Good Queen Bess

For the 413th anniversary of my death I went to the Metropolitan Opera premiere of Roberto Devereux which was (as it always is) horrendously inaccurate but excellently performed. I retain a soft spot for opera, I have to admit.

It's nice to be remembered. I feel very old.

Christmas is coming up, and this looks like a suitable present for anyone wondering what to get me.

[It's the 19 May: the day that Elizabeth's mother was murdered. She doesn't really remember the day itself, but just knows how thinking about it makes her feel. In life it had always been a sombre day for her and it remains so. This time, however, her mother is also around to feel it and that changes things.]

There are many things I wish I could change in the past, because I think they would have changed the person I was for the better. Sometimes letting go of those things is the hardest.

[Anne]
Would you like to do something today?

I don't quite see it. I've always enjoyed having longer hair. The idea that 'powerful woman' means 'short hair' has been played out.

Saturday marked the day in 1558 when I ascended the throne. I was twenty-five and there was so much at the time that I didn't know and would have to learn, both about queenship and about what I was capable of.

And this year how did I celebrate the day? Nothing. A glass of wine in the evening as I read over papers for my latest case. It's times like this I miss having a royal court most of all.

[During the darkness, Elizabeth had barely moved. She'd curled herself into the corner of her bathroom with a blanket wrapped around her, trying to keep out the voices and the fear and the horrible crawling darkness. But now, it seems, that darkness has retreated and her crying turns to tears of relief.]

Thank you, Lord. Thank you, thank you, I thought it would never end.

OOC: Hi, pretending this was posted on Friday since that was her birthday and I totally forgot to do it then *whistles*

Today I'm 479 and living proof that older is not wiser.


[Richard and George]
I went to see my father yesterday. Why did I go and see my father?

And on Wednesday I broke up with Arthur. I don't think this week is my finest hour.

( I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king. )