Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 7.djvu/499

 1566.] THE MURDER OF DARtfLEY. 4% it.' Having extracted a disavowal from the majority of the Bench, Elizabeth was able .to shield her objections behind their indifference; she had checkmated them and the obnoxious measure disappeared. Thus gradually the storms of the session were blow- ing over. The Queen seemed at last to have really re- solved on marriage, and her determination gave her courage to encounter her other difficulties with an increase of firmness. She promised the advocates of the Scotch title that the will of Henry the Eighth should be examined immediately on the close of the session, and that a fair legal opinion should be taken on the Queen of Scots 5 claims ; * and she gave Mary Stuart a significant evidence of her good will in closing promptly and peremptorily a discussion which had commenced at Lincoln's Inn, in the interests of the rival candidate. The lawyers, disappointed of their debate in the House of Commons, began it again in the Inns of Court where there was no privilege to pro- tect incautious speakers. Mr Thornton, an eloquent advocate of Lady Catherine, was sent to the Tower ; and even Cecil earned the thanks of the Queen of Scots by the energy with which he seconded his mistress in silencing opposition. 2 1 Do Silva to Philip, December 1 6 : MS. Simancas. 2 On the 5th of January, Murray thanked Cecil in his own and the Queen's name for ' his cordial deal- ing.' 'Her Majesty,' wrote Mait- land to him, ' is very well satisfied with your behaviour. I praj you so continue, not doubting but you shall find her a thankful princess.' ' Mel- ville,' he added, 'reports nothing but good of you, touching the repair- ing the injury done against my mistress at Lincoln's Inn.' Scotch MSS. Rolls House. Cecil's conduct in the succession