THE EARL OF ESSEX. 283 



also find his strength more and more, so as ever 

 such smothers broke forth again into greater flames. 

 Which kind of discourses and objections, as they 

 were entertained in a popular kind of observation, 

 so were they ever chiefly patronized and appre 

 hended by the earl, both upon former times and 

 occasions, and now last when this matter was in deli 

 beration. So as her majesty, to acquit her honour 

 and regal function, and to give this satisfaction to 

 herself and others, that she had left no way untried, 

 resolved to undertake the action with a royal army 

 and puissant forces, under the leading of some prin 

 cipal nobleman ; in such sort, that, as far as human 

 discourse might discern, it might be hoped, that by 

 the expedition of a summer, things might be brought 

 to that state, as both realms may feel some ease and 

 respiration ; this from charge and levies, and that 

 from troubles and perils. Upon this ground her 

 majesty made choice of my lord of Essex for that ser 

 vice, a principal peer and officer of her realm, a per 

 son honoured with the trust of a privy counsellor, 

 graced with the note of her majesty s special favour, 

 infallibly betokening and redoubling his worth and 

 value, enabled with the experience and reputation 

 of former services, and honourable charges in the 

 wars ; a man every way eminent, select, and qualified 

 for a general of a great enterprise, intended for the 

 recovery and reduction of that kingdom, and not 

 only or merely as a lieutenant or governor of Ire 

 land. 



My lord, after that he had taken the charge upon 



