Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 7.djvu/117

. 563.] THE ENGLISH AT HA VRE. 97 probably postpone for the present the rupture with Elizabeth. Philip, Chaloner said, was ' a prince of good disposition, soft nature, and given to tranquillity/ who if left to himself would leave England in peace ; but Alva, Ruy Gomez, de Feria, and others by whom he was surrounded were men of another temperament ; and Elizabeth's wellwishers in Spain advised her to make peace with France in time, and reserve her strength for the future struggle. 1 The condition of Don Carlos however forbade the further mooting of the Scotch or any other marriage for him, and Mary Stuart's hope of sharing the Crown of Spain, whatever else she might expect from Philip, faded away. It was necessary for her to turn her thoughts elsewhere ; and uncertain what to do she at length admitted Randolph to her cabinet once more. She was again in bed. It was after dinner. Murray, Maitland, Argyle, and a number of other noblemen were present. ' Now, Mr Randolph/ she said, kissing as she spoke a diamond heart a present from Elizabeth which hung about her neck : ' Now, Mr Randolph, I long to hear what answer you have brought me from my good sister. I am sure it cannot be but good/ Randolph delivered his message. She listened without interest till he spoke of her recognition, when she became at once attentive. She 1 Minutes of Sir Thomas Chaloner, December 19 : Spanish MSfi. TOL. VII. 7