t may be said with truth, is, that the power
of the prince, though really unlimited, was exercised after the European
manner, and entered not into every part of the administration; that
the instances of a high exerted prerogative were not so frequent as
to render property sensibly insecure, or reduce the people to a total
servitude; that the freedom from faction, the quickness of execution,
and the promptitude of those measures which could be taken for
offence or defence, made some compensation for the want of a legal and
determinate liberty; that as the prince commanded no mercenary army,
there was a tacit check on him, which maintained the government in that
medium, to which the people had been accustomed; and that this situation
of England, though seemingly it approached nearer, was in reality more
remote from a despotic and Eastern monarchy, than the present government
of that kingdom, where the people, though guarded by multiplied laws,
are totally naked, defenceless, and disarmed; and besides, are
not secured by any middle power, or independent powerful nobility,
interposed between them and the monarch.

We shall close the present Appendix with a brief account of the
revenues, the military force, the commerce, the arts, and the learning
of England during this period.

Queen Elizabeth's economy was remarkable; and in some instances seemed
to border on avarice. The smallest expense, if it could possibly be
spared, appeared considerable in her eyes; and even the charge of
an express, during the most delicate transactions, was not below
her notice.[*] She was also attentive to every profit, and embraced
opportunities of gain which may appear somewhat extraordinary. She kept,
for instance, the see of Ely vacant nineteen years, in order to retain
the revenue;[**] and it was usual with her, when she promoted a bishop,
to take the opportunity of pillaging the see of some of its manors.[***]

* Birch's Negot. p. 21.

** Strype, vol. iv. p.. 351.

*** Strype, vol. iv. p. 215. There is a curious letter of
the queen's written to a bishop of Ely, and preserved in the
register of that see. It is in these words: "Proud prelate,
I understand you are backward in complying with your
agreement: but I would have you know, that I, who made you
what you are, can unmake you; and if you do not forthwith
fulfil your engagement, by God I will immediately unfrock
you. Yours, as you d