Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 10.djvu/571

 t$77-l THE DESMOND REBELLION*. 55! workmanship that Nicolas Sanders, in the teeth of Statute and State Paper, in direct contradiction of every contemporary document which can claim authority, except the invectives of Pole, which he appropriated and exaggerated, has had the shaping of the historic representation of the Anglican Reformation. Sanders 'On the Origin and Progress of the English Schism ' has governed the impressions of millions who have least believed that they were under his influence. Not a scandalous story was current at the time of the revolt from the Papacy but Sanders took possession of it and used it used it so adroitly that he produced a book which eclipsed Buchanan's ' Detectio,' and made Mary Stuart's doings appear pale and innocent beside the picture of rapine, lust, and murder, which he held up before the eyes of Europe. Having delivered himself of his book, Sanders spent his time between Home and Madrid, ever watching his opportunities, supplying Philip with information from England, and never ceasing, in spite of discouragement, to press the claims upon him of the suffering Catholics. An acquaintance with Sir T. Stukeley, which he formed at Borne, and with Fitzmaurice, whom he met in Spain, drew his attention specially towards Ireland. Here was a distinctly Catholic people, trodden under foot by the English harlot, troubled by no scruples of loyalty like his own countrymen, but ready with the smallest help from abroad to fight for the good cause. Here then was an opportunity like no other for striking Elizabeth at her point of least advantage.