Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 11.djvu/531

 1 584. ] THE BOND OF ASSOCIA TION, 5 1 5 The perpetual unrest and conspiracy was the cause which made it dangerous to keep her. Her own share in producing that unrest was already perfectly well known ; but if there were so many lords and gentlemen anxious to have her as their Sovereign, it was thought well to take assurance of them, that they should not seek a premature realization of their hopes ; and at all events to let Europe understand that there was a loyal England as well as a disloyal ; and that no good end could be answered by rebellion or assassination. Elizabeth's life lay between the nation and civil war. The murder of Orange had shown both friend and enemy how easily so slight a bul- wark could be removed. The feverish apprehensions of the Protestants took shape in the famous bond of asso- ciation, which was a virtual suspension of law, and the organization of good subjects into a universal vigilance committee for the protection of the Sovereign and the. Empire. 'It was accorded in council,' said Burghley, 'that there should be a bond of union made by such noble- men and other principal gentlemen and officers as should like thereof, voluntarily to bind themselves to her Ma- jesty, and every one to other for the defence of her Majesty's person against her evil willers.' 1 If the Queen was assassinated government would be at an end every commission would be void, every pub- lic officer reduced for the time to the condition of a private man law, order, and authority would be at an 1 Burghley to Lord Cobham, October 27 November 6, 1584: LODGK. Illustrations of English History.