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(Speech continued)

“But in this I must commend you, that you have not appointed me a husband.  For that were unworthy the majesty of an absolute princess , and this discretion of you that are born my subjects.  Nevertheless, if God have ordained me to another course in life, I will promise you to do nothing to the prejudice of the commonwealth , but as far as possible, I may, will marry such an husband as shall be no less careful for the common good, then myself. And if I persist in this which which I have proposed unto myself, I assure myself, that God will so direct my counsels and yours that you shall have no cause to doubt of a successor which may be more profitable for the commonwealth than him which may proceed from me , since the posterity of good princes doth oftentimes degenerate .

“Lastly, this may be sufficient , both for my memory and honor of my name, if when I have expired my last breath, this may be inscribed upon my tomb:

Here lies interred Elizabeth

A virgin pure until her death.” 


Description | Source
Queen Elizabeth in her coronation robes 1559
This portrait of Elizabeth shows her on the day she was crowned queen. She is facing the viewer in front of a dark background. She is wearing a gold dress and robe that is lined with white, ermine fur. She has a high, white lace collar. Her red hair is worn down and he has a gold crown with a cross and precious jewels. She is holding a golden scepter in one hand and an orb with a cross on it in the other. She is wearing a necklace and rings with pearls and precious stones.Elizabeth I in coronation robes (Public Domain) Scanned from the book The National Portrait Gallery History of the Kings and Queens of England