[Loch-ruadh] Elizabethan Resolve (shamelessly borrowed from a newwsgroup

[STEVE K ROURKE]

The following words seem fitting , even centuries removed!


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 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 at this
time,
not as for my recreation or sport, 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
kingdom, and for my people, my honor and my blood, even the dust. I know I
have
but the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart 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 realms: 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, by your forwardness, that you have deserved rewards and
crowns;
and we do assure you, on the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you.
In
the mean my lieutenant general shall be in my stead, than whom never prince
commanded a more noble and worthy subject; not doubting by your obedience to
my
general, by your concord in the camp, and by your valor in the field, we
shall
shortly have a famous victory over the enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and
of
my people.

Elizabeth I of England - 1588