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 . The eventful hour , thus anxiously prepared for on all sides , at length approached , and , each followed by his long and glittering train of friends and followers , the rival Earls entered the Palace Yard of Greenwich at noon precisely . As if by previous arrangement , or perhaps by intimation that such was the Queen 's pleasure , Sussex and his retinue came to the Palace from Deptford by water while Leicester arrived by land ; and thus they entered the courtyard from opposite sides . This trifling circumstance gave Leicester a ascendency in the opinion of the vulgar , the appearance of his cavalcade of mounted followers showing more numerous and more imposing than those of Sussex 's party , who were necessarily upon foot . No show or sign of greeting passed between the Earls , though each looked full at the other , both expecting perhaps an exchange of courtesies , which neither was willing to commence .