a world of automata than a world of free men."

"I have built the Escorial as a monument to God and to myself."

"If my own son were guilty like you, I should lead him with my own hands to the stake."

"I would rather lose my empire than my soul."

"Time and I."