eleven o'clock
This is the time and the hour to accumulate every charge against Leicester and his household , and yours the Queen will hold a heavy one . But at all events she hath the complaint before her . '' Tressilian could not help suspecting that , in his eagerness to strengthen himself against his rival , Sussex had purposely adopted the course most likely to throw odium on Leicester , without considering minutely whether it were the mode of proceeding most likely to be attended with success . But the step was irrevocable , and Sussex escaped from further discussing it by dismissing his company , with the command , `` Let all be in order at eleven o'clock ; I must be at court and in the presence by high noon precisely . '' While the rival statesmen were thus anxiously preparing for their approaching meeting in the Queen 's presence , even Elizabeth herself was not without apprehension of what might chance from the collision of two such fiery spirits , each backed by a strong and numerous body of followers , and dividing betwixt them , either openly or in secret , the hopes and wishes of most of her court . The band of Gentlemen Pensioners were all under arms , and a reinforcement of the yeomen of the guard was brought down the Thames from London . A royal proclamation was sent forth , strictly prohibiting nobles of whatever degree to approach the Palace with retainers or followers armed with shot or with long weapons ; and it was even whispered that the High Sheriff of Kent had secret instructions to have a part of the array of the county ready on the shortest notice .