Burghley was growing old, and indisposed for the adventures and levity which, with all her grand power of ruling, Elizabeth loved.

She needed a favourite, and Essex was unfortunately marked out for what she wanted.

He had Leicester's fascination, without his mean and cruel selfishness.

He was as generous, as gallant, as quick to descry all great things in art and life, as Philip Sidney, with more vigour and fitness for active life than Sidney.

He had not Raleigh's sad, dark depths of thought, but he had a daring courage equal to Raleigh's, without Raleigh's cynical contempt for mercy and honour.