What will my enemies not say, that for the safety of her life a maiden queen could be content to spill the blood even of her own kinswoman?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Elizabeth I reflects on how enemies will criticize her for executing a relative to protect her reign.
- In plain terms
- Critics will claim I sacrificed family for self-preservation.
- What can you take from it?
- Survival in power may invite moral condemnation.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is safety worth betraying kin?
- How do you respond to accusations of self-interest?
Another view
It assumes the public will believe enemies over the leader's justification.
More from Elizabeth I of England
There is but one Lord, Jesus Christ. One faith. All else is a dispute over trifles.
Permalink to quote #25 You are like my little dog. Whenever they see you, they know I am not far behind.
Permalink to quote #27 There is a small proportion betwixt a fool who useth not wit because he hath it not and him that useth it not when it should avail him.
Permalink to quote #24
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