The exclamation was a little unroyal. Raleigh, who had stood in almost mute astonishment at Morgan's strange readiness of tongue and aptness of expression, now began to fear that the blunt yeoman was going to undo all his previous good work. Elizabeth Tudor was not accustomed to hear that some other "maid" was the fairest on earth. "When dost thou hope to wed this dainty nymph?" "When the maid wills it, your Majesty." "Hath she no father, then, to command her?" "She hath; but he would not lay an order upon her, neither would I have him do so. Maidens will have their whims. I care not, so mine be constant." "Thou dost find her wayward then?" "All pretty things are fashioned so." "Am I wayward, thinkest thou?" "Your Majesty would be very woman but that you are also Queen." "But I am a woman when my crown is off." Johnnie shook his head. "God hath given your Majesty special graces, and such strength that the woman in you must obey the sovereign." Elizabeth sighed. "Thou art right," she said. "Daily have I to beat the woman in me down, down. 'Tis hard to do it, for the woman will cry out for what is hers by nature. Canst thou not perceive, Master Morgan, that the struggle is bitter at times? Yet the woman in me must succumb; for, did she have her way, England, my England, would suffer." "Therefore did God give the Queen strength," murmured Johnnie. Elizabeth arose. "I will see thee again," she said. "Thou hast some homely mother wisdom, and a truthful tongue. It cheers a Queen's heart to learn that, far from courts and crowds, she hath valiant and loyal subjects like to thee. But I must ask thee to consider whether thou canst not serve us to more advantage than offers on a simple farm. Thou hast given a little brave blood for England. The world is wide, and our foes are many. Doth not thy spirit cry out for wings at times?" "It hath in these last few days, your Majesty." "Yes?" "I have been talking with some sailor-men from the Spanish Main, and the sea sings in mine ears, sleeping and waking." "Then obey the call." "I will." "God prosper you!" "And bring your Majesty happiness and length of days." Chapter XXIII. JOHNNIE SEES MANY SIGHTS. The Queen left the audience chamber in company with her maids-of-honour, and Raleigh held the curtains over the doorway aside for them to pass through. He came back to where Morgan was standing, and looked him quizzingly up and down.