The singular effects which these distractions of mind produced upon the

behaviour and conversation of the most accomplished courtier of England,

as they were visible to the lowest and dullest menial who approached his

person, could not escape the notice of the most intelligent Princess of

the age. Nor is there the least doubt that the alternate negligence and

irregularity of his manner would have called down Elizabeth's severe

displeasure on the Earl of Leicester, had it not occurred to her to

account for it by supposing that the apprehension of that displeasure

which she had expressed towards him with such vivacity that very morning

was dwelling upon the spirits of her favourite, and, spite of his

efforts to the contrary, distracted the usual graceful tenor of his mien

and the charms of his conversation. When this idea, so flattering to

female vanity, had once obtained possession of her mind, it proved a

full and satisfactory apology for the numerous errors and mistakes of

the Earl of Leicester; and the watchful circle around observed with

astonishment, that, instead of resenting his repeated negligence, and

want of even ordinary attention (although these were points on which she

was usually extremely punctilious), the Queen sought, on the contrary,

to afford him time and means to recollect himself, and deigned to assist

him in doing so, with an indulgence which seemed altogether inconsistent

with her usual character. It was clear, however, that this could not

last much longer, and that Elizabeth must finally put another and more

severe construction on Leicester's uncourteous conduct, when the Earl

was summoned by Varney to speak with him in a different apartment.

After having had the message twice delivered to him, he rose, and was

about to withdraw, as it were, by instinct; then stopped, and turning

round, entreated permission of the Queen to absent himself for a brief

space upon matters of pressing importance.

"Go, my lord," said the Queen. "We are aware our presence must occasion

sudden and unexpected occurrences, which require to be provided for on

the instant. Yet, my lord, as you would have us believe ourself your

welcome and honoured guest, we entreat you to think less of our good

cheer, and favour us with more of your good countenance than we have

this day enjoyed; for whether prince or peasant be the guest, the

welcome of the host will always be the better part of the entertainment.

Go, my lord; and we trust to see you return with an unwrinkled brow, and

those free thoughts which you are wont to have at the disposal of your

friends."




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