 As the saying is, So many heads, so many wits. Godly Meditation of the Christian Soul They are most deceived that trusteth most in themselves. To Edward Seymour, Lord Protector of King Edward, 1549, Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 1. ... What a family is without a steward, a ship without a pilot, a flock without a shepherd, a body without a head, the same, I think, is a kingdom without the health and safety of a good monarch. To her brother, King Edward, c.1550. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 1. That milkmaid's lot is better than mine, and her life merrier. To one of her attendants, 1554, while imprisoned by her sister, Queen Mary. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 1. There is one thing higher than Royalty: and that is religion, which causes us to leave the world, and seek God. To her ladies-in-waiting. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 9. Do not tell secrets to those whose faith and silence you have not already tested. To Erik, King of Sweden, in 1561. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 11. I would rather be a beggar and single than a queen and married. To the Ambassador of the Duke of Wurtemberg, 1564. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 2. It is a natural virtue incident to our sex to be pitiful of those that are afflicted. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 11. Princes have big ears which hear far and near. To the Fenelon, the French Ambassador. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 13. Monarchs ought to put to death the authors and instigators of war, as their sworn enemies and as dangers to their states. To the Fenelon, the French Ambassador. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 13. ... It is true that the world was made in six days, but it was by God, to whose power the infirmity of men is not to be compared. To the French Ambassador when he complained about waiting six days for an answer to Elizabeth marrying a prince of France. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 23. I do not want a husband who honours me as a queen, if he does not love me as a woman. To the French Ambassador. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 7. Although my royal rank causes me to doubt whether my kingdom is not more sought after than myself, yet I understand that you have found other graces in me. To Francis, Duke of Alencon and Anjou, c.1572. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 23. There is small disproportion betwixt a fool who useth not wit because he hath it not and him that useth it not when it should avail him. To Baron Buckhurst (Thomas Sackville, 1st Earl of Dorset), c.1587. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 11. The end crowneth the work. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 11. If we still advise we shall never do. To Sir Henry Sidney, on the Irish question. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 11. Where minds differ and opinions swerve there is scant a friend in that company. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 11. Those who appear the most sanctified are the worst. To the Spanish Ambassador, on arrested Catholics. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 11. The past cannot be cured. To the Spanish Ambassador. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 11. A clear and innocent conscience fears nothing. To the Spanish Ambassador. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 11. The stone often recoils on the head of the thrower. To Mary, Queen of Scots. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 18. A strength to harm is perilous in the hand of an ambitious head. To Sir Henry Sidney. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 13. He who placed me in this seat will keep me here. In 1601, when Essex instigated a revolt. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 9. A fool too late bewares when all the peril is past. To Sir Henry Sidney. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 11. I regret the unhappiness of princes who are slaves to forms and fettered by caution. To King Henry IV of France, 1601. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 23. The word "must" is not to be used to princes. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 24. Must! Is must a word to be addressed to princes? Little man, little man! thy father, if he had been alive, durst not have used that word. To Robert Cecil near the end of her life. Green, J. R. A Short History of the English People. The name of a successor is like the tolling of my own death-bell! Said near the end of her reign. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 24.
|
