Gilbert Parker

“ Were it not better to leave the court where only danger surrounded them, and find protection on Essex's own estate, where no man living could molest them? Were it not well to leave Michel de la Forêt to his fate, whatever it would be? Thrice within a fortnight the Queen had sent for de la Forêt—what reason was there for that, unless the Queen had a personal interest in him? ”

“ She did more than this, for she got permission from the Queen herself with Angèle to visit the wounded man, while Elizabeth herself sent a hasty note to Essex, which ran:
"What is this I hear? You have forced a quarrel with the Lord of Rozel, and have wellnigh ta'en his life. Is swording your dearest vice, then, that you must urge it on a stranger and a visitor at my court? Do you think you have a charter of freedom for your self-will? Have a care, have a care, Essex, or, by Heaven! you shall know another sword surer than your own." ”

“ Her brain told her that what she was tempted to do she should not do; that her only way was to wait, to be patient, to trust that the Queen of England was as much true woman as Queen, and as much Queen as true woman; and that the one was held in high equipose by the other.
As days went on, Essex saw that this plan would not work, and he deployed his mind upon another. If he could but get Angèle to seek de la Forêt in his apartment in the palace, and bring the matter to Elizabeth's knowledge afterwards with sure proof, de la Forêt's doom would be sealed. At great expense, however ”