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 The Wars of Religion 341 Alva hesitated, for he thought that it would be better to kill Elizabeth, or at least capture her. Meanwhile the plot was dis- covered and came to naught. 578. Relations between England and Catholic Ireland. One hope of the Catholics has not yet been mentioned, namely, Ireland, whose relations with England from very early times down to the present day form one of the most tragic pages in the history of Europe. The population was divided into numerous clans, and their chieftains fought constantly with one another as well as with the English, who were vainly endeavoring to subju- gate the island. Several attempts were made by Catholic leaders to land troops in Ireland with the purpose of making the island the base for an attack on England. Elizabeth's officers were able to frustrate these enterprises, but the resulting disturbances greatly increased the misery of the Irish. In 1582 no less than thirty thousand people are said to have perished, chiefly from starvation. 579. Persecution of the English Catholics. Two Jesuits were sent to England in 1580 to encourage the adherents of their faith. Parliament now grew more intolerant and ordered fines and im- prisonment to be inflicted on those who said or heard Mass or who refused to attend the English services. One of the Jesuit emissaries was cruelly tortured and executed for treason, the other escaped to the Continent. In the spring of 1582 the first attempt by the Catholics to assassinate the heretical queen was made at Philip's instigation. It was proposed that when Elizabeth was out of the way an army should be sent to England to support the Catholics. 580. Execution of Mary Queen of Scots (iss?). Mary Queen of Scots did not live to witness the attempt. She became impli- cated in another plot for the assassination of Elizabeth. Parlia- ment now realized that as long as Mary lived Elizabeth's life was in constant danger; whereas if Mary were out of the way, Philip II would have no interest in the death of Elizabeth, since Mary's son, James VI of Scotland, who would succeed Elizabeth on the English throne, was a Protestant. Elizabeth was therefore