Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 9.djvu/86

 72 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [CH. 52. The experience of English revolutions in past centu- ries might seem to justify the confidence of the North- ern earls. A coalition less powerful and without the addition of religious enthusiasm had placed Henry of Lancaster on the throne of Richard II. Edward IV., when he landed at Ravenspurg, and Elizabeth's grand- father before Bosworth field, had fainter grounds to anticipate success than the party who was now prepar- ing to snatch England out of the hands of revolution and restore the ancient order in Church and State. Don Guerau however imagined that for some unknown reason the English had grown fainter-hearted than their forefathers, and he believed that policy might effect more than force. He was conscious of the danger of disunion. He felt the extreme desirableness of bringing Norfolk and his father-in-law Arundel again into coalition with the more determined Catholics, and he probably knew that for many reasons from jealousy of his brother as well as aversion to the lady herself, Philip would never consent to give Don John to Mary Stuart. The uncertainty whether Elizabeth would allow Norfolk to have her brought the fickle Duke back to Don Guerau. He explained to the ambassador the project of the council, but he gave him to under- stand also that if the marriage could be brought about he would use whatever power he obtained by it, not in the interests of the Reformation, as he had pretended to Murray, but in the interests of the Catholic Church. He desired Don Guerau to consult Philip and try to obtain his approval. Evidently, also, with Don Guerau's