joiced indeed, now it
was over, in his expedition to Cadiz, on account of the large share of
honor which he had acquired, and which would place him for many years
beyond the reach of military competition. Besides that the disposal of
places and other matters relating to the wars, would of themselves flow
in to him as he increased in other greatness, and preserve to him that
dependence entire. It was indeed a thing which, considering the times
and the necessity of the service, he ought above all to retain; but
while he kept it in substance, he should abolish it in shows to the
queen, who loved peace, and did not love cost. And on this account he
could not so well approve of his affecting the place of earl-marshal or
master of the ordnance, on account of their affinity to a military
greatness, and rather recommended to his seeking the peaceful,
profitable and courtly office of lord privy seal. In the same manner,
with respect to the reputation of popularity, which was a good thing in
itself, and one of the best flowers of his greatness both present and
future, the only way was to quench it _verbis, non rebus_; to take all
occasions to declaim against popularity and popular courses to the
queen, and to tax them in all others, yet for himself, to go on as
before in all his honorable commonwealth courses. "And therefore," says
he, "I will not advise to cure this by dealing in monopolies or any
oppressions."

The last and most curious article of all, respects his quality of a
favorite. As, separated from all the other matters it could not hurt,
so, joined with them, he observes that it made her majesty more fearful
and captious, as not knowing her own strength. For this, the only remedy
was to give place to any other favorite to whom he should find her
majesty incline, "so as the subject had no ill or dangerous aspect"
towards himself. "For otherwise," adds this politic adviser, "whoever
shall tell me that you may not have singular use of a favorite at your
devotion, I will say he understandeth not the queen's affection, nor
your lordship's condition."

These crafty counsels, which steadily pursued would have laid the army,
the court, and the people, and in effect the queen herself, at the feet
of a private nobleman, seem to have made considerable impression for
the time on the mind of Essex; though the impetuosity of his temper,
joined to a spirit of sincerity, honor and generosity, which not even
the pursuits of ambition