For those of you that know me, you will know that I am completely besotted with the life of the First Queen Elizabeth of England: the Virgin Queen.
Last night I started to watch a two part BBC series on her life, starring Helen Mirren, Jeremy Irons and Hugh Dancy. Interestingly enough Helen Mirren is the only actress ever to play both Elizabeths of England in two different movies. Both of these Queens have led astonishing lives and have proven to be great leaders and even better women.
The Speech of Tilbury as spoken by the First Elizabeth was written down as the following:
“My loving people
We have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit our selves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery; but I 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 and die amongst you all; to lay down for my God, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honour and my blood even, in the dust.
I know I have the body but 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 to invade the borders of my realm; to which rather than any dishonour shall 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 in the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you. 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.”
This speech was delivered on the 19th of August 1588 by the Queen, when she left the fort at Tilbury to stand among her people as they were preparing to fight the Spanish Armada. In my opinion this speech clearly shows how great a person this was.
Phillip of Spain declared holy war on England and he did not come to the battle. He was in Spain, not anywhere near the battle. Elizabeth was among her soldiers, ready for battle, should the Armada defeat her ships.
I look at today’s leaders, Political, Religious, Work, Social, Recreational, myself included and I cannot help but ask, where are they? I would like to think that I am amongst my people, helping them with everything, every step of the way. But Who am I to make judgment like that.
Mwah!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment