Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 11.djvu/22

 6 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [CH. 63. land. The Queen of England felt herself so weak, that she was in terror if a cat stirred--and if d'Aubigny succeeded in overthrowing Morton, and the English Catholics took up arms, the mere appearance of a Spanish fleet upon the coast would make a revolution certain. France could not interfere while the Duke of Guise was on the side of the movement, and the over- throw of Elizabeth would bring with it the submission of Flanders. The Guise family would then probably partition France, the brothers would take each a portion, and Spain would be relieved for ever of all danger from French rivalry.1 In conclusion he begged Philip, what- ever he might resolve, to be secret. A bold stroke was being played, and if the suspicions of the French Court were once excited the game would be spoilt. It is hardly necessary to say that Philip was not to be tempted. He replied generally that he was well pleased with the zeal of the Catholic party. He would entertain the King of Scots, he said, if he came to Ma- drid, and would endeavour to reclaim him to the truth. But he had himself his eye on Portugal, and he had no intention of meddling with England till the annexation was completed. Others however were inclined to move if Philip would not. The Knights of Malta had taken up the cause at the Pope's instigation as another crusade. The Grand Master was in correspondence with the College of Cardinals, on the despatch of a fleet 1 'Por ventura descubririan oc- casion que los hiciese resolver de em- prender cada uno su pedaço desta corona y salir con el, dexandola tan debilitada que no se hubiese que temer de ella.'