“Elizabeth of England would not give you provisions, but here are arms and ammunition with which to take them from Alva,” Chester laughs, as Tresslong’s vessel ranges alongside of the Dover Lass.
And understanding this very well, the Gueux loot the four captured vessels in great style, leaving him of the Dover Lass hardly enough powder to defend her with, which causes Guy to put very hastily into Dover for ammunition for himself.
Word of this being brought to Queen Elizabeth she cries out very savagely to her counsellor, Lord Burleigh: “Gadzooks, man, you have ruined my kingdom. You’ve robbed my arsenal at Sandwich of munitions sufficient to defend the realm of England. Thou art a vile traitor!”
“Under favor, my liege,” remarks Cecil, “you said to munition and arm the Gueux well and thoroughly. I have done so. The more powder I give them, the more ball I give them, the harder it will be for your friend of Alva.”
“Very well,” answers Her Majesty, “this I forgive you if you gave a good wholesome dinner and plenty of strong wine to those poor famishing officers of the Gueux, Van Tresslong and Lord de la Mark.”
“Your Majesty’s orders in that respect were obeyed also,” replies Burleigh. “They had every delicacy of the season and wine of finest vintage. Oho! I can see them eat now. No such assault was ever made on provender and wassail since the time of giant Glutton himself. Your Majesty will know how they ate by the bill that is already with your treasurer.”
“The bill with my treasurer!” screams Elizabeth. “Out upon you for a miserable, thieving knave! Burleigh, you’re robbing me; robbing your sovereign, you vile caitiff traitor—and my gear women and millinery scores still due and unpaid. Look to your weazened head if the Gueux win not victory over Alva!”
And with these words the Queen of England strides from the room in anger and dismay. [[123]]