In the various letters written by de Feria to Philip, on the Count’s return to England in the spring of 1558, he tells him how greatly Mary has lost in power and influence, during the few months that have elapsed since the King’s departure. The partisans of the new doctrines are beginning to hold up their heads again, and since the recent disasters, the people, who formerly frequented the churches through obedience or fear, are now conspicuous by their absence. This was no exaggeration, for the loss of Calais was more fatal to Mary’s government, than anything that had gone before.[684]
Persecution of the heretics had made it unpopular; misfortune caused it to be despised. Had the Queen possessed the physical strength and energy she had shown at the time of Wyatt’s rebellion, she might still have rallied round her an enthusiastic army, inspired by devotion and loyalty, to dare all for the recovery of the lost fortresses that were the key to France. But the sands of life were running low, and all she could do was to appeal to Philip, trusting that he was England’s truest friend. De Feria told him that she bore even the privation of his society patiently, understanding how grave were the circumstances which detained him in Flanders.
Nevertheless, she had ordered the fleet to cruise between Dunkirk and Dover, in the hope that he would come. By degrees, she was forced to recognise, that this hope too was a delusion, and she listened to de Feria when, in obedience to Philip’s instructions, he suggested that as the King was prevented from undertaking the journey, it would be well to send the Admiral, Lord Clinton, to him. His Majesty could thus communicate to him his displeasure against the Queen’s councillors, for their neglect in allowing Calais to be taken, and in affording him so little help. This interview with de Feria took place at Lambeth. Mary was on her way to St. James’s, and being ill, had broken her journey at the Cardinal’s palace. She expressed her willingness to let Clinton go, somewhat to the surprise of de Feria, who thought she would have shown some irritation at the proposal. It was tantamount to an announcement, that she would see her husband’s face no more.
In the Cecil papers at Hatfield, is a Memorandum drawn up by Lord Clinton, and entitled “The Cause I Was Sent for to Brussels,” all the items enumerated referring to questions concerning the harassing of the French coast by the English, and the reasons, for and against, attempting the reconquest of Calais.
De Feria had as yet not ventured to seek an interview with Elizabeth, fearing thereby to displease the Queen, but he sent his excuses to the Princess, and meanwhile begged Philip to instruct him, whether he should pay her a visit or not. Philip ordered him to do so, and on the 23rd June, the diplomatic Spaniard wrote that he had every reason to be well contented with the interview which she had granted him, and would communicate viva voce what had passed between them.[685]
This matter, too important to be penned, undoubtedly concerned the succession, and Philip’s promise of support, in case Elizabeth needed it, to make good her claim to the throne in the event of Mary’s death.
De Feria returned to Brussels, and Philip neither came nor wrote. It was said that his coldness and indifference were hurrying the Queen to her grave. Contrary to her usual symptoms, when attacked by illness, she was devoured by fever, and wearied by sleepless nights. All who surrounded her became conscious that there was something new and alarming in her condition. The first indication of this occurs in a letter from Cardinal Pole to the King, dated the 6th September, when she had partially recovered:—
“Don Juan de Acunha will report the particulars of the Queen’s indisposition, and how our Lord God granted us the grace four days ago, to free her from all feverish symptoms, and as her Majesty is not liable to them, they could not but cause us much anxiety; but the physicians were and are of opinion that through this malady, she will obtain relief from her habitual indisposition; and may it thus please the goodness of God, and may He preserve her Majesty for the welfare of this realm. During her malady, the Queen did not fail to take the greatest care of herself, following the advice of the physicians, and by continuing to do so, it is hoped that she will recover, and daily more and more establish her health; a result to which nothing can contribute more, than to receive frequent good news of his Majesty.”[686]
Pole mentions having himself been ill of a quartan ague which cannot but be regarded as serious at his age, and with his constitution, but he is resigned to what Divine Providence shall be pleased to ordain for him. In a further letter, he recommends to Philip certain individuals of his household, for whom he has not the means to provide out of his own substance.[687]
The improvement in Mary’s state was not long maintained, and on the 29th October, Surian wrote the following important letter to the Doge, from Brussels:—