absolute, indefensible right of
sovereigns, made her be shocked with these republican topics; and she
told the Scottish commissioners, that she was no wise satisfied with
their reasons for justifying the conduct of their countrymen; and that
they might therefore, without attempting any apology, proceed to open
the conditions which they required for their security.[*] They replied
that their commission did not empower them to treat of any terms which
might infringe the title and sovereignty of their young king; but they
would gladly hear whatever proposals should be made them by her majesty.
The conditions recommended by the queen were not disadvantageous
to Mary; but as the commissioners still insisted that they were not
authorized to treat in any manner concerning the restoration of that
princess,[**] the conferences were necessarily at an end; and Elizabeth
dismissed the Scottish commissioners, with injunctions that they
should return, after having procured more ample powers from their
parliament.[***] The bishop of Ross openly complained to the English
council that they had abused his mistress by fair promises and
professions; and Mary herself was no longer at a loss to judge of
Elizabeth's insincerity. By reason of these disappointments, matters
came still nearer to extremities between the two princesses; and the
queen of Scots, finding all her hopes eluded, was more strongly incited
to make, at all hazards, every possible attempt for her liberty and
security.

An incident also happened about this time, which tended to widen the
breach between Mary and Elizabeth, and to increase the vigilance and
jealousy of the latter princess. Pope Pius V., who had succeeded Paul,
after having endeavored in vain to conciliate by gentle means the
friendship of Elizabeth, whom his predecessor's violence had irritated,
issued at last a bull of excommunication against her, deprived her of
all title to the crown, and absolved her subjects from their oaths of
allegiance.[****]

* Spotswood, p. 248, 249.

** Haynes, p. 623.

*** Spotswood. p. 249, 250, etc. Lesley, p. 133, 136.
Camden, p, 431, 432.

**** Camden, p. 427.

It seems probable that this attack on the queen's authority was made in
concert with Mary, who intended by that means to forward the northern
rebellion; a measure which was at that time in agitation.[*] John Felton
affixed this bull to the gates of the bishop of London's palace; and
sco