Series 3 > Mary Queen of Scots and the Babington plot

xxx MARY STUART AND THE BABINGTON PLOT
to the throne, and, on the other, the hatred with which
she was followed by Walsingham and his party, for ever
thirsting for her blood. Elizabeth was not bent on Mary’s
death, but she was intensely interested in the spy system,
and we see her in the case of Parry easily won over to a
course of horrible cruelty.
SECTION II
Spies and Dupes, 1584-1585.
The present section may at first seem not only gloomy
but also disconnected and incoherent. But these un¬
fortunate qualities are, alas ! also germane to the story
we are following. Our drama originated among men far
removed from being great characters. Its first beginnings
must be sought among minds unbalanced and depraved
by the controversies over the ban. Rascals of varying
degrees of infamy are at work endeavouring to give a
downward turn to tendencies which are already repre¬
hensible. There is nothing for it but to watch these un¬
pleasant gentlemen, and their hardly less repellent dupes.
It is amongst them that the situation will take form and
shape.
1. Walsingharris Political Morality.
As soon as Elizabeth heard of the accusations brought
by Dr. Parry against Thomas Morgan, she passionately
vowed to be revenged upon him, and ordered her ambas¬
sador in Paris to present an urgent request to the King
of France for his arrest and extradition.1 The King had
many reasons for wishing to stand well with her, and
1 R.O., Foreign, Elizabeth, France, xiii., under February 1585.