“[I]n the end this shall be for me sufficient, that a marble stone shall declare that a Queen, having reigned such a time, lived and died a virgin.”
Queen Elizabeth I of England, often known for her dedication to her country and her refusal to marry, reveals her feelings on her legacy and the impact she hopes to leave behind in this quote. Elizabeth expresses her confidence in her reign and emphasizes her commitment to her role as a ruler over her personal life. She values the recognition of her reign and her status as a queen above all else. This quote sheds light on Elizabeth's determination to be remembered for her accomplishments and leadership rather than her personal relationships or decisions.
Queen Elizabeth I's declaration that her virginity would be her lasting legacy reflects the challenge many women still face in balancing personal choices with societal expectations. In a world where women are often judged and defined based on their relationships and sexuality, Elizabeth's assertion serves as a reminder of the power of autonomy and self-definition. Today, women continue to navigate the complexities of identity and societal pressure, making Elizabeth's words resonate with modern relevance.
One of the most well-known statements associated with Queen Elizabeth I is her declaration that a marble stone will serve as a sufficient testament to her legacy. The quote reflects her pride in ruling as a queen and maintaining her virginity throughout her life.
Reflecting on this quote by Queen Elizabeth I, think about the significance she placed on her reputation as a virgin ruler. Consider the societal expectations of women in positions of power during her reign and how she navigated them. How does this quote reflect Elizabeth's views on power, femininity, and legacy? How do you think her choice to remain unmarried influenced her rule and legacy?
“The old man smiled. 'I shall not die of a cold, my son. I shall die of having lived.”
“I speak now, Harry Potter, directly to you. You have permitted your friends to die for you rather than face me yourself. I shall wait for one hour in the Forbidden Forest. If, at the end of that hour, you have not come to me, have not given yourself up, then battle recommences. This time, I shall enter the fray myself, Harry Potter, and I shall find you, and I shall punish every last man, woman, and child who has tried to conceal you from me. One hour.”
“Her strong enchantments failing, Her towers of fear in wreck,Her limbecks dried of poisons And the knife at her neck,The Queen of air and darkness Begins to shrill and cry,`O young man, O my slayer To-morrow you shall die.'O Queen of air and darkness I think 'tis truth you say,And I shall die to-morrow; But you shall die to-day.”
“For I have promised to do the battle to the uttermost, by faith of my body, while me lasteth the life, and therefore I had liefer to die with honour than to live with shame ; and if it were possible for me to die an hundred times, I had liefer to die oft than yield me to thee; for though I lack weapon, I shall lack no worship, and if thou slay me weaponless that shall be thy shame.”
“Not marble nor the gilded monumentsOf princes, shall outlive this powerful rhyme,But you shall shine more bright in these contentsThan unswept stone, besmeared with sluttish time.When wasteful war shall statues overturnAnd broils roots out the work of masonry,Nor mars his sword nor war's quick fire shall burnThe living record of your memory.'Gainst death and all-oblivious enmityShall you pace forth; your praise shall still find roomEven in the eyes of all posterityThat wear this world out to the ending doom.So, till judgement that yourself arise,You in this, and dwell in lovers eyes.”