Speech 1: Queen Elizabeth's First Speech Before Parliament, February 10, 1559

[Click the black audio bar at the bottom of the page to hear the speech read aloud]

Her answer to [the Commons’] petition that she marry

“In a thing which is not much pleasing unto me, the infallible testimony of your goodwill and all the rest of my people is most acceptable.  As concerning your instant persuasion  of me to marriage, I must tell you I have been ever persuaded that I was born by God to consider and, above all things, do those which appertain unto His glory.  And therefore, it is that I have made choice of this kind of life, which is most free and agreeable for such human affairs as may tend to His service only.  From which, if either the marriages which have been offered me by divers puissant princes or the danger or attempts made against my life could no whit divert me, it is long since I had any joy in the honor of a husband; and this is that I thought, then that I was a private person.   

"But when the public charge of governing the kingdom came upon me, it seemed unto me an inconsiderate folly to draw upon myself the cares which might proceed of marriage. To conclude, I am already bound unto an husband, which is the kingdom of England, and that may suffice you. 

And this,”quoth  she, “Makes me wonder that your forget, yourselves, the pledge of this alliance which I have made with my kingdom.” And withal, stretching out her hand, she showed them the ring in express and solemn terms.

“And reproach  me no more,”quoth she, “that I have no children: for every one of you, and as many as are English, are my children, and kinsfolk , of whom, so long as I am not deprived and God shall preserve me, you cannot charge me, without offense to be destitute .

(speech continued on the next page)