QUEEN (_excited_). God’s death, Robin! No mask, no acting at all. My blood was up, I was in thorough earnest; it is something to stand on solid ground, I’m not going to be bullied now by the empty bluster of a Spanish coxcomb, or his master either—Drake has opened my eyes and theirs too! this load of wealth! Our strength! Their weakness. Leicester, he has shown me a secret! (_She looks at him with intense meaning_) a power that must rule the world! LEICESTER (_astonished and interested_). Indeed, my Liege! I did not know he was given to such deep state-craft. QUEEN (_with proud emphasis_). Why man! With one hand I grasp the trident of the ocean, with the other California and the Indies. Drake’s a Prophet—he knows the true strength and policy of England. The destiny of nations! (_She storms about_, LEICESTER _eyeing her with astonishment and awe_). Come along, Robin! I must see these wise men of the council and let them know what I think of their drivelling. I say Drake’s conduct is only self defence! Just retaliation! The money is lawful prize. I’ll give Sussex a talking to, for his intermeddling—’Fore God, I’ll set some of them by the feet before all’s over about this, I’ll bracelet them with iron, both arms and ankles. Come along, Robin! Come along. (_Aside as she goes off_). Three millions! Mother of God! Three millions. (_Exeunt_). SCENE VIII.—TERRACE OF GREENWICH PALACE. _Decorated with masts_, _bearing various devices_, _illustrative of England’s heroes and their victories_, _and surmounted with the National flag_. _The river is crowded with shipping_, _having all their bunting and streamers abroad_, _in honour of the great event_. _Their decks and rigging filled with gaily dressed spectators_. _All London is there_. _It is known_, _that the_ QUEEN _has resolved to honour with her presence at dinner_, _the little ship that has fought its way round the world_, _and the heroes who manned it_. _Deck of the Golden Hind covered with an awning_, _extended with canvas on to the land in a semi-circular form_; _open in front and supported by pillars_—_the whole highly ornamented and painted with scenic effect_, _to represent the great occasions of England’s triumph by sea and land_. _A dinner-table spread with gold and silver plate_, _with various jewelled articles in those metals_—_trophies brought from the Indies_—_and piled with rare tropical fruits and productions_, _since become familiar although then extraordinary_. _A flag in the centre_, _by order of the_ QUEEN, _bearing the arms of_ DRAKE _and the mottoes_ “_Divino auxilio_” _above and_ “_Sic parvis magna_” _below_. _The table is occupied by distinguished nobles_, _knights_, _and great officers_—_amongst them_, _conspicuous_, HOWARD OF EFFINGHAM, _Lord High Admiral_; LEICESTER; RALEIGH; HATTON, _and others_, _principally those most against Spain_, _if not actually in the interest