“_Saturday, 1st October._—Paulet sent a message that he would like to say a few words to her. He was accustomed to use this language when he had anything disagreeable to tell her. Having come into her presence, he said that Elizabeth, having had the report from Gorges, was much surprised that Her Majesty had had such a conversation with him, seeing she (Elizabeth) could show the contrary, having sufficient proof to contradict what she said; that she was to send some lords and councillors to speak to her, the which, in order that she might not be surprised, he gave her due notice of; that it would be better for her to ask pardon of Elizabeth and confess her fault than to be declared guilty, and that he would advise her to do this, and he would report it, being ready to write her answer such as it was. Her Majesty, smiling ironically at this proposal, said to him his speech suggested what one was accustomed to say to children when they wished them to confess. She knew she had offended her Creator in many things, and she asked pardon of Him, but that she was a sovereign Queen, and recognised no offence or fault that she had to confess to anyone; that as she could not commit any fault she could not ask any pardon, and did not wish to receive any; and ironically she said they would not go very far; she thought they took much pains for very little, and would not advance their cause very much. Paulet interrupted her and said that he could not confirm what she had written and therefore she had better confess, for the thing was notorious, and that he would send on her answer. Whereupon, having begged Her Majesty to listen, he repeated her response in order that he might write correctly, asking if this was her meaning; to which she assented. The same day Paulet wrote to the court. Before leaving he told her that if she wished to have Melville, her _maître d'hôtel_, with her he would come, as he (Paulet) had to go to London in order to discharge Bagot, who gave him trouble and expense. “_Thursday, 6th October._—I with Marie Page at the door informed the Queen that Melville had come with Paulet's daughter, if she would receive her. Much astonished, Her Majesty agreed. “_Sunday, 9th October._—Paulet discharged Roger, Sharp, Laurence, Barlae and Jackson, having first informed her. She ordered Sharp to be paid seventy pounds besides his wages, twenty crowns, and one horse as a gift; to Jackson his wages of ten crowns and forty shillings, with one horse; to Laurence his wages; and as for Aroburn, it was agreed that he could remain to tend the rest of the horses; forty sols (sous) to him. And that he might better serve Sharp, she gave him the little mare in charge until she foaled, that the two might be disposed of as pleased her.