So that the beating out of our best captains is like to be cause of great danger." Sir John Smith, a soldier of experience, employed to drill and organize some of the levies, expressed still more disparaging opinions than those of Leicester concerning the probable efficiency in the field of these English armies.

The Earl was very angry with the knight, however, and considered, him incompetent, insolent, and ridiculous.

Sir John seemed, indeed, more disposed to keep himself out of harm's way, than to render service to the Queen by leading awkward recruits against Alexander Farnese.

He thought it better to nurse himself.
"You would laugh to see how Sir John Smith has dealt since my coming," said Leicester.

"He came to me, and told me that his disease so grew upon him as he must needs go to the baths.