They best pass over the world who trip over it quickly; for it is but a bog. If we stop, we sink

They best pass over the world who trip over it quickly; for it is but a bog. If we stop, we sink

Queen Elizabeth I of England was a monarch who understood the importance of moving swiftly and decisively in order to navigate the treacherous political landscape of her time. The quote, “They best pass over the world who trip over it quickly; for it is but a bog. If we stop, we sink,” perfectly encapsulates Elizabeth’s approach to ruling her kingdom.

During Elizabeth’s reign, England was constantly under threat from foreign powers, religious turmoil, and internal dissent. In order to maintain her power and protect her realm, Elizabeth had to be constantly vigilant and ready to act at a moment’s notice. She understood that hesitation or indecision could lead to disaster, as the world was a dangerous and unpredictable place.

Elizabeth’s ability to “trip over” the world quickly was evident in her handling of the Spanish Armada in 1588. When King Philip II of Spain sent his fleet to invade England, Elizabeth wasted no time in mobilizing her own forces and rallying her people to defend their homeland. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the English navy, under the command of Sir Francis Drake, was able to defeat the Armada through a combination of strategic thinking and bold action.

Elizabeth’s swift and decisive actions during the crisis not only saved England from invasion but also solidified her reputation as a strong and capable leader. By “passing over the world” quickly, Elizabeth was able to navigate the political quagmire of her time and emerge victorious.

However, Elizabeth’s quote also speaks to the precarious nature of power and the constant threat of downfall. Just as one false step could lead to disaster, so too could complacency or inaction. Elizabeth knew that if she stopped moving forward, if she allowed herself to become mired in the bog of indecision or doubt, she would inevitably sink.