Queen Elizabeth

her speech to her soldiers facing the Spanish Armada in 1588 is brilliant.
In particular i like this passage.

"I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart of a king, and of a king of England, too; and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realms: to which, rather than any dishonour should grow by me, I myself will take up arms; I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field. "

This battle (and victory) would prove to be crucial. By the end of her reign, Britain ruled the seas.