238 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. L Cii. 43. writing to Sir Thomas Smith, on the J5th of December, he had said : 1 This also I see in the Queen's Majesty, a sufficient contentation to be moved to marry abroad ; and if it may so please Almighty God to lead by the hand some meet person to come and lay hands on her to her con- tentation, I could then wish myself more health to endure my years somewhat longer, to enjoy such a world here as I trust will follow ; otherwise I assure you as now things hang in desperation I have no com- fort to live.' 1 Cecil's interest was in the Archduke who was a grown man. Elizabeth, if she was obliged to marry preferred perhaps a husband with whom her connection for a time would be a form. When Paul de Foix read Catherine's letter to her she coloured, expressed herself warmly grateful for an offer of which she felt herself unworthy, and wished that she had been ten years younger. She feared, she said, that if at her age she married any one so young as the King of France, it would be with her as it had been with her sister and King Philip. In a few years she would find herself a discontented old woman deserted by a husband who was weary of her. The ambassador politely objected. She might have children to give stability to the throne ; virtue never grew old, and her greatness would for ever make her loved. 1 Cecil to Sir T. Smith, December 15 : WUIGUT, vol. i.
