Without Respect Quote by Queen Elizabeth I
““I give you this charge, that you shall be of my Privy Council and content yourself to take pains for me and my realm. This judgement I have of you, that you will not be corrupted with any manner of gift and that you will be faithful to the State, and that without respect of my private will, you will give me that counsel that you think best: and, if you shall know anything necessary to be declared to me of secrecy, you shall show it to myself only and assure yourself I will not fail to keep taciturnity therein. And therefore herewith I charge you. Administering the oath of office to William Cecil as Secretary of State, November 20, 1558, as quoted in Elizabeth I: The Word of a Prince, A Life from Contemporary Documents, by Maria Perry, Chapter V, Section: To make a good account to Almighty God””
About This Quote
Source Historical Document: Oath of Office to William Cecil, 1558, quoted in The Word of a Prince, Maria Perry, 2023
The queen demands loyalty, impartial counsel, and secrecy from her advisor, emphasizing duty over personal gain.
In simple terms: She requires loyal, unbiased advice and secrecy.
Key Takeaway
Uphold integrity and serve the realm.
Themes
politics
loyalty
governance
ethics
Mood
reflective
historical
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- government service
- advisory roles
- historical study
- leadership training
Key Concepts
courtly duty
confidentiality
statecraft
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you do if loyalty conflicted with personal morals?
- How do you ensure advice remains unbiased?
A Different Perspective
Balancing personal conscience with royal directives can be challenging.
