Grace - “To the Lady Elizabeths Grace”
In “To the Lady Elizabeths Grace” Aemilia Lanyer writes, “Most gratious Ladie, faire ELIZABETH ,/ Whose Name and Virtues puts vs still in mind, /Of her, of whom we are depriu'd by death;/ The Phœnix of her age, whose worth did bind/ All worthy minds so long as they haue breath,/ In linkes of Admiration, loue and zeale.” Elizabeth’s name brings forth connotations of longstanding regard, adulation and fortitude. The Phoenix is emblematic of the permanence of Elizabeth’s charisma. Accordingly, Elizabeth is a credible persona who naturally appeals to the deference of all.
Honor - “To the Queenes most Excellent Majestie”
Lanyer applauds the queen for her prototypical nobility: “From your bright spheare of greatnes where you sit,/ Reflecting light to all those glorious stars/ That wait vpon your Throane; To virtue yet/ Vouchsafe that splendor which my meannesse bars:/ Be like faire Phoebe, who doth loue to grace/ The darkest night with her most beauteous face.” The queen is a lionized figure who typifies prominence. Her throne is illustrative of the gigantic power that she exerts; she does not overlook virtues although she is categorically controlling. Besides her power, the Queen personifies enthralling splendor and elegance which render her the ideal monarch.
