1565.] THE EMBASSY OF DE SILVA. 237 periment; and Darnley was allowed leave of absence for three months in the belief that it might be safely conceded. Darnley therefore went his way. Elizabeth herself meanwhile, half desponding, half hopeful of the re- sult, and perhaps to hold a salutary fear over the Queen of Scots, listened to the proposals of Catherine de Medici for Tier own marriage with the boy King of France. On the 24th of January the Queen-mother addressed a letter to Paul de Foix, setting forth that, consider- ing the rare excellence of the Queen of England, the position of England and France, separated as they were only by a three hours' passage, and the deep interests of both countries in their mutual prosperity, she would feel herself the happiest mother in the world if either of her sons could convert so charming a sister into a daughter equally dear. 1 Before Mary Stuart had given signs of an alteration of feeling, and immediately that she was made aware of the ill success of the conference at Berwick, Elizabeth had been again haunted by the nightmare of marriage. Again Cecil had communicated with Maximilian, and in the end advance him who shall he enemy to this realm. It may fall out the Queen's Majesty's purpose may be followed hy them of Scot- land, in which case it should be well ; but I, in my simple opinion, am in despair thereof, for they look for her where the Lord preserve her, and therefore betimes seek ways to stop the tide, and fill their hands full at home, which may well be done.' Conway MSS. Rolls House. 1 * Me sentirois la plus heureuse mere du monde si un de mes enfans d'une bien aymee so3ur m'en avoit faict une tres chere fille.' Catherine de Medici to Paul de Foix. Vie de Marie Stuart : MIGNET ; Appendix.
