Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 10.djvu/397

1576.] THE SPANISH TREATY. 377 The Protestants had now their natural leader among them, and never before or after had so fair a chance of complete success. Money only was wanting. Alencon applied again to Elizabeth. He asked only but for means to keep Casimir's Reiters two months longer in the field, and the whole government of France would then, he trusted, be in his hands. But Elizabeth had done as much as she cared to do A little more and Alencon would be too strong. The Court confirmed the concessions which the Protestants demanded. The old edicts of toleration were renewed ; they were declared equal with Catholics in the eye of the law, and La Noue was allowed to keep his eight towns. These terms were considered by Elizabeth suffi- ciently liberal. The two factions would balance each other, and England would be in no danger from either. She stipulated for, and exacted, the repayment of the sum which she had advanced to Monsieur. But Conde did not obtain Boulogne, no securities were given to Casimir, and peace on these conditions was signed at Paris, on the 24th of April. The danger was now held to be passed. St Aldegonde therefore was dismissed with cold comfort. Thomas Randolph was sent to Paris to tell Henry and Alencon, that she would rather assist the King of Spain than allow them to meddle in the Low Countries. The mar- riage overtures fell through, being no longer needed till the reappearance of danger should revive them. 1 1 Instructions to Thomas Randolph, sent to the French King, April 2, 1576: J/A$'6'. France-.