The doubt of future foes exiles my present joy
-- Speaker (Line 1 )

Importance: This first line serves as an introduction to the poem's primary conflict. The speaker is, at "present," experiencing "joy" – however, she is so worried about the possibility of future conflict that she cannot enjoy the moment (1). The poem also uses political language, like "exiles," to suggest the speaker's power as a ruler (1). This first quotation sets the stage for the speaker's eventual defeat of her doubt.

Falsehood now doth flow and subjects' faith doth ebb / Which should not be if reason ruled or wisdom weaved the web
-- Speaker (Lines 3-4)

Importance: The speaker introduces the core of her problem. She feels surrounded by lies and betrayed by her subjects. She presents these problems as natural, unpredictable, and even inevitable. She is careful to argue that this "should not be" – that the objections to her rule make no sense (4). In doing so, she tacitly constructs a...