Queen Elizabeth Speech at Tilbury, Essex

Queen Elizabeth 1, who ruled England and Ireland in the years 1558-1603, She started ruling at 25 and in 1588, the Spanish Armada threatened to Invade England.  While her troops prepared to stop the invasion, she visited them at Tilbury, Essex and gave this speech.



Artist Impression of Queen Elizabeth 1 Addressing the Military at Tilbury, Essex, 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; but, I do assure you, I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people.

Let tyrants fear; I have always so behaved myself, that under God I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good will of my subjects; and, therefore, I am come amongst you 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 kingdoms, and for my people, my honor and my blood even in the dust.

 

I know I have the body of a weak, feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king - and of 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; to which, rather than any dishonor should grow by me, I myself will take up arms - I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field.

 

I know already, for your forwardness, you have deserved rewards and crowns, and, we do assure you, on the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you. For the meantime, my Lieutenant General Leicester shall be in my stead, than whom never prince commanded a more noble or worthy subject; not doubting but by your obedience to my General, by your concord in the camp, and your valor in the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over these enemies of my God, of my kingdom and of my people.