ELIZABETH THE FIRST (1558-1603)

Elizabeth the First was made of steel,
But still commanded popular appeal.
Striking of countenance, with flame-red hair,
She proved herself her father’s one true heir.

Milksop Edward and the frightful Mary
Both left the populace rightly wary
Of the Tudors. Their new Queen, however,
Like old Henry, was not only clever –
Fluent in six languages (Spanish, Greek,
Flemish and French were four that she could speak) –
But she loved life. Pageantry she adored,
Hunting and dancing. Warfare she abhorred.

Here she differed from her father. The waste,
In money and men, was not to her taste.
This was closer to her grandfather’s stance.
He, you may remember, withdrew from France –
A long-drawn-out war – as soon as he could,
Devoting himself, as a monarch should,
To peace at home and to the common good.

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