Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 9.djvu/307

I570-J EXCOMMUNICATION OF ELIZABETH. 293 As to the troops at Berwick, the Exchequer would no longer bear the expense of their maintenance. To disband them publicly might be too patent a confession of weakness, and Sussex was ordered therefore to get rid of them 'in some secret and indirect sort/ 1 The conspirators in London meanwhile were in high spirits at their victory over Cecil arid Bacon, and in full assurance of success. The Queen of Scots wrote letters of passionate gratitude to Elizabeth, promising faithfully to be all that she could wish. 2 The Bishop of Ross, before going to her, talked over the situation with Don Guerau. Don Guerau recommended that to mis- lead Elizabeth she should still seem to comply with every demand which might be made upon her, while the Catholics should hold themselves ready for a universal insurrection the instant that she was free. La Mothe had served the Bishop's turn upon the council ; it seems that he had more trust in Spain for assistance in the field. The fear was that France might get the start and secure Mary Stuart for Anjou. 3 The Papal JSTuncio at Paris was strongly in favour of the match, and the 1 Elizabeth to Sussex, May 31 : Scotland. 2 Letters of Mary Stuart, June and July, 1570 : LABANOFF, vol. iii. 3 ' It is here doubted that the Queen of Scots being released shall marry M. de Anjou, and thereby possess him of the present estate of Scotland and of the remainder of the Crown of England. It is said that the late messenger from the Pope which brought the sword and cap for Monsieur, doth most earnestly solicit this cause. The Cardinal of Lorraine said at the council board, that the peace once made here, it should be for the reputation of this Crown to declare an open war against Eng- land.' Norris to Cecil, June 15 ; Norris to Elizabeth, June 20 : MSS. France.