454 REIGX OF ELIZABETH. [CH. 45. blame is chiefly laid on the Lord Darnley. I have told Melville to urge upon them the necessity of reconcilia- tion ; and I have written to the Commendador Mayor of Castile at Rome to speak to the Pope about it, and to desire his Holiness to send them his advice to the same effect. Melville tells me the lords there are working together wonderfully well. He has given this Queen to understand that since she is reluctant to have the suc- cession discussed, his mistress is so anxious to please her that she will not press for it ; she will only ask that if the question is forced forward after all, she may have notice in time that she may send some one to plead in her behalf.
- This Queen is full of gratitude for her forbearance ;
she has told her that her present resolution is to keep the matter quiet ; should her endeavours be unsuccessful however, the Queen of Scots shall have all the informa- tion and all the help which she herself can give. ' Melville learns from a private source that this Queen will fail in her object. The question will be forced in the Queen of Scots' interest, and with the best inten- tions. Her friends are very numerous ; we shall soon see how things go.' Melville's information was right. Having failed in full Parliament, Elizabeth tried next to work on the com- mittee. The Marquis of "Winchester was put forward to prevent the intended address. He brought to bear the weight of an experience which was older than the field of Bosworth ; but he was listened to with impatience ;
