SAT写作经典例子之伊丽莎白一世_SAT写作

SAT写作经典例子之伊丽莎白一世

　　The struggle against Spain culminated in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. The Queen showed a considerable ability to rally the people around herself. At Tilbury, where the English army massed in preparation for the threatened invasion, the Queen herself appeared to deliver one of her most stirring speeches: I am come amongst you ... resolved in the midst and heat of battle, to live and die amongst you all.... I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king and of a King of England too. That the Armada was dispersed owed as much to luck and Spanish incapacity as it did to English skill. In some ways it marked the high point of Elizabeths reign, for the years that followed have properly been called the darker years. The Spanish threat did not immediately subside, and English counteroffensives proved ineffectual because of poor leadership and insufficient funds. Under the strain of war expenditure, the country suffered in the 1590s prolonged economic crisis. Moreover, the atmosphere of the court seemed to decline in the closing stages of the reign; evident corruption and sordid struggling for patronage became more common.

　　Difficulties in Ireland

　　The latter years of Elizabeths reign were marked by increasing difficulties in Ireland. The English had never effectively controlled Ireland, and under Elizabeth the situation became acute. Given Irelands position on Englands flank and its potential use by the Spanish, it seemed essential for England to control the island. It was no easy task; four major rebellions tell the story of Ireland in this period. Fortunately, the Spaniards were slow to take advantage of Tyrones rebellion. The 2d Earl of Essex was incapable of coping with this revolt and returned to England to lead a futile rebellion against the Queen . But Lord Mountjoy, one of the few great Elizabethan land commanders, was able to break the back of the rising and bring peace in the same month in which the Queen died--March, 1603.