Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 10.djvu/99

 1572.] THE DUKE OF NORFOLK. 79 Among the first conditions discussed, was a clause binding the two Governments to stand by each other in case of invasion. Walsingham, knowing the loopholes provided by Papal dispensations, desired France to bind itself to support the Queen of England if she was in- vaded in the name of religion. 1 The King promised the most liberal interpretation of the general phrase. He would undertake to assist the Queen for ' any cause/ and ' any cause ' implied religion ; but he said that he dared not encounter excommunication and rebellion with no better security than so far Elizabeth would oifer him. He feared, as "Walsingham explained, that 'with her overmuch lenity she could not in policy long stand ; ' 2 if she would marry his brother, he would say anything and do anything that she pleased. 3 Burghley had argued in England to the same purpose. He told La Mothe that he would gladly pass many a sleepless night to bring the Queen to consent ; but he doubted much if he could succeed. La Mothe, to quicken her movements, told her that if she maintained her present attitude, an article would have to be introduced in favour of the Queen of Scots and Scotland ; and Elizabeth, in a rage, directed Sir T. Smith to put in a counter- reservation for the protection of Philip and Philip's dominions. 4 1 ' Etiamsi causa religionis.' 2 Walsingham to Burghley,March 2 : MSS. France. 3 ' If you can put me in comfort that the Due d'Alen<jon shall not be refused, you cannot ask the thing at their hands but it shall be granted.' Sir T- Smith to Burghley : MSS. France. 4 ' If they continue to make diffi- culties about Scotland, you shall move that there be a reservation made for the King of Spain and his countries by name.' Elizabeth to Sir T. Smith -. DIGGES.