Note 146b — IX—THE PATRONAGE OF THE EARL OF SOUTHAMPTON

Southampton’s singularly long hair procured him at times unwelcome attentions. When, in January 1598, he struck Ambrose Willoughby, an esquire of the body, for asking him to break off owing to the lateness of the hour, a game of primero that he was playing in the royal chamber at Whitehall, the esquire Willoughby is stated to have retaliated by ‘pulling off some of the Earl’s locks.’ On the incident being reported to the Queen, she ‘gave Willoughby, in the presence, thanks for what he did’ (Sydney Papers, ii. 83).