Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 11.djvu/190

 '74 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [CH. 64. The council gave their, as little satisfaction May. as the Queen. Walsingham said that when Parliament was sitting in the winter, the temper of the House of Commons had been felt about the marriage. There was still found to be a fear that it might further the designs of the Jesuits, and a fear also that Monsieur having embarked in the cause of the Low Countries without open support from his brother, the realm might be brought into a war of which it would have to bear the exclusive cost. 1 The English Government ex- pected that the Commissioners would have brought power to treat for a league, and they required a distinct explanation about it before they could proceed with the marriage treaty. Would the King pledge himself to help his brother in the Low Countries or not ? 2 The question had been already answered by Pinart, but it was referred to Paris, and a reply instantly came, that if the marriage proceeded, ' the King would not only assist in the enterprise of the Low Countries, but would also make a league with England, offensive and defensive, on any reasonable conditions the Queen would pro- pound.' 3 This objection being disposed of, the Queen consented to name a commission on her part, and to allow a marriage treaty to be drawn ; insisting however still that the execution of it was to remain contingent on a private understanding between Monsieur and her- 1 Speech to be delivered to the Commissioners, April 30. Walsing- ham's hand : MSS. France. 2 Causes of delay, May 16. Burghley's hand : MSS. Ibid. 3 Instructions to Mr Somers, June 20 : MSS. France.