ry talent; the high rank of Leicester in the service, which
forbade his employment in any inferior capacity: but, with all these
palliations, the nomination of such an antagonist to confront the duke
of Parma must eternally be regarded as the weakest act into which the
prudence of Elizabeth was ever betrayed by a blind and unaccountable
partiality.

All these preparations for defence being finally arranged, her majesty
resolved to visit in person the camp at Tilbury, for the purpose of
encouraging her troops.

It had been a part of the commendation of Elizabeth, that in her public
appearances, of whatsoever nature, no sovereign on record had _acted_
the part so well, or with such universal applause. But on this
memorable and momentous occasion, when,--like a second Boadicea, armed
for defence against the invader of her country,--she appeared at once
the warrior and the queen, the sacred feelings of the moment, superior
to all the artifices of regal dignity and the tricks of regal
condescension, inspired her with that impressive earnestness of look, of
words, of gesture, which alone is truly dignified and truly eloquent.

Mounted on a noble charger, with a general's truncheon in her hand, a
corselet of polished steel laced on over her magnificent apparel, and a
page in attendance bearing her white-plumed helmet, she rode bare-headed
from rank to rank with a courageous deportment and smiling countenance;
and amid the affectionate plaudits and shouts of military ardor which
burst from the animated and admiring soldiery, she addressed them in the
following short and spirited harangue.

"My loving people; we have been persuaded by some that are careful of
our safety, to take heed how we commit ourselves to armed multitudes,
for fear of treachery; but, assure you, I do not desire to live to
distrust my faithful and loving people. Let tyrants fear: I have always
so behaved myself that, under God, I have placed my chiefest strength
and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good-will of my subjects. And
therefore I am come amongst you at this time, not as for my recreation
or sport, but being resolved in the midst and heat of the battle, to
live or die amongst you all; to lay down for my God, and for my kingdom,
and for my people, my honor and my blood, even in the dust. I know I
have but the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart of a
king, and of a king of England too; and think foul scorn that Parma or
Spain, o