Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 7.djvu/325

 1565.] THE DARNLEY MARRIAGE. 305 resolution and answer to be propounded in council, aud to be considered according to the weight thereof, being touched thereby as well in honour as that it was against the repose and tranquillity of her Majesty's realm. And her Majesty's council remaining in that mind that before they were of which is that divers ways it must needs be prejudicial to the amity of the two countries, that it tendoth greatly to the subversion of Christ's true religion received and established in them both, they have not only received that with con- tent which your lordships have subscribed with your hands, but also have become suitors to your Majesty that she will provide for her own surety and the surety of the realm against all practices and devices, from wheresoever they be intended. ' And forasmuch as nothing is more needful for both the realms than the continuance of a good and perfect amity between them and those whose hearts God hath united in one true and perfect doctrine, they have also desired that it will please her Majesty that she will have consideration of the Protestants and true pro- fessors of religion in this realm of Scotland, that Christ's holy word may be continued amongst them, and the amity remain betwixt both the countries. And because of all the apparent troubles that may ensue, as well for the subversion of Christ's word in both the countries as also for the breach of amity, the Earl of Lennox and his son, the Lord Darnley, are known to be the authors, and many of their practices, as well in England, Scot- land, and further parts, to that end discovered, it pleased VOL. vii. 20