the country.  Notwithstanding the admiration expressed by the Hollanders for the individual sumptuousness of the Lieutenant-General; his followers, on their part, were startled by the general luxury of their new allies.  “The realm is rich and full of men,” said Wilford, “the sums men exceed in apparel would bear the brunt of this war;” and again, “if the excess used in sumptuous apparel were only abated, and that we could convert the same to these wars, it would stop a great gap.”

The favourable view taken by the English as to the resources and inclination of the Netherland commonwealth was universal.  “The general wish and desire of these countrymen,” wrote Sir Thomas Shirley, “is that the amity begun between England and this nation may be everlasting, and there is not any of our company of judgment but wish the same.  For all they that see the goodliness and stateliness of these towns, strengthened both with fortification and natural situation, all able to defend themselves with their own abilities, must needs think it too fair a prey to be let pass, and a thing most worthy to be embraced.”

Leicester, whose enthusiasm continued to increase as rapidly as the Queen’s zeal seemed to be cooling, was most anxious lest the short-comings of his own Government should work irreparable evil.  “I pray you, my lord,” he wrote to Burghley, “forget not us poor exiles; if you do, God must and will forget you.  And great pity it were that so noble provinces and goodly havens, with such infinite ships and mariners, should not be always as they may now easily be, at the assured devotion of England.  In my opinion he can neither love Queen nor country that would not wish and further it should be so.  And seeing her Majesty is thus far entered into the cause, and that these people comfort themselves in full hope of her favour, it were a sin and a shame it should not be handled accordingly, both for honour and surety.”

Sir John Conway, who accompanied the Earl through the whole of his “progress journey,” was quite as much struck as he by the flourishing aspect and English proclivities of the Provinces.  “The countries which we have passed,” he said, “are fertile in their nature; the towns, cities, buildings, of snore state and beauty, to such as have travelled other countries, than any they have ever seen.  The people the most industrious by all means to live that be in the world, and, no doubt, passing rich.  They outwardly show themselves of good heart, zeal, and loyalty, towards the Queen our mistress.  There is no doubt that the general number of them had rather come under her Majesty’s regiment, than to continue under the States and burgomasters of their country.  The impositions which they lay in defence of their State is wonderful.  If her Highness proceed in this beginning, she may retain these parts hers, with their good love, and her great glory and gain.  I would she might as perfectly see the whole country, towns, profits, and pleasures