Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 9.djvu/306

292 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [011.54. Scotland will sometimes speak rashly after their fashion, but I am content to follow the phrase of your language as better acquainted with the same, and say that you have not been idle in the pursuit of her Majesty's rebels/ 1 The order of the day however was once more to be conciliation. The Bishop of Ross, after a short delay, was admitted to an audience. He swore that he had known nothing of the rebellion, and although Elizabeth possessed the clearest evidence to the contrary, she af- fected to believe him. He was sent down to Chats- worth, to which his mistress had been removed, to talk over the intended arrangements, and the Queen, for the further guidance of Lord Sussex, told him that ' al- though in all worldly things there were some uncertain- ties/ she had made up her mind to the course which promised least disadvantage. The Queen of Scots would have been long since restored ' but for such impediments as from time to time had been ministered by herself/ There was now a better prospect of a good conclusion. Both parties in Scotland must lay down their arms. She would take care of the interests of the Lords who had supported the King, and Sussex must learn from them what conditions they would consider satisfactory. In fact they had better send commissioners with full powers to London. Discretion should be used in open- ing the matter to them ; ' discomfort ' might otherwise m? ike them desperate. 1 Maitland to Sussex, June 2 : MSS. Scotland.