Analysis of The Doubt of Future Foes
Queen Elizabeth I wrote The Doubt of Future Foes at a time when rebellion was stirring among her subjects. Elizabeth’s cousin, Mary Stuart or Mary, Queen of Scots was blowing on the embers of discord with rumors and lies of dishonesty and disloyalty on the part of Elizabeth. Mary also appealed to Elizabeth’s sympathy to gain assistance when she was banished from her own throne. Though Elizabeth surrounded herself with counselors and advisors, she was becoming aware that she could not trust those around her. This poem relates her frustration in the situation, but more than that, it is a warning to her enemies. Elizabeth does not put a specific name to her dissenter, but it is pretty clear that she is speaking of Mary and those who would follow her. All though the warning is clear, this text is a strong prediction of the future. A prediction that does in fact, come to fruition.
Fear of future enemies keep me from being happy. My intellect tells me to avoid traps that would harm me. Dishonesty is everywhere and the loyalty of my people is fading. This would not be happening if my people used intellect and common sense. There are many who aspire to be my enemy, but they are hidden until they attempt to put a devious plan into place. These actions will backfire eventually and they will change as swiftly as the winds from treachery to begging my forgiveness. They are like a graft into a tree, the top being hope, but the roots will be regret. You will soon see that disloyalty will bring them nothing. These future foes are blinded by their pride and ambition. However, they will see the error of their ways clearly when their plans are exposed by loyal and honest men. Mary Stuart is spreading much of the dissension and scandal, but she will not succeed in her efforts. Former rulers of England brought a tradition of peace that I will continue. No foreign creature, banished from her own home, can come and settle here. This kingdom...