Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 11.djvu/383

 1583.] EXPULSION OF MENDOZA. 367 will join him. He may either come over with three or four thousand thoroughly trusty men, or he may come with a large army regularly appointed. If the first, your Majesty will do well to provide him with a number of experienced officers. Some of those in Flanders may seem to quarrel with the Prince of Parma, and be turned adrift to seek service elsewhere. If the second, and if your Majesty will not commit yourself by send- ing Spaniards, the army ought to consist of Italians and German Catholics, wholly devoted to your Majesty. The Duke of Guise will make no objection, for he will be assured that your Majesty will ensure him a safe re- turn to France, and will guarantee him against his rivals during his absence. The realm is ripe for revo- lution. It is full of sects and factions. The people will not bear control, and the doings of the council and clergy are scandalous. There is every reason therefore to expect success. The French ambassador tells them that the Queen of Scots may count on the help of Alen- con. For the honour of God, let your Majesty beware of this false and ambitious Prince. If you mean to do anything here do it promptly, and trust only to Guise. Do not let Alen9on fancy that you will allow him to conduct the enterprise, or give him time to hinder it if he is refused. Guise alone can be safely trusted. It is not for your Majesty's interests that any other French- man should come hither, unless indeed for every hun- dred of his countrymen he bring as many Spaniards also. If they are coming to restore religion, your Ma- jesty's soldiers are as zealous as they. If they have