t appearance of reason,
imputed to the intrigues of the queen of Scots; [**] and as her name was
employed in all of them, the council thought that they could not use
too many precautions against the danger of her claims, and the restless
activity of her temper. She was removed from under the care of the earl
of Shrewsbury, who, though vigilant and faithful in that trust, had
also been indulgent to his prisoner, particularly with regard to air and
exercise; and she was committed to the custody of Sir Amias Paulet
and Sir Drue Drury; men of honor, but inflexible in their care and
attention. An association was also set on foot by the earl of Leicester
and other courtiers; and as Elizabeth was beloved by the whole nation,
except the more zealous Catholics, men of all ranks willingly flocked
to the subscription of it. The purport of this association was to defend
the queen, to revenge her death, or any injury committed against her,
and to exclude from the throne all claimants, what title soever they
might possess, by whose suggestion or for whose behoof any violence
should be offered to her majesty,[***] The queen of Scots was sensible
that this association was levelled against her; and to remove all
suspicion from herself, she also desired leave to subscribe it.

* Camden, p. 499.

** Strype, vol. lii. p. 246.

*** State Trials, vol i. p. 122, 123.

Elizabeth, that she might the more discourage malecontents, by showing
them the concurrence of the nation in her favor, summoned a new
parliament; and she met with that dutiful attachment which she expected.
The association was confirmed by parliament; and a clause was added by
which the queen was empowered to name commissioners for the trial of
any pretender to the crown, who should attempt or imagine any invasion,
insurrection, or assassination against her: upon condemnation pronounced
by these commissioners, the guilty person was excluded from all claim to
the succession, and was further punishable as her majesty should direct.
And for greater security, a council of regency, in case of the queen's
violent death, was appointed to govern the kingdom, to settle the
succession, and to take vengeance for that act of treason.[*]

A severe law was also enacted against Jesuits and Popish priests: it was
ordained, that they should depart the kingdom within forty days; that
those who should remain beyond that time, or should afterwards return,
should be guilty of tr