Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 11.djvu/299

 I S 82.] THE JESUITS IN SCOTLAND. would do nothing, he began to grow restless himself, and meditated escape. One day he asked to be allowed to ride, and when he was refused permission, he cried that he would not bear it, and would appeal to his sub- jects. Gowrie scornfully bade some one bring him a rocking-horse. 1 He made a rush at the door. Gowrie striding before him put his boot across the opening, and James swore he would make him pay for the insult with his life. Gowrie and Angus were situated with him much as Morton and Lindsay were with Mary at Loch- leven. They knew that if he lived, and Elizabeth did not help them, they could not keep him for ever ; he would recover his power, and be revenged on them ; and it was extremely likely that they would avoid a repeti- tion of the previous weakness, and make sure of him while he was in their hands. 2 Another possibility was that James would dissemble, tempt them into a reconciliation with Lennox, and afterwards destroy them. Elizabeth had been prema- ture in revealing her intention to break her promises, and in exasperation as just as it was natural, the Lords were already listening to overtures which Avere tenta- tively made to them. Lennox had actually sailed from Dumbarton at the beginning of October, but he was driven back by stress of weather, or overtaken by news 1 'Una aca.' Mendoza al Key, I Novicmbre, 1582 : MSS. Siman- cas. 2 This was Walsingham's opin- ion: 'Entiendo quo "VValsingham, relatando esto a un consejero, le afirmo que su opinion era que rom- peria en breve aquello, porque los conjurados 6 atosigarian al Key, 6 el se les haria de suyo para cortarlcs despues las cabezas.' Ibid.