Elizabeth I, Queen of England, 1533-1603 -- Fiction; Great Britain -- History -- Elizabeth, 1558-1603 -- Fiction
Mary's councilors soon ceased to oppose what she so plainly wanted,
though it was whispered about that they were convinced by bribes
rather than by arguments. An ambassador came from Spain to bring
the engagement ring and to draw up the marriage treaty. The English
people were angry and indignant, and the children played a game called
"English and Spaniards." Philip was one of the characters in this
play, and there was always a pretence of hanging him. Nevertheless,
the treaty was drawn up. It was agreed that no Spaniards should hold
office in England. If the queen should have children, they must not be
carried out of the land without the consent of the nobles, and they
should inherit not only England but the lands of Holland and Flanders
to which Philip was heir.
In spite of all these careful arrangements, the English became more
and more enraged, and there were insurrections in various parts of the
country. One was headed by the Duke of Suffolk, Lady Jane's father.
Mary had supposed that if Suffolk was forgiven and his daughter allowed
to live, he would be loyal from gratitude, but this was not the case.
He went from one place to another, raising troops and proclaiming Lady
Jane queen of the realm.
Another insurrection was headed by a young poet named Wyatt. His forces
came so near London that the queen was in great danger. Lawyers wore
armor under their robes when they pleaded in court, and clergymen wore
armor under their vestments when they preached. The insurgents came
nearer, and there was hot fighting. "Flee, my queen, flee!" called one
after another, but Mary was perfectly calm and answered, "I warrant we
shall hear better news anon."
When it became clear that there would be bloodshed, Mary had written
to Elizabeth, telling her of the danger and urging her to come at
once where she would be protected. "Assuring you that you will be most
heartily welcome," the letter ends. Elizabeth sent word that she was
ill and not able to travel. Many days passed, and they were days full
of events. The Duke of Suffolk was captured.
"You have pardoned him once," said Mary's councilors, "and his
gratitude is but another attempt to thrust you from the throne. This
time there can be no pardon." Mary agreed. "There is one thing more,"
said they. "There will be neither peace nor quiet nor safety in the
land so long as Lady Jane lives."
"I can never sign the death warrant of my cousin," declared Mary, "not
even to save my own life."
"Have you a right to shed the blood of your subjects?" they demanded.
"The ground about us is wet with their blood. Shall such scenes come to
pass a second time?" Mary yielded, and Lady Jane was beheaded.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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