[The problem of Mary's marriage was one of great difficulty. Allusions to it occur in diplomatic correspondence immediately after the death of Francis II., and it was constantly in men's minds. The Scottish preachers and the Protestant nobles objected to a union with a Roman Catholic prince (_cf. supra_, p. 40). Catherine de Medici, who was at the head of affairs in France, opposed the projected match with Don Carlos of Spain (p. 43). Elizabeth of England found a difficulty in every proposal, and was especially afraid of the union of Scotland with a foreign power. As early as the spring of 1561 Throckmorton warned Elizabeth that, if she wished to prevent such a union, "she should make a party in Scotland by entertaining a good number of the best there, that all Princes, perceiving her to have a great party in that realm, would not greatly seek upon a country so much at her devotion" (_Foreign_ _Calendar_, March 31, 1561). The following extracts indicate the course of the controversy, and aim at presenting a connected survey of the negotiations.] _PERFECT NEIGHBOURHOOD_ _Randolph to Cecil, from Edinburgh_, December 17, 1561. _Keith's History_, vol. ii. p. 124. When any purpose falleth in of marriage, she saith that she will none other husband but the Queen of England. He is right near about her that hath oftentimes heard her speak it. I desire that it may be in perfect neighbourhood, since it cannot be in perfect marriage. 1563.--August 20. Instructions for Randolph. _Foreign Calendar._ He shall always rest upon this argument, that neither Elizabeth nor England ... can think any mighty Prince a meet husband for her, to continue the amity that now is with this realm. _Smith to the English Privy Council, from Paris_, October 13, 1563. _Foreign Calendar._ They {Catherine de Medici and the Constable of France} hold King Philip a suspect neighbour. But they most mislike the Spanish marriage with the Queen of Scots, which they hold to be concluded unto by the said Queen, taking it to be prejudicial to England and consequently to them. _DUDLEY OR DARNLEY_