She only told them,
contrary to her declarations in the beginning of her reign, that she had
fixed no absolute resolution against marriage; and she added, that the
difficulties attending the question of the succession were so great that
she would be contented, for the sake of her people, to remain some
time longer in this vale of misery; and never should depart life with
satisfaction, till she had laid some solid foundation for their future
security.[*]

The most remarkable law passed this session, was that which bore the
title of "Assurance of the queen's royal power over all states and
subjects within her dominions."[**] By this act, the asserting twice,
by writing, word, or deed, the pope's authority, was subjected to the
penalties of treason. All persons in holy orders were bound to take the
oath of supremacy; as also all who were advanced to any degree, either
in the universities or in common law; all schoolmasters, officers in
court, or members of parliament: and the penalty of their second
refusal was treason. The first offence, in both cases, was punished by
banishment and forfeiture. This rigorous statute was not extended to
any of the degree of a baron; because it was not supposed that the
queen could entertain any doubt with regard to the fidelity of persons
possessed of such high dignity. Lord Montacute made opposition to the
bill; and asserted, in favor of the Catholics, that they disputed not,
they preached not, they disobeyed not the queen, they caused no trouble,
no tumults among the people.[***] It is, however, probable, that
some suspicions of their secret conspiracies had made the queen and
parliament increase their rigor against them; though it is also more
than probable, that they were mistaken in the remedy.

There was likewise another point, in which the parliament, this session,
showed more the goodness of their intention than the soundness of their
judgment. They passed a law against fond and fantastical prophecies,
which had been observed to seduce the people into rebellion and
disorder:[****] but at the same time they enacted a statute, which
was most likely to increase these and such like superstitions: it was
levelled against conjurations, enchantments, and witchcraft.[v]

* Sir Simon D'Ewes's Journal, p. 75.

** 5 Eliz. c. 1.

*** Strype, vol. i. p 260.

**** 5 Eliz. c. I

v 5 Eliz. c. 16.

Witchcraft and heresy are two crimes which commonly increase by
p