[*] Two days after, she
sent Lord Herreis to London with a letter to the same purpose.
This concession, which Mary could scarcely avoid without an
acknowledgment of guilt, was the point expected and desired by
Elizabeth: she immediately despatched Midlemore to the regent of
Scotland; requiring him both to desist from the further prosecution of
his queen's party, and to send some persons to London to justify his
conduct with regard to her. Murray might justly be startled at receiving
a message so violent and imperious; but as his domestic enemies were
numerous and powerful, and England was the sole ally which he could
expect among foreign nations, he was resolved rather to digest the
affront, than provoke Elizabeth by a refusal. He also considered, that
though that queen had hitherto appeared partial to Mary, many political
motives evidently engaged her to support the king's cause in Scotland;
and it was not to be doubted but so penetrating a princess would in the
end discover this interest, and would at least afford him a patient and
equitable hearing.
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