The stranger, that entereth in the court of England upon the sudden, shall rather imagine himself to come into some public school of the university, where many give ear to one that readeth unto them, than into a prince's palace, if you confer thus with those of other nations." Description of Britain, book ii.chap.15.By this account, the court had profited by the example of the queen.

The sober way of life practised by the ladies of Elizabeth's court appears from the same author.

Reading, spinning, and needlework occupied the elder; music the younger.Id.

ibid.] [Footnote 44: NOTE RR, p.391.Sir Charles Cornwallis, the king's ambassador at Madrid, when pressed by the duke of Lernia to enter into a league with Spain, said to that minister, "Though his majesty was an absolute king, and therefore not bound to give an account to any of his actions, yet that so gracious and regardful a prince he was of the love and contentment of his own subjects, as I assured myself he would not think it fit to do any thing of so great consequence without acquainting them with his intentions." Winwood, vol.ii.p.

222.