her good, and put her in mind that there had been affairs over which the subjects of Her Majesty and her friends had taken arms. She said that formerly when she desired to write she could; and when it could profit the Queen and her it was no longer permitted, but since her enemies had procured her sentence she had not thought it would profit or serve her in any way; besides, being deprived of all dignity and title, she did not see in what rank she could write for the present. What she did was not to save her life, nor to get pardon and escape, but only for peace of mind and for a last adieu. “Next day after dinner, Paulet and Drury having been sent for, they came into her chamber, when she made the same speech, adding that she would make a rough draft of a letter before them. And while they were talking Paulet said he wished to read this letter before it was sealed, as she might put something within of which he wished to be assured because of his duty to his mistress. On this they had some conversation, Her Majesty being surprised that he should require such a thing. At the same time she said ironically that she thanked him for the good opinion he had of her, to suspect her of putting something into the letter that would hurt the English Queen. Paulet apologising for his behaviour, assured her that Elizabeth wished to write her the same day (16th December). Her Majesty's chaplain arrived. “_Tuesday, 19th December_ (the Vigil of St. Thomas).—Paulet and Drury were sent for to receive her letter. She showed it to them quite open, and took a copy of it, rubbing it against her forehead, then shut it with white silk and sealed it with Spanish wax.” This letter has very fortunately been preserved, though it is not in Bourgoyne's _Journal_, and is in the following terms:— “MADAM,—Having with difficulty obtained leave from those to whom you have committed me to open to you all I have on my heart, as much for exonerating myself from any ill will or desire of committing cruelty, or any act of enmity against those with whom I am connected in blood; as also kindly to communicate to you what I thought would serve you as much for your weal and preservation as for the maintenance of the peace and repose of this isle, which can only be injured if you reject my advice. You will credit or disbelieve my discourse as it seems best to you. “I am resolved to strengthen myself in Christ Jesus alone, who to those invoking him with a true heart never fails in his justice and consolation, especially to those who are bereft of all human aid; such are under his holy protection; to him be the glory. He has equalled my expectation, having given me heart and strength _in spe contra spem_ (in hope against hope) to endure the unjust calumnies, accusations, and condemnations (of those who have no such jurisdiction over me) with a constant resolution to suffer death for upholding the obedience and authority of the Apostolical Roman Catholic Church.