202 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [CH. 43. been deceived a second time by a mere artifice. The least subtle explanations of human things are usually the most true. Elizabeth was most likely acting in good faith when she proposed to sacrifice Dudley to the Queen of Scots. Lord Robert as probably clung to his old hopes, and was sincere so far as he could be sincere at all in attempting to bribe Philip to support him in obtaining his object. That this was Philip's own opinion appears certainly from his answer to de Silva. PHILIP II. TO I)E SILVA. 6. ' Your reply to the advances made to you by Lord Robert's friend was wise and cautious. So long as Cecil remains in power you must be careful what you do. If means should offer themselves to overthrow him, every consideration should move you not to neglect the oppor- tunity ; but I leave you to your own discretion.
- As to Lord Robert's marriage with the Queen : if
he will assure you that when he becomes her husband he will restore the true ancient and Catholic faith, and will bring back the realm under the obedience of the Pope and the Holy See, you may promise in our name that we will assist him to the uttermost of our power. ' The propositions of the Irish Catholics you will cut short, courteously but firmly. 1 The time does not suit to encourage rebellion in that quarter. They have ap-
- Alluding to something in a
letter of de Silva' s which is lost. The same letter contained expres- sions about Lord Robert's agent in Rome, which would have shown more clearly what de Silva himself
