The States, on the other hand, had voluntarily increased the monthly contribution of 200,000 florins, to which their contract with Elizabeth obliged them, and were more disposed than ever they had been since the death of Orange to proceed vigorously and harmoniously against the common enemy of Christendom.

Under such circumstances it may well be imagined that there was cause on Leicester's part for deep mortification at the tragical turn which the Queen's temper seemed to be taking.
"I know not," he said, "how her Majesty doth mean to dispose of me.

It hath grieved me more than I can express that for faithful and good service she should so deeply conceive against me.

God knows with what mind I have served her Highness, and perhaps some others might have failed.

Yet she is neither tied one jot by covenant or promise by me in any way, nor at one groat the more charges, but myself two or three thousand pounds sterling more than now is like to be well spent.