Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 10.djvu/415

I573-] THE SPANISH TREATY. 395 strong for the efforts of politicians. 1 But that Eliza- beth, with her opinions, should have struggled to escape from Avar, was in itself legitimate and natural, and situated as she was at home, she had good cause to dread the consequences of a more daring attitude. Had she been secure in her own island, she might have held out a hand without fear to the struggling Protestants abroad. But the unruly elements were working together throughout all Christendom, as the ebb and flow of the Atlantic tide was felt at Rich- mond, under the palace windows. A sketch of the domes- tic history of these years will show that when once com- mitted to forbearance and procrastination, she was all but forced to continue in the same direction. The Par- liament of 1572 had petitioned for the execution of the Queen of Scots. The alternatives seemed to lie between the crown and the scaffold ; and when the petition was refused, and she was not declared incapable of the suc- cession, Mary Stuart was generally looked upon as the inevitable future sovereign. While the alarm of the conspiracy was fresh, she had been placed under re- straint, and efforts were made, and continued to be made, to replace her in the hands of the Scots. But when it became clear that she must remain in England, she was soon again the guest rather than the prisoner of Lord Shrewsbury. She was treated much as Mary 1 ' Never will there be perfect amity among any that are divided in religion. Her Majesty may dis- like my plain words, but better she be angry with me than herself feel the smart hereafter.' Wilson to Walsingham, April 5, 1577: MS3. Flanders.