Mary, who was much moved by this arrogant speech, replied with tears that she had received Elizabeth's letter, and that she would rather die than acknowledge herself her subject. "By such an avowal," continued she, "I should betray the dignity and majesty of kings, and it would be tantamount to a confession that I am bound to submit to the laws of England, even in matters touching religion. I am willing to reply to all questions, provided I am interrogated before a free Parliament, and not before these Commissioners, who doubtless have been carefully selected, and who have probably already condemned me unheard." In conclusion Mary bade them consider well what they were doing. "Look to your consciences," said she, "and remember that the theatre of the world is wider than the realm of England." Noble and pathetic words, to the truth of which the history of three hundred years bears ample testimony. Burleigh (whom Bourgoing designates as "Homme plus véhement")[25] here interrupted the Queen, and informed her that the council, after receiving her former reply, had taken the advice of several learned doctors of canon and civil law; and that the latter, after mature deliberation, had decided that the Court could, despite her protest, proceed in the execution of their Commission. "Will you therefore," continued Burleigh rudely, "hear us or not? If you refuse, the assembled council will continue to act according to the Commission." [Footnote 25: A curious note in Beale's hand (Yelverton MSS. 31,465) gives us the reason for Burleigh's "vehemence" against Mary at this moment. It runs as follows: "The Bishop of Glasgow, the Scottish Q.'s Ambassador in France, had written unto her how W. Cecill, son and heir to Sir Tho. Cecill, had been at Rome and reconciled. That there was good hope that the L. Treasurer, his grandfather, would do her what pleasure he could. Item, in another letter he advertised her how Sir Edward Stafford (?), Her Maj.'s Ambassador in France, had shewed unto him a letter from the L. Treasurer, whereby he presumed that the said L. Tr'r. did favour her. These letters came to the Q. Mty.'s knowledge, and the matter came to the L. Tr'r.'s knowledge, which for the purgation of himself to be nothing inclined that way, made him, as it is thought, more earnest against her."]