And to reach this aim, he would be afraid of no means; he would shrink from no treachery and no sin.
Like the disciples of Loyola, he said, in justification of himself, "the end sanctifies the means." And thus for him every means was right which conducted him to the end; that is to say, to greatness and glory.
He was firmly convinced that he loved the queen ardently; and in his nobler hours he did really love her.

Depending on the moment, a son of the hour, in him feeling and will varied with the rapidity of lightning, and he ever was wholly and completely that with which the moment inflamed him.
When, therefore, he stood before the queen, he did not lie when he swore that he loved her passionately.

He really loved her, with double warmth, since she had to his mind in some sort identified herself with his ambition.

He adored her, because she was the means that might conduct him to his end; because she might some day hold in her hands the sceptre of England.

And on the day when this came to pass, he wished to be her lover and her lord.