Queen Elizabeth I plays a rousing game of “give me back my dog.”

>As the fears of disorder subsided again people began to reflect on [Elizabeth](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/Darnley_stage_3.jpg)’s reign, exchange anecdotes about her and speculate about the new king. Manningham recorded an entirely trivial, but delightful, story about Elizabeth and a dog-loving cousin: >>Mr Francis Curl told me how one Dr Boleyn, the Queen’s kinsman, had a dog which he doted on so much that the Queen, hearing about it, requested that he must grant her one desire, and he should have whatsoever he should ask. She demanded the dog: he gave it and “Now Madam” quoth he, “You promised me my hearts desire.” >>”I will” quoth she, >>”Then I pray you give me my dog again.” _________________________________ **Source:** Lisle, Leanda De. "Lots Were Cast Upon Our Land" *After Elizabeth: The Rise of James of Scotland and the Struggle for the Throne of England*. New York: Ballantine, 2005. 132. Print. **Original Source Listed:** Manningham, *Diary*, p. 210. ________________________________ **Further Reading:** [Elizabeth I / The Virgin Queen / Gloriana / Good Queen Bess](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_I_of_England) [John Manningham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Manningham)