On the contrary, the Earl seemed likely to make himself comparatively poor before he got to the Provinces, while his political power, at the moment, did not seem of more hopeful growth.
Leicester had been determined and consistent in this great enterprize from the beginning.

He felt intensely the importance of the crisis.

He saw that the time had come for swift and uncompromising action, and the impatience with which he bore the fetters imposed upon him may be easily conceived.
"The cause is such," he wrote to Walsingham, "that I had as lief be dead as be in the case I shall be in if this restraint hold for taking the oath there, or if some more authority be not granted than I see her Majesty would I should have.

I trust you all will hold hard for this, or else banish me England withal.

I have sent you the books to be signed by her Majesty.