Friday, August 9, 2013

Today in Queen Bess's Life

Today marks the anniversary of the Queen's speech to the troops at Tilbury after the defeat of the Spanish Armada ten days earlier in 1588.

There are different accounts of the speech.  The one I like the best:
"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."
Yeah, I went cheesy with the photo because it's one of my favorite scenes from the movie Elizabeth:  The Golden Age.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Famous Spinster Birthday -- Emily Bronte




"I'll walk where my own nature would be leading:  It vexes me to choose another guide."  -- Emily Bronte

Born:  July 30, 1818
Died:  December 19, 1848

Monday, July 29, 2013

Today in Queen Bess's Life

Britain's defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 is, perhaps, one of those events that is taught in most every Western History class as it was the moment that Britain proved its superiority on the seas.  The battle also resulted in a technological revolution that changed the face of naval battles.

The planned invasion by Spain was ordered by the Kind of Spain, Phillip II, and supported by the then Pope, Sixtus V.  Phillip was the widower of Elizabeth's older, Roman Catholic sister, Mary.  Ever since Mary's death, Phillip had challenged the legitimacy of Elizabeth's rule and called her a heretic for her Protestant beliefs.  The failed invasion had been regarded as a crusade.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Famous Spinster Birthday -- Lizzie Borden




"Oh, Mrs. Churchill, do come over, someone has killed father."  -- Lizzie Borden

Born:  July 19, 1860
Died:  June 1, 1927