Scheme of colonization--Preparation--The sailing--Queen's interest--Death of Sir Humfrey Gilbert--Another charter obtained--King Wingina--Hospitality--Sir Richard Grenville--Difficulties of first colonists--Personal outfit--Misfortune 71 CHAPTER VII BUSINESS MAN The Stannaries--His grasp of detail--"Do it with thy might"--Estimate of squadron--Scheme of coast defence-- The clash-mills of Mr. Crymes--Irish plans 88 CHAPTER VIII AGAINST SPAIN Spain's enmity--The Armada--Ralegh's opinion of tactics-- With Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Norreys--The privateers 97 CHAPTER IX RALEGH AND SPENSER Rise of Essex--Ralegh retires to Ireland--At Kilcolman-- At Youghal--Friendship with Spenser--Brings Spenser to Court--Their dreams 106 CHAPTER X EVIL TIMES Ralegh and the Puritans--John Udall--Blount--Ralegh's marriage--Queen's anger--In the Tower--His sincerity--The Episode in the "Faërie Queene"--_Madre de Dios_--Robert Cecil--Sherborne 114 CHAPTER XI THE KINGDOM IN GUIANA Ralegh leaves England--Arrives at Trinidad--Taking of S. Joseph--Interviews with Berreo--Dealings with natives-- Starts up the river in boats--Dangers overcome-- Adventures--They reach River Amana--Indian village-- Within sight of Guiana--Toparimaca--Beauty of the land-- Falls of the Caroli--The return--Voyage home--Arrival in England 127 CHAPTER XII CADIZ AND FAYAL Division of command--Ralegh's delay--Unwillingness of men to serve--Disputes--Ralegh's wise plan of action--The attack--The sack--Ralegh wounded--His small share of spoil--Return home--Sends ship to Guiana--Death of Lady Cecil--Robert Cecil's policy--Expedition to Azores-- Fayal--Quarrel with Essex 150 CHAPTER XIII THE UNDERMINING Robert Cecil in power--Downfall of Essex--Ralegh's opinion of Essex--Governor of Jersey--Peril imminent 167 CHAPTER XIV SUCCESSION PLOTS Possible successors to Elizabeth--Lord Henry Howard-- Spies--Ralegh's position--The net is drawn round him-- Letter of Cecil--Last illness and death of Elizabeth-- Carey's ride to the North 178 CHAPTER XV THE TRIAL Arrival of James VI. of Scotland--Ralegh in immediate disfavour--Gondomar comments on James--Ralegh accused of treason--Cobham and Brooke--Ralegh attempts suicide-- Cobham's retractions--November 17--And the trial's infamy 195 CHAPTER XVI THE KING'S FARCE Comments on Ralegh's fall--In the prison at Winchester-- Ralegh begs mercy--His attitude explained--The King's own farce--Ralegh removed to London 227 CHAPTER XVII THE LONG IMPRISONMENT