By this time, it grew late; and every one departed: all but her Women that attended her.
This that I heard with my ears, and did see with my eyes, I thought it my duty to set down, and to affirm it for a truth upon the faith of a Christian; because I know there have been many false lies reported of the end and death of that good Lady.
I went to my lodging, and left word with one in the Cofferer's Chamber to call me, if that night it was thought she would die; and gave the Porter an angel [10s. = £2 now] to let me in at any time, when I called.
Between one and two of the clock on Thursday morning [25th March 1603], he that I left in the Cofferer's Chamber, brought me word, "The Queen was dead."
I rose, and made all haste to the Gate [of Richmond Palace], to get in.
There I was answered, I could not enter: the Lords of the [Privy] Council having been with him [the Porter] and commanded him that none should go in or out, but by Warrant from them.
At the very instant, one of the Council [Sir Edward Wotton, afterwards Lord Wotton; see page [526]] the Comptroller [of the Household] asked, Whether I was at the Gate?
I said, "Yes."