Elizabeth1998

Cecil:
Your Majesty must publicly dissociate herself from this most bloody act.

Elizabeth:
I never ordered it.

Cecil:
Of course, Madam, of course. You must also make conciliatory gestures towards the Spanish. Your dependence upon their goodwill is greater than ever.

Elizabeth:
I must . . . The word "must" is not used to princes. I have followed your advice in all the affairs of my kingdom, but your policies would make England nothing but part of France or Spain. From this moment I am going to follow my own opinion.

Cecil:
Forgive me, Madam, but you are only a woman.

Elizabeth:
I may be a woman, Sir William, but if I choose I have the heart of a man! I am my father's daughter. I am not afraid of anything.

Cecil:
I . . . I deeply regret, Madam, if I have caused you such offence, though God knows all my advice has only ever been to secure Your Majesty's throne.

Elizabeth:
And I am grateful for it. I have decided to create you Lord Burghley, so you may enjoy your retirement in greater ease.