Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 11.djvu/194

 j 7 3 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [011.64. should be void.' If -No, the present alliance might con- tinue, but it would be nerveless and barren. Alen9on be- ing heir to the crown must immediately marry elsewhere, and ' the King would have to respect those with whom his brother should match.' l The private opinion was confirmed officially a few days later. ' Mr Somers,' Henry said, ' had brought a message that unless the war in the Low Countries might be prosecuted without cost to her Majesty, she could not without offence to her realm assent to the marriage. That was as much as to say, that the King being in- volved in war, her Majesty could be content to be a looker-on.' It was absurd, out of the question, and not to be thought of. Somers, tied to his orders, hinted at help underhand. The King said ' he would do nothing underhand. Hitherto he said he had prohibited his brother's proceedings altogether. Since the marriage was agreed upon he had altered his mind, and as soon as it was completed, or when Monsieur had gone to Eng- land for the purpose, he would put his army in the field.' But England must stand at his side ; ' her Majesty must declare herself openly along with him.' Her Highness,' Somers said, ' could not marry a husband and a war together after so long and happy peace.' There need be no declaration on either side; ' the King might let his brother alone, and himself not seem to meddle, but by aid underhand, as her Majesty might also do.' 1 Somers to Burghley, July 3 : MSS. France.