_Private Memoirs of Queen Elizabeth._--The curious little volume mentioned
by MR. ROPER (Vol. iii., p. 45.), is most probably the book alluded to by
J. E. C., p. 23. I possess a copy of much later date (1767). It is worthy
of note, that the narrative is headed _The Earl of Essex; or, the Amours of
Queen Elizabeth_; while the title-page states, _The secret History of the
most Renown'd Q. Elizabeth and Earl of Essex_.
I think it can scarcely be said to be _corroborative_ of the "scandal"
contained in Mr. Ives's MS. note, or that in Burton's _Parliamentary
Diary_, cited by P. T., Vol. ii. p. 393. Whitaker, in his _Vindication of
Mary Q. of Scots_, has displayed immense industry and research in his
collection of charges against the private life of Elizabeth, but makes no
mention of these reports.