“ If I follow the inclination of my nature, it is this: beggar-woman and single, far rather than queen and married. Elizabeth I
“ Pitiful and pitied by no one, why have I come to the ignominy of this detestable old age, who was ruler of two kingdoms, mother of two kings? My guts are torn from me, my family is carried off and rem… Eleanor of Aquitaine
“ (Response to King Erik XIV of Sweden's proposal of marriage:)"[W]hile we perceive ... the zeal and love of your mind towards us is not diminished, yet in part we are grieved that we cannot gratify you… Elizabeth I
“ As for my own part I care not for death, for all men are mortal; and though I be a woman yet I have as good a courage answerable to my place as ever my father had. I am your anointed Queen. I will nev… Elizabeth I
