Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 10.djvu/408

388 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [CH. 60. made to prevent a resolution till the opinions of these Provinces could be heard, but the reasons urged for delay were to the Catholic Walloons an additional motive for haste. The Prince suspended his assent. The seven Provinces supported him in demanding ac- ceptance pure and simple of the Ghent Treaty. But intrigue and Elizabeth's influence had produced their effect, and Don John by the vote of the majority was ad- mitted as Governor. It was Elizabeth's work, distinctly hers, and wher- ever her hand can be traced, the same purpose can be invariably discovered. As her father held the balance between France and Spain, and could choose for his motto the proud ' Cui adhereo prseest/ so Elizabeth aspired to hold the same relation between peoples and sovereigns, between Protestants and Catholics ; certain that the Protestants would stand by her when she might need their assistance, because they were the weaker side, but not choosing to take their part, choos- ing rather to appear indifferent or hostile to them, lest if she demanded toleration for others, the Catholic powers and her own Catholic subjects should make an answering demand upon herself. In distinct opposition to Walsingham, she felt assured that Philip desired to be on good terms with her, and that the dreams of Don John would find no support or countenance from his master if the provocation did not come from herself. She was told that the Catholic powers understood each other, that Alencoii was now to marry the Infanta, that Guise and Alencoii, and Don John, with Spain and the