Alpha Book

Likewise, as has been said,
Philip II concluded with France in 1559 the advantageous treaty of
Cateau-Cambresis. But during the ensuing thirty years the tables were
completely turned. Both England and France ended by securing respite
from Spanish interference.
[Sidenote: Philip II and Elizabeth]
Mary Tudor died unhappy and childless in 1558, and the succession of
her sister Queen Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn,
altered the relations between the English and Spanish courts. Elizabeth
(1558-1603) was possessed of an imperious, haughty, energetic
character; she had remarkable intelligence and an absorbing patriotism.
She inspired confidence in her advisers and respect among her people,
so that she was commonly called "Good Queen Bess" despite the fact that
her habits of deceit and double-dealing gave color to the French king's
remark that she was the greatest liar in Christendom. This was the
woman with whom Philip II had to deal; he tried many tactics in order
to gain his ends,--all of them hopelessly unsuccessful.


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