Shirley.—­“The necessity of the case was imminent, your Highness.  It was his Lordship’s intent to do all for your Majesty’s service.  Those countries did expect him as a governor at his first landing, and the States durst do no other than satisfy the people also with that opinion.  The people’s mislike of their present government is such and so great as that the name of States is grown odious amongst them.  Therefore the States, doubting the furious rage of the people, conferred the authority upon his Lordship with incessant suit to him to receive it.  Notwithstanding this, however, he did deny it until he saw plainly both confusion and ruin of that country if he should refuse.  On the other hand, when he had seen into their estates, his lordship found great profit and commodity like to come unto your Majesty by your acceptance of it.  Your Highness may now have garrisons of English in as many towns as pleaseth you, without any more charge than you are now at.  Nor can any peace be made with Spain at any time hereafter, but through you:  and by you.  Your Majesty should remember, likewise, that if a man of another nation had been chosen governor it might have wrought great danger.  Moreover it would have been an indignity that your lieutenant-general should of necessity be under him that so should have been elected.  Finally, this is a stop to any other that may affect the place of government there.”

Queen (who has manifested many signs of impatience during this discourse).—­“Your speech is all in vain.  His Lordship’s proceeding is sufficient to make me infamous to all princes, having protested the contrary, as I have done, in a book which is translated into divers and sundry languages.  His Lordship, being my servant, a creature of my own, ought not, in duty towards me, have entered into this course without my knowledge and good allowance.”

Shirley.—­“But the world hath conceived a high judgment of your Majesty’s great wisdom and providence; shown by your assailing the King of Spain at one time both in the Low Countries and also by Sir Francis Drake.  I do assure myself that the same judgment which did first cause you to take this in hand must continue a certain knowledge in your Majesty that one of these actions must needs stand much better by the other.  If Sir Frances do prosper, then all is well.  And though he should not prosper, yet this hold that his Lordship hath taken for you on the Low Countries must always assure an honourable peace at your Highness’s pleasure.  I beseech your Majesty to remember that to the King of Spain the government of his Lordship is no greater matter than if he were but your lieutenant-general there; but the voyage of Sir Francis is of much greater offence than all.”

Queen (interrupting).—­“I can very well answer for Sir Francis.  Moreover, if need be, the gentleman careth not if I should disavow him.”