athenism, but had again been
soon converted; and the popes {p.168} had continued to heap benefit
upon benefit on the favoured people, even making them a present of
Ireland, "which pertained to the See of Rome." The country had
prospered, and the people had been happy down to the time of the late
schism; from that unhappy day they had been overwhelmed with
calamities.

The legate dwelt in some detail on the misfortunes of the preceding
years. He then went on: "But, when all light of true religion seemed
extinct, the churches defaced, the altars overthrown, the ministers
corrupted, even like as in a lamp, the light being covered yet it is
not quenched--even so in a few remained the confession of Christ's
faith, namely, in the breast of the queen's excellency, of whom to
speak without adulation, the saying of the prophet may be verified,
_ecce quasi derelicta_: and see how miraculously God of his goodness
preserved her highness contrary to the expectations of men, that when
numbers conspired against her, and policies were devised to disinherit
her, and armed power prepared to destroy her, yet she, being a virgin,
helpless, naked, and unarmed, prevailed, and had the victory of
tyrants. For all these practices and devices, here you see her grace
established in her estate, your lawful queen and governess, born among
you, whom God hath appointed to govern you for the restitution of true
religion and the extirpation of all errors and sects. And to confirm
her grace more strongly in this enterprise, lo how the providence of
God hath joined her in marriage with a prince of like religion, who,
being a king of great might, armour, and force, yet useth towards you
neither armour nor force, but seeketh you by way of love and amity;
and as it was a singular favour of God to conjoin them in marriage, so
it is not to be doubted but he shall send them issue for the comfort
and surety of this commonwealth.

"Of all princes in Europe the emperor hath travailed most in the cause
of religion, yet, haply by some secret judgment of God, he hath not
obtained the end. I can well compare him to David, which, though he
were a man elect of God, yet for that he was contaminate with blood
and wars, he could not build the temple of Jerusalem, but left the
finishing thereof to Solomon, who was _Rex pacificus_. So it may be
thought that the appeasing of controversies of religion in Christendom
is not appointed to this emperor, but rather to his son; w