354 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [CH. 66. April. senger was despatched after messenger to bring about a reconciliation. The Prince of Orange exerted himself so earnestly as to throw suspicion on his patriotism. The English commander received fresh orders to remain at his pot, but to be exclusively under Alencon's au- thority. But nothing could heal a wound so envenomed with treachery. Norris, knowing well that if mischief happened through the English con- tingent the blame would be laid on himself, declared that if he was to continue his command he would take his orders only from the States. 1 He had doubtful gentlemen in the service who would be ready for any villany on which Alencon might choose to employ them. Even as it was, the town of Alost, a few months later, was sold by an English officer to the Spaniards. 2 Thus baffled, and false as he was cowardly, the Duke addressed himself to Parma, and attempted to bargain for the towns which he had succeeded in se- curing. But this paltry practice failed also. His garrisons were obliged to withdraw, and on the 28th of June, deserted, disgraced, and broken with disease and disappointment, the petted instrument of Elizabeth's political genius went back to France, not yet utterly cast aside she could not wholly part with him but disabled for further action, and with his miserable part in the world's drama played out. Meanwhile, the cause of the Low Countries July. appeared to be totally ruined. The friendship 1 Norris to "Walsingbam, April 28 : MSS. Holland. 2 Norris to Walsingham, No- vember 27 : MSS. Ibid.
