Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 9.djvu/245

 EXCOMMUNICATION OF ELIZABETH. 231 The opportunity might easily be near : the attitude of the French Court towards England had varied during the past year between almost a declaration of hostilities and almost friendship. So long as Mary Stuart and the English Catholics were coquetting with Spain, the French ambassador had held aloof from the conspiracy ; when it became clear that Spain did not mean to interfere, the place of protector of the op- pressed was again open with its contingent advantages. France could make use of the resentment which would be provoked naturally by the apathy of Alva and Philip, and the death of Murray had created a fresh chance for the recovery of French influence in Scot- land. The Huguenots were not expected to rally from the effects of Moncoutour. The Guise influence was in the ascendant, and Catherine leant as usual to the her realm, was the first which I had heard about the business. His Holiness took the step without com- municating with me, and I assure you I arn not a little surprised at it. Knowing as I do so intimately the condition of that realm, I could have given him better advice than others whose counsels he seems to have followed. He is zealous, and per- haps thinks that only this was want- ing to bring abont what he desires. I shall be very happy to find that he is right, but my fear is that not only the effect will not be favourable, but that so sudden and ill-advised a measure will only embitter men's humours there and drive the Queen to extremities.' Philip to DonGue- rau, June 20 : MSS. Simancas. To his ambassadorin Paris, Philip expressed himself yet more vehe- mently. 'The Pope,' he said, 'should have consulted me before taking this step. I cannot but feel uneasy that it was concealed from me. It means mischief, and we must get to the bottom of it. "We must find out especially what the French are after their usual tricks no doubt If there be anything of this kind, we may credit it to the Cardinal of Lorraine, whose actions show that you have done him no injustice in the opinion which you have formed of his character.' Philip to Don Francis de Alava, June 26: TEU- LET, vol. v,