Those who appear the most sanctified are the worst

Those who appear the most sanctified are the worst

Queen Elizabeth I of England is often remembered as one of the most powerful and influential monarchs in British history. Her reign, known as the Elizabethan Era, was marked by great advancements in the arts, exploration, and military victories. However, despite her outward appearance of sanctity and piety, there were many instances where Elizabeth's actions did not align with her public image.

One of the most notable examples of this dichotomy was Elizabeth's treatment of her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary was a Catholic monarch who posed a threat to Elizabeth's Protestant rule. Despite being a close relative, Elizabeth ultimately signed Mary's death warrant, leading to her execution in 1587. This act of betrayal and cruelty towards a family member contradicted Elizabeth's reputation as a just and merciful ruler.

Additionally, Elizabeth's relationships with her courtiers and advisors were often fraught with deceit and manipulation. She surrounded herself with ambitious and power-hungry individuals who were willing to do whatever it took to advance their own agendas. One such example was Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, who was rumored to be Elizabeth's lover. Despite his questionable reputation, Elizabeth continued to rely on him for advice and support, even as he engaged in shady dealings behind her back.

Furthermore, Elizabeth's foreign policy decisions were often driven by self-interest rather than a genuine concern for the well-being of her subjects. She frequently engaged in diplomatic maneuvering and military interventions to protect her own power and secure her position on the throne. This ruthless pursuit of power at the expense of others contradicted the image of a benevolent and righteous ruler that Elizabeth projected to the public.