The result of the much discussed conferences of Bayonne, in which Philip personally had never been very sanguine, finally disillusioned him as to the practicability of a league with his artful mother-in-law which should make him master of Europe. He had thenceforward no other policy open to him than to revert to the traditional national affinities that had obtained before the religious changes in Europe. He must win England to his side by fair means or foul. For seven years he had tried to isolate her by means of a Catholic league and he had failed: he had spoken arrogantly through Feria, he had tried subtlety through Bishop Quadra, and he had essayed friendly cordiality by means of Guzman. Elizabeth, when it suited her, had been amiability itself, she had languished for a Spanish husband, she had pretended more than once to be a Catholic, she had smiled, pouted, or frowned, as her aims for the moment required; but, notwithstanding all this, the English Catholic bishops were still in durance, Catholic worship was still proscribed, and Philip was further off than ever he had been from controlling English statecraft for his own ends. CHAPTER VI 1565-1569 Mary Stuart marries Darnley—Their intrigues with Philip through Guzman—Plan to promote revolution in England in favour of Mary—Expulsion of the English ambassador from Spain—Recall of Guzman—Don Gerau de Spes ambassador—His character—Commences conspiring at once—His turbulent behaviour—Seizure of Philip’s treasure in England—Indignation of de Spes—His imprudent and disastrous action—Alba stops trade—Strained relations—Proposed declaration of war against England—The views of Philip and Alba—The Norfolk plot—The Northern rebellion