Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 7.djvu/482

462 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [011.45. she was as conscious as they could be of the desirable- ness of a settlement. At the present moment how- ever, and in the existing state of parties in the realm, the thing was impossible, and she would hear no more of it. 1 The Queen expected that after so positive a declar- ation she would escape further annoyance; but times were changing, and the relations with them between sovereigns and subjects. The House listened in silence, not caring to conceal its dissatisfaction. The Friday following, being the 8th of November, l Mr Lambert began a learned oration for iteration of the suit to the Queen on the succession.' 2 Whether they were terrified by the spectre of a second York and Lancaster war, or whether they were bent on making an effort for Lady Hertford before they were dissolved and another House was elected in the Scottish interest, or whether they disbelieved Elizabeth's promises to marry, notwithstanding the vehemence of her asseverations, the Commons seemed resolute at all hazards to persevere. Other speeches followed on the same side, expressing all of them the same fixed deter- mination ; and matters were now growing serious. The Spanish ambassador never lost a chance of irritating the Queen against the Protestant party ; and on Satur- day, stimulated by de Silva's invectives, and convinced, perhaps with justice, that she was herself essentially right, Elizabeth sent down an order that the subject 1 Report made to the Commons' I MSS. Rolls Home. House by Mr Secretary : Domestic I 2 Cbmwons' Journal*.