Today is My Big Day

Yes, twas on this day in 1571 I led the forces of Christendom against the Turks. Forces from my royal brother Felipe's kingdoms of Spain and Naples joined with Papal forces and those of Venice, Savoy, Genoa, and the Knights of Malta against those of the Ottoman Empire.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Lepanto_%281571%29
Here is a lovely replica of my flagship:

I danced as I sailed into battle, standing at the front of my ship as cannonballs flew past my head. We rammed into the Turkish ship, all 800 of us men on board fighting hand-to-hand. My pet marmoset pulled Turkish arrows from the mast of the Real throwing them into the sea. I had my big, two-handed sword and cut swathes through the foe, even after a dagger pierced my leg. We fought for hours, then my men killed the Turkish admiral, though against my wishes.

That's my boy.

*Elizabeth gasps at the danger of it all*

My lord, thou art a brave and worthy Admiral indeed and I commend thee on thine great victory!

I wish nothing more than to put my skills at your service, Your Grace.