150 A DISCOURSE IN PRAISE 



green in authority, her servants scant known unto 

 her, the adverse part not weakened, her own part 

 not confirmed. Neither doth she reduce or reunite 

 her realm to the religion of the states about her, 

 that the evil inclination of the subject might be 

 countervailed by the good correspondence in foreign 

 parts : but contrariwise, she introduceth a religion 

 exterminated and persecuted both at home and 

 abroad. Her proceeding herein is not by degrees 

 and by stealth, but absolute and at once. Was she 

 encouraged thereto by the strength she found 

 in leagues and alliances with great and potent con 

 federates ? No, but she found her realm in wars with 

 her nearest and mightiest neighbours. She stood 

 single and alone, and in league only with one, that 

 after the people of her nation had made his wars, 

 left her to make her own peace ; one that could 

 never be by any solicitation moved to renew the 

 treaties ; and one that since hath proceeded from 

 doubtful terms of amity to the highest acts of hosti 

 lity. Yet, notwithstanding the opposition so great, 

 the support so weak, the season so improper ; yet, 

 I say, because it was a religion wherein she was 

 nourished and brought up ; a religion that freed her 

 subjects from pretence of foreign powers, and indeed 

 the true religion ; she brought to pass this great 

 work with successs worthy so noble a resolution. 

 See a queen that, when a deep and secret conspiracy 

 was plotted against her sacred person, practised by 

 subtile instruments, embraced by violent and despe 

 rate humours, strengthened and bound by vows and 



