Quotes from Elizabeth I

Christ was the word that spake it.

He took the bread and break it;
And what his words did make it
That I believe and take it.
(Reputedly spoken by Elizabeth when questioned on her beliefs on the Eucharist in Mary's reign)
There is only one Christ, Jesus, one faith. All else is a dispute over trifles.
(Elizabeth's response to the Catholic/Protestant divide)
I have no desire to make windows into men’s souls.
(Again a reference to the Catholic/Protestant issue)
Would to God each had his own and were at peace.
(Elizabeth on European power struggles and war)
He that will forget God, will also forget his benefactors.
(Elizabeth to William Lambarde, 1601)

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 partiality 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 Judgment 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.