Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 9.djvu/73

 1569.] ENGLISH PARTIES. 59 could have ticed me, I would have been provided of a husband ere now. But I, seeking which way to plea.se my good sister and them here, did never give ear to any such offer. Now this I make account to myself, that if I should marry with my Lord of Norfolk I am sure to lose all my friends beyond the seas, as France and Spain and all other Catholic princes. This is the greatest loss that I could lose. In recompense whereof if I do by following of her counsel take this hurt, what friendship therefore shall I win in the stead to be sure to me ? If I should give my consent to my Lord of Norfolk in this behalf, I would know how my good sister's will and consent may be had to the same. Pray, my Lords, to bear with me though I cast some doubt therein, con- sidering how unwilling I have found her to have me be- stowed in marriage before, as I am sure themselves know. ' I would in this cause have as much consideration of him that should be my husband as I would have of myself. I would be loath to bring him, who now I know has as much felicity and contentation as any nobleman of his calling can desire, to a worse estate; and therefore I would be glad to know not only if my good sister would like thereof, but also how friendly those of the nobility would deal with him, that he might not be with his sovereign Princess and country- men as my late husband the Lord Darnley was, which I to my grief did then find, and I would be sorry to enter into the alliance whereof I was well warned/ * Answer of the Queen of Scots ; MSS. Rolls House.