Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 11.djvu/585

 I585-] THE BOND OF ASSOCIATION. 569 her loan she made conditional on the joint-action of Denmark and the German States. It was a fit sequel to the appropriation of the jewels. ' I told her Majesty frankly/ Segur wrote to Walsingham, < I had rather she lent us nothing, and I tell you the same. T will receive nothing from her on these conditions. After her message to the King of Navarre through M. Champernowne, it is no time to treat him thus. I would it had cost me ten thousand franks that I had not come hither at this time, or led his Majesty to hope for help from you.' * Since the loan could not be accepted, she cut it down to half. She gave Segur the munificent present of I2,ooo/. and let him go go in search of more effective help from the Princes Protestants of other countries ; and fearing only that being sent away after a two months' suit empty-handed, ' her Majesty's ex- ample, she being first in rank and honour and power,' would not encourage their liberality. 2 Sharp practice like this might be very clever, but it was not always safe. Navarre's appeal was received with more favour than the fanatics looked for. The great middle party in France was inclined to interpose between the League and their prey ; to insist on some kind of compromise, and leave Guise, as a compensation, to work his will on England. Villeroy's proposals to Mendoza began to pass into shape. A spy of Walsing- 1 Segur to "Walsingham, July 2 -12 : MSS. France. 2 Segur to Walsingham, July 6 16 : MSS. Ibid. Walsingham to Stafford, July 22 August i : MSS. Ibid.