"Believe me," said he, "you will all repent the cockney kind of bringing up at this day of young men.

They be gone hence with shame enough, and too many, that I will warrant, will make as many frays with bludgeons and bucklers as any in London shall do; but such shall never have credit with me again.

Our simplest men in show have been our best men, and your gallant blood and ruffian men the worst of all others." Much winnowed, as it was, the small force might in time become more effective; and the Earl spent freely of his own substance to supply the wants of his followers, and to atone for the avarice of his sovereign.
The picture painted however by muster-master Digger of the plumed troops that had thus come forth to maintain the honour of England and the cause of liberty, was anything but imposing.

None knew better than Digges their squalid and slovenly condition, or was more anxious to effect a reformation therein.

"A very wise, stout fellow he is," said the Earl, "and very careful to serve thoroughly her Majesty." Leicester relied much upon his efforts.