th for the human understanding that we have of the great pain that
some do suffer in dying, and especially in dying by fire; for we
suppose that pain to surmount all patience. O fond flesh, thy voice is
always full of love of thyself, and of a secret diffidence and
mistrust of the Almighty power, wisdom, and goodness of God."

While the true heroes of the age were fighting for freedom with the
weapons of noble suffering, the world was about to recommence its own
battles, with which it is less easy to sympathise. The attempt on
Calais having failed, it became a question at the French court,
whether, after having given so {p.285} just cause of quarrel to
England, wisdom would not suggest an abandonment of the intention of
recommencing the war with Philip. Noailles crossed to Paris in
December, where the king questioned him whether Mary would be able to
declare war. Noailles assured him, "that out of doubt she would not;
for if she should send those whom she trusted out of the realm, then
would they whom she trusted not, not fail to be busy within the
realm."[597] Reassured by the ambassador's opinion, Henry resumed his
intentions. In March, the Duke of Guise led an army into Italy. The
pope recovered courage, defied Alva, and again laid claim to Naples;
and it was to be seen now whether Noailles was right--whether the
English people would unite with the court to resent the French king's
conduct sufficiently to permit Mary at last to join in the quarrel.

[Footnote 597: Wotton to Petre: _French MSS._,
bundle 13, State Paper Office.]

Philip, anxious and hopeful, paid England the respect of returning for
a few weeks, and in the same month of March came over to sue the
council in person. The affair at Calais was a substantial ground for a
rupture, but the attack, though intended, had not been actually made.
The story might seem, to the suspicions of the country, to have been
invented by the court; and, in other respects, Mary's injuries were
not the injuries of the nation. The currency was still prostrate; the
people in unexampled distress. The Flanders debts were as heavy as
ever, and the queen had insisted on abandoning a fifth of her
revenues. A war would inevitably be most unpopular. The attempt
nevertheless was made. The queen produced the treaty of 1546, between
England and the empire; and, in compliance with its provisions, laid
before the privy council a proposal, if not to dec