My care is like my shadow in the sun, Follows me flying, flies when I pursue it, Stands and lies by me, doth what I have done.
If I follow the inclination of my nature, it is this: beggar-woman and single, far rather than queen and married.
Life is for living and working at. If you find anything or anybody a bore, the fault is in yourself.
Though God hath raised me high, yet this I count the glory of my crown: That I have reigned with your loves.
For, what is a family 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.
I cannot find it in me to fear a man who took ten years a learning of his alphabet.
I will never be by violence constrained to do anything.
This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
If thy heart fails thee, climb not at all.
God has given such brave soldiers to this Crown that, if they do not frighten our neighbours, at least they prevent us from being frightened by them.
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.
A strength to harm is perilous in the hand of an ambitious head.
I find that I sent wolves not shepherds to govern Ireland, for they have left me nothing but ashes and carcasses to reign over!
Monarchs ought to put to death the authors and instigators of war, as their sworn enemies and as dangers to their states.
Though I am not imperial, and though Elizabeth may not deserve it, the Queen of England will easily deserve to have an emperor’s son to marry.
Where might is mixed with wit, there is too good an accord in a government.
Young heads take example of the ancient.
A good face is the best letter of recommendation.
No foteball player be used or suffered within the City of London and the liberties thereof upon pain of imprisonment.
The end crowneth the work.