Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 5.djvu/387

1554.] opinion whether the condition of England allowed the completion of the contract. The life of the Prince of Spain was of great importance to Europe should they believe in their hearts that he would be in danger, there was still time to close the negotiation. The rebellion having broken out and having failed, the Lords replied that there was no longer any likelihood of open violence. Arundel hinted, again, that the Prince must bring his own cook and butler with him; but he had nothing else to fear, if he could escape the French cruisers.

These assurances, combined with the Queen's secret promises about Elizabeth, were held sufficient; and on the 6th of March, at three o'clock in the afternoon, the ambassadors were conducted by Pembroke into the presence chamber. The Queen, kneeling before the sacrament, called it to witness that, in consenting to the alliance with the Prince of Spain, she was moved by no carnal concupiscence, but only by her zeal for the welfare of her realm and subjects; and then, rising up, with the bystanders all in tears, she gave her hand to Egmont as Philip's representative. The blessing was pronounced by Gfardiner, and the proxy marriage was completed. The Prince was to be