But as Shakespeare’s Richard II boasts, ‘Not all the water in the rough rude sea/Can wash the balm off from an anointed king.

- Leanda De Lisle

If my faults deserve punishment, my youth at least, and my imprudence were worthy of excuse

- Leanda De Lisle

There was no more dangerous a time in a nation's life than the passing of a ruler when the succession was in doubt.

- Leanda De Lisle