while the fate of Ireland seemed to hang
in the balance, and while the impression made by the attempt of Essex
was still recent, is depicted in the following letter by sir John
Harrington with his usual minuteness and vivacity.

* * * * *

_To sir Hugh Portman knight._ (Dated October 9th 1601.)

"...For six weeks I left my oxen and sheep and ventured to court....
Much was my comfort in being well received, notwithstanding it is an ill
hour for seeing the queen. The madcaps are all in riot, and much evil
threatened. In good sooth I feared her majesty more than the rebel
Tyrone, and wished I had never received my lord of Essex's honor of
knighthood. She is quite _disfavored_[141] and unattired, and these
troubles waste her much. She disregarded every costly cover that cometh
to the table, and taketh little but manchet and succory pottage. Every
new message from the city doth disturb her, and she frowns on all the
ladies. I had a sharp message from her, brought by my lord Buckhurst,
namely thus. 'Go tell that witty fellow my godson to get home; it is no
season now to fool it here,' I liked this as little as she doth my
knighthood, so took to my boots, and returned to the plough in bad
weather. I must not say much even by this trusty and sure messenger, but
the many evil plots and designs hath overcome all her highness' sweet
temper. She walks much in her privy chamber, and stamps with her feet at
ill news, and thrusts her rusty sword at times into the arras in great
rage. My lord Buckhurst is much with her, and few else since the city
business; but the dangers are over, and yet she always keeps a sword by
her table. I obtained a short audience at my first coming to court, when
her highness told me, if ill counsel had brought me so far from home,
she wished heaven might mar that fortune which she had mended. I made my
peace in this point, and will not leave my poor castle of Kelston, for
fear of finding a worse elsewhere, as others have done. I will eat
Aldborne rabbits, and get fish as you recommend from the man at
Curry-Rival; and get partridge and hares when I can; and my venison
where I can; and leave all great matters to those like them better than
myself.... I could not move in any suit to serve your neighbour B. such
was the face of things: and so disordered is all order that her highness
hath worn but one change of raiment for many days, and swears much at
those that cause her griefs