Queen Boudica by Gordon Browne

"'We British are used to women commanders in war', she cried. 'I am descended from mighty men! But I am not fighting for my kingdom and wealth now. I am fighting as an ordinary person for my lost freedom, my bruised body and my outraged daughters....

Consider how many of you are fighting — and why! Then you will win this battle or perish. That is what I, a woman, plan to do! — let the men live in slavery if they will.'"

Tacitus, Annals (XIV.35)