The man bowed low, and the queen looked at him with an expression that was half angry and half pleased.
'Ha, Sir Francis Drake,' she said, 'what will you?
Drake making his request of the Queen.
The great sailor smiled; and in spite of herself the sternness began to melt from the queen's face.
Few people could have remained looking into that sunburnt countenance and still have felt annoyed. There was such a breezy determination about the man; and his large, clear bright eyes met the eyes of every one else with a look which made them trust him. He had the appearance of one to whom danger and adventure are sport, and who is strong enough to carry out the wildest adventures with success. Through his daring exploits he had been the cause of more trouble with the Spaniards than any other man in Queen Elizabeth's dominions, and she knew it; but then the queen dearly loved a brave man.
'How now, Sir Francis,' said the Queen, smiling a little in spite of herself, 'are you already weary of dry land?'
The adventurer gravely bent his head,
'Please your Majesty,' he said, 'I should be glad to have a commission.'