trange fancy of _unmaking_ the
knights made by Essex; being flattered in this folly by Bacon, who
assured her, certainly in contradiction to all the laws of chivalry,
that her general had no right to confer that degree after a prohibition
laid upon him by her majesty. She was resolved to command at least that
no ancient gentleman should give place to these new knights; and she had
actually signed the warrant for a proclamation to this effect, when the
timely interference of the secretary saved her from thus exposing
herself.

Late in August 1600, the earl was acquainted in form by the
privy-council that his liberty was restored, but that he was still
prohibited from appearing at court. He answered, that it was his design
to lead a retired life at his uncle's in Oxfordshire, yet he begged
their intercession that he might be admitted to kiss the queen's hand
before his departure. But this was still too great a favor to be
accorded, and he was informed, that though free from restraint, he was
still to regard himself as under indignation; a distinction which served
to deter all but his nearest relations from resorting to him.

In the spring of this year, Vereiken, an ambassador from Flanders, was
very honorably received by the queen, whose counsels had assumed a more
pacific aspect since the disgrace of Essex.

Whyte informs us, with his usual minuteness, that the ambassador was
lodged with alderman Baning in Dowgate; and that he was fetched to court
in great state, the whole household being drawn up in the hall; the
great ladies and fair maids appearing "excellently brave" in the rooms
through which he passed; and the queen, very richly dressed and
surrounded by her council, extending to him a most gracious reception.
He solemnly congratulated himself on the happiness of beholding her
majesty, "who for _beauty_ and wisdom did excel all other princes of the
earth;" and she, in requital, promised to consider of his proposals. The
negotiation proved in the end abortive; but great offence was taken at
the publication in this juncture of a letter by the earl of Essex
against a peace with Spain.

Raleigh was at this time leaving London in discontent because nothing
was done for him;--it does not appear what was now the particular object
of his solicitation; but a writer has recorded it as an instance of the
prudent reserve of Elizabeth in the advancement of her courtiers, that
she would never admit the eloquent and ambitious