isdom was ever planned so
judiciously; had Solomon been alive, and a politician, I would have
sworn your Lordship had consulted him.--But I would beg leave to hint to
your Lordship the opposition to be apprehended from the militia of
England, and the German forces that may be sent for according to treaty.

PARAMOUNT. As to the militia, they are half of them my friends, witness
Lancaster, Manchester, Liverpool, &c., &c., &c., the other half scarce
ever fired a gun in their lives, especially those of London; and I shall
take care by shaking the keys a little to have such officers appointed
over them, who are well known to be in my interest. As to the German
forces, I have nothing to apprehend from them; the parliament can soon
pass an act against the introduction of foreign troops, except the
French or Spaniards, who can't be called foreign, they are our friends
and nearest neighbours. Have you any thing further to object against the
probability of this plan?

MOCKLAW. Nothing, my Lord, but the people of Ireland, who must be
cajoled or humbugg'd.

PARAMOUNT. As to that, let me alone, I shall grant the Roman Catholics,
who are by far the most numerous, the free exercise of their religion,
with the liberty of bearing arms, so long unjustly deprived of, and
disarm in due time all the Protestants in their turn.

MOCKLAW. That will be a noble stroke, the more I consider it, the more
I'm surpris'd at your Lordship's profound wisdom and foresight: I think
success is certain.

PARAMOUNT. Then this is the favourable crisis to attempt it; 'tis not
the thought of a day, a month, or a year. Have you any more objections?

MOCKLAW. I have one more, my Lord--

PARAMOUNT. Well, pray let's hear it; these lawyers will be heard.

MOCKLAW. The Bishops and Clergy are a powerful, numerous body; it would
be necessary, my Lord, to gain them over, or keep them silent--A
religious war is the worst of wars.

PARAMOUNT. You are very right, I have 'em fast enough--Mammon will work
powerfully on them--The keys--the keys--His Grace my Lord of Suffolk is
managing this business for me, and feeding them with the hopes of being
all created Archbishops here, and each to have a diocese, and Bishops
of their own appointment in America; not a city or town there but must
be provided with a Bishop: There let religion erect her holy altars, by
which means their revenues will be augmented beyond that of a Cardinal.
All this we must make 'em believe.

M