"He takes with him both men of conduct and some of war; it is thought his stay will not be long." Again (May 23, 24), Throckmorton reports that Henri II.

means to persecute extremely in Poitou, Guienne, and Scotland.

"Cecil may take occasion to use the matter in Scotland as may seem best to serve the turn." {96c} This was before the Perth riot had been reported (May 26) by Cecil to Throckmorton.

Was d'Elboeuf intended to direct the persecution?
The theory has its attractions, but Henri, just emerged with maimed forces from a ruinous war, knew that a persecution which served Cecil's "turn" did not serve _his_.

To persecute in Scotland would mean renewed war with England, and could not be contemplated.