RELATIVE TO SPAIN. 287 



taken, as a thing without controversy, honourable 

 and politic ; and that is reputation of good intelli 

 gence. I say not only good intelligence, but the 

 reputation and fame thereof. For I see, that where 

 booths are set for watching thievish places, there 

 is no more robbing : and though no doubt the 

 watchmen many times are asleep, or away ; yet 

 that is more than the thief knoweth; so as the 

 empty booth is strength and safe guard enough. 

 So likewise, if there be sown an opinion abroad, 

 that her majesty hath much secret intelligence, and 

 that all is full of spies and false brethren ; the 

 fugitives will grow into such a mutual jealousy and 

 suspicion one of another, as they will not have the 

 confidence to conspire together, not knowing whom 

 to trust ; and thinking all practice bootless, as that 

 which is assured to be discovered. And to this 

 purpose, to speak reverently, as becometh me, as I 

 do not doubt but those honourable counsellors, to 

 whom it doth appertain, do carefully and sufficiently 

 provide and take order that her majesty receive good 

 intelligence ; so yet, under correction, methinks it is 

 not done with that glory and note to the world, 

 which was in Mr. Secretary Walsingham s * time : 

 and in this case, as was said, &quot; opinio veritate major.&quot; 



* Who died April 6, 1590. After his death the business of 

 secretary of state appears to be chiefly done by Mr. Robert 

 Cecil, who was knighted by Queen Elizebeth at Theobald s, 

 about the beginning of June, 1591, and in August following- 

 sworn of the privy-council ; but not actually appointed secretary 

 of state till July 5, 1596. BIRCH. 



