“No war, my lords, no war,” declared she to her council. “A queen does not lend aid to rebels.”
“The rebels are in a fair way to become the government,” suggested one councilor.
“England cannot afford war,” declared another. “We have no money to spend on fleets and armies.”
“The French are already in Scotland,” said one. “More will follow, and their next step will be across the border. If they are once in England, we shall have to raise armies whether we can or not.”
“True,” agreed another, “and surely it is better to fight them in Scotland than on our own soil.”
“If we attack the French, Philip will aid them and try to put Mary on our throne.”
“No, no,” shouted three or four voices. “To unite France, Scotland, and England under one ruler would weaken his own power. He’ll not do that.”
“This is a question of religion as well as policy,” said another. “Shall not the government of the church of England aid the Protestants of Scotland?”
This last argument did not count for very much with Elizabeth, but there was another one that did. She left the council and thought over the matter carefully and anxiously. “If I can get power in Scotland,” she said to herself, “I can induce the Scotch government to agree that Mary shall never claim the title of queen of England.” Money was borrowed from Antwerp, and England began to prepare for fighting.
France became uneasy and sent word to Elizabeth:—