Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 10.djvu/107

 I572-] THE DUKE OF NORFOLK. 87 So spoke the English bishops, conveying in the language of the day the conviction of the soundest un- derstandings ; yet Elizabeth's reluctance to allow a bill of attainder to be proceeded with, was not removed by their arguments, and she was possibly provoked by their interference. Her answer has not been preserved, but it was so little satisfactory that Burghley became dangerously ill with anxiety. The great minister would yield neither to objections nor to sickness. He could not stand, but he was carried in his litter to Par~ liament ; he was carried in his litter to the Queen's presence. He strained every nerve to move her ; but he still failed. 1 The Commons had expressed im- patience that Norfolk was left unpunished. Leicester informed Walsingham that he saw no likelihood of the Duke's execution. 2 Profoundly depressed, Burghley nevertheless held on in his course. If he could not prevail upon the Queen by persuasion, he could maintain the pressure of the Parliament upon her. The success of the French treaty, the future policy of the French Government, 1 ' The Commons are sound throughout, and in the Lords there is no lack ; but in the Highest person such slowness and such stay in re- solution as it seemeth God is not pleased that the surety shall succeed. With this and such like I am over- thrown in heart. I have no spark of good spirits left in me to nourish health in my body, so as now I am forced to be carried into the Parlia- presence. To lament openly is to give more comfort to our adversaries. I see no end of our miseries. The fault is not with us, yet it must be so imputed for saving the honour of the Highest.' Burghley to Walsing- ham, May 21 : DIGGES. 2 ' Great suit is made by the Nether House to have execution of the Duke, but I see no likelihood.' Leicester to Walsingham, May ment House and to her Majesty's ! 21 : Ibid.