Chapter 13, pgs. 592-664 Summary and Analysis

Elizabeth is consoled by Robert, Earl of Essex who is the twenty-two year old son of the deceased Earl of Essex. He first appears at Court at the age of eighteen and is extremely popular even though he has frequent clashes with others.

In 1588, the Queen is planning an expedition against Spain. They plan to destroy the Armada and invade by land through Portugal. The Earl of Essex joins the expedition which angers the Queen. The English fleet lands at Corunna where they suffer heavy casualties and illness. When they reach Lisbon, they do not receive the support from the population that they had hoped for. They return to England.

Then England's attention shifts to France. A takeover by the Catholic League would strengthen Spain so Elizabeth aids the monarch against them. In the summer of 1590, Spain...