han his animosity
against Elizabeth began more openly to appear; and the interests of
Spain and those of England were found opposite in every negotiation and
transaction.

The two great monarchies of the continent, France and Spain, being
possessed of nearly equal force, were naturally antagonists; and
England, from its power and situation, was entitled to support its own
dignity, as well as tranquillity, by holding the balance between them.
Whatever incident, therefore, tended too much to depress one of these
rival powers, as it left the other without control, might be deemed
contrary to the interests of England; yet so much were these great
maxims of policy overruled, during that age, by the disputes of
theology, that Philip found an advantage in supporting the established
government and religion of France, and Elizabeth in protecting faction
and innovation.

The queen regent of France, when reinstated in authority by the death
of her son Francis, had formed a plan of administration more subtle than
judicious; and balancing the Catholics with the Hugonots, the duke
of Guise with the prince of Conde, she endeavored to render herself
necessary to both, and to establish her own dominion on their
constrained obedience.[*] But the equal counterpoise of power, which,
among foreign nations, is the source of tranquillity, proves always the
ground of quarrel between domestic factions; and if the animosity of
religion concur with the frequent occasions which present themselves
of mutual injury, it is impossible during any time, to preserve a firm
concord in so delicate a situation. The constable Montmorency, moved
by zeal for the ancient faith, joined himself to the duke of Guise: the
king of Navarre, from his inconstant temper, and his jealousy of the
superior genius of his brother, embraced the same party: and Catharine,
finding herself depressed by this combination, had recourse to Conde
and the Hugonots, who gladly embraced the opportunity of fortifying
themselves by her countenance and protection.[**]

* Davila, lib. ii.

** Davila, lib. iii

An edict had been published, granting a toleration to the Protestants;
but the interested violence of the duke of Guise, covered with the
pretence of religious zeal, broke through this agreement; and the two
parties, after the fallacious tranquillity of a moment, renewed their
mutual insults and injuries. Conde, Coligny, Andelot assembled their
friends and flew to arm