d than opposed
those exalted encomiums, which Essex's numerous and sanguine friends
dispersed, of his high genius, of his elegant endowments, his heroic
courage, his unbounded generosity, and his noble birth; nor were they
displeased to observe that passionate fondness which the people every
where expressed for this nobleman. These artful politicians had studied
his character; and finding that his open and undaunted spirit, if
taught temper and reserve from opposition, must become invincible, they
resolved rather to give full breath to those sails which were already
too much expanded and to push him upon dangers of which he seemed to
make such small account.[**] And the better to make advantage of
his indiscretions, spies were set upon all his actions, and even
expressions; and his vehement spirit, which, while he was in the
midst of the court and environed by his rivals, was unacquainted with
disguise, could not fail, after he thought himself surrounded by
none but friends, to give a pretence for malignant suspicions and
constructions.

* Rymer, tom. xvi. p. 366.

** Camden. Osborne, p. 371.

Essex left London in the month of March, attended with the acclamations
of the populace; and, what did him more honor, accompanied by a numerous
train of nobility and gentry, who, from affection to his person, had
attached themselves to his fortunes, and sought fame and military
experience under so renowned a commander. The first act of authority
which he exercised after his arrival in Ireland, was an indiscretion,
but of the generous kind, and in both these respects suitable to his
character. He appointed his intimate friend the earl of Southampton,
general of the horse; a nobleman who had incurred the queen's
displeasure by secretly marrying without her consent, and whom she had
therefore enjoined Essex not to employ in any command under him. She no
sooner heard of this instance of disobedience, than she reprimanded him,
and ordered him to recall his commission to Southampton. But Essex, who
had imagined that some reasons which he opposed to her first injunctions
had satisfied her, had the imprudence to remonstrate against these
second orders;[*] and it was not till she reiterated her commands that
he could be prevailed on to displace his friend.

Essex, on his landing at Dublin, deliberated with the Irish council
concerning the proper methods of carrying on the war against the rebels;
and here he was guilty of a