She had lived in a profligate Court, but she was not the wanton of hostile slanders.

She had all the guile of statesmanship, said the English envoy, Randolph; and she long exercised great patience under daily insults to her religion and provocations from Elizabeth.

She was generous, pitiful, naturally honourable, and most loyal to all who served her.

But her passions, whether of love or hate, once roused, were tyrannical.

In person she was tall, like her mother, and graceful, with beautiful hands.