rs, and soldiers, away from thence,
that this town is full of them, to the great discontentment of her
majesty, that they are suffered to leave their charge. But the most part
of the gallants have quitted their commands, places, and companies, not
willing to stay there after him; so that the disorder seems to be
greater there than stands with the safety of that service." Harrington
the wit and poet had the misfortune to be one of the threescore "idle
knights," dubbed by the lord deputy during his short and inglorious
reign, and likewise one of the officers whom he selected to accompany
him in his return; and we may learn from two of his own letters, written
several years subsequently, after what manner he was welcomed on his
arrival by his royal godmother.

* * * * *

"_Sir John Harrington to Dr. Still, the bishop of Bath and Wells._ 1603.

"My worthy lord,

"I have lived to see that d----e rebel Tyrone brought to England,
courteously favored, honored, and well-liked. O! my lord, what is there
which doth not prove the inconstancy of worldly matters! How did I labor
after that knave's destruction! I was called from my home by her
majesty's command, adventured perils by sea and land; endured toil, was
near starving, ate horse-flesh at Munster; and all to quell that man,
who now smileth in peace at those that did hazard their lives to destroy
him. Essex took me to Ireland, I had scant time to put on my boots; I
followed with good will, and did return with the lord-lieutenant to meet
ill-will; I did bear the frowns of her that sent me; and were it not for
her good liking, rather than my good deservings, I had been sore
discountenanced indeed. I obeyed in going with the earl to Ireland, and
I obeyed in coming with him to England. But what did I encounter
thereon? Not his wrath, but my gracious sovereign's ill humor. What did
I advantage? Why truly a knighthood; which had been better bestowed by
her that sent me, and better spared by him that gave it. I shall never
put out of memory her majesty's displeasure; I entered her chamber, but
she frowned and said. 'What, did the fool bring you too? Go back to your
business.' In sooth these words did sore hurt him that never heard such
before; but Heaven gave me more comfort in a day or two after. Her
majesty did please to ask me concerning our northern journeys, and I did
so well quit me of the account, that she favoured me with such discourse
that