Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 7.djvu/219

 1564 ] THE EMBASSY OF DE SlLVA. 1 90 overlooked, that I must entreat your Majesty to direct me what to do and say. I have not as yet exchanged a word upon the subject with any one except the person I speak of. I suspect the French have been trying to make use of Lord Eobert. His father, people tell me. had large French connections/ DE SILVA TO PHILIP II. July 10. 'I have been at Court at Richmond again. The Queen was in the garden with the ladies when I arrived, and she bade the Grand Chamberlain bring me to her. She received me with the most pointed kindness. She had been so anxious to see me, she said, that she could not help giving me the trouble of coming. ' She took me aside and led me into a gallery, where she kept me for an hour, talking the whole time of your Majesty, and alluding often to her embarrassments when she first came to the throne. I need not weary your Majesty with repeating her words; but she spoke with unaffected sincerity, and seemed annoyed when we were interrupted by supper. ' The meal was attended with the usual ceremonies. Nothing could be more handsome than the entertain- ment. She made the band play the ' Battle of Pavia,' and declared it was the music that she liked best in the world. ' After supper she had more conversation with me ; and as it was then late I thought it time to take my leave : but the Queen said I must not think of going ; there was a play to be acted which I must see. She