This is an unbelievable exchange among people many of whom we have loved
and respected all our academic lives. Let us not forget the relentless
mission of Elizabeth's court to defend its new faith against the
encirclement of catholicism. St. Bartholemew's Day was not an ancient
event. We should not ignore the degree of religious fervour that had
animated the two sides during her reign, and the fact that Sidney had
been involved in her attempts to create a holy alliance in Europe.
Dyer's activity is often well described as a secret service agent.
Spenser's creative life cannot be separated from the lives and ideals of
his friends.
Rob Dyer,
Paris, France.
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