On March 24, 1603 the greatest queen England has ever known, Elizabeth I, died in Richmond castle. After nearly 45 years on the throne Elizabeth had made England a stable country by bringing Britain to world power after defeating the Spanish Armada. She is remembered by most people taught British history as the stoic virgin queen who staunchly refused to marry. I know her as a survivor. Despite that many parts of her soul were damaged and fragile because of the tragedies in her life she succeeded in being the Queen she knew she could be.
She was a princess, and then wasn't a princess. She had a mother who was killed on her father's execution orders. She was forgotten. She was molested by Thomas Seymour. She had a sister who abhorred her and locked her in the tower. She couldn't marry the man she loved because of his family history and his wife's mysterious death. People plotted against her, she was betrayed, she loved, she hated, and she faltered, and then carried through with her actions. She survived.
When she died the Councilors found a ring that was a locket containing portraits of herself and her mother, Anne Boleyn. She wore it all the time. Although she was only two when her mother was beheaded, here is the evidence Elizabeth knew she was loved by her mother. Perhaps it was from this love she found the strength to carry on at all times in her life.
I admire Elizabeth for her independence and will to persevere. Nothing would stand in her way to take the country she loved and make it great, which indeed she did. When her goal had come to pass, she was able to draw her last breathe with at least that comfort.
GOLDEN SPEECH 1601
To be a King and wear a crown is a thing more pleasant to them that see it, than it is pleasant to them that bear it.
I were content to hear matters argued and debated pro and contra as all princes must that will understand what is right, yet I look ever as it were upon a plain tablet wherein is written neither partility or prejudice.
There is no jewel, be it of never so rich a price, which I set before this jewel; I mean your love.
Though God hath raised me high, yet this I account the glory of my reign, that I have reigned with your loves.
I have ever used to set the last Judgement Day before mine eyes, and so to rule as I shall be judged to answer before a higher judge.
You may have many a wiser prince sitting in this seat, but you never have had, or shall have, any who loves you better.
It is not my desire to live or to reign longer than my life and reign shall be for your good.
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