Note 15 — Chapter I · INTRODUCTORY 1552-1553

Although Renard at this interview of 6th August did not, according to his own statement, bring forward Philip’s name to the Queen, public rumour was already busy with it. Noailles three days afterwards wrote to the King of France saying that the Imperial ambassadors had proposed Philip to the Queen: “and it was not now so sure that she would marry Courtenay. It is thought that the effect of his presence has greatly damaged his reputation, although he is quite handsome and well bred.”—“Mais la nourriture que vous, Sire, pouvez penser qu’il á pris ayant été toujours fermé dés son enfance dans des murailles lui a laissé si peu de gravité et d’experience qui je crains beaucoup qu’il soit pour se conduire á telle fortune, Combien que la commune de toute cette province la lui desire.”—Ambassades de Noailles.