Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 9.djvu/542

 528 REJGN OF ELIZABETH. [CH. bound for benefits received, and had made promises which in honour he might not break.' l The intention of this letter was to gain time till Alva could land, the Catholics rise, and Elizabeth and the Queen of Scots change places. Mary Stuart and the Bishop of Ross had admitted, in explanation of Charles Baily's confession, that the Spaniards had been invited into Scotland. It was more than ever essential to put down the party which would open their ports to receive them. But Maitland's words chimed in exactly with Elizabeth's detestation of resolute action. She underlined particular expressions in the letter with marks of her approval, and Drury was again ordered up to Edinburgh and Stirling, to say that force, after all, was not to be used ; a commission should sit again in London to arrange a compromise. The Queen's friends had as much intention June. of submitting to Elizabeth as of accepting the Archbishop of Canterbury for their Metropolitan. When Drury came to Edinburgh, he found Chatelher- ault holding a Parliament in the Tolbooth to reinstate Mary Stuart ' as only lawful Sovereign of Scotland/ Making a mild protest all that he was now allowed to make he went on to the Lords at Stirling, where his appearance was the signal for a burst of execrations. ' Among the hot bloods of the young men ' he was ' in danger of his life ; ' ' shot at divers times ; ' dreaded by the Regent as the minister of that uncertain action 1 Maitland to Elizabeth, May 30, condensed ; MSS. Scotland.