THE FIRST EARL OF SALISBURY 173
yet the ability of the body is so discrepant that it cannot correspond the capacity of the mind."
Probably the incident already recorded at the Essex trial convinced the King that he had been mistaken as to Cecil's opinions with regard to Spain. The Master of Gray, no doubt, testified to his innocence in this matter also, for Sir Robert writes to him : * " I do thank you for the assump- tion in my behalf that I was never so foul nor so foolish as to traffic with the Spaniards, either by your means or by any earthly creature. God hath forgiven his soul, I hope, who was the author of that poor invention." James, at any rate, made overtures to Cecil through his ambassadors, and the " secret correspondence " was the result. Sir Robert's motives in this matter are beyond suspicion. The Queen was growing old and infirm, and it was essential that all arrangements with regard to the succession should be perfected before her death. Yet it was a subject on which no public or official action could be taken, since the Queen refused to discuss it. By coming to an understanding with James, Cecil ensured his peaceful succession, and saved the country from the dangers arising from rival claims, including the horrible possibility of the Papists and the Spanish faction winning the day. He was also able to impress on James the necessity of avoiding any premature action, and to give him much sound advice.
It was obviously necessary to keep this corre-
1 July 9th, 1601 (Hatfield MSS., XI. 272).
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