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date: 16 January 2025

James I (James VI of Scotland) 1566–1625
British monarch, King of Scotland from 1567 and of England from 1603 

  1. A custom loathsome to the eye, hateful to the nose, harmful to the brain, dangerous to the lungs, and in the black, stinking fume thereof, nearest resembling the horrible Stygian smoke of the pit that is bottomless.
    A Counterblast to Tobacco (1604)
  2. No bishop, no King.
    to a deputation of Presbyterians from the Church of Scotland, seeking religious tolerance in England
    W. Barlow Sum and Substance of the Conference (1604)
  3. The state of monarchy is the supremest thing upon earth; for kings are not only God's lieutenants upon earth, and sit upon God's throne, but even by God himself they are called gods.
    speech to Parliament, 21 March 1610, in Works (1616)
  4. Dr Donne's verses are like the peace of God; they pass all understanding.
    remark recorded by Archdeacon Plume (1630–1704)