"It doesn't do to be too starry-eyed about the Virgin Queen. Elizabeth the First was only too obviously made of flesh and blood. She was vain, spiteful, arrogant - she was frequently unjust and she was often maddenly indecisive. But she was also brave, shockingly clever, an eyeful to look at - and on occasions she was genuinely wise."As far as epitaphs go, that's a belter. I think I would be well-pleased to be described as vain, spiteful and indecisive (qualities I have oft-encountered in myself), if I might also be considered brave and clever.
Most of all I'd love to achieve that genuine wisdom - or as Elizabeth herself might say: the heart and stomach of a king.
You see, I have lived almost three decades on this planet, and sometimes I like to think that I am reasonably worldly and more enlightened about my own nature and the greater human condition.
But then I have moments - too many moments - when a childish selfishness overruns all other thoughts in my brain, and influences my moods and words. It's then I realise my three decades don't mean much - certainly not by Elizabeth I's lofty standards.
Now, THIS Queenie I can do
So how does one go about gaining wisdom? Can an over-emotional, over-sentimental fool like ever me hope to achieve a Zen-like state of calm all-knowingness?
And what are your favourite words of wisdom?
