Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 10.djvu/451

 1578.3 THE ALENCON MARRIAGE. 431 Countries, the Prince of Orange was willing once more to trust to English volunteers, and Colonel Norris was already across the water with several thousand men in the service of the States. The ambassador landed at Gravesend on March n. The question of war or peace had been before the council incessantly during the pre- ceding fortnight. The Queen's resolution was not yet known in the country, if it was known to herself. Antonio de Guaras was in the Tower ; money had been sent to the Hague ; and Don Bernardino was told that if he meant to prevent a rupture he had not a moment to lose. 1 The storm in the council had not yet subsided. Elizabeth's own humour was still fluctuating. Mendoza hastened to London, but no intimation was made to him that she desired his presence. He announced his arrival to the Court, and requested an audience. Five days were allowed to pass before he could ob- tain admission ; and when he was introduced at last it seemed that he might as well have remained at Brussels. The Queen received him with formal stateli- ness. Without waiting to hear what he had to say, she elaborately defended the revolt of the States. She admitted and justified the assistance which she had given them. She called Don John hard names. She did not like Spaniards for near neighbours, she said, and she would not have them. 2 When at length he delivered his message she grew

1 Mendoza to Cayas, March 1 1 : MSS. Simancas. 2 ' No queria Spanoles tan cerca.'