1566.] DEATH OF a NEIL. 567 had occupied himself wholly with matters of no import- ance. Most likely she did not believe what she said ; but Sidney was costing her money and she relieved herself by finding fault. ' My good Lord/ Cecil was obliged to write to him to prevent an explosion, 'next to my most hearty commendations I do with all my heart condole and take part of sorrow to see your burden of government so great, and your comfort from hence so uncertain. I feel by myself being also here wrapped in miseries, and tossed, with my small vessel of wit and means, in a sea swelling with storms of envy, malice, disdain, and suspicion what discomfort they commonly have that mean to deserve best of their country. And though I confess myself unable to give you advice, and being almost desperate myself of well-doing, yet for the present I think it best for you to run still an even course in government, with indiffereiicy in case of justice to all persons, and in case of favour, to let them which do well find their comfort by you ; and in other causes in your choice to prefer them whom you find the Prince most disposed to have favoured. My Lord of Ormond doth take this com- modity by being here to declare his own griefs ; I seo the Queen's Majesty so much misliking of the Earl ol Desmond as surely I think it needful for you to be very circumspect in ordering of the complaints exhibited against him/ 1 1 Cecil to Sidney, October 20 : Irish MSti. Rolls House.
