Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 7.djvu/451

1566.] THE MURDER OF DARNLEY. 431 Robert. The letter appeared to be meant only for him- self, but it was designed to be shown among the Pro- testant nobility of England. She declared in it that she meant nothing but toleration in religion, nothing but good in all ways ; she protested that she had no concealed designs, no una vowed wishes ; her highes v ambition went no farther than to be recognized by Parliament, with the consent of her dear sister. With these words in their hands the Melvilles mad* swift progress in England. Elizabeth's uncertainties and changes had shaken her truest friends ; and evei before the Parliament some popular demonstrations were looked for. ' There are threats of disturbance/ de Silva wrote in August, ' and trouble is looked for before the meeting of Parliament. For the present we are reassured, but it is likely enough that something will happen. The Queen is out of favour with all sides : the Catholics hate her because she is not a Papist, the Protestants because she is less furious and violent in heresy than they would like to see her ; while the courtiers complain of her parsimony/ l James Melville was soon able to send the gratifying assurance to the Queen of Scots, that should Elizabeth continue the old excuses and de- lays ' her friends were so increased that many whole shires were ready to rebel, and their captains already named by election of the nobility.' 2 In such a world and with such humours abroad the 1 De Silva to Philip, August 23, 1566 : MS. Simancas. - Mi LVILLE'S Memoirs.