'563.] THE ENGLISH AT HA VRE. 77 PHILIP II. TO THE BISHOP OF AQUILA. June 15. 1 1 have pondered over the conversation which has passed between you and Maitland on the marriage be- tween his mistress and the Prince my son, and I am much pleased with the discretion which you showed in your replies. ' Perceiving as I do that if this marriage can be brought about it may be the beginning of a better state of things in England, I am willing to admit the consi- deration of it ; and if you believe that those who have spoken with you on the subject are persons whom you can trust, you will use their assistance to bring the thing about. ' You will leaf n from Maitland and from the Queen of Scots what friends they most rely upon in England. You will judge whether the names which they mention are of sufficient weight, and you will at once communi- cate with me. Above all you will be secret, for the good to be looked for depends on the marriage being completed before anything is heard of it. If the French know that I have given my consent there is no step to which their fears will not drive them to prevent the consummation of it, or, if we persist in spite, of them, to hinder the good fruit which may be otherwise looked for. As to the Queen of England and the heretics, you can imagine for yourself what they are likely to do. You must therefore be most cautious with whom you speak on the subject, and in your choice of
