Elizabeth I
  • I would rather be a beggar and single than a queen and married.

  • My mortal foe can no ways wish me a greater harm than England's hate neither should death be less welcome unto me than such a mishap betide me.

  • Monarchs ought to put to death the authors and instigators of war, as their sworn enemies and as dangers to their states.

  • Do not tell secrets to those whose faith and silence you have not already tested.

  • Fear not, we are of the nature of the lion, and cannot descend to the destruction of mice and such small beasts.