Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 11.djvu/260

244 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [CH. 65. Meanwhile Holt had recovered his health, and had proceeded by himself. He was received as favourably as his companion had been. Seton entertained him at his house, and introduced him to Lennox, who for some cause was more open with him than he had been with. Crichton, confessed that he was a Catholic, and discussed the entire situation with him. Lennox said that he knew James thoroughly, and that he doubted whether either interest or argument would effect his conversion. The Jesuits might try what they could do with sermons and admonitions. If they failed however, as they were likely to fail, Lennox said that he was prepared to sei/e the Government in the Queen of Scots' name, and either force James to act with him ; or send him out of the realm to some place where the truth could be impressed upon him ; or, finally, declare him deposed as long as his mother lived, and make his future re-accession con- tingent on his becoming a Catholic. lie was unwilling to move however without the Queen of Scots' Fcbriicirv permission. He therefore desired Holt to con- sult her wishes through Mendoza, and inform him of her pleasure. Should she consent, he said that he must, have assistance from abroad, and he seemed to have no doubt that, for her sake, and in her interests, either France or Spain would spare him a few thousand men. 1 Mendoza had more responsibility thrown upon him by this communication than he liked. He was delighted that the English and Scots should conspire among Mendoza to Philip, February 9, 1582 : MSS. Simancas.