Memoirs of the Court of Queen Elizabeth. Lucy Aikin

it is pretty plain that they were never divorced, for we find her, several years after his death, still bearing the title of countess of Surry, and the guardian of his orphans. Had the example of Henry instructed his courtiers to find pretexts for the dissolution of the matrimonial tie whenever interest or inclination might prompt, and did our courts of law lend themselves to this abuse? A preacher of Edward the sixth's time brings such an accusation against the morals of the age, but I find no particular examples of it in the histories of noble families.

10

It seems that on one occasion the queen held the hands of the princess while the lord-admiral amused himself with cutting her gown to shreds; and that, on another, she introduced him into the chamber of Elizabeth before she had left her bed, when a violent romping scene took place, which was afterwards repeated without the presence of the queen.

11

For the original documents relative to this affair see Burleigh Papers by Haynes, passim.

12

This was the second duke of the name of Brandon, who died young of the sweating sickness.

13

This lady is commemorated at greater length in another place, and therefore a clause is here omitted.

14

Strype.

15

Burleigh Papers by Haynes.

16

Hayward's Life of Edward VI.

17

To keep hall, was to keep "open household with frank resort to court."

18

Hayward's Life of Edward VI.

19

See Warton's History of English Poetry, vol. iii. p. 213 et seq.

20

See Carte's History of England.

21

See Burleigh Papers by Haynes.

22

It is plain that Wyat is here accused of having taken arms for Jane Grey; but most wrongfully, if Carte's account of him is to be credited, which there seems no reason to disbelieve.

23

Fox's narrative in Holinshed.

24

Strype's Ecclesiastical Memorials.

25

Strype's Ecclesiastical Memorials.

26

Strype's Memorials.

27

Strype's Ecclesiastical Memorials.

28

History of English Poetry, vol. iii.

29

See Nichols's "Progresses," vol. i. p. 19.

30

The hint of "some honorable marriage" in the above letter, has been supposed to refer to the duke of Savoy; but if the date inscribed upon the copy which is found among the Harleian MSS. be correct (April 26th 1558), this could not well be; since the queen, early in the preceding year, had declined to interfere further in his behalf.

31

Bohun's "Character of Queen Elizabeth."

32

Naunton's "Fragmenta Regalia."

33

It is the Lord's doing, it is marvellous in our eyes.

34

I have chosen God for my helper.

35

"Fragmenta Regalia."

36

"Nugæ Antiquæ."

37

"Worthies" in Herts.