The revolt in Scotland is greatly feared, and that out of hand." Scotland, France, Spain, these were dangerous enemies and neighbours to a maiden Queen, who had a rebellious Ireland to deal with on one side the channel, and Alexander of Parma on the other.
Davison experienced great inconvenience and annoyance before the definite arrangements could be made.

There is no doubt that the Spanish party had made great progress since the fall of Antwerp.

Roger Williams was right in advising the Queen to deal "roundly and resolutely" with the States, and to "sovereign them presently." They had need of being sovereigned, for it must be confessed that the self-government which prevailed at that moment was very like no government.

The death of Orange, the treachery of Henry III., the triumphs of Parma, disastrous facts, treading rapidly upon each other, had produced a not very unnatural effect.

The peace-at-any-price party was struggling hard for the ascendancy, and the Spanish partizans were doing their best to hold up to suspicion the sharp practice of the English Queen.