I have a bitter penance to perform, in disentangling, before sneering foes and astounded friends, all the meshes of my own deceitful policy.

And the Queen--but let her take my head, as she has threatened." "Take your head, my lord!" said the Countess, "because you used the freedom and liberty of an English subject in choosing a wife?
For shame! it is this distrust of the Queen's justice, this apprehension of danger, which cannot but be imaginary, that, like scarecrows, have induced you to forsake the straightforward path, which, as it is the best, is also the safest." "Ah, Amy, thou little knowest!" said Dudley but instantly checking himself, he added, "Yet she shall not find in me a safe or easy victim of arbitrary vengeance.

I have friends--I have allies--I will not, like Norfolk, be dragged to the block as a victim to sacrifice.

Fear not, Amy; thou shalt see Dudley bear himself worthy of his name.

I must instantly communicate with some of those friends on whom I can best rely; for, as things stand, I may be made prisoner in my own Castle." "Oh, my good lord," said Amy, "make no faction in a peaceful state! There is no friend can help us so well as our own candid truth and honour.