“But one may be justly punished for plotting treason.”
“Mary was not a subject of the queen of England.”
“He who commits treason is punished whether he is a subject or not.”
“The testimony against her was false.”
“It was sworn to by solemn oath. There was no other means of discovering the truth.”
As to Elizabeth’s real share in the execution of Mary there is quite as much difference of opinion.
“Because of her fear and jealousy she put to death the cousin to whom she had given every reason to expect protection,” say the partisans of Mary.
“It shows little of either fear or jealousy to let her live for fifteen years,” retort the supporters of Elizabeth.
“At least she signed the warrant with her own hand.”
“Even a Tudor queen was not free to follow her own will. The English council had urged the deed for many years.”