Note 232 — Chapter VIII · 1578-1584

A few months later, when Mendoza sought audience of the Queen, to remonstrate by Philip’s orders with her about her aid to Don Antonio, Leicester and Hatton strongly opposed an audience being granted, whilst Cecil, who always advocated a conciliatory course with Spain, insisted upon Mendoza being received. “Leicester, whilst he was at supper lately, said that he would either turn me out of here or lose his life and property in the attempt; whilst Hatton, in the presence chamber in the hearing of the household, cried that he would do his best to get me expelled, for the Queen trembled every time I asked for audience. When he was asked by a friend whether this was because I spoke rudely to her, he replied: No, it was not that, for no ambassador was more courteous and respectful, but I communicated things in such a way that she trembled when she heard me.”—Mendoza to the King, 1st October, 1581, Spanish Calendar, vol. iii.