“Your Highness judges me far too favourably,” said Osbert, bowing profoundly.
“Not a whit,” rejoined Philip; “and to prove my confidence in you, I will attach you—if you list—to my own person.”
“My nephew cannot quit the Queen’s service without her Majesty’s consent,” said the Admiral, in a tone which, though deferential, showed his dislike of the proposition.
“That is always implied,” said Philip. “But supposing her Majesty agreeable, what says the young man to the arrangement?”
“I am entirely at your Highness’s commands,” replied Osbert, overwhelmed with gratitude.
“And ready to become a Spaniard, and forswear your country, if need be, I make no doubt,” observed the Admiral, gruffly.
“I shall violate no duty to the Queen by serving her consort,” said his nephew; “and England and Spain will be so closely linked together by this most propitious union, that they will become as one land, wherein there will be no divided service or interests.”
“That time is not yet arrived, and never will arrive,” muttered the Admiral.
“You are doubtless anxious to return to your ship, my lord,” said Philip. “I will no longer detain you.”
“I thank your Highness,” replied the Admiral. “We will make all haste we can, but there is little wind, and I fear it will be somewhat late ere we can reach Southampton.”