Elizabeth I

"I would rather be a beggar and single than a queen and married."

"My mortal foe can no ways wish me a greater harm than England's hate neither should death be less welcome unto me than such a mishap betide me."

"Monarchs ought to put to death the authors and instigators of war, as their sworn enemies and as dangers to their states."

"Do not tell secrets to those whose faith and silence you have not already tested."

"Fear not, we are of the nature of the lion, and cannot descend to the destruction of mice and such small beasts."

"Where might is mixed with wit, there is too good an accord in a government."