State of Europe on the Death of Mary--Preparations of Philip of Spain--Exploits of English Sailors--Drake Singes the King of Spain's Beard--Preparations against the Armada--Loyalty of the Roman Catholics--Arrival of the Armada in the Channel--Its Disastrous Course and Complete Destruction--Elizabeth at Tilbury--Death of Leicester--Persecution of the Puritans and Catholics--Renewed Expeditions against Spain--Accession of Henry of Navarre to the French Throne--He is helped by Elizabeth--Essex takes Cadiz--His Quarrels with the Cecils--His Second Expedition and Rupture with the Queen--Troubles in Ireland--Essex appointed Lord-Deputy--His Failure--The Essex Rising--Execution of Essex--Mountjoy in Ireland--The Debate on Monopolies--Victory of Mountjoy--Weakness of Elizabeth--Her last Illness and Death 313 CHAPTER XVI. THE PROGRESS OF THE NATION IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY. The Tudors and the Nation--The Church--Population and Wealth--Royal Prerogative--Legislation of Henry VIII.--The Star Chamber--Beneficial Legislation--Treason Laws--Legislation of Edward and Mary--Elizabeth's Policy--Religion and the Church--Sketch of Ecclesiastical History under the Tudors--Literature, Science, and Art--Greatness of the Period--Foundation of Colleges and Schools--Revival of Learning--Its Temporary Decay--Prose Writers of the Period--The Poets--Scottish Bards--Music--Architecture--Painting and Sculpture--Furniture and Decorations--Arms and Armour--Costumes, Coins, and Coinage--Ships, Commerce, Colonies, and Manufactures--Manners and Customs--Condition of the People 342 CHAPTER XVII. REIGN OF JAMES I.