Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 7.djvu/363

THE DARNLEY MARRIAGE. 343 this open sort to be used/ If Murray had not yet set out she required Bedford ' to stay him by his au- thority ; ' if he had started he must be sent after and recalled. 1 The harshness of Elizabeth's language was softened by the council, who expressed their regret ' that the common cause had not hitherto had better success ; ' they promised their own support ' so far as their power and credit might extend ; ' but they entreated Murray ' patiently to accommodate himself to her Majesty's re- solution.' 2 Unluckily for Elizabeth, Murray had anticipated the prohibition, and had followed so closely behind the announcement of his approach that the couriers charged with the letters of the Queen and council met him at Ware. He opened the despatch which was addressed to himself, and immediately sent on a note to Cecil re- gretting that he had not been sooner made aware of the 'Queen's wishes, but saying that as he had come so far, he should now remain where he was till he was in- formed of her further pleasure. Embarrassed, irritated, and intending at all hazards to disavow her connection with the lords, Elizabeth, since Murray had chosen to come to her, resolved to turn his presence to her advantage. When she had once made up her mind to a particular course she never 1 Elizabeth to Bedford, October 20 : Scotch MSS. Rolls House. 2 The Council to Murray, October 20: Scotch MSS. Rolls House. The letter is signed by Norfolk, Pem- broke, Lord William Howard, ami Cecil.