[97] Hollinshed's Castrations.
[98] Life of Whitgift, by Strype.
[99] Strype's Annals, vol. iii. p. 450.
[100] Birch's Memoirs.
[101] Fragmenta Regalia.
[102] Fuller's Worthies in Kent.
[103] It may be regarded as dubious whether this expression is to be understood literally or metaphorically.
[104] "Illustrations" by Lodge.
[105] Lists of the New Year's Gifts received by Elizabeth during many years have more than once appeared in print. They show that not only jewels, trinkets, rich robes, and every ornamental article of dress, were abundantly supplied to her from this source, but that sets of body linen worked with black silk round the bosom and sleeves, were regarded as no inappropriate offering from peers of the realm to the maiden-queen. The presents of the bishops and of some of the nobility always consisted of gold pieces, to the value of from five to twenty or thirty pounds, contained in embroidered silk purses. Her majesty distributed at the same season pieces of gilt plate; but not always to the same persons from whom she had received presents, nor, apparently, to an equal amount.
[106] "Sidney Papers."