God forgive you, but I never can.
Elizabeth IRead
There is an Italian proverb which saith, From my enemy let me defend myself; but from a pretensed friend Lord deliver me
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote warns against the dangers of those who pretend to be friends while harboring ill intentions.
In this quote, Elizabeth I reflects on the notion that it is often easier to defend oneself from open enemies than from those who masquerade as friends but have ulterior motives. The wisdom of the proverb suggests that false friends can be more harmful than foes, as their deceit can blindside us and lead to greater betrayal and hurt.
Themes
FriendshipBetrayalWisdomDeceitEnemies
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about trust, one could say, 'Remember the words of Elizabeth I: From a pretensed friend, Lord deliver me.'
More from Elizabeth I
All quotes →And therefore I am come amongst you at this time, not as for my recreation or sport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live or die amongst you all; to lay down, for my God, and for my kingdom, and for my people, my honour and my blood, even the dust. I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart of a king, and of a king of England, too.
Elizabeth IRead
There is nothing about which I am more anxious than my country, and for its sake I am willing to die ten deaths, if that be possible.
Elizabeth IRead
Brass shines as fair to the ignorant as gold to the goldsmiths.
Elizabeth IRead
I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too.
Elizabeth IRead
There is only one Christ, Jesus, one faith. All else is a dispute over trifles.
Elizabeth IRead
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