11, was lost, which required the confronting of two witnesses in order to prove any treason.
**** Mariae, sess.ii.cap.

1.
v Mariae, sess.ii.cap.

1.
Notwithstanding the compliance of the two houses with the queen's inclinations, they had still a reserve in certain articles; and her choice of a husband, in particular, was of such importance to national interest, that they were determined not to submit tamely, in that respect, to her will and pleasure.

There were three marriages[*] concerning which it was supposed that Mary had deliberated after her accession.

The first person proposed to her was Courtney, earl of Devonshire, who, being an Englishman nearly allied to the crown, could not fail of being acceptable to the nation; and as he was of an engaging person and address, he had visibly gained on the queen's affections,[**] and hints were dropped him of her favorable dispositions towards him.[***] But that nobleman neglected these overtures; and seemed rather to attach himself to the lady Elizabeth, whose youth and agreeable conversation he preferred to all the power and grandeur of her sister.
This choice occasioned a great coldness in Mary towards Devonshire; and made her break out in a declared animosity against Elizabeth.