That wise Princess was fully aware of the propriety of using great circumspection and economy in bestowing those titles of honour, which the Stewarts, who succeeded to her throne, distributed with an imprudent liberality which greatly diminished their value.

Blount had no sooner arisen and retired than she turned to the Duchess of Rutland.

"Our woman wit," she said, "dear Rutland, is sharper than that of those proud things in doublet and hose.

Seest thou, out of these three knights, thine is the only true metal to stamp chivalry's imprint upon ?" "Sir Richard Varney, surely--the friend of my Lord of Leicester--surely he has merit," replied the Duchess.
"Varney has a sly countenance and a smooth tongue," replied the Queen; "I fear me he will prove a knave.

But the promise was of ancient standing.