“Must! Is must a word to be addressed to princes? Little man, little man! Thy father, if he had been alive, durst not have used that word.”
- September 7, 1533 – March 24, 1603
- English
- Queen of England and Ireland, Monarch
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Quote
“Must! Is must a word to be addressed to princes? Little man, little man! Thy father, if he had been alive, durst not have used that word.”
Explanation
In this sharp rebuke, Elizabeth I asserts the absolute authority of monarchy and the impropriety of commanding a sovereign. Her exclamation—“Must! Is must a word to be addressed to princes?”—challenges the presumption that anyone could dictate terms to a monarch. The repetition of “little man, little man” adds a tone of scorn and condescension, emphasizing that the speaker is overstepping both his status and his bounds. She further strengthens her position by invoking his father, implying that even a previous generation would not have dared such boldness.
This remark reportedly came in response to an overly assertive demand made by a courtier or counselor, possibly Robert Cecil or another male advisor. Elizabeth’s reign was marked by constant negotiations of power between the queen and her male advisors, and this quote highlights her fierce insistence on respect and autonomy. In a world where women in authority were often undermined, she demanded deference—not as a woman, but as a prince.
Today, the quote resonates in discussions of power dynamics, respect for leadership, and assertiveness in the face of condescension. It serves as a powerful reminder that those in authority—especially those who have had to fight for it—must not be coerced or belittled. Elizabeth’s words exemplify how dignity and confidence in one’s role are crucial to commanding respect, especially when challenged.
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