324 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [011.44. you have could not be able to save you towards us.' l At times she seemed to struggle with her ignominy, but it was only to flounder deeper into distraction and dishonour. Once she sent for the French ambassador : she told him that the Earl of Murray and his friends were in danger for her sake and through her means ; the Queen of Scots was threatening their lives ; and she swore she would aid them with all the means which God had given, and she would have all men know her determination. But the next moment, as if afraid of what she had said, she stooped to a deliberate lie. De Foix had heard of the 3000^., and had ascertained be- yond doubt that it had been sent from the Treasury ; yet when he questioned Elizabeth about it she took re- fuge behind Bedford, and swore she had sent no money to the lords at all. 2 ' It fears me not a little/ wrote Murray on the 2ist, ' that these secret and covered pretendings of the Queen's Majesty there, as matters now stand, shall never put this cause to such end as we both wish, but open declar- ation would apparently bring with it no doubt.' 3 ' If her Majesty will openly declare herself/ said Bedford,
- uncertain hearts will be determined again and all will
go well.' 4 Paul de Foix himself, notwithstanding his know- ledge of Elizabeth, was unable to believe that she would 1 Elizabeth to Bedford, September 12 : Scotch MSS. Rolls House. 2 De Foix to the Queen-mother, September 18: TEULET, vol. ii. 3 Murray to Bedford, September 21 : Scotch MSS. Rolls House.
- Bedford to Cecil: MS. Ibid.
