466 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [CH. 45. no prince could desire more earthly honour, nor no people more earthly praise/ No one knew better than Elizabeth how to withdraw from an indefensible position, and words so full of firm- ness and dignity might perhaps have produced an effect; but before the address could be presented a fresh apple of discord was thrown into the arena. A book had appeared in Paris, written by a refugee Scot named Patrick Adamson. The subject of it was the birth of James ; and the Queen of Scots' child was described as the heir of the English throne. Copies had been scattered about London, and Elizabeth had already directed Mary Stuart's attention to the thing ' as a matter strange and not to be justified.' 1 On the 2 ist of November, on occasion of a measure laid before the House against the introduction of sedi- tious books, from abroad, a Mr Daltori brought forward this production of Adamson in the fiercest Protestant spirit. How say you,' he exclaimed, ' to a libel set forth in print calling the Infant of Scotland Prince of England, Scotland, and Ireland ? Prince of England, Scotland, and Ireland ! What enemy to the peace and quietness of the realm of England what traitor to the crown of this realm hath devised, set forth, and published this dishonour against the Queen's most excellent Majesty and the crown of England ? Prince of England, and Queen Elizabeth as yet having no child ! Prince oi' Elizabeth to Bedford, November 13: Scotch MSS. Soils House.
