1588
Elizabeth I18 August 1588
Tilbury · Warfare / Anglo-Spanish War
"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.
Elizabeth I18 August 1588
Tilbury · Warfare / Anglo-Spanish War
I know I have the body of a weak and 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
Elizabeth I18 August 1588
Tilbury · Warfare / Anglo-Spanish War
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.
Elizabeth I18 August 1588
Tilbury · Warfare / Anglo-Spanish War
In the mean time, my lieutenant general 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 valour in the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over those enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my people."
Elizabeth I18 August 1588
Tilbury · Warfare / Anglo-Spanish War
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 goodwill of my subjects; and, therefore, I am come amongst you as you see at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being
Elizabeth I18 August 1588
Tilbury · Warfare / Anglo-Spanish War
resolved, in the midst and heat of battle, to live or die amongst you all – to lay down for my God, and for my kingdoms, and for my people, my honour and my blood even in the dust.
Elizabeth I18 August 1588
Tilbury · Warfare / Anglo-Spanish War
to invade the borders of my realm; to which, rather than any dishonour 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.