Let tyrants fear, I have always so behaved myself, that, under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good will of my subjects, and therefore I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved in the midst and heat of the battle, to live or die among you all, to lay down for my God, and for my kingdoms, and for my people, my honour, and my blood, even in the dust.

In this excerpt, Queen Elizabeth is attempting to


persuade the troops that this cause is so worthy that she is willing to sacrifice her own life.
inform the troops of the many reasons they are obligated to fight courageously in the war.
explain to the troops what might happen should they decide not to participate in the battle.
entertain the troops by describing dramatic images of brave soldiers and battles from previous wars.