of the nation,
sent to the house her express commands not to deal any further at
present with the affair of the Scottish queen.[v*]

* Camden, p. 440. Strype, vol. ii. App. p. 23.

** Digges, p. 16, 107. Strype, vol. ii. p. 51, 52.

*** Digges, p. 194, 208, 209. Strype, vol. ii. p. 40, 51.

**** Camden, p. 442.

v D'Ewes, p. 207, 208, etc.

v* D'Ewes, p. 219, 241.

Nothing could be a stronger proof that the puritanical interest
prevailed in the house, than the intemperate use of authorities derived
from Scripture, especially from the Old Testament; and the queen was
so little a lover of that sect, that she was not likely to make any
concession merely in deference to their solicitation. She showed, this
session, her disapprobation of their schemes in another remarkable
instance. The commons had passed two bills for regulating ecclesiastical
ceremonies; but she sent them a like imperious message with her former
ones; and by the terror of her prerogative, she stopped all further
proceeding in those matters[*]

But though Elizabeth would not carry matters to such extremities against
Mary as were recommended by the parliament, she was alarmed at the great
interest and the restless spirit of that princess, as well as her close
connections with Spain; and she thought it necessary both to increase
the rigor and strictness of her confinement, and to follow maxims
different from those which she had hitherto pursued in her management
of Scotland.[**] That kingdom remained still in a state of anarchy. The
Castle of Edinburgh, commanded by Kirkaldy of Grange, had declared for
Mary; and the lords of that party, encouraged by his countenance, had
taken possession of the capital, and carried on a vigorous war against
the regent. By a sudden and unexpected inroad, they seized that nobleman
at Stirling; but finding that his friends, sallying from the castle,
were likely to rescue him, they instantly put him to death. The earl of
Marre was chosen regent in his room, and found the same difficulties in
the government of that divided country. He was therefore glad to accept
of the mediation offered by the French and English ambassadors; and to
conclude, on equal terms, a truce with the queen's party.[***] He was a
man of free and generous spirit, and scorned to submit to any dependence
on England; and for this reason Elizabeth, who had then formed
intimate connections with France, yielded with less