Norris and Williams, on the news of Medina Sidonia’s approach, had rushed to Dover, much to the indignation of Leicester, just as the Earl was beginning his entrenchments at Tilbury.  “I assure you I am angry with Sir John Norris and Sir Roger Williams,” he said.  “I am here cook, caterer, and huntsman.  I am left with no one to supply Sir John’s place as marshal, but, for a day or two, am willing to work the harder myself.  I ordered them both to return this day early, which they faithfully promised.  Yet, on arriving this morning, I hear nothing of either, and have nobody to marshal the camp either for horse or foot.  This manner of dealing doth much mislike me in them both.  I am ill-used.  ’Tis now four o’clock, but here’s not one of them.  If they come not this night, I assure you I will not receive them into office, nor bear such loose careless dealing at their hands.  If you saw how weakly I am assisted you would be sorry to think that we here, should be the front against the enemy that is so mighty, if he should land here.  And seeing her Majesty hath appointed me her lieutenant-general, I look that respect be used towards me, such as is due to my place.”

Thus the ancient grudge—­between Leicester and the Earl of Sussex’s son was ever breaking forth, and was not likely to prove beneficial at this eventful season.

Next day the Welshman arrived, and Sir John promised to come back in the evening.  Sir Roger brought word from the coast that Lord Henry Seymour’s fleet was in want both of men and powder.  “Good Lord!” exclaimed Leicester, “how is this come to pass, that both he and, my Lord-Admiral are so weakened of men.  I hear they be running away.  I beseech you, assemble your forces, and play not away this kingdom by delays.  Hasten our horsemen hither and footmen:  . . . .  If the Spanish fleet come to the narrow seas the, Prince of Parma will play another part than is looked for.”

As the Armada approached Calais, Leicester was informed that the soldiers at Dover began to leave the coast.  It seemed that they were dissatisfied with the penuriousness of the government.  “Our soldiers do break away at Dover, or are not pleased.  I assure you, without wages, the people will not tarry, and contributions go hard with them.  Surely I find that her Majesty must needs deal liberally, and be at charges to entertain her subjects that have chargeably, and liberally used, themselves to serve her.”  The lieutenant-general even thought it might be necessary for him to proceed to Dover in person, in order to remonstrate with these discontented troops; for it was possible that those ill-paid, undisciplined, and very meagre forces, would find much difficulty in opposing Alexander’s march, to London, if he should once succeed in landing.  Leicester had a very indifferent opinion too of the train-bands of the metropolis.  “For your Londoners,” he said, “I see their service will be little, except they have their own captains,