Mary Tudor - Anna Whitelock [143]
On January 20, a muster of royal pensioners at Greenwich Park took place in front of the queen. With trumpets blowing and standards unfurled, the men at arms rode past her three abreast. Their standards, combining Philip and Mary’s arms, symbolized the union of the two powers against the common enemy. On one side, the Castilian colors of red and yellow surrounded the white hart of England; on the other was the black eagle of the Habsburgs with gilded legs.8 After the muster a tumbler performed many feats “that her grace did like.” She “did thank them all for their pains” and went back into the palace much heartened.9
Henry II of France had sent clear instructions to Noailles: the principal thing he desired was to be kept on “friendly terms with the Queen of England … so that in that direction, if possible, nothing should happen to thwart me, and so that during these wars I may not have them [the English] for open and declared enemies.”10 Within days, Mary was informed of Philip’s imminent departure for England and that the French, by breaking the truce, had left him no choice but to raise land and sea forces to prevent the pope and the French from waging war in the Kingdom of Naples.11 Mary begged Philip “not to be afraid to come [back],” assuring him that his presence would “enable him to obtain what he wants.”12
WHEN PHILIP RETURNED to England in late March 1557, both he and the queen petitioned the Council for a declaration of war. On April 1, Mary summoned the councillors to her and, in Philip’s presence, made a speech outlining the reasons for war, with Mary now choosing to play up her wifely obligations:
She expounded to them the obedience which she owed her husband and the power which he had over her as much by divine as by human law, citing to them many examples from the Old and New Testament, and begged them to consider the greatness and prosperity of the kingdom of France, which was already menacing the whole world. So that if they did not decide to aid her husband, who was beginning to be the weaker party (because of the recent misfortunes of the Emperor his father), they might be sure that the King of France, having driven the King her husband from Italy, as he was about to do through lack of help, would soon afterward turn to them and drive them out of their own house.13
The councillors asked for time to deliberate and returned two days later to deliver their verdict: it “ought not and could not declare war.”14 They would approve financial and naval support to Philip but would not promise troops or declare openly against France.15 The realm, they maintained, was in no condition to wage war: food was scarce, the coffers were empty and the people discontented. It would be disastrous to cut off England’s trade with France because neither Spain nor Flanders could supply all that was needed. Finally, they stated that the marriage treaty expressly forbade Philip to draw England into his struggle with France.16
Mary was furious. She ordered the councillors to meet again and draft a reply that would “satisfy her and her husband.”17 The Council remained defiant, and the stalemate continued. Yet Mary was determined to fulfill Philip’s demands.18 As Noailles reported, Mary would force “not only men, but also the elements themselves, to consent to her will.”19 On April 13, before the court removed to Greenwich for Easter, Mary summoned the councillors privately to her room and threatened each of them, “some with death, others