CHAPTER XVII.

Prospects of civil war--England and Spain--Illness of the Princess Mary--Plans for her escape--Spirit of Queen Catherine-- The Emperor unwilling to interfere--Negotiations for a new treaty between Henry and Charles--Debate in the Spanish Council of State--The rival alliances--Disappointment of the confederate Peers--Advance of Lutheranism in England--Cromwell and Chapuys-- Catherine and Mary the obstacles to peace--Supposed designs on Mary's life 301