Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 9.djvu/510

 49 6 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [CH. 56 Once more we go back to Ridolfi, who, leaving Alva, made his way with all speed to Home. His commission was duly delivered, and the Pope, the Cardinals, and Don Juan de Cuniga sat in conclave upon it. Pius himself was in ecstasies, eager to begin, and seeing nothing but the bright side of the prospect. Don Juan attempted to moderate his transports by pointing to France ; but the Pope would listen to nothing. As Christ's vicar he was in the secrets of Providence, and he answered ' that God would manage it.' This convic- tion Don Juan could not interfere with. He contented himself with advising caution and with sending a careful account of Bidolfi's reception to his master : one curious point only he was able to mention, .which it seems Eidolfi had told him. There was no hope that the Spanish property detained in England could be recovered by treaty, for not only those who had prompted the seizure of the treasure were unwilling to part with it, but the Catholics and the Queen of Scots intended to support them in their refusal, that they might compel Spain to go to war. 1 But Philip now required no additional pressing. After dismissing Cobham he was only eager for Ei- dolfi's coming. He had learned from England that the Government was alarmed, and he was uneasy at delay as giving Elizabeth time to prepare time perhaps to marry Anjou, or, still worse, time to make discoveries which might cost Norfolk and the Queen of Scots their and July 19, abridged : MSS. Si- inancas. 1 Don Juan de Cuniga to Philip, May ii and 17 : MSS. Simancas.