the task of silencing by the pains of suspension and
deprivation all scruples of conscience among the clergy respecting
habits and ceremonies, was now mortified to find his zeal restrained by
the interference of the queen herself, while the exulting puritans
studied to improve to the utmost the temporary connivance of the ruling
powers.

CHAPTER XIV.

1565 AND 1566.

Renewal of the archduke's proposal.--Disappointment of
Leicester.--Anecdote concerning him.--Disgrace of the earl of
Arundel.--Situation of the duke of Norfolk.--Leicester his secret
enemy.--Notice of the earl of Sussex.--Proclamation respecting fencing
schools.--Marriage of lady Mary Grey.--Sir H. Sidney deputy of
Ireland.--Queen's letter to him.--Prince of Scotland born.--Melvil sent
with the news to Elizabeth.--His account of his reception.--Motion in
the house of commons for naming a successor.--Discord between the house
and the queen on this ground.--She refuses a subsidy--dissolves
parliament--visits Oxford.--Particulars of her reception.

Whether or not it was with a view of impeding the marriage of the queen
of Scots that Elizabeth had originally encouraged the renewal of the
proposals of the archduke to herself, certain it is that the treaty was
still carried on, and even with increased earnestness, long after this
motive had ceased to operate.

It was subsequently to Mary's announcement of her approaching nuptials,
that to the instances of the imperial ambassador Elizabeth had replied,
that she desired to keep herself free till she had finally decided
on the answer to be given to the king of France, who had also offered
her his hand[55]. After breaking off this negotiation with Charles IX.,
she declared to the same ambassador, that she would never engage to
marry a person whom she had not seen;--an answer which seemed to hint to
the archduke that a visit would be well received. It was accordingly
reported with confidence that this prince would soon commence his
journey to England; and Cecil himself ventured to write to a friend,
that if he would accede to the national religion, and if his person
proved acceptable to her majesty, "except God should please to continue
his displeasure against us, we should see some success." But he thought
that the archduke would never explain himself on religion to any one
except the queen, and not to her until he should see hopes of speeding.

[Note 55: It is on the authority of Strype's "Annals" tha