noon
Her faithful people pleaded with her gracious Majesty to forego unwillingness to marry , and seek a consort worthy of her supreme consideration , to be raised to a place beside her near that throne which she had made the greatest in the world . Gravely , solemnly , the chief members of the Lords and Commons spoke , and with as weighty pauses and devoted protestations as though this were the first time their plea had been urged , this obvious duty had been set out before her . Long ago , in the flush and pride of her extreme youth and the full assurance of the fruits of marriage , they had spoken with the same sober responsibility ; and though her youth had gone and the old certainty had forever disappeared , they spoke of her marriage and its consequences as though it were still that far-off yesterday . Well for them that they did so , for though time had flown and royal suitors without number had become figures dim in the people 's mind , Elizabeth , fed upon adulation , invoked , admired , besieged by young courtiers , flattered by maids who praised her beauty , had never seen the hands of the clock pass high noon , and still remained under the dearest and saddest illusion which can rest in a woman 's mind . Long after the hands of life 's clock had moved into afternoon , the ancient prayer was still gravely presented that she should marry and give an heir to England 's crown ; and she as solemnly listened and dropped her eyes , and strove to hide her virgin modesty behind a high demeanor which must needs sink self in royal duty . `` These be the dear desires of your supreme Majesty 's faithful Lords and Commons and the people of the shires whose wills they represent . Your Majesty 's life , God grant it last beyond that of the youngest of your people so greatly blessed in your rule !