I572-] THE DUKE OF NORFOLK. The Bishop of Ross, when again questioned, admitted that Norfolk had bee*n forced into a position which he had not sought and from which he would have broken had he possessed the courage. It was thought that rebellion would fail without his help and sanction, and he had drifted from step to step without his will if not against it. 1 The Catholics laid the blame of their failure upon him; 2 and although Elizabeth's judgment remained unaffected as to the broad bearings of his conduct, she dwelt upon every favourable feature of the story. She allowed him to know that she thought of him with pity, and the Duke poured out upon her a stream of that voluble emotion which weak natures have so easily at command. ( He loved her Majesty/ he said, ' with such transporting affection that he would not spare his own for religion ; and then, as I remem- ber, he named the Lord Montague,
- wherewith,' said he, ' I will never
deal to die for it. As touching the Queen of Scots, I am bound to her in honour. If I can comforter quiet her I will ; but to say 1 will hazard my house and my friends, I will not. Therefore I would to God she would leave this passionate writing, and that the Bishop of Ross should not give ear to any such troublous prac- tices, for it is time that must help her and nothing else ; and I doubt not but in time the Queen's Majesty will deal with her to her contenta- tion.' ' The Bishop of Eoss divers times was on hand Avith this matter, and as I remember, said he would be one himself and venture his cragge ; and when he saw my Lord utterly denying it, he said, ' "Well then my Lord will do nothing, and so nothing shall come of him. But there is no remedy but patience, and as for the Queen, my mistress, she is no cast- away : if he will not do for her there be enough that will.' ' Confes- sion of Barker, January 23 : MSS. Domestic. 1 Confession of the Bishop of Ross : MSS. MARY QUEEN OP SCOTS. 2 ' They said at Rome if the Duke had had in him that which they looked to have found in him, things had been far otherwise than they were . ' _ R. Beseley to Burghley, January 27 : MSS. Domestic.
