In 1550, Smythe developed a close connection with Sir Andrew Judde, Lord Mayor of London.

In 1567, he appears to have incurred her Majesty's severe displeasure, having been accused of issuing privy warrants leading to a £6,000 loss; his friend William Cecil, Lord Burghley, intervened and helped Smythe escape imprisonment.

Cecil persuaded the Queen to be lenient, arguing that if Smythe was allowed more time he would repay this loss.

Due to his increasing infirmities and perhaps the stress of trying to meet the Queen's demands, Smythe died 18 months later, on 7 June 1591, leaving his widow, then 60 years old, 6 sons and 6 daughters.

[6] Smythe was a member of parliament (MP) for Tavistock October 1553, for Aylesbury April 1554, Rye November 1554, Winchelsea 1555, and Portsmouth 1563.