Mr. Gardiner considers that, in regard both of Raleigh and of Northumberland, Cecil acted with great moderation. It must, however, be remembered that in his secret correspondence with King James, before the death of the queen, he had strenuously endeavoured to poison the mind of that monarch against these his rivals. Thus he wrote, December 4th, 1601 (as usual through Lord Henry Howard): "You must remember that I gave you notice of the diabolical triplicity, that is, Cobham, Raleigh, and Northumberland, that met every day at Durham-house, where Raleigh lies, in consultation, which awaked all the best wits of the town ... to watch what chickens they could hatch out of these cockatrice eggs that were daily and nightly sitten on." (_Secret Correspondence of Sir Robert Cecil with James VI., King of Scotland_, Edinburgh, 1766, p. 29.) Coming after this, the speedy ruin of all these men appears highly suspicious. [58] Sir Walter Cope in his _Apology_ (Gutch, _Collectanea Curiosa_, i. No. 10) says: "When living, the world observed with all admiration and applause; no sooner dead, but it seeketh finally to suppress his excellent parts, and load his memory with all imputations of corruption." Among such charges are enumerated "His Falsehood in Friendship.--That he often made his friends fair promises, and underhand laid rubs to hinder their preferment.--The secret passage of things I know not.... Great Counsellors have their private and their publique ends...." etc. [59] Lord Castlemaine after mentioning the chief features of the Gunpowder Plot, goes on: "But let it not displease you, if we ask whether Ulysses be no better known?" (_Catholique Apology_, p. 30.) Francis Herring in his Latin poem, _Pietas Pontificia_ (published 1606), speaking of Monteagle (called "Morleius," from his father's title), who took the celebrated letter to Cecil, writes thus: "Morleius Regis de consultoribus unum, (Quem norat veteri nil quicquam cedere Ulyssi, Juditio pollentem acri, ingenioque sagaci) Seligit, atque illi Rem totam ex ordine pandit." [60] This is so evident that it appears unnecessary to occupy space with proofs in detail. De la Boderie remarks (_Ambassade_, i. 71) on the extraordinary rancour of the minister against Catholics, and especially against Jesuits, and that "he wishes to destroy them everywhere." Of this a remarkable confirmation is afforded by the instructions given to Sir Thomas Parry when he was sent as ambassador, "Leiger," to Paris, in 1603, at the head of which stood these extraordinary articles: 1. "To intimate to the French king the jealousy conceived in England upon the revocation of the Jesuits, against former edicts. 2. "To inform the French king that the English were disgusted at the maintenance allowed to the French king's prelates and clergy, to priests and Jesuits that passed out of his dominions into England, Scotland, and Ireland, to do bad offices." (P.R.O. _France_, bundle 132, f. 314.)