She had also distinctly and peremptorily forbidden Leicester to assume any office or title that might seem at variance with such a refusal on her part.

Yet it is certain that, from the very first, he had contemplated some slight disobedience to these prohibitions.

"What government is requisite"-- wrote he in a secret memorandum of "things most necessary to understand"-- "to be appointed to him that shall be their governor?
First, that he have as much authority as the Prince of Orange, or any other governor or captain-general, hath had heretofore." Now the Prince of Orange hath been stadholder of each of the United Provinces, governor-general, commander-in-chief, count of Holland in prospect, and sovereign, if he had so willed it.

It would doubtless have been most desirable for the country, in its confused condition, had there been a person competent to wield, and willing to accept, the authority once exercised by William I.But it was also certain that this was exactly the authority which Elizabeth had forbidden Leicester to assume.

Yet it is difficult to understand what position the Queen intended that her favourite should maintain, nor how he was to carry out her instructions, while submitting to her prohibitions.