In the year 1592 a pamphlet had been published on the Continent in Latin and English, _Responsio ad Edictum Reginae Angliae_, with reference to the severe legislation which followed on the Armada, making such charges against the Queen and the Government as it was natural for the Roman Catholic party to make, and making them with the utmost virulence and unscrupulousness.

It was supposed to be written by the ablest of the Roman pamphleteers, Father Parsons.

The Government felt it to be a dangerous indictment, and Bacon was chosen to write the answer to it.

He had additional interest in the matter, for the pamphlet made a special and bitter attack on Burghley, as the person mainly responsible for the Queen's policy.

Bacon's reply is long and elaborate, taking up every charge, and reviewing from his own point of view the whole course of the struggle between the Queen and the supporters of the Roman Catholic interest abroad and at home.