If Sir Philip Sidney were here, and if my Lord of Leicester follow not all the sooner, I would use her Majesty's liberty to return home.

If her Majesty think me worthy the reputation of a poor, honest, and loyal servant, I have that contents me.

For the rest, I wish 'Vivere sine invidia, mollesque inglorius annos Egigere, amicitias et mihi jungere pares.'" There was something almost prophetic in the tone which this faithful public servant--to whom, on more than one occasion, such hard measure was to be dealt--habitually adopted in his private letters and conversation.
He did his work, but he had not his reward; and he was already weary of place without power, and industry without recognition.
"For mine own particular," he said, "I will say with the poet, 'Crede mihi, bene qui latuit bene vixit, Et intra fortunam debet quisque manere suam.'" For, notwithstanding the avidity with which Elizabeth had sought the cautionary towns, and the fierceness with which she had censured the tardiness of the States, she seemed now half inclined to drop the prize which she had so much coveted, and to imitate the very languor which she had so lately rebuked.

"She hath what she desired," said Davison, "and might yet have more, if this content her not.

Howsoever you value the places at home, they are esteemed here, by such as know them best, no little increase to her Majesty's honour, surety, and greatness, if she be as careful to keep them as happy in getting them.