Not only Jesuits, but Catholic women and children were attacked; one boy of thirteen was racked and executed as a traitor.

The persecution by public opinion supplied what the activity of the government overlooked.

In fact it was the government that was the moderating factor.

The act passed in 1585 banishing the Jesuits was intended to obviate sterner measures.

In dealing with the mass of the population Burghley made persecution pay its way by resorting to fines as the principal punishment.