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 1569.] ENGLISH PARTIES. t g the equipment of the musters ; and they, with their friends among the peers, represent the vast majority of the nation. The interruption of the trade will suffice of itself to cause a revolution. Care only is necessary that no untoward accident occurs meanwhile in Flanders ; and against this the wisdom and valour of the Duke will provide. ' I have learnt from the Duke of Norfolk what they mean to say to d'Assonleville. He tells me that I must not be displeased that he has consented to it ; because he thus secures his uninterrupted access to the Queen, and learns the secrets of the other party. They are ex- tremely jealous and suspicious. My guard have been partially removed ; but my house is watched by spies, and there are sentinels at night at the doors. It is essential that their trade with France be kept closed. Without oil and alum they cannot continue their cloth manufacture, and when work is slack, and commerce suspended, then they will fly to arms.' * These letters explain themselves without further comment. There were two projects on foot, to each of which the Spanish ambassador was a party ; one was among the Northern lords, opposed to Norfolk, for a Catholic insurrection, the overthrow of Elizabeth, and a marriage, if Philip's sanction could be obtained for it, between the Queen of Scots and Don John : a second party, headed by Norfolk himself, desired a change of 1 Don Guerau to the Duke of Alva, February 20. Don Guerau to Philip II., February 27 : MSS. Simancas.