The Age of Elizabeth, 1533-1603
William Cecil, Lord Burghley, chief minister
Queen's Speech to Her Army at Tilbury, 1588
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. Let tyrants fear. I have always so behaved myself that, under
God, I have placed my chief strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and goodwill of my subjects. And therefore I
am come amongst you all, as you see at this time, not for my recreation and disport, 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 honour and my blood even in the dust. I know I have the body of a week and feeble woman, but I have
the heart and stomach of a king, and 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 realm!
