In conclusion, after many strong expressions of good-will, Leicester promised to meet them next day at court, where he would address the Queen personally on the subject, and see that they spoke with her as well.  Meantime he sent one of his principal gentlemen to keep company with the envoys, and make himself useful to them.  This personage, being “of good quality and a member of Parliament,” gave them much useful information, assuring them that there was a strong feeling in England in favour of the Netherlands, and that the matter had been very vigorously taken up in the national legislature.  That assembly had been strongly encouraging her Majesty boldly to assume the protectorate, and had manifested a willingness to assist her with the needful.  “And if,” said he, “one subsidy should not be enough, she shall have three, four, five, or six, or as much as may be necessary.”

The same day, the envoys had an interview with Lord Treasurer Burghley, who held the same language as Walsingham and Leicester had done.  “The Queen, to his knowledge,” he said, “was quite ready to assume the protectorate; but it was necessary that it should be formally offered, with the necessary guarantees, and that without further loss of time.”

On the 22nd March, according to agreement, Ortel and De Gryze went to the court at Greenwich.  While waiting there for the Queen, who had ridden out into the country, they had more conversation with Walsingham, whom they found even more energetically disposed in their favour than ever, and who assured them that her Majesty was quite ready to assume the protectorate so soon as offered.  “Within a month,” he said, “after the signing of a treaty, the troops would be on the spot, under command of such a personage of quality and religion as would be highly satisfactory.”  While they were talking, the Queen rode into the court-yard, accompanied by the Earl of Leicester and other gentlemen.  Very soon afterwards the envoys were summoned to her presence, and allowed to recommend the affairs of the Provinces to her consideration.  She lamented the situation of their country, and in a few words expressed her inclination to render assistance, provided the States would manifest full confidence in her.  They replied by offering to take instant measures to gratify all her demands, so soon as those demands should be made known; and the Queen finding herself surrounded by so many gentlemen and by a crowd of people, appointed them accordingly to come to her private apartments the same afternoon.

At that interview none were present save Walsingham and Lord Chamberlain Howard.  The Queen showed herself “extraordinarily resolute” to take up the affairs of the Provinces.  “She had always been sure,” she said, “that the French negotiation would have no other issue than the one which they had just seen.  She was fully aware what a powerful enemy she was about to make—­one who could easily create mischief for her in Scotland