LEICESTER. It is a mighty prize, howe’er he dropped upon it, and marvellous as you say. What power to you!—To Philip, most vexatious loss at present—to say the least, inconvenient in the extreme—your seizures, of that Genoese loan, and now this treasure, have crippled him. He is at a stand still for money, notwithstanding his Indies. Alva is in despair—his army in mutiny. This would have relieved them of all their difficulties. They are in a dreadful way. Mendoza spluttering at a huge rate, has frightened Cecil with a threat of war—and he in his alarm would give it up. But the whole country is enthusiastic about Drake.—He is the universal hero! QUEEN (_indignant_). A fig for Cecil and the whole Council—a set of fools—some are afraid of Philip—some are in his pay. I’ll stick to it, Leicester—every silver bar—every quoit of gold. It is the gift of Providence—my power, my safety. I have had my doubts and fears! Now I feel that I can defy the world. Drake despises Spain; laughs at invasion; says Philip can’t defend himself from us. He swears he’ll drive him from the ocean in a month—and I believe him. He (_with emphasis_) knows what he’s talking about. Drake’s the man!—Drake’s the man for me! _A Page announces the Spanish Ambassador_. PAGE. His Excellency the Spanish Ambassador. QUEEN (_startled and confused_). God’s death, Leicester! I thought as much. Here he comes to demand it. You must retire into my private room (_with decision_) I’ll face it out, Robin! (_exit_ LEICESTER. _To the_ PAGE) Admit his Excellency. (_Exit_ PAGE.) I must play my cards with skilful hand. By flattery or menace—to draw from him his policy. (_Enter_ AMBASSADOR. _The_ QUEEN _bounds from the sofa to meet him with affected friendliness_.) Don Bernardino de Mendoza! I am always glad to see you—in your private character. But are you now come as a King-at-Arms to declare war? MENDOZA. No! No! My instructions from my master are, to cultivate peace—But from your Majesty’s preparations, I should imagine that you meant war, on a large scale. Your fleet at Chatham! and the noise of fife and drum throughout the land. QUEEN (_interrupting_). ’Tis only the commission of array for training—Though England keeps on foot no armies, she is always armed—Her freemen are her soldiers. In times of danger, she gets ready; I don’t intend to be caught sleeping. What are those mighty naval preparations for at Cadiz? Six thousand additional seamen!