Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 11.djvu/556

 540 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [CH. 67. Catherine's, a rich sinecure in the city. His request had been refused, and, brooding over his imagined wrongs, he had sought companionship with another malcontent, an Edmund Neville, kinsman to the exiled Earl of Westmoreland, who was suffering from the shadow which clouded his family. These two worthies had spent the summer hatching treason together. Parry had revealed to Neville his dispensation from the Pope, and they had mutually warmed their courage over the example of Balthazar Gerard. Parliament however was to be tried first, and Parry had obtained a seat for Queensborough, with which he was in some way connected. The House, already feverish and fretful, turned upon him in a passion of indignation. He was committed instantly to the sergeant at arms, placed on his knees at the bar, and required to explain his words. He said he had not meant to offend : he had spoken only his real thoughts ; his reasons he reserved for the Queen. He was carried off in charge and examined by the coun- cil. The next day a message came through Hatton from Elizabeth that she was grateful for the feeling which the House had displayed, but that she hoped, on Parry's acknowledgment of his fault, that it would be passed over. Led to the bar a second time, he with- drew his words, promised never to offend again, and was allowed to resume his seat. The bill was passed, but time was required for the consideration of the larger question. The Christmas holydays were at hand, and gave an opportunity for