Elizabeth I

I have always held that the most beautiful thing in the world is the truth.

I am content to reign, but I am not content to marry.

Ye may have a greater prince, but ye shall never have a more loving prince.

I know no other way to govern than by my own head.

I will be good to England.

My only desire is to live and die a virgin.

I would rather go to hell than marry the King of Sweden.

I am your Queen, and I will be as careful for your good as any mother for her child.

The crown is not a garland, but a circle of thorns.

I will not be a painted image.

I have had good experience of you, and I have found you all true and faithful subjects.

I will be master of my own house.

I know I am but a woman, but I have a man's heart.

I have served you all my life, and I will serve you to my death.

I will not have any man touch my body, if I can help it.

I have lived to see this day, and I bless God for it.

Call me a fool, call me a woman, but I will be Queen.