Elizabeth I's Speech at Tilbury
Vernon Coleman
Queen Elizabeth gave a legendary speech to her troops at Tilbury as they awaited the arrival of the Spanish Armada in 1588.
Here is an extract from it:
`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 under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and goodwill 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 battle to live and die amongst you all. To lay down for God, my kingdom and for my people, my honour and my blood even in the dust. I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a King and a King of England too and think it 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, on the word of a Prince, they shall be duly paid you.'
That was the first Queen Elizabeth of England.
Now, I have great respect for Queen Elizabeth II.
She works hard, smiles nicely and waves regally.
But I’m afraid that she will be remembered only for being our longest living monarch.
We could have done with a little brave leadership from her.
I wonder if she realises that unless we leave the EU the Royal Family will end very soon.
It is EU policy to get rid of all royalty.
Maybe no one has bothered to tell her.
Unless Brexit is successful, William, Harry and the rest of them will have to apply for social housing and get real jobs.
Copyright Vernon Coleman April 2019
The quotation from Elizabeth I comes from England’s Glory by Antoinette Coleman and Vernon Coleman. England’s Glory is available as a paperback on Amazon.
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