224 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [CH. 64. at the same time to exact complete reparation for his own secular wrongs, and had sent fresh instructions to Mendoza to make another demand for the stolen treasure. The Queen, instead of being continually closeted with Philip's ambassador, as she pretended, listening to his entreaties for a reconciliation, had re- fused to see him. He had written without effect to Sussex and to Walsingham ; and now, hearing what she had said to Marchmont and the ambassador, Mendoza used the opportunity to write to herself. That she might be under no mistake about Philip's real position towards her, he told her that peace between the two countries was hanging on a thread ; and that if she again declined to give him an audience, he would take her answer as final, and immediately leave the realm. 1 Reduced to their true dimensions, Elizabeth's Spanish prospects were extremely moderate. She could have Philip for an ally, but she must repay first a million and a half of ducats ; and to part with a large sum of money was worse than death. She continued therefore to play upon her solitary string. Mauvissiere told her that his master had gone far already, that it was im- possible for him to give her the instrument which she de- sired without better security than her word. In affected indignation she invoked the most fearful maledictions on herself, if she did not marry immediately that it was granted. She called Cecil, who was present, to bear witness to her promise, swearing so fearfully that even 1 Mendoza to the Queen of England, May 18 : MSS. Spain, Rolls Souse.
