Speaker

The speaker in this poem can be identified as Elizabeth I, the poem's author and the first female reigning monarch of England. The poem does not necessarily reveal anything about Elizabeth's private inner thoughts. However, she disseminated the poem as though it were about herself, inviting her court to see her in a very particular way: as a fair and very powerful ruler, who brings peace and prosperity to the realm and who also should not be crossed by anyone who wishes to survive.

Foes

The speaker's foes, though named in the poem, are not identified as individuals. The historical context surrounding the poem suggests that it is largely about Mary, Queen of Scots, but the poem need not be read as a particular commentary on Mary as a character. Instead, the speaker imagines her "foes" as a group. They are characterized as being prideful and ambitious for...