Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 9.djvu/545

 J57I-] THE RIDOLFI CONSPIRACY. 531 uncertamity no definite resolution was possible ; but 3L de Virac was sent back with large discretionary powers ; and thus through the summer months there followed a series of intrigues and counter-intrigues, the principles of which are generally intelligible but the details utterly confounding. This only is clear, that all alike were bidding for popularity by appealing to the national sentiment, swearing ' that Scots would never thrall their land to England ; the King of France, if he would, should be judge in all their differences/ * The nobler element in Scottish life was for a time in abey- ance. Knox had withdrawn from Edinburgh to St Andrews. The reforming noblemen were divided and disheartened. The commons were lying in the dead water between the opposite tides, and for the present attending chiefly to their farms and their trades. At length, towards the end of August, things August. began to assume defined outlines. Three parties had shaped themselves French, Spanish, and English. Chatelherault, Maitland, Huntly, Fernihurst, Euccleuch those who had been most nearly connected with the English Catholics, and were to some extent in the secret of their plans followed the main line of the conspiracy and remained in correspondence with Alva. Argyle, Cassilis, Eglinton, and several others broke away and declared for the King for the King and France or for the King and France and England as events and as their friends should direct them. They 1 John Case to Druvy, August 29 : 3fSS. Scotland.