Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 9.djvu/345

 1570-1 EXCOMMUNICA TSOAT OF ELIZABETH. 331 in danger in media nationis pravce. You write of a secret purpose touching the Queen of Scots' escape. I pray you beware with that point, for albeit I would be con- tent to be banished Scotland all the days of my life to have the Queen of Scots obtaining liberty without the Queen of England's consent, for the great uncourtesy that she hath used unto her, rather, than have it with her consent and I the best earldom in Scotland between hands, because I would she might be even with the Queen of England, yet I dare not advise her Majesty to press at it without she be well assured there be no kind of danger in executing of her enterprise. I fear deadly the craft of her enemies that will not stick to set out some of themselves to make her Majesty offers to convey her away, and let her see probability to give her courage to take it in hand, and then, they being privy to it, to trap her in a snare, and so to execute against her person their wicked intentions, which now for fear of the world and shame of other princes they dare not do. Save her life whatever ye do, and sure I am God with time shall bring all other things to pass to our contentment. But that point lost can never be recovered, and then all is gone.' 1 When this letter was read by Elizabeth and Cecil it was made evident to them at once, that not a single scheme of revenge or ambition was intended to be seri ously abandoned, and that for all the oaths that might be sworn, the French and Spanish armies were to be 1 Maitland to the Bishop of Ross, August 17 : MSS. QUEEN or SCOTS.