The Age of Elizabeth (Illustrated)

Upon Mary’s death Elizabeth came to the throne without any opposition. The Catholic party could not unite to exclude her, for it was weakened by the war between France and Spain. It was impossible for Philip to rejoice at the accession of Anne Boleyn’s daughter to the English throne, but still less could he endure the other possible heir, Mary of Scotland; for she was married to the Dauphin of France, and so her accession would throw England into opposition to Spain. Moreover, Elizabeth’s religious views were still a matter of conjecture; she had not expressed herself very strongly on either side, but, like the great mass of the people, had conformed to the established religion under Edward VI and Mary equally. Her inclinations were towards Protestantism, but she was not fond of extremes. Philip still hoped that she might be won over to his side. He offered her his hand in marriage, and Elizabeth did not at once refuse, as she wished to feel her way at first, and avoid difficulties as much as possible...