ELIZABETH I’S SPEECH TO THE ENGLISH ARMY ON THE EVE OF THE

SPANISH ARMADA

BEFORE READING:
1. What challenges did Elizabeth I face during her reign? Did Elizabeth’s being a woman
affect her as a ruler?
Elizabeth faced problems at the beginning of her reign, there was a foreign policy.
Her biggest question was what to do with the fact that England was at war with
France. This war was the result of Mary's marriage to Philip of Spain, which
showed how carefully Elizabeth must choose who to marry, as this could lead to
an external conflict like this. During the war, the French captured the city of
Calais. Continuing the war with France will lead to further problems and may risk
her position as queen, so that she seeks peace as soon as possible. This left
Elizabeth with several options for what to do to alleviate the situation and with
whom to enter into an alliance. The only relief from these foreign problems was
the fact that Elizabeth was multilingual, which meant that she could talk to these
foreign leaders face to face.
2. Find out historical background for Elizabeth’s sending her men to fight the Spanish
Armada.
3. Read the speech and point out where the Queen uses an appeal to ethos/logos/ethos?
Ethos (translated from Greek - “character”. In a passsage "I know I have but the body
of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart of a king, and of a king of England,
too; and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to
invade the borders of my realms: to which, rather than any dishonour should 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. " , "to live or die amongst you
all; to lay down, for my God, and for my kingdom, and for my people, my
honour and my blood, even the dust. " . She is here with the people and how she
said she is ready to die. This shows her strength of character as a woman.
Elizabeth I's
Speech to the English Army on the Eve of the Spanish Armada
1588

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 that, under God, I have placed my chiefest
strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good will of my subjects. And therefore I am come
amongst you at this time, not as for my recreation or sport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat
of the battle, to live or die amongst you all; to lay down, for my God, and for my kingdom, and
for my people, my honour and my blood, even the dust.

I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart of a king, and of a
king of England, too; and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should
dare to invade the borders of my realms: to which, rather than any dishonour should 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, by your forwardness, that you have deserved rewards and crowns; and we do assure
you, on the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you. In the mean my lieutenant general1 shall be
in my stead, than whom never prince commanded a more noble and worthy subject; not doubting by
your obedience to my general, by your concord in the camp, and by your valour in the field, we
shall shortly have a famous victory over the enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my people.

1 Тобто Роберт Дадлі, 1-й граф Лестер (Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, 1532—1588) –
державний і політичний діяч, фаворит королеви.

ACTIVITIES:
1. How does Queen Elizabeth I use audience’s faith and belief in God?
«Let tyrants fear; I have always so behaved myself that, under God, I have placed my
chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good will of my subjects.»

«to live or die amongst you all; to lay down, for my God, and for my kingdom, and for my
people, my honour and my blood, even the dust.»

2. Find this speech recorded and follow Queen Elizabeth’s manipulation of diction. Try to
imitate the same diction while interpreting this speech.
3. Watch one of the biographical films about Elizabeth (e.g. “Elizabeth” (1998) – written
by Michael Hirst, directed by Shekhar Kapur, and starring Cate Blanchett in the title
role of Queen Elizabeth I of England).

I didn't watch the entire movie, but I only watched part of her speech. And I want to
say that the actress played very well. Emotions, strength of character I felt. It was a
very powerful and touching speech. The actress managed with her job perfectly , of
course I would like to find the original, but I did not find it.