What were the dying words of Queen Elizabeth?

Answer 1

No one knows for certain. There are four recorded possible answers in historical literature. All are discussed in the major reference work on last words: Last Words of Notable People -- Final Words of More than 3500 Noteworthy People Throughout History by William B. Brahms. Here is what Brahms collected -- he does not indicate that one is more likely accurate that any another. (1) "My Lord, the crown which I have borne so long has given enough of vanity in my time. I beseech you not to augment it in this hour when I am so near my death." Spoken to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was reminding her of her great accomplishments as monarch. (2) "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.---Thou art so presumptuous because thou knowest I shall die." Spoken to Sir Robert Cecil when he declared she must go to bed and receive medical attention. She rallied when she heard Lord Beauchamp was a possible successor. She said: "I will have no rogue's son in my seat." After that, she became incoherent. (3) "All my possessions for a moment of time." (4) "I have been a great queen, but I am about to die and must yield an account of my stewardship to the great King of Kings." She died holding the archbishop's hand. Source:Last Words of Notable People -- Final Words of More than 3500 Noteworthy People Throughout History by William B. Brahms (Reference Desk Press, 2010). ).