doubted, quoth he, of the matter, but that God,
that for her had wrought so many miracles, would
make the same perfect to the assisting of nature to
his good and most desired work: and I warrant it
shall be, quoth he, a man-child. Be it man, quoth
I, or be it woman, welcome it shall be; for by that
we shall be at the least come to some certainty to
whom God shall appoint by succession the government
of our estates."--Mason to the King and Queen,
November 9: Tytler, vol. ii. p. 444.]

{p.162} The effect on Pole of the commissioners' arrival "there
needed not," as they said themselves, "many words to declare."[384]
His eager temperament, for ever excited either with wild hopes or
equally wild despondency, was now about to be fooled to the top of its
bent. On the pope's behalf, he promised everything; for himself, he
would come as ambassador, he would come as a private person, come in
any fashion that might do good, so only that he might come.

[Footnote 384: Paget and Hastings to the Queen:
Ibid. p. 459]

Little time was lost in preparation. Parliament met on the 12th of
November. The opening speech was read, as usual, by Gardiner, and was
well received, although it announced that further measures would be
taken for the establishment of religion, and the meaning of these
words was known to every one. The first measure brought forward was
the repeal of Pole's attainder. It passed easily without a dissentient
voice, and no obstacle of any kind remained to delay his appearance.
Only the cautious Renard suggested that Courtenay should be sent out
of the country as soon as possible, for fear the legate should take a
fancy to him; and the Prince of Savoy had been invited over to see
whether anything could be done towards arranging the marriage with
Elizabeth. Elizabeth, indeed, had protested that she had no intention
of marrying; nevertheless, Renard said, she would be disposed of, as
the emperor had advised,[385] could the queen be induced to consent.

[Footnote 385: Neantmoins il sera necessaire
achever avec elle selon l'advis de vostre
Majeste.--Renard to the Emperor: _Granvelle
Papers_, vol. iv.]

England was ready therefore, and the happ