Page:History of the Kings & Queens of England.pdf/24

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ELIZABETH,

Born 1533. Began to Reign Nov. 7, 1558. Died March 24, 1603. Reigned 44 Years.

Was daughter of Henry VIII. and Anne Boleyn. On her accession to the throne she was hailed by the people with the utmost joy, and crowned with the greatest solemnity. She possessed a penetrating mind, and prudent judgement; and was a great politician, and linguist. In her first parliament she passed act after act establishing the Reformed religion, but treated the Catholics with tenderness, Elizabeth showed her resentment to the unfortunate Mary, Queen of Scots, who when driven from her kingdom craved Elizabeth's protection; and instead of being treated as an exiled sovereign, was confined in Tutbury castle, and after being confined for 19 years, was tried on a charge of treason, found guilty, and executed in 1586. Elizabeth died after a reign of nearly 45 years; during which, the commerce of England increased with great rapidity.

Eminent men in this reign ; --Shakespeare; Bacon; Sir Walter Raleigh ; Sir John Hawkins.