Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 11.djvu/421

 1584.] EXPULSION Of MENDOZA. 405 for a ' certain space/ But there came news from Scot- land that the Protestant Lords were conspiring- again, that the country was in confusion ; that ' the proudest there was ready to make friends with the Queen of England ; so that she was persuaded that she held the balance in her hands, and could smooth over matters with fair words/ 1 'and as usual nothing was done.' The navy however was sent to sea not now on the unworthy errand intended for it in the autumn, but to lie in three squadrons iu the Downs, in the Isle of Wight, an4 at Scilly, to guard the coast. ' The strength of the realm ' was called under arms, and Catholic or malcontent officers were weeded out of the service. The forts and bulwarks were repaired, the arms were looked to, and drilling and training went forward in town and village. A visitation was instituted of the Inns of Court, the legal profession being still constant to precedent and the old faith, and in consequence, a most dangerous stronghold of disloyalty. Conformity in religion was made henceforth a condition of admission to the bar. Commissions were issued in every county to examine suspected magistrates on their allegiance ; and if they gave uncertain answers, to remove or im- prison them. There were, or were believed to be, still five hundred Jesuits and seminary priests in England. A great many had been seized, and batches had from time to time been executed. The council ordered that every priest now under arrest in any house or gaol, 1 MS. endorsed by Burghley. ' Copy of Archibald Douglas's letter to Scotland,' January 23 February 2 : MSS. Scotland.