Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 7.djvu/401

 1566.] THE DARNLEY MARRIAGE. the Queen of Scots ; if harm came of it she trusted God would convert the evil to those that were the cause of it.' * The first and probably the second of those letters never reached their destination : the events which were going forward in Scotland rendered entreaties and threats in behalf of Murray alike unnecessary. 2 Randolph, though ordered off, was unwilling to go till he saw the execution of the plot : he made excuses for remaining till an escort came to his door with orders to see him over the frontiers, and he was compelled to obey. Both- well met him on the road to Berwick with apologies and protests ; but Randolph said he knew that Bothwell and one other no doubt Rizzio were those who had advised his expulsion. They desired to force Elizabeth to de- clare war, when Bothwell hoped 'to win his spurs.' 3 Far enough was the Queen of Scots from the triumph- ant war which she was imagining ; far enough was Both- well from his spurs, and Rizzio from his chancellorship and the investiture of the lands of Murray. The mine was dug, the train was laid, the match was lighted, to scatter them and their projects all to the winds. The Parliament was summoned for Monday, the nth of March ; on the T2th the Bill of Attainder against the lords was to be brought forward and pressed to imme- diate completion. On Friday, the 8th, the conspirators 1 Elizabeth to the Queen of Scots, March 3 : Lansdowne MSS. 8. 2 ' A great business is in hand in Scotland, which will bring about the recall of the Earl of Murray, so that we have forborne to forward your Majesty's letters in his behalf.' Randolph and Bedford to Eliza- beth, March 6 : Scotch MSS. .Rolls House. 3 Randolph to Cecil, March 6 : MS. Ibid.