Chapter 20 Summary

Leicester sends Elizabeth fifteen buttons engraved with diamonds and rubies arranged in true love knots to distract her from marrying the "Frog Prince." Others point out that this will create an alliance with a Frenchman and a Papist. Any children Elizabeth might have by this man might resemble him. When the Spanish Army lands in Ireland, Elizabeth becomes upset at yet another attempt to overthrow her government and restore Catholicism.

In September 1580, Francis Drake brings his pirate ship, the Golden Hind into Plymouth harbor, after a three-year voyage in which he sailed around the world. The ship's hold is crammed with silver and jewels with a value beyond estimation, looted from Spanish ships. The Spanish ambassador demands their return. Elizabeth is one of the investors in Drake's enterprise, and the loot will remain in England. Drake's glorious success is a national asset. The...