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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Condition of Catholics Under James I.
+by John Morris and John Gerard
+
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no
+restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under
+the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or
+online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license
+
+
+
+Title: The Condition of Catholics Under James I.
+
+Author: John Morris and John Gerard
+
+Release Date: February 7, 2011 [Ebook #35501]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: US-ASCII
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CONDITION OF CATHOLICS UNDER JAMES I.***
+
+
+
+
+
+                The Condition of Catholics Under James I.
+
+             Father Gerard's Narrative of the Gunpowder Plot
+
+                        Edited, With His Life, By
+
+                               John Morris,
+
+                      Priest of the Society of Jesus
+
+                      London: Longmans, Green, & Co.
+
+                                   1871
+
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+The Life Of Father John Gerard
+A Narrative Of The Gunpowder Plot.
+   Jesus Maria. The Preface.
+   Chapter II. [I.] The State Of Persecuted Catholics At The Queen's Death
+   And The King's Entry, With Their Hopes Of Relaxation By Him, Whereof
+   They Failed.
+   Chapter III. [II.] The Increase Of Persecution And All Kind Of
+   Molestations Unto Catholics, With Their Failing Of All Hopes, Procured
+   By The Puritan Faction.
+   Chapter III. How Upon These And The Like Motives Divers Gentlemen Did
+   Conspire And Conclude Upon Some Violent Remedy.
+   Chapter IV. How After They Had Begun Their Enterprise, They Fell Into
+   Some Scruple, And Went About To Satisfy Their Conscience By Asking
+   Questions Afar Off, Of Learned Men, Without Opening The Case.
+   Chapter V. How Father Garnett Beginning To Suspect Somewhat By Certain
+   Generalities He Understood Of The Gentlemen, Wrote Divers Letters To
+   Rome For Prevention Of Rebellion.
+   Chapter VI. How In The Mean Space, The Conspirators Proceeded In Their
+   Purpose, And Drew In More Complices, And What They Were.
+   Chapter VII. How, The Parliament Drawing Near, The Whole Plot Was
+   Discovered, And That Which Ensued Thereupon.
+   Chapter VIII. How Upon Examination Of The Prisoners It Was Apparent
+   That No Other Catholics Could Be Touched With The Conspiracy. The Same
+   Also Confirmed By His Majesty's Own Words, To The Great Comfort Of
+   Catholics.
+   Chapter IX. How The Fathers Of The Society Were By Industry Of The
+   Heretics Drawn Into This Matter, To Incense The King Against Them, And
+   For Them Against The Catholic Religion.
+   Chapter X. How Father Garnett, The Superior, Was Discovered And Taken
+   In Worcestershire And Brought Up To London: And Of His First Entreaty
+   And Examination.
+   Chapter XI. Of Father Garnett, His Carriage To The Tower And Subtle
+   Usage There. Also Of The Usage Of Fr. Ouldcorne And Nicholas Owen,
+   Ralph, And John Grisoll In The Same Place.
+   Chapter XII. Of The Arraignment, Condemnation, And Execution Of The
+   Conspirators, With The Full Clearing Of Some Of The Society Falsely
+   Accused In This Arraignment.
+   Chapter XIII. Of The Arraignment And Condemnation Of Father Garnett.
+   Chapter XIV. Of The Arraignment And Execution Of Father Ouldcorne And
+   Those That Suffered With Him, And Of The Occurrences There, With A
+   Brief Relation Of His Life.
+   Chapter XV. Of The Execution Of Father Garnett, With A Brief Relation
+   Of His Life.
+   Chapter XVI. Of The State Of Catholics After Father Garnett His
+   Execution: How God Did Comfort Them With Some Miraculous Events, And
+   How Their Zeal Increased, Notwithstanding The Increase Of Persecution.
+   Chapter XVII. A Catalogue Of The Laws Against Catholics Made By Queen
+   Elizabeth And Confirmed By This King, And Of Others Added By Himself.
+Alphabetical Index.
+Footnotes
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE LIFE OF FATHER JOHN GERARD
+
+
+
+
+I.
+
+
+The life and character of a witness are the grounds on which we base our
+estimate of his credibility. That he should have spoken of himself at
+great length and with many and minute details is a circumstance most
+favourable to the formation of an accurate judgment respecting him. Such
+is fortunately our position with regard to Father John Gerard, the author
+of the Narrative of the Gunpowder Plot. He has left a full and most
+interesting autobiography in Latin; and we have felt that we could not do
+the reader a better service, or better establish the good fame of a man
+who has been unjustly accused, than by prefixing to his Narrative
+translations of large portions of his Autobiography. When the life of
+Father Gerard is before the reader, we will address ourselves directly to
+the subject of his veracity, and in conclusion, we will give what is known
+of the history of the Autobiography, and of the autograph manuscript from
+which the Narrative of the Powder Plot is printed.
+
+John Gerard was the second son of Sir Thomas Gerard, of Bryn,(1)
+Lancashire, Knight, and Elizabeth, daughter of Sir John Port, of Etwal,
+Derbyshire, Knight. In the Narrative(2) of the Plot, when he has occasion
+to speak of his elder brother Thomas, who received knighthood from King
+James on his accession, he says "that was to him no advancement whose
+ancestors had been so for sixteen or seventeen descents together." This
+Sir Thomas was made a baronet at the first creation of that dignity in
+1611.
+
+"I was born," in 1564, "of Catholic parents, who never concealed their
+profession, for which they suffered much from our heretic rulers; so much
+so that, when a child of five years of age, I was forced, together with my
+brother who was also a child, to dwell among heretics under another roof,
+for that my father, with two other gentlemen, had been cast into the Tower
+of London, for having conspired to restore the Scottish Queen to liberty
+and to her kingdom. She was at that time confined in the county of Derby"
+[at Tutbury(3)] "at two miles distance from us. Three years afterwards, my
+father, having obtained his release by the payment of a large sum, brought
+us home, free however from any taint of heresy, as he had maintained a
+Catholic tutor over us."
+
+Sir Thomas Gerard was again in the Tower of London later on, and had been
+there more than two years when his son landed in England as a Priest.(4) A
+little before this imprisonment, he had been summoned by his kinsman,(5)
+Sir Gilbert Gerard, the Master of the Rolls, to compound for his recusancy
+by the "free offer" of a yearly sum to be paid to the Queen, "to be freed
+from the penalty of the statute." As it gives an excellent idea of the
+exactions to which wealthy Catholics were continually subjected in those
+days, we subjoin Sir Thomas' "offer." The original in the Public Record
+Office(6) is signed by himself.
+
+
+    "14 die Martii, 1585.
+
+    "Sir Thomas Gerard saith that he is greatly in debt, by reason of
+    his troubles and suretyship, and payeth large interest for the
+    same; and hath sold much of his lands and departed with a large
+    portion of the rest unto his sons; and hath two daughters to
+    bestow, so that he is not able to offer any great sums unto Her
+    Highness in this behalf [preparation to resist the Spanish
+    invasion]. "Yet, nevertheless, he most humbly submitteth himself
+    unto Her Majesty's pleasure, offering his person to serve Her
+    Highness in any place of the world. And if he shall not be
+    admitted thereto, then he offereth, with very good will, 30_l._
+    a-year, which is the fourth part of his small portion remaining,
+    now left to maintain himself, his poor wife and children."
+
+    "THOMAS GERARD."
+
+
+The name of "Dame Elizabeth Gerard" heads the list of thirty-three
+"Recusants sometimes resident about London and in Middlesex, but now
+dispersed into other countries."
+
+With regard to the mention of property transferred by Sir Thomas Gerard to
+his sons, it may be interesting to quote from the information of a spy,(7)
+given just ten years later, the following details--
+
+"_Item_, John Gerard the Jesuit hath certain houses in Lancashire, called
+Brockehouse Row, near Ashton; he hath made leases, and one tenant hath not
+paid all his fine: old John Southworth, dwelling thereabouts, is his
+bailiff, who can show how else the land and title standeth."
+
+"At the age of fifteen," the Autobiography resumes, "I was sent to Exeter
+College, Oxford, where my tutor was a certain Mr. Leutner,(8) a good and
+learned man, and a Catholic in mind and heart. There however I did not
+stay more than a twelvemonth, as at Easter the heretics sought to force us
+to attend their worship, and to partake of their counterfeit sacrament. I
+returned then with my brother to my father's house, whither Mr. Leutner
+himself soon followed us, being resolved to live as a Catholic in very
+deed, and not merely in desire. While there, he superintended our Latin
+studies for the next two years, but afterwards going to Belgium, he lived
+and died there most holily. As for Greek, we were at the same time placed
+under the tuition of a good and pious Priest, William Sutton by name, to
+whom this occupation served as an occasion for dwelling in our house
+unmolested. He afterwards entered the Society, and was drowned on the
+coast of Spain, whither Superiors had called him.
+
+"At the age of nineteen I passed over to France, by permission, with the
+object of learning the French tongue, and resided for three years at
+Rhemes. While there, though yet a lad, and far from being solidly grounded
+in my Humanities, I applied myself to the study of Sacred Scripture,
+consulting the commentators for the sense of the more difficult passages,
+and writing down with my own hand the explanations given publicly to the
+theological students. Being my own master, I did not, as I ought to have
+done, lay a sufficiently solid foundation. My own taste guided my choice
+of authors, and I sedulously read the works of St. Bernard and St.
+Bonaventure, and such other spiritual writers. About this time I made, by
+God's providence, the acquaintance of a saintly young man, who had been
+admitted into the Society at Rome, but having for reasons of health been
+sent out for a time, was then living at Rhemes. He gave me the details of
+his past life; he told me (may the Lord reward him) how he had been
+educated in the household of God; he taught me how good and wholesome it
+was for a man to have borne the yoke from his youth. He taught me the
+method of mental prayer; for which exercise we were wont to meet together
+at stated hours, as we were not living in the College, but in different
+lodgings in the town. It was there that, when about twenty years of age, I
+heard the call of God's infinite mercy and loving kindness inviting me
+from the crooked ways of the world to the straight path, to the perfect
+following of Christ in His holy Society."
+
+"After my three years' residence at Rhemes, I went to Clermont College, at
+Paris, to see more closely the manner of the Society's life, and to be
+more solidly grounded in Humanities and Philosophy. I had not been there
+one year, when I fell dangerously ill. After my recovery, I accompanied
+Father Thomas Darbyshire to Rouen, in order to see Father Persons, who had
+arrived thither from England, and was staying incognito in that city, to
+superintend the publication of his _Christian Directory_, a most useful
+and happy work, which in my opinion has converted to God more souls than
+it contains pages. The heretics themselves have known how to appreciate
+it, as appears from a recent edition thereof published by one of their
+ministers, who sought to claim the glory of so important a work. To Father
+Persons then did I communicate my vocation, and my desire of joining the
+Society. But as I was not yet strong, nor fit to continue my studies, and,
+moreover, as I had some property to dispose of and arrangements to make in
+England, he advised me to return thither, so as to recruit my health by
+breathing my native air, and at the same time to free myself from every
+obstacle which might prevent or delay me in my pursuit of perfection and
+the Religious life. I accordingly went home, and after settling my
+affairs, set out on my return, in about a year; this time, however,
+without having asked for a license, for I had no hope of obtaining it, as
+I did not venture to communicate my plans to my parents.
+
+"I embarked then with some other Catholics, and after having been kept
+five days at sea by contrary winds, we were forced to put in at the port
+of Dover. On arriving thither, we were all seized by the Custom House
+officers, and forwarded to London in custody. My companions were
+imprisoned, on a warrant of the Queen's Privy Council. For my own part,
+though I declared myself a Catholic, and refused to attend their worship,
+I escaped imprisonment at that time, as there were some of the Council
+that were friendly to my family, and had procured me the license to travel
+abroad on the former occasion. They entertained, it would seem, some hopes
+of perverting me in course of time, so I was sent to my maternal uncle's,
+a Protestant, to be kept in his custody, and if possible, to be perverted.
+He, after three months, sought to obtain my full liberty by praying or
+paying;(9) but being asked whether I had _gone to church_, as they call
+it, he was obliged to acknowledge that he could never bring me to do so.
+Thereupon the Council sent me with a letter to the pseudo-Bishop of
+London,(10) who having read it, asked whether I would allow him to confer
+with me on religious matters. I replied, that as I doubted of nothing, I
+had rather decline. 'You must in that case,' answered the Superintendent,
+'remain here in custody.' I replied that in this I was obliged to
+acquiesce, through force and the command of the Government. He treated me
+with kindness, with a view perhaps of thus drawing me over. But he ordered
+his chaplain's bed to be brought into my chamber. At first I repeatedly
+declared my determination not to enter into any dispute with this man on
+matters of faith, as to which my mind was settled, nor to receive
+religious instruction from him; but as he ceased not pouring forth abuse
+and blasphemy against the Saints in Heaven, and against our Holy Mother
+the Church, I was forced to defend the truth, and then almost the whole
+night was spent in disputing. I soon discovered that in him at least God's
+truth had no very formidable adversary. After two days, as they saw my
+case was hopeless, they sent me back to the Council with letters of
+recommendation forsooth, for the so-called Bishop told me that he had
+greatly striven in my favour, and that he had great hopes of my being set
+at large. It was, however, a Uriah's letter that I carried, for no sooner
+had the Council read it, than they ordered me to be imprisoned until I had
+learnt to be a loyal subject. For they hold him a bad subject who will not
+subject himself to their heresies and their sacrilegious worship.
+
+"Being committed to the Marshalsea prison, I found there numbers of
+Catholics and some Priests(11) awaiting judgment of death with the
+greatest joy. In this school of Christ I was detained from the beginning
+of one Lent" [March 5, 1584] "to the end of the following, not without
+abundant consolation of mind, and good opportunity for study."
+
+"Twice during this interval we were all dragged before the Courts, not to
+be tried for our lives, but to be fined according to the law against
+recusants. I was condemned to pay 2,000 florins [200_l._].(12) The Court
+was held in the country, some six miles out of London...."(13)
+
+"At times our cells were visited, and a strict search made for church
+stuff, Agnus Dei, and relics. Once we were, almost all of us, betrayed by
+a false brother, who had feigned to be a Catholic, and disclosed our
+hidden stores to the authorities. On this occasion were seized quantities
+of Catholic books and sacred objects, enough to fill a cart. In my cell
+were found nearly all the requisites for saying Mass: for my next-door
+neighbour was a good Priest, and we discovered a secret way of opening the
+door between us so that we had Mass very early every morning. We
+afterwards repaired our losses, nor could the malice of the devil again
+deprive us of so great a consolation in our bonds.
+
+"In the course of the following year, my liberty was obtained by the
+importunities of my friends, who however were bound as sureties, to the
+extent of a heavy sum of money, for my remaining in the kingdom. I was,
+moreover, to present myself at the prison at the three months' end. And
+these sureties had to be renewed three or four times before I was able to
+resume my project. At length the long-wished-for opportunity presented
+itself. A very dear friend of mine offered himself as bail to meet
+whatever demand might be made, if I was discovered to be missing after the
+appointed time. After my departure, he forfeited not indeed his money, but
+his life: for he was one of the most conspicuous of those fourteen
+gentlemen who suffered in connection with the captive Queen of Scots, and
+whose execution, as events soon showed, was but a prelude to taking off
+the Queen herself.
+
+"Being at length free, I went to Paris;(14) and finding Father William
+Holt, who had just arrived from Scotland, ready to start for Rome with the
+Provincial of France, I joined myself to their company. At Rome I was
+advised to pursue my studies in the English College, and to take Priest's
+Orders before I entered the Society. I followed this advice, despite my
+ardent desire of entering Religion, which I communicated to Father
+Persons, and to Father Holt, the then Rector of the English College. But
+as the Roman climate was not suited to my constitution, and I had an
+extreme desire of going to England, it seemed good to the Fathers to put
+me at the beginning of the year to casuistry and controversies; I went
+therefore through a complete course of Positive Theology. Towards its
+close, when the Spanish Armada was nearing the coasts of England, Cardinal
+Allen thought fit to send me to England for various matters connected with
+Catholic interests, but as I still wanted several months of the lawful age
+for taking Priest's Orders, a Papal dispensation was obtained. I was most
+unwilling to depart unless I was first admitted into the Society, so
+Father Persons, out of his singular charity towards me, obtained my
+admission to the Novitiate, which I was to finish in England. There were
+at that time in the English College some others who had the like vocation,
+and we used to strive to conform ourselves as much as possible to the
+Novices at St. Andrew's, serving in the kitchen, and visiting hospitals.
+On the Feast of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, 1588, our
+Very Rev. Father General Aquaviva received Father Edward Ouldcorne of
+blessed memory and my unworthy self into the Society of Jesus, and gave us
+his blessing for the English Mission.
+
+
+
+
+II.
+
+
+"I started then on my homeward journey,(15) in company with Father
+Ouldcorne and two other Priests who had been students at the English
+College."... "As we passed through Rhemes, where there was an English
+Seminary, and through Paris, we kept the strictest incognito."
+
+Father Gerard's passing through Paris was not as little known as he
+thought, and without being aware of it, he then fell into the gravest of
+the perils that beset the poor Catholics of England, the "perils from
+false brethren." Gilbert Gifford, _alias_ Jacques Colerdin, "an English
+Priest and Bachelor in Theology," as he describes himself in his
+petition(16) to the Archbishop of Paris for liberation from his prison in
+Paris, was one of Sir Francis Walsyngham's most copious correspondents. He
+had been arrested for Babington's conspiracy, and turned spy to save his
+life. He had a pension(17) from Walsyngham of 100_l._ a-year for his
+treachery, the suspicion of which caused his imprisonment. Apparently from
+his prison, he found means to write a letter(18) to his employers, in
+which the following sentence occurs: "There be 8 Priests over from Rome,
+whereof John Gerard and Arthur Shefford a Priest, and his man, will be in
+England within five days."
+
+In all unconsciousness Father Gerard proceeds: "At length we came to Eu,
+where a College for English youths had been established, which was
+afterwards abandoned on account of the wars, and another more extensive
+establishment erected at St. Omers. Our Fathers at Eu, after conferring
+with those who had the management of the College in that town, all
+strongly opposed our venturing into England as circumstances then were,
+for that the Spanish attempt had exasperated the public mind against
+Catholics, and most rigid searches and domiciliary visits had been set on
+foot; that guards were posted in every village along the roads and
+streets; that the Earl of Leicester, then at the height of his favour, had
+sworn not to leave a single Catholic alive at the close of the year, but
+this man of blood did not live out half his days, for he was cut off in
+that very same year. We were compelled then to stay there for a time,
+until fresh instructions were sent us by Father Persons in the name of
+Father General. They were to this effect, that the state of affairs had
+indeed much changed since our departure from Rome, but that, as it was the
+Lord's business that we had to do, he left us free either to wait the
+return of greater calm or to pursue the course we had entered upon. On
+receiving this desirable message we did not long deliberate, but
+immediately hired a ship to land us in the northern part of England, which
+seemed to be less disturbed. Two Priests from Rhemes joined us, as our
+former companions preferred to take time before they faced the dangers
+which awaited them on the opposite shores.
+
+"The ship then set sail with four Priests on board, a goodly cargo indeed,
+had not my unworthiness deprived me of the crown, for all those other
+three suffered martyrdom for the faith. The two Priests were soon taken,
+and being in a short space made perfect, they fulfilled a long time. Their
+names were Christopher Bales and George Beesley,(19) but my companion, the
+blessed Father Ouldcorne, after having spent eighteen years of toil and
+labour in the Lord's vineyard, watered it at length with his blood.
+
+"After crossing the Channel, as we were sailing along the English coast on
+the third day, my companion and I, seeing a convenient spot in which the
+ship's boat might easily set us on shore, and considering that it were
+dangerous if we were to land all together, recommended the matter to God
+and took counsel with our companions. We then ordered the ship to anchor
+until dark, and in the first watch we were put ashore in the boat and left
+there, whereupon the ship immediately set sail and departed. We remained
+there awhile commending ourselves in prayer to God's providence; then we
+sought out some path which might lead us further inland, at a greater
+distance from the sea, before the day should dawn. But the night being
+dark and cloudy we could not strike out any path that would lead us to the
+open country, but every way we tried always brought us to some dwelling,
+as we were made aware by the barking of the dogs. As this happened some
+two or three times we began to fear lest we might rouse some of the
+inhabitants, and be seized upon as thieves or burglars. We therefore
+turned into a neighbouring wood, where we proposed to rest during the
+night. But the rain and the cold (for it was about the end of October)
+rendered sleep impossible, nor did we dare to speak aloud to one another,
+as the wood was in the neighbourhood of a house, but we deliberated in
+whispers whether to set out together for London or to part company, so
+that if one were taken the other might escape. Having pondered the reasons
+on both sides, we determined to set forth each by himself, and to take
+different routes.
+
+"At day-dawn, then, we cast lots who should first leave the wood, and the
+lot fell on the good Father who was also the first to leave this world for
+Heaven. We then made an equal division of what money we had, and after
+embracing and receiving one from the other a blessing, the future martyr
+went along the sea-shore to a neighbouring town, where he fell in with
+some sailors who were thinking of going to London. Being prudent and
+cautious, he strove by cheerfulness to accommodate himself to their
+humours in indifferent things. But twice or thrice he could not withhold
+from reproving their coarse and filthy language, though he imperilled
+himself by so doing, as he afterwards told me."... "Evil as they were, he
+did not so displease them, but that, by their means, and the protection
+they unwittingly afforded, he was enabled to reach London without
+molestation; for the watchers, who were in almost every town through which
+he passed, taking him to be one of the party, cared not to annoy those
+whose appearance and carriage distinguished them so completely from those
+for whom they were keeping watch.
+
+"When my companion had departed, I too set out, but by a different road. I
+had not gone far before I saw some country folks coming towards me. I went
+up to them and inquired about a stray falcon, whether they had heard the
+tinkling of his bells. For I wanted them to think that I had lost a
+falcon, and was going through the country in search of it, as is usual
+with those who have sustained such a loss, so that they might not wonder
+why I was strange to the country and had to ask my way. They of course had
+neither seen nor heard any such thing of late, and seemed sorry that they
+could not direct my search. I then went with a disappointed air to examine
+the neighbouring trees and hedges, as if to look for my bird. Thus I was
+able, without awakening suspicion, to keep clear of the highway, and to
+get further and further from the sea-shore by going across country.
+Whenever I saw any one in a field I went up to him and put the same series
+of questions about the falcon, concealing thereby my anxiety to keep out
+of the public roads and villages, where I knew sentinels were posted with
+power to examine every stranger. I thus managed to expend the best part of
+that day, walking some eight or ten miles, not in a straight line, but by
+doubling and returning frequently on my steps. At length, being quite
+soaked with rain and exhausted with hunger and fatigue, for I had scarcely
+been able to take any food or rest on board ship for the tossing of the
+waves, I turned into a village inn which lay in my road, for those who go
+to the inns are less liable to be questioned.
+
+"There I refreshed myself well, and found mine host very agreeable,
+especially as I wanted to buy a pony he had in his stable. I concluded the
+bargain at a reasonable price, for the owner was not very rich, but I took
+it as a means of more speedy and safer transit, for foot-passengers are
+frequently looked upon as vagrants, and even in quiet times are liable to
+arrest.
+
+"Next morning I mounted my pony and turned towards Norwich, the capital of
+that county. I had scarcely ridden two miles when I fell in with the
+watchers at the entrance of a village, who bade me halt and began to ask
+me who I was and whence I came. I told them that I was the servant of a
+certain lord who lived in a neighbouring county (with whom I was well
+acquainted, though he was unknown to them), that my falcon had flown away,
+and that I had come to this part of the country to recover him if he
+should have been found. They found no flaw in my story, yet they would not
+let me go, but said I must be brought before the constable and the
+beadle,(20) who were both in church at the time, at their profane
+heretical service. I saw that I could neither fly nor resist, nor could I
+prevail with these men, so, yielding to necessity, I went with them as far
+as the churchyard. One of the party entered the church and brought word
+that the beadle wished me to come into the church, and that he would see
+me when service was over. I replied that I would wait for him where I was.
+'No, no,' said the messenger, 'you must go into the church.' 'I shall stop
+here,' I returned, 'I do not want to lose sight of my horse.' 'What!' said
+the man, 'you won't dismount to go and hear the Word of God! I can only
+warn you that you will make no very favourable impression; as to your
+horse, I myself will engage to get you a better one, if you are so anxious
+about him.' 'Go and tell him,' said I, 'that if he wants me, either he
+must come at once or I will wait here.' As soon as my message was taken to
+him, the beadle came out with some others to examine me. I could easily
+see he was not best pleased. He began by demanding whence I came. I
+answered by naming certain places which I had learnt were not far off. To
+his questions as to my name, condition, dwelling, and business, I made the
+same answers as above. He then asked whether I had any letters with me, on
+which I offered to allow him to search my person. This he did not do, but
+said he should be obliged to take me before the Justice of the Peace.(21)
+I professed my readiness to go, should he deem it needful, but that I was
+in a hurry to get back to my master after my long absence, so that if it
+could be managed I should be better pleased to be allowed to go on. At
+first he stood to his resolution, and I saw nothing for it but to go
+before the Justice and to be committed to gaol, as doubtless would have
+been the case. But suddenly looking at me with a calmer countenance, he
+said, 'You look like an honest man: go on in God's name, I do not want to
+trouble you any more.' Nor did God's providence abandon me in my further
+journey. As I rode onward towards the town, I saw a young man on horseback
+with a pack riding on before me. I wanted to come up with him, so as to
+get information about the state of the town, and ask the fittest inn for
+me to put up at, and he looked like one of whom I could make such
+inquiries without exciting suspicion; but his horse being better than mine
+I could not gain upon him, urge my pony how I would. After following him
+at a distance for two or three miles, it chanced by God's will that he
+dropped his pack, and was obliged to dismount in order to pick it up and
+strap it on. As I came up I found he was an unpolished youth, well fitted
+for my purpose. From him I acquired information that would have been very
+useful had any danger befallen, but, as it was, by his means the Lord so
+guided me, that I escaped all danger. For I inquired about a good inn near
+the city gate, that I might not weary my horse in going from street to
+street in search of one. He told me there was such an inn on the other
+side of the city; but that if I wanted to put up there I must go round the
+town. Having learnt the way thereto and the sign of the house, I thanked
+my informant, and left him to pursue his road, which led straight through
+the town, the same way I should have followed had I not met with such a
+guide, and in that case I should have run into certain danger, nor would
+any of those things have befallen which afterwards came to pass for God's
+greater glory and the salvation of many souls.
+
+"Following then the advice of the young man, I went round the skirts of
+the city to the gate he had described, and as soon as I entered I saw my
+inn. I had rested me but a little while there, when a man who seemed to be
+an acquaintance of the people of the house came in. After greeting me
+civilly, he sat down in the chimney corner, and dropped some words about
+some Catholic gentlemen who were kept in gaol there; and he mentioned one
+whose relative had been a companion of mine in the Marshalsea some seven
+years since. I silently noted his words, and when he had gone out, I asked
+who he might be. They answered that he was a very honest fellow in other
+points, but a Papist. I inquired how they came to know that. They replied
+that it was a well-known fact, as he had been many years imprisoned in the
+Castle there (which was but a stone's throw from where I was); that many
+Catholic gentlemen were confined there, and that he had been but lately
+let out. I asked whether he had abandoned the Faith in order to be at
+large. 'No indeed,' said they, 'nor is he likely to, for he is a most
+obstinate man. But he has been set free under an engagement to come back
+to prison, when called for. He has some business with a gentleman in the
+prison, and he comes here pretty often, on that account.' I held my
+tongue, and awaited his return. As soon as he came back, and we were
+alone, I told him I should wish to speak with him apart, that I had heard
+that he was a Catholic, and for that reason I trusted him, as I also was a
+Catholic: that I had come there by a sort of chance, but wanted to get on
+to London: that it would be a good deed worthy of a Catholic, were he to
+do me the favour of introducing me to some parties who might be going the
+same road, and who were well known, so that I might be allowed to pass on
+by favour of their company: that being able to pay my expenses, I should
+be no burden to my companions. He replied that he knew not of any one who
+was then going to London. I hereon inquired if he could hire a person who
+would accompany me for a set price. He said he would look out some such
+one, but that he knew of a gentleman then in the town, who might be able
+to forward my business. He went to find him, and soon returning desired me
+to accompany him. He took me into a shop, as if he were going to make some
+purchase. The gentleman he had mentioned was there, having appointed the
+place that he might see me before he made himself known. At length he
+joined us, and told my companion in a whisper that he believed I was a
+Priest. He led us therefore to the cathedral, and having put me many
+questions, he at last urged me to say whether or no I was a Priest,
+promising that he would assist me, at that time a most acceptable offer.
+On my side, I inquired from my previous acquaintance the name and
+condition of this party; and on learning it, as I saw God's providence in
+so ready an assistance, I told him I was a Priest of the Society, who had
+come from Rome. He performed his promise, and procured for me a change of
+clothes, and made me mount a good horse, and took me without delay into
+the country to the house of a personal friend, leaving one of his servants
+to bring on my little pony. The next day we arrived at his house, where he
+and his family resided, together with a brother of his who was a heretic.
+They had with them a widowed sister, also a heretic, who kept house for
+them; so that I was obliged to be careful not to give any ground for them
+to suspect my calling. The heretic brother at my first coming was somewhat
+suspicious, seeing me arrive in his Catholic brother's company unknown as
+I was, and perceiving no reason why the latter should make so much of me.
+But after a day or so, he quite abandoned all mistrust, as I spoke of
+hunting and falconry with all the details that none but a practised person
+could command. For many make sad blunders in attempting this, as Father
+Southwell, who was afterwards my companion in many journeys, was wont to
+complain. He frequently got me to instruct him in the technical terms of
+sport, and used to complain of his bad memory for such things, for on many
+occasions when he fell in with Protestant gentlemen, he found it necessary
+to speak of these matters, which are the sole topics of their
+conversation, save when they talk obscenity, or break out into blasphemies
+and abuse of the Saints or the Catholic faith. In these cases it is of
+course desirable to turn the conversation to other subjects, and to speak
+of horses, of hounds, and such like. Thus it often happens that trifling
+covers truth,(22) as it did with me on this occasion. After a short
+sojourn of a few days, I proposed to my newly-found friend, the Catholic
+brother, my intention of going to London, to meet my Superior. He
+therefore provided me with a horse, and sent a servant along with me;
+begging me at the same time to obtain leave to return to that county, and
+to make his house my home, for he assured me that I should bring over many
+to the faith, were I to converse with them publicly as he had seen me do.
+I pledged myself to lay his offer before Father Garnett, and said that I
+would willingly return if he should approve of it. So I departed, and
+arrived in London without accident, having met with no obstacle on the
+road. I have gone into these particulars, to show how God's providence
+guarded me on my first landing in England; for without knowing a single
+soul in that county, where until then I had never set foot, as it was far
+distant from my native place, on the very first day I found a friend who
+not only saved me from present peril, but who afterwards, by introducing
+me to the principal families in the county, furnished an opportunity for
+many conversions; and from the acquaintance I then made, and the knowledge
+the Catholics in those parts had of me in consequence, all that God chose
+hereafter to do by my weakness took its origin, as will appear by the
+sequel."
+
+
+
+
+III.
+
+
+"On my arrival in London, by the help of certain Catholics I discovered
+Father Henry Garnett, who was then Superior. Besides him, the only others
+of our Society then in England were Father Edmund Weston,(23) confined at
+Wisbech (who, had he been at large, would have been Superior), Father
+Robert Southwell, and we two new-comers.
+
+"My companion, Father Ouldcorne, had already arrived, so the Superior was
+rather anxious on my account, as nothing had been heard of me; but yet for
+that very reason hopes were entertained of my safety. It was with
+exceeding joy on both sides that we met at last. I stayed some time with
+the Fathers, and we held frequent consultations as to our future
+proceedings. The good Superior gave us excellent instructions as to the
+method of helping and gaining souls, as did also Father Southwell, who
+much excelled in that art, being at once prudent, pious, meek, and
+exceedingly winning. As Christmas was nigh at hand, it was necessary to
+separate, both for the consolation of the Faithful, and because the
+dangers are always greater in the great solemnities.
+
+"I was then sent back to my friend in the county where I was first set
+ashore. This time the Superior provided me with clothes and other
+necessaries, that I might not be a burden to my charitable host at the
+outset. But afterwards, throughout the whole period of my missionary
+labours, the fatherly providence of God supplied both for me and for some
+others. My dress was of the same fashion as that of gentlemen of moderate
+means. The necessity of this was shown by reason and subsequent events;
+for, from my former position, I was more at ease in this costume, and
+could maintain a less embarrassed bearing, than if I had assumed a
+character to which I was unaccustomed. Then, too, I had to appear in
+public and meet many Protestant gentlemen, with whom I could not have held
+communication with a view to lead them on to a love of the Faith and a
+desire of virtue, had I not adopted this garb. I found it helped me, not
+only to speak more freely and with greater authority, but to remain with
+greater safety, and for a longer interval of time, in any place or family
+to which my host introduced me as his friend and acquaintance.
+
+"Thus it happened that I remained for six or eight months, with some
+profit to souls, in the family of my first friend and host; during which
+time, he took me with him to nearly every gentleman's house in the county.
+Before the eight months were passed, I gained over and converted many to
+the Church: among whom were my host's brother, his brother-in-law, and his
+two sisters; one of these, as I have before mentioned, was my friend's
+housekeeper, and had been all along a notable Calvinist.
+
+"I reconciled, moreover, the sister of a Judge(24) who even now is the
+most firm support of the Calvinist party. This lady, having been brought
+up in his house, had been strongly imbued with this heresy. A very
+remarkable thing had happened to her some time previously. Being very
+anxious as to the state of her soul, she went to a certain Doctor of the
+University of Cambridge, of the name of Perne,(25) who she knew had
+changed his religion some three or four times under different sovereigns,
+but yet was in high repute for learning. Going to this Dr. Perne, then,
+who was an intimate friend of her family, she conjured him to tell her
+honestly and undisguisedly what was the sound orthodox faith whereby she
+might attain Heaven. The Doctor, finding himself thus earnestly appealed
+to by a woman of discretion and good sense, replied: 'I conjure you never
+to disclose to another what I am going to say. Since, then, you have
+pressed me to answer as if I had to give an account of your soul, I will
+tell you, that you can, if you please, _live_ in the religion now
+professed by the Queen and her whole kingdom, for so you will live more at
+ease, and be exempt from all the vexations the Catholics have to undergo.
+But by no means _die_ out of the faith and communion of the Catholic
+Church, if you would save your soul.' Such was the answer of this poor
+man, but such was not his practice; for, putting off his conversion from
+day to day, it fell out that, when he least expected, on his return home
+from dining with the pseudo-Archbishop of Canterbury, he dropped down dead
+as he was entering his apartment, without the least sign of repentance, or
+of Christian hope of that eternal bliss which he had too easily promised
+to himself and to others after a life of a contrary tendency. She to whom
+he gave the above-mentioned advice was more fortunate than he, and though
+she at first by no means accepted his estimate of the Catholic faith, yet
+later on, having frequently heard from me that the Catholic faith alone
+was true and holy, she began to have doubts, and in consequence brought me
+an heretical work which had served to confirm her in her heresy, and
+showed me the various arguments it contained. I, on the other hand,
+pointed out to her the quibbles, the dishonest quotations from Scripture
+and the Fathers, and the misstatement of facts which the book contained.
+And so, by God's grace, from the scorpion itself was drawn the remedy
+against the scorpion's sting, and she has lived ever since constant in her
+profession of the Catholic faith to which she then returned.
+
+"I must not omit mentioning an instance of the wonderful efficacy of the
+Sacraments as shown in the case of the married sister of my host. She had
+married a man of high rank, and being favourably inclined to the Church,
+she had been so well prepared by her brother, that it cost me but little
+labour to make her a child of the Catholic Church. After her conversion
+she endured much from her husband when he found that she refused to join
+in heretical worship, but her patience withstood and overcame all. It
+happened on one occasion that she was so exhausted after a difficult and
+dangerous labour, that her life was despaired of. A clever physician was
+at once brought from Cambridge, who on seeing her said that he could
+indeed give her medicine, but that he could give no hopes of her recovery;
+and having prescribed some remedies, he left. I was at that time on a
+visit to the house, having come, as was my wont, in company with her
+brother. The master of the house was glad to see us, although he well knew
+we were Catholics, and used in fact to confer with me on religious
+subjects. I had nearly convinced his understanding and judgment, but the
+will was rooted to the earth, 'for he had great possessions.' But being
+anxious for his wife, whom he dearly loved, he allowed his brother to
+persuade him, as there was no longer any hope for her present life, to
+allow her all freedom to prepare for the one to come. With his permission,
+then, we promised to bring in an old Priest on the following night: for
+those Priests who were ordained before Elizabeth's reign were not exposed
+to such dangers and penalties as the others. We therefore made use of his
+ministry, in order that this lady might receive all the rites of the
+Church. Having made her confession and been anointed with great devotion,
+she received the Holy Viaticum; and behold in half an hour's time she so
+far recovered, as to be wholly out of danger; the disease and its cause
+had vanished, and she had only to recover her strength. The husband seeing
+his wife thus snatched from the jaws of death, wished to know the reason.
+We told him that it was one of the effects of the holy Sacrament of
+Extreme Unction, that it restored bodily health when Divine Wisdom saw
+that it was expedient for the good of the soul. This was the cause of his
+conversion; for admiring the power and efficacy of the Sacraments of the
+true Church, he allowed himself to be persuaded to seek in that Church the
+health of his own soul. I, being eager to strike the iron while it was
+hot, began without delay to prepare him for confession; but not wishing
+just then that he should know me for a Priest, I said that I would
+instruct him as I had been instructed by Priests in my time. He prepared
+himself, and awaited the Priest's arrival. His brother-in-law told him
+that this must be at night time. So, having sent away the servants who
+used to attend him to his chamber, he went into the library, where I left
+him praying, telling him that I would return directly with the Priest. I
+went downstairs and put on my soutane, and returned so changed in
+appearance, that he, never dreaming of any such thing, was speechless with
+amazement. My friend and I showed him that our conduct was necessary, not
+so much in order to avoid danger, but in order to cheat the devil and to
+snatch souls from his clutches. He well knew, I said, that I could in no
+other way converse with him and his equals, and without conversation it
+was impossible to bring round those who were so ill-disposed. The same
+considerations served to dispel all anxieties as to the consequence of my
+sojourn under his roof. I appealed to his own experience, and reminded
+him, that though I had been in continual contact with him, he had not once
+suspected my priestly character. He thus became a Catholic; and his lady,
+grateful to God for this two-fold blessing, perseveres still in the Faith,
+and has endured much since that time from the hands of heretics.
+
+"Besides these, I reconciled to the Church, during the period of my
+appearance in public, more than twenty fathers and mothers of families,
+equal, and some even superior, in station to the above mentioned. For
+prudence sake I omit their names. As for poor persons and servants, I
+received a great many; the exact number I do not remember." ...
+
+"After some six or seven months, I received a visit from a Catholic
+gentleman of another county, a relative of one of my spiritual children,
+who was very desirous to make acquaintance with a Jesuit. He was a devout
+young man, and heir to a pretty considerable estate, one half of which
+came into his possession by his brother's death, the other portion being
+held for life by his mother, who was a good Catholic widow lady. Her son
+lived with her, and they kept a Priest in the house. He had then sold a
+portion of his estate, and devoted the proceeds to pious uses, for he was
+fervent and full of charity. After the lapse of a few days, as I saw his
+aspiration to a higher life and his desires of perfection wax stronger, I
+told him that there were certain spiritual exercises, by means of which a
+well-disposed person could discover a short road to perfection, and be
+best prepared to make choice of a state of life. He most earnestly begged
+to be allowed to make them. I acceded to his request, and he made great
+spiritual profit thereby, not only in that he made the best choice, which
+was that he would enter the Society of Jesus as soon as possible, but also
+because he made the best and most proper arrangements to carry his purpose
+into execution, and to preserve meanwhile his present fervour. After his
+retreat he expressed the greatest wish that I should come and live with
+him, and I had no rest until I promised to submit the matter to my
+Superior. For my own part, I could not but reflect that my present public
+mode of life, though in the beginning it had its advantages, could not be
+long continued, because the more people I knew and the more I was known
+to, the less became my safety, and the greater my distractions. Hence it
+was not without acknowledging God's special providence that I heard him
+make me this invitation. So, after having consulted with my Superior, and
+obtained his permission to accept the offer, I bade adieu to my old
+friends, and stationed a Priest where they might conveniently have
+recourse to his ministry. He still remains there, to the great profit of
+souls, though in the endurance of many perils.
+
+"In my new abode, I was able to live much more quietly and more to my
+taste, inasmuch as nearly all the members of the house were Catholics; and
+thus it was easier for me to conform to the manner of life of the Society,
+both as regards dress and the arrangement of my time.... While in this
+residence (and I was there all but two years) I gave much time to my
+studies. At times I made missionary excursions, and not only did I
+reconcile many, but I confirmed some Catholic families in the Faith, and
+placed two Priests in stations where they might be useful to souls."
+
+Amongst those to whom Father Gerard gave the Spiritual Exercises while in
+this residence, were two brothers of the name of Wiseman, who entered the
+Novitiate of St. Andrew at Rome "under the names of Starkie and Standish,
+which they assumed," says Father Gerard, "as a remembrance of me; for
+under these I passed in the first and second county where I took up my
+residence." The one died there, and the other at St. Omers, not long
+after. Their eldest brother was William Wiseman, of Braddocks, or
+Broadoaks, a family mansion(26) which stands in the fields two miles from
+Wimbish Church, in Essex. "He had lately come to his estate on the death
+of his father, and had made himself a large deer park in it. There he
+lived like a little king, in ease and independence, surrounded by his
+children, to whom, as well as to his wife, he was tenderly attached. As he
+kept clear of Priests from the Seminaries, he lived unmolested, feeling
+nothing of the burden and heat of the day; for the persecutors troubled
+chiefly those who harboured the Seminarists, not caring to inquire after
+those who kept the old Priests, that is, those who had taken Orders before
+the reign of Elizabeth.... In his house there was living my host's mother,
+a most excellent widow lady, happy in her children, but still happier in
+her private virtues. She had four sons and four daughters. These latter,
+without exception, devoted their virginity to God. Two had already joined
+the holy Order of St. Bridget before my arrival," Ann and Barbara;(27)
+"and one of these," Barbara, "is even at this day Abbess in Lisbon. I sent
+the two others," Jane and Bridget "to Flanders, where they still serve God
+in the Order of St. Augustine at Louvain. Her sons were all pious young
+men; two," Thomas and John, "died in the Society, as was related above;
+the third," Robert, "chose the army, and was lately slain in a battle with
+the heretics in Belgium; he fell fighting when many around him had
+surrendered; the fourth," William,(28) who married Jane, daughter of Sir
+Edmund Huddleston, Knight, "was the master of that house, who to his
+mother's great joy, had given himself up to every good work."
+
+Mrs. Wiseman, or "the Widow Wiseman," as it seems more natural to call
+her, had a house of her own at Northend in the parish of Great Waltham,
+which had been in possession of the family since the time of Henry VI. On
+Father Gerard's recommendation she went to live there, and maintained a
+Priest, "in order that so noble a soul, and one so ready for all good
+deeds, might be a profit not only to herself but to many, as in fact she
+became. Her house was a retreat and no small protection both to ours and
+to other Priests." This valiant Catholic woman and her brave son were in
+bad repute with the persecuting authorities, and the Public Record Office
+preserves many reports respecting them. In January, 1594, Justice Young
+writes to Lord Keeper Puckering,(29) "Mrs. Jane Wiseman her house is the
+only resort for these wicked persons. She was at Wisbech with the
+Seminaries and Jesuits there, and she did repent that she had not gone
+bare-footed thither, and she is a great reliever of them, and she made a
+rich vestment and sent it them, as your Lordship doth remember as I think,
+when you and my Lord of Buckhurst sent to Wisbech to search, for that I
+had letters which did decypher all her doings." She was condemned in 1598
+to the _peine forte et dure_ for refusing to plead when indicted for
+harbouring Father Jones, _alias_ Buckley, the Franciscan martyr. "However,
+on account of her rank and the good name which she had, the Queen's
+councillors would not let such barbarity be practised in London. So they
+transferred her after her condemnation to a more loathsome prison, and
+kept her there. They wanted at the same time to seize her income for the
+Queen. Now if she had been dead, this income would not have gone to the
+Queen, but to the widow's son, my host. The godly woman therefore lived in
+this prison, reft of her goods but not of her life, of which she most
+desired to be reft. She pined in a narrow and filthy cell till the
+accession of King James, when, as is usual at the crowning of a new King,
+she received a pardon, and returned home; where she now serves the
+servants of God, and has two of ours with her in the house."
+
+
+
+
+IV.
+
+
+While Braddocks was his head-quarters, "I found time," he says, "both for
+study and missionary excursions. I took care that all in the house should
+approach the Sacraments frequently, which none before, save the good
+widow, used to do oftener than four times a year. Now they come every
+week. On feast-days, and often on Sundays, I preached in the chapel;
+moreover, I showed those who had leisure the way to meditate by
+themselves, and taught all how to examine their conscience. I also brought
+in the custom of reading pious books, which we did even at meals, when
+there were no strangers there; for at that time we Priests sat with the
+rest, even with our gowns on. I had a soutane besides and a biretta, but
+the Superior would not have us use these except in the chapel.
+
+"In my excursions I almost always gained some to God. There is, however, a
+great difference to be observed between these counties where I then was,
+and other parts of England; for in some places, where many of the common
+people are Catholics, and almost all lean towards the Catholic faith, it
+is easy to bring many into the bosom of the Church, and to have many
+hearers together at a sermon. I myself have seen in Lancashire two hundred
+together at Mass and sermon; and as these easily come in, so also they
+easily scatter when the storm of persecution draws near, and come back
+again when the alarm has blown over. On the contrary, in those parts where
+I was now staying there were very few Catholics, but these were of the
+higher classes; scarcely any of the common people, for they cannot live in
+peace, surrounded as they are by most violent heretics. The way of
+managing in such cases, is first to gain the gentry, then the servants:
+for Catholic masters cannot do without Catholic servants.
+
+"About this time I gained to God and the Church my hostess' brother, the
+only son of a certain Knight," Henry, son of Sir Edmund Huddleston, of
+Sawston.(30) "I ever after found him a most faithful friend in all
+circumstances. He afterwards took to wife a relative(31) in the third
+degree of the most illustrious Spanish Duke of Feria," Dorothy, daughter
+of Robert first Lord Dormer, by his wife, Elizabeth Browne, daughter of
+Anthony first Viscount Montague. "This pious pair are so attached to our
+Priests, that now in these terrible times they always keep one in their
+house, and often two or three." ...
+
+"Besides others of less standing whom my host's mother, in her great zeal
+for souls, brought me to be reconciled, she had nearly won over a certain
+great lady, a neighbour of hers. Though this lady was the wife of the
+richest(32) lord in the whole county, and sister to the Earl of Essex
+(then most powerful with the Queen), and was wholly given to vanities,
+nevertheless she brought her so far as to be quite willing to speak with a
+Priest, if only he could come to her without being known. This the good
+widow told me. I consequently went to her house openly, and addressed her
+as though I had something to tell her from a certain great lady her
+kinswoman, for so it had been agreed. I dined openly with her and all the
+gentry in the house, and spent three hours at least in private talk with
+her. I first satisfied her in all the doubts which she laid before me
+about faith; next, I set myself to stir up her will, and before my
+departure I so wrought upon her, that she asked for instructions how to
+prepare herself for confession, and fixed a day for making it. Nay, she
+afterwards wrote to me earnestly protesting that she desired nothing in
+the world so much as to open to me the inmost recesses of her heart. But
+the judgments of God are a deep abyss, and it is a dreadful thing to
+expose oneself to the occasions of sin. Now there was a nobleman(33) in
+London, who had loved her long and deeply; to him she disclosed her
+purpose by letter, perchance to bid him farewell; but she roused a
+sleeping adder. For he hastened to her, and began to dissuade her in every
+kind of way; and being himself a heretic, and not wanting in learning, he
+cunningly coaxed her to get him an answer to certain doubts of his from
+the same guide that she herself followed; saying that if he was satisfied
+in this, he too would become a Catholic. He implored her to take no step
+in the meantime, if she did not wish for his death. So he filled two
+sheets of paper about the Pope, the worship of Saints, and the like. She
+sent them with a letter of her own, begging me to be so good as to answer
+them, for it would be a great gain if such a soul could be won over. He
+did not, however, write from a wish to learn, but rather with the
+treacherous design of delaying her conversion. For he got an answer, a
+full one I think, to which he made no reply. But meanwhile he endeavoured
+to get her to London, and succeeded in making her first postpone, and
+afterwards altogether neglect her resolution. By all this, however, he was
+unwittingly bringing on his own ruin; for later on, returning from Ireland
+laden with glory, on account of his successful administration, and his
+victory over the Spanish forces that had landed there (on which occasion
+he brought over with him the Earl of Tyrone, who had been the most
+powerful opponent of heresy in that country, and most sturdy champion of
+the ancient faith), he was created an Earl, and though conqueror of
+others, he conquered not himself, but was kept a helpless captive by his
+love of this lady. This madness of his caused him to commit such
+extravagances that he became quite notorious, and was publicly disgraced.
+Unable to endure this dishonour, and yet unwilling to renounce the cause
+of it, he died of grief, invoking, alas! not God, but this goddess, 'his
+angel,' as he called her, and leaving her heiress of all his property.
+Such was his miserable end, in bad repute of all men. The lady, though now
+very rich, often afterwards began to think of her former resolution, and
+often spoke of me to a certain Catholic maid of honour that she had about
+her. This latter coming into Belgium about three years back to become a
+Nun, related this to me, and begged me to write to her and fan the yet
+unquenched spark into a flame. But when I was setting about the letter, I
+heard that she had been carried off by a fever, not, however, before she
+had been reconciled to the Church by one of ours. I have set this forth at
+some length, that the providence of God with regard to her whose
+conversion was hindered, and His judgment upon him who was the cause of
+the hindrance, may more clearly appear.
+
+"I used also to make other missionary excursions at this time to more
+distant counties towards the north. On the way I had to pass through my
+native place, and through the midst of my kindred and acquaintance; but I
+could not do much good there, though there were many who professed
+themselves great friends of mine. I experienced in fact most fully the
+truth of that saying of Truth Himself, that no prophet is received in his
+own country; so that I felt little wish at any time to linger among them.
+It happened once that I went to lodge on one of those journeys with a
+Catholic kinsman.(34) I found him in hunter's trim, ready to start for a
+grand hunt, for which many of his friends had met together. He asked me to
+go with him, and try to gain over a certain gentleman who had married a
+cousin of his and mine. I answered that some other occasion would be more
+fit. He disagreed with me, however, maintaining that unless I took this
+chance of going with him, I should not be able to get near the person in
+question. I went accordingly, and during the hunt joined company with him
+for whose soul I myself was on the hunt. The hounds being at fault from
+time to time, and ceasing to give tongue, while we were awaiting the
+renewal of this hunters' music, I took the opportunity of following my own
+chase, and gave tongue myself in good earnest. Thus, beginning to speak of
+the great pains that we took over chasing a poor animal, I brought the
+conversation to the necessity of seeking an everlasting kingdom, and the
+proper method of gaining it, to wit, by employing all manner of care and
+industry; as the devil on his part never sleeps, but hunts after our souls
+as hounds hunt after their prey. We said but little on disputed points of
+faith, for he was rather a schismatic than a heretic, but to move his will
+to act required a longer talk. This work was continued that day and the
+day after; and on the fourth day he was spiritually born and made a
+Catholic. He still remains one, and often supports Priests at home and
+sends them to other people."
+
+
+
+
+V.
+
+
+"My journeys northwards were undertaken for the purpose of visiting, and
+strengthening in the faith, certain persons who there afforded no small
+aid to the common cause. Among them were two sisters of high nobility,
+daughters of an Earl of very old family who had laid down his life for the
+Catholic faith.(35) They lived together, and manifested a great desire to
+have me not merely visit them sometimes, but rather stay altogether with
+them. The elder, who had a family, became a pillar of support to that
+portion of our afflicted Church. She kept two Priests with her at home,
+and received all who came to her with great charity. There are numbers of
+Priests in that part of the country, and many Catholics, mostly of the
+poorer sort. Indeed, I was hardly ever there without our counting before
+my departure six or seven Priests together in her house. Thus she gave
+great help to religion in the whole district during her abode there, which
+lasted till I was seized and thrown into prison; whereupon she was
+constrained by her husband to change her abode and go to London, a
+proceeding which did neither of them any good, and deprived the poor
+Catholics of many advantages. Her sister was chosen by God for Himself. I
+found her unmarried, humble and modest. Gradually she was fitted for
+something higher. She learnt the practice of meditation; and profited so
+well thereby, that the world soon grew vile in her eyes, and Heaven seemed
+the only thing worthy of her love. I afterwards sent her to Father Holt,
+in Belgium. He wrote to me on one occasion about her in these terms:
+'Never has there come into these parts a countrywoman of ours that has
+given such good example, or done such honour to our nation.' She had the
+chief hand in the foundation of the present convent of English Benedictine
+Nuns at Brussels,(36) where she still lives, and has arrived to a great
+pitch of virtue and self-denial. She yearns for a more retired life, and
+has often proposed to her director to allow her to live as a recluse, but
+gives in to his reasons to the contrary.
+
+"At first I used to carry with me on these journeys my altar furniture,
+which was meagre but decent, and so contrived that it could be easily
+carried, along with several other necessary articles, by him who acted as
+my servant. In this way I used to say Mass in the morning in every place
+where I lodged, not however before I had looked into every corner around,
+that there might be no one peering in through the chinks. I brought my own
+things mainly on account of certain Catholics, my entertainers, not having
+yet what was necessary for the Holy Sacrifice. But after some years this
+cause was removed; for in nearly every place that I came to they had got
+ready the sacred vestments beforehand. Moreover, I had so many friends to
+visit on the way, and these at such distances from one another, that it
+was hardly ever necessary for me to lodge at an inn on a journey of one
+hundred and fifty miles; and at last I hardly slept at an inn once in two
+years.
+
+"I used to visit my Superior," Father Garnett, "several times a year, when
+I wished to consult him on matters of importance. Not only I, but all of
+us used to resort to him twice a year to give our half-yearly account of
+conscience and renew the offering of our vows to our Lord Jesus. I always
+remarked that the others drew great profit from this holy custom of our
+Society. As for myself, to speak my mind frankly, I never found anything
+do me more good, or stir up my courage more to fulfil all the duties which
+belong to our Institute, and are required of the workmen who till the
+Lord's vineyard in that country. Besides experiencing great spiritual joy
+from the renewal itself, I found my interior strength recruited, and a new
+zeal kindled within me afterwards in consequence; so that if I have not
+done any good, it must have come from my carelessness and thanklessness,
+and not from any fault of the Society, which afforded me such means and
+helps to perfection.
+
+"On one occasion we were all met together in the Superior's house while he
+yet resided in the country," in Worcestershire, "and were employed in the
+renovation of spirit. We had had several conferences, and the Superior had
+given each of us some advice in private, when the question was started
+what we should do if the Priest-hunters suddenly came upon us, seeing that
+there were so many of us, and there were nothing like enough hiding-places
+for all. We numbered then, I think, nine or ten of ours, besides other
+Priests our friends, and some Catholics who would also have had to seek
+concealment. The blessed(37) Father Garnett answered, 'True, we ought not
+all to meet together now that our number is daily increasing; however, as
+we are here assembled for the greater glory of God, I will be answerable
+for all till the renovation is over, but beyond that I will not promise.'
+Accordingly, on the very day of the renovation, though he had been quite
+unconcerned before, he earnestly warned every one to look to himself, and
+not to tarry without necessity, adding, 'I do not guarantee your safety
+any longer.' Some, hearing this, mounted their horses after dinner and
+rode off. Five of ours and two Secular Priests stayed behind.
+
+"Next morning, about five o'clock, when Father Southwell was beginning
+Mass, and the others and myself were at meditation, I heard a bustle at
+the house door. Directly after I heard cries and oaths poured forth
+against the servant for refusing admittance. The fact was, that four
+Priest-hunters, or pursuivants as they are called, with drawn swords were
+trying to break down the door and force an entrance. The faithful servant
+withstood them, otherwise we should have been all made prisoners. But by
+this time Father Southwell had heard the uproar, and, guessing what it
+meant, had at once taken off his vestments and stripped the altar; while
+we strove to seek out everything belonging to us, so that there might be
+nothing found to betray the presence of a Priest. We did not even wish to
+leave boots and swords lying about, which would serve to show there had
+been many guests though none of them appeared. Hence many of us were
+anxious about our beds, which were still warm, and only covered, according
+to custom, previous to being made. Some, therefore, went and turned their
+beds, so that the colder part might deceive anybody who put his hand in to
+feel. Thus, while the enemy was shouting and bawling outside, and our
+servants were keeping the door, saying that the mistress of the house, a
+widow, had not yet got up, but that she was coming directly and would give
+them an answer, we profited by the delay to stow away ourselves and all
+our baggage in a cleverly-contrived hiding-place.
+
+"At last these four leopards were let in. They raged about the house,
+looking everywhere, and prying into the darkest corners with candles. They
+took four hours over the business; but failed in their search,(38) and
+only brought out the forbearance of the Catholics in suffering, and their
+own spite and obstinacy in seeking. At last they took themselves off,
+after getting paid, forsooth, for their trouble. So pitiful is the lot of
+the Catholics, that those who come with a warrant to annoy them in this or
+in other way, have to be paid for so doing by the suffering party instead
+of by the authorities who send them, as though it were not enough to
+endure wrong, but they must also pay for their endurance of it. When they
+were gone, and were now some way off, so that there was no fear of their
+returning, as they sometimes do, a lady came and summoned out of the den,
+not one, but many Daniels. The hiding-place was underground, covered with
+water at the bottom, so that I was standing with my feet in water all the
+time. We had there Father Garnett, Father Southwell, and Father Ouldcorne
+(three future martyrs), Father Stanny, and myself, two Secular Priests,
+and two or three lay gentlemen. Having thus escaped that day's danger,
+Father Southwell and I set off the next day together, as we had come.
+Father Ouldcorne stayed, his dwelling or residence being" at Henlip House,
+"not far off."
+
+
+
+
+VI.
+
+
+But Father Gerard's good works were now to be interfered with by the
+treachery of a servant. This man's name was John Frank, and his deposition
+taken before Justice Young, May 12, 1594,(39) will illustrate Father
+Gerard's story. The Father introduces the traitor without naming him.
+
+"There is a time for gathering stones together, and a time for scattering
+them. The time had now come for trying the servants of God, my hosts, and
+myself along with them. And that they might be more like in their
+sufferings to their Lord for Whom they suffered, God allowed them to be
+betrayed by their own servant, whom they loved. He was not a Catholic, nor
+a servant of the house, but had been once in the service of the second
+brother, who when he crossed the sea recommended him to his mother and
+brother. He lived in London, but often used to visit them, and knew nearly
+everything that happened in either of their houses. I had no reason for
+suspecting one whom all trusted. Still I never let him see me acting as a
+Priest, or dressed in such a way as to give him grounds to say that I was
+one. However, as he acknowledged afterwards, he guessed what I was from
+seeing his master treat me with such respect; for he nearly always set me
+two or three miles on my journeys. Often too my host would bear me company
+to London, where we used at that time to lodge in this servant's house. I
+had not yet found by experience, that the safest plan was to have a
+lodging of my own. Such were the facts which, as the traitor afterwards
+stated, gave rise to his suspicions. Feeling sure that he could get more
+than three hundred pieces of silver for the sale of his master, he went to
+the magistrates and bargained to betray him. They, it seems, sent him for
+a while to spy out who were Priests, and how many there were of them
+haunting the houses of the widow and her son.
+
+"The widow's house was first searched. The Priest that usually dwelt there
+was then at home, but escaped for that time by taking refuge in a
+hiding-place. As for the pious widow, they forced her to go to London,
+there to appear before the Judges who tried cases concerning Catholics. At
+her appearance she answered with the greatest courage, more like a free
+woman than a grievously persecuted prisoner. She was thrown into gaol."
+From Frank we learn that the search was made Dec. 26, 1593.
+
+"He saith that one Brewster, a Priest, being a tall man with a white
+flaxen beard, was at old Mrs. Wiseman's house at Northend from Michaelmas
+till Christmas last, and was in the house when the pursuivants were there
+on Wednesday the 26th of December last, hid in a privy place in a chamber.
+And William Suffield, Mr. William Wiseman's man, came thither for him on
+Thursday in the Christmas week, at five o'clock in the night, and carried
+him to Mr. William Wiseman's house at Braddocks (as this examinate heard).
+And afterwards Suffield came again and rode with old Mrs. Wiseman to the
+Lord Rich's." The seat of Lord Rich was at Lee Priory, not far from
+Northend. The widow, therefore, was not arrested on this occasion.
+
+Of the search, Justice Young made the following report to Lord Keeper
+Puckering.(40) "Right honourable, my humble duty remembered, this is to
+advertize your honour that the bearers hereof, Mr. Worsley and Mr.
+Newall," pursuivants who were Topcliffe's chief aiders in the searches
+made in the houses of Catholics, "hath been in Essex at Mrs. Wiseman's
+house, being a widow, and there they found a Mass a preparing, but the
+Priest escaped, but they brought from thence Robert Wiseman her son,(41)
+and William Clarke, a lawyer, and Henry Cranedge, a physician, and Robert
+Foxe, who doth acknowledge themselves all to be recusants, and do deny to
+take an oath to answer truly to such matters as shall touch the Queen's
+Majesty and the State, whereupon I have committed them close prisoners,
+one from another. Also they found in the said house one Nicholas
+Norffooke, Samuel Savage, and one Daniell, servants unto the said Mrs.
+Wiseman, and one Mrs. Ann Wiseman, a widow, and Mary Wiseman her daughter,
+and Elizabeth Cranedge, and Alice Jenings, wife of Richard Jenings, and
+Mary Wiseman, daughter to Mr. George Wiseman, of Upminster, and is in
+Commission of the Peace, and all these in the said house are recusants;
+wherefore it may stand with your lordship's good liking, I think it were
+well that they were all sent for hither to be examined, for that, the said
+Mrs. Jane Wiseman----" and then follows the remembrance of old Mrs.
+Wiseman's wish that her pilgrimage to the Priests at Wisbech had been
+barefooted, that we have already given.
+
+"_Item_, he saith, to return to Frank's examination, "that Mr. Gerard,
+_alias_ Tanfield, _alias_ Staunton, the Priest Jesuit, was at Mr. William
+Wiseman's house at Braddocks all the Christmas last, and Richard Fulwood
+was his man attending on him, and was two years coming and going thither,
+and was also with Mr. Wiseman in Lancashire a little before Michaelmas was
+twelve months, as Ralph Willis, who then attended on Master Gerard, told
+this examinate, and were at the Lady Gerard's house, she being at home."
+
+"_Item_, he saith that he hath seen Mr. Gerard dine and sup ordinarily
+with Mr. Wiseman at his own table in his house at Braddocks about twelve
+months past, and that at Michaelmas was twelve months they were both
+together in the examinate's house,--Father Gerard has just told us that
+they used to go there till he got a lodging of his own--"and Mr. Ormes, the
+tailor of Fleet-street, was there with him, and did take measure of Mr.
+Gerard by the name of Mr. Tanfield, to make him garments."
+
+"_Item_, he saith that the said Gerard lay one night at the Lady Mary's in
+Blackfriars (as he thinketh) a little before Easter last,(42) and Ralph
+Willis, his servant, lay that night at this examinate's house, and that
+Richard Fulwood, since his imprisonment in Bridewell at Easter last, wrote
+a letter and sent it from Bridewell to the Lady Mary's, and there this
+examinate received it and went down with it to Mr. Gerard, who was at Mr.
+William Wiseman's house at Braddocks all the Easter last, and hidden in
+the house while the pursuivants were there, which letters aforesaid this
+examinate did deliver to Ralph Willis, who carried them immediately to Mr.
+Gerard. And this examinate saw the letters in Mr. Gerard's hands, and
+heard him read them. Wherein Fulwood wrote that he expected torture every
+day, and Mr. Gerard wished that he might bear some of Fulwood's
+punishment." ...
+
+"_Item_, he saith that the satin doublet and velvet hose which were found
+in Middleton's house at the apprehension of Mr. Gerard were Mr. Wiseman's,
+and the ruffs were Mrs. Wiseman's; and if they had not been taken, the
+apparel should have been carried by this examinate the next day to Mr.
+Wiseman in the Counter.
+
+"_Item_, he saith that about three weeks before Michaelmas last or
+thereabouts, this examinate was sent by old Mrs. Wiseman to Mr. Gerard,
+from Northend to London, with Scudamore, _alias_ John Wiseman, the
+Priest,(43) and a boy named Richard Cranishe, of the age of 16 years, son
+of Robert Cranishe, and afterwards Mrs. Jane Wiseman(44) and Mrs. Bridget
+Wiseman, sisters to Mr. William Wiseman, came up also; and William Savage,
+tailor, servant to old Mrs. Wiseman, and Richard Fulwood, Mr. Gerard's
+man, attended on them, and John Jeppes came up at the same time; all of
+which persons (saving Jeppes) lay at this examinate's house a week. And
+then Scudamore, the two gentlewomen, Cranishe, Savage, and this examinate,
+embarked themselves at Gravesend in one Motte his bark, and went over to
+Middleborough, and there lay at one Charles his house about a fortnight,
+and then went to Antwerp, and this examinate returned back again, but
+whether Mr. William Wiseman did know of their going over or no he cannot
+tell." ...
+
+"_Item_, he saith that Nicholas Owen, who was taken in bed with Mr. Gerard
+the Jesuit, was at Mr. Wiseman's house at Christmas was twelve months, and
+called by the name of Little John and Little Michael, and the cloak that
+he wore was Mr. Wiseman's cloak a year past, and was of sad green cloth
+with sleeves, caped with tawny velvet and little gold strips turning on
+the cape. And the said Owen was at Mr. Emerson's at Felsted while Mrs.
+Wiseman lay there." ...
+
+Such is Frank's examination, taken in May, 1594, and it will throw much
+light on the subsequent narrative. On the 14th of April, Justice Young
+sent to Lord Keeper Puckering(45) "the names of them that were found in
+Mr. Wiseman's house: John Fulwood, Richard Fulwood, Richard Wallis,
+William Wallis, William Suffield, Ralph Williamson, John Stratforde. These
+men are all recusants, and will not take an oath to the Queen's Majesty,
+nor to answer to anything. One Thomas was apprehended when his master was
+taken, and he fled away with his master's best gelding and a handful of
+gold that his master gave him. All these were servants(46) to Mr. William
+Wiseman, who is a continual receiver of all Seminary Priests, and went to
+Wisbech to visit the Priests and Jesuits there, and since his imprisonment
+there was a Seminary Priest in his house which escaped away from the
+Justices and pursuivants and left his apparel behind him." This was, as we
+shall see, Father Gerard himself, and later on he was made to try on the
+clothes thus found, and "they were just a fit." All this was to prove Mr.
+Wiseman guilty of harbouring a Priest, "which," Father Gerard says, "they
+were never able to do."
+
+Father Garnett, in a letter(47) to Father Persons at Rome, dated Sept. 6,
+1594, thus describes the capture of the servants. "The Friday night before
+Passion Sunday" [March 15] "was such a hurly-burly in London as never was
+seen in man's memory; no, not when Wyatt was at the gates. A general
+search in all London, the Justices and chief citizens going in person; all
+unknown persons taken and put in churches till the next day. No Catholics
+found, but one poor tailor's house at Golding-lane end, which was esteemed
+such a booty as never was got since this Queen's days. The tailor and
+divers others there taken lie yet in prison, and some of them have been
+tortured. That mischance touched us near; they were our friends and
+chiefest instruments. That very night had been there _Long John_ with the
+little beard, once your pupil" [in the margin is written _John Gerard_],
+"if I had not more importunately stayed him than ever before. But soon
+after he was apprehended, being betrayed we know not how; he will be stout
+I doubt not. He hath been very close, but now is removed from the Counter
+to the Clink, where he may in time do much good. He was glad of Mr.
+Homulus(48) his company, but he had been taken from him and carried to
+Newgate, whence he hopeth to redeem him again."
+
+Father Gerard tells the story thus. "The hidden traitor, wholly unknown to
+his master, was watching his chance of giving us up without betraying his
+own treachery. At first he settled to have me seized in a house" in
+Golding-lane "which had been lately hired in London to answer my own and
+my friends' purposes. From his master's employing him in many affairs, he
+could not help knowing the place which his master had hired for my use.
+Consequently he promised the magistrates to tell them when I was coming,
+so that they might surround the house during the night with their
+officers, and cut off my escape. The plan would have succeeded, had not
+God provided otherwise through an act of obedience.
+
+"My Superior had lately come to live four or five miles from London.(49) I
+had gone to see him, and had been with him a day or two, when, having
+business in London, I wrote to those who kept the house to expect me on
+such a night, and bring in certain friends whom I wanted to see. The
+traitor, who was now often seen in the house, which belonged ostensibly to
+his master, learnt the time, and got the Priest-hunters to come there at
+midnight with their band.
+
+"Just before mounting my horse to depart, I went to take leave of my
+Superior. He would have me stay that night. I told him my business, and my
+wish to keep my appointment with my friends; but the blessed Father would
+not allow it, though, as he said afterwards, he knew no reason, nor was it
+his wont to act in this manner. Without doubt he was guided by the
+inspiration of God; for early next morning we heard that some Papists had
+been seized in that house, and the story ran that a Priest was among them.
+The fact was that my servant, Richard Fulwood, was caught trying to hide
+himself in a dark place, there being as yet no regular hiding-places,
+though I meant to make some. As he cut a good figure, and neither the
+traitor nor any one else that knew him was there, he was taken for a
+Priest. Three Catholics and one schismatic were seized and thrown into
+prison. The latter was a Catholic at heart, but did not refuse to go to
+the heretics' churches. As he was a trusty man, I employed him as keeper
+of the house, to manage any business in the neighbourhood. At their
+examination they all showed themselves steadfast and true, and answered
+nothing that could give the enemy any inkling that the house belonged to
+me instead of to my host. It was well that it was so; for things would
+have gone harder with the latter had it been otherwise. The magistrates
+sent him a special summons, in the hope that my arrest would enable them
+to make out a stronger case against him. As soon as he arrived in London
+he went straight to the house, never dreaming what had happened there, in
+order to treat with me as to the reason of his summons, and how he was to
+answer it. So he came and knocked at the door. It was opened to him at
+once; but, poor sheep of Christ, he fell into the clutches of wolves,
+instead of the arms of his shepherd and friend. For the house had been
+broken into the night before, and there were some ministers of Satan still
+lingering there, to watch for any Catholics that might come, before all
+got scent of the danger. Out came these men then; the good gentleman found
+himself ensnared, and was led prisoner to the magistrates. 'How many
+Priests do you keep in your house?' 'Who are they?' were the questions
+poured in upon him on all sides. He made answer, that harbouring Priests
+was a thing punishable with death, and so he had taken good care not to
+run such a risk. On their still pressing him, he said that he was ready to
+meet any accusation that could be brought against him on this head.
+However, they would not hint anything about me, because though
+disappointed this time, they still hoped to catch me later, as the traitor
+was as yet unsuspected.
+
+"My host had on hand a translation of a work of Father Jerome Platus, _On
+the Happiness of a Religious State_. He had just finished the second part,
+and had brought it with him to see me about it. When he was seized, these
+papers were seized too. Being asked what they were, he said it was a book
+of devotion. Now the heretics are wont to pry into any writings that they
+find, because they are afraid of anything being published against
+themselves and their false doctrine. Not having time to go on with the
+whole case, they were very earnest about his being answerable for those
+papers. He said that there was nothing contained in them against the State
+or against sound teaching; and offered on the spot to prove the goodness
+and holiness of everything that was there set down. In so doing, as he
+told me afterwards, he felt great comfort at having to answer for so good
+a book. He was thrown into prison, and kept in such close confinement that
+only one of his servants was allowed to go near him, and that was the
+traitor. Knowing that his master had no inkling of his bad faith, they
+hoped by his means to find out my retreat, and seize my person much sooner
+than they could otherwise have done."
+
+The following is Mr. Wiseman's examination, taken before Sir Edward Coke
+and others, in which will be found the defence of Father Jerome Platus,
+which Father Gerard so accurately remembered, and embodied in his
+Narrative.
+
+"The examination(50) of William Wiseman, of Wymbyshe, in the county of
+Essex, gentleman, taken the 19th day of March, in the thirty-sixth year of
+Her Majesty's reign [1594].
+
+"He saith that he hath the murrey" [mulberry-coloured] "beads (showed unto
+him upon his examination) of a gentlewoman and friend of his, and that he
+will not tell her name, for that she is a Catholic, as he termeth her, and
+saith that he hath had these beads about a year and a quarter, and
+received the same at Wymbyshe aforesaid, at his house there, called
+Broadoaks, and saith now, upon better advertisement, that his sister,
+Bridget Wiseman, now being beyond sea, did get the said beads and string
+the same for him, this examinate, but where she had them he cannot tell.
+Being demanded whether he knew a book (showed to him upon his examination)
+called _Breviarium Romanum_, he denieth that he knoweth the book or whose
+it is. He supposeth that a letter showed unto him upon his examination,
+beginning, 'Dear son, this day,' &c. &c., and ending with 'Commendation to
+all my friends,' is his mother's own handwriting, and sent unto him, this
+examinate, to his house aforesaid to-morrow shall be a seven-night.
+
+"And saith that a friend of his hath hired the house in Golding-lane,
+where he was apprehended, but denieth to tell his name for charity sake,
+but saith that his friend hired it of Mr. Tute, dwelling in the next house
+unto it, and saith that he hired it the last term. And saith that his
+friend did hire the said house for him, this examinate, and his mother,
+and saith that he never was at the house before, but came to the said
+house by such description as his friend made to him of it, and that this
+examinate came thither on Saturday at night to lie there, and his man
+(whose name _he will not tell_,(51) is Richard Fulwood) provided him by
+his commandment and appointment a bed and furniture belonging to the same
+in the said house, and knoweth not whether the bedding was in the house
+before he, this examinate, hired the same house or no, but thinketh that
+some of the bedding that now is there was in the house before.
+
+"He saith that the said Richard Fulwood hath served him about Shrovetide
+last was two years.
+
+"And saith that since he, this examinate, was confined, he hath used John
+Fulwood, brother to the said Richard Fulwood, in travelling about his
+business.
+
+"And saith that his servant, Thomas Barker, after he was apprehended and
+under arrest, was sent by this examinate to his inn, to return to him
+again as he saith, and further saith that before the said Thomas Barker
+went off out of the constable's custody, he, this examinate, laid two
+angels in the headborough's hand, and to take them to his own use if his
+servant did not return again. He thinketh he is gone to this examinate's
+house and denieth that he gave any message to the said Thomas Barker, save
+only that he should signify to his housekeeper where he this examinate
+was, and saith that Thomas Barker hath dwelt with him above a year past,
+and was commended to him by a friend of his being a Catholic, and refuseth
+to tell his name; and saith that both his said servants have been
+recusants ever since they dwelt with him.
+
+"And confesseth that a book intituled _Hieronymi Plati de Societate Jesu
+de bono statu religionis_ is his own, and that he caused the same to be
+bought at Cawood's shop in Paul's Churchyard, and saith that the book
+containeth nothing but true doctrine, and that he translated it through
+with his own hand--which was found and yet remaineth--the book; and that his
+servant Richard Fulwood bought the same, and hath had it or the like by
+the space of these two years and more, and saith that certain of his
+friends(52) coming to him this examinate, he the said examinate commended
+the same book to them to be a good book, and delivered the same book to
+them, to be seen and read of, and saith within the said two years he this
+examinate bought divers of the said book and hath sent of the same to some
+of the examinate's friends, as namely to the Priests at Wisbech, that is
+to say, Father Edmonds, and to no other by name but to him, but generally
+to the Priests, which is about a year past: and that the said Father
+Edmonds returned thanks [in] answer to the examinate that he liked the
+book very well, and this book he sent and received answer by his said
+servant Thomas Barker, who was born in Norwich, and saith that this
+examinate hath read over the first and half the second of the said book
+unto the 12th chapter, and that he dare to take upon him to defend so much
+to be sound and true: and saith that this examinate was with Father
+Edmonds at Wisbech about Michaelmas last was twelve months, and there saw
+and spake with him both privately and in company.
+
+"W. WISEMAN.
+
+"Examined by
+
+"EDW. COKE
+"WILL. DANYELL.
+"EDW. VAUGHAN.
+"R. WATSON.
+"RYC. YOUNG."
+
+
+
+
+VII.
+
+
+"On learning the seizure of our house at London," Father Gerard continues,
+"and my host's imprisonment, I went down to his country house to settle
+with his wife and friends what was to be done, and put all our effects in
+safe keeping. As we wanted the altar furniture for the approaching Easter,
+we sent very little of it to our friends. Of course I could not stay away
+from my entertainers at so holy a time, especially as they were in sorrow
+and trouble. In Holy Week the treacherous servant came from London with a
+letter from his master, wherein the latter set forth all that had befallen
+him, the questions that had been put to him, and his answers. This letter,
+though seen, had been let pass for the credit of the bearer, to give him a
+chance of seeing whether I was in the house at this solemn season. He
+brought me another letter from my servant, whose capture I spoke of above.
+When from the traitor's information they knew him to be my servant, hoping
+to wrest from him the disclosure of his friends and abettors, they kept
+him in solitary confinement in the loathsome prison of Bridewell. The
+purport of the letter was how he had denied everything,(53) what threats
+had been held out to him, and what his sufferings were in prison. He had,
+he said, hardly enough black bread to keep him from starving; his abode
+was a narrow strongly-built cell, in which there was no bed, so that he
+had to sleep sitting on the window-sill, and was months without taking off
+his clothes. There was a little straw in the place, but it was so trodden
+down and swarming with vermin that he could not lie on it. But what was
+most intolerable to him was their leaving all that came from him in an
+open vessel in that narrow den, so that he was continually distressed and
+almost stifled by the smell. Besides all this, he was daily awaiting an
+examination by torture.
+
+"While reading the letter to my hostess in presence of the traitor, I
+chanced to say at this last part, 'I wish I could bear some of his
+tortures, so that there might be less for him.' It was these words of mine
+that let us know later on who was the traitor, and author of all our woes.
+For when I was taken and questioned, and declared I was quite unacquainted
+with the family, those who were examining me forgot their secret, and
+cried out, 'What lies you tell!--did you not say so-and-so before such a
+lady, as you read your servant's letter?' But I still denied it, giving
+them good reasons, however, why, even if it had been true, I could and
+ought to have denied it.(54) But to take up the thread of my story.
+
+"The traitor on his return to London informed our enemies of everything.
+Forthwith they sent two of their best messengers, or pursuivants as they
+call them, to two gentlemen of the county, who were Justices of the Peace,
+bidding them search the house carefully with their men. The traitor also
+returned on Easter Sunday, on pretence of bringing a fresh letter from
+London, but in reality to play into the hands of our enemies and acquaint
+them with our plans. On Easter Monday" [April 1, 1594], "on account of the
+dangers that threatened us, we rose before our usual hour, and were trying
+to get ready for Mass before sunrise, when suddenly we heard the noise of
+horses galloping, and of a multitude of men coming to surround the house
+and cut off all escape. Seeing what was going to happen, we had the doors
+kept fast. Meanwhile the ornaments were pulled off the altar, the
+hiding-places thrown open, my books and papers carried into them, and an
+effort was made to hide me and all my effects together. I wanted to get
+into a hiding-place near the dining-room, as well to be further from the
+chapel and the more suspicious part of the house, as because there was
+store of provisions there, to wit, a bottle of wine, and certain light but
+strengthening food, such as biscuit made to keep, &c. Moreover, I hoped to
+hear our enemies talk, wherein there might be something, perchance, which
+bore upon our interests. These reasons, then, moved me to choose that
+place, and, in sooth, it was very fit and safe for hiding in. But God so
+willed it, that the mistress of the house should in nowise agree. She
+would have me go into a place near the chapel, where the altar furniture
+could sooner be stowed with me. I yielded, though there was nothing there
+for me to eat in case the search should last long. I went in, then, after
+everything was safe that needed putting away.
+
+"Scarcely had I done so, when the searchers broke down the door, and
+forcing their way in, spread through the house with great noise and
+racket. Their first step was to lock up the mistress of the house in her
+own room with her maids; and the Catholic servants they kept locked up in
+divers places in the same part of the house. They then took to themselves
+the whole house, which was of a good size, and made a thorough search in
+every part, not forgetting even to look under the tiles of the roof. The
+darkest corners they examined with the help of candles. Finding nothing
+whatever, they began to break down certain places that they suspected.
+They measured the walls with long rods, so that if they did not tally,
+they might pierce the part not accounted for. Thus they sounded the walls
+and all the boards, to find out and break into any hollow places that
+there might be.
+
+"They spent two days in this work without finding anything. Thinking,
+therefore, that I had gone on Easter Sunday, the two magistrates went away
+on the second day, leaving the pursuivants to take the mistress of the
+house, and all her Catholic servants of both sexes, to London, to be
+examined and imprisoned. They meant to leave some who were not Catholics
+to keep the house, the traitor being one of them. The good lady was
+pleased at this, for she hoped that he would be the means of freeing me,
+and rescuing me from death: for she knew that I had made up my mind to
+suffer and die of starvation between two walls, rather than come forth and
+save my own life at the expense of others. In fact, during those four days
+that I lay hid, I had nothing to eat but a biscuit or two and a little
+quince jelly, which my hostess had at hand and gave me as I was going in.
+She did not look for any more, as she supposed that the search would not
+last beyond a day. But now that two days were gone, and she was to be
+carried off on the third with all her trusty servants, she began to be
+afraid of my dying of sheer hunger. She bethought herself then of the
+traitor, who she heard was to be left behind. He had made a great fuss and
+show of eagerness in withstanding the searchers, when they first forced
+their way in. For all that, she would not have let him know of the
+hiding-places, had she not been in such straits. Thinking it better,
+however, to rescue me from certain death, though it was at her own risk,
+she charged him, when she was taken away, and every one had gone, to go
+into a certain room, call me by my wonted name, and tell me that the
+others had been taken to prison, but that he was left to deliver me. I
+would then answer, she said, from behind the wainscot where I lay
+concealed.
+
+"The traitor promised to obey faithfully, but was faithful only to the
+faithless, for he unfolded the whole matter to the ruffians who had been
+left behind. No sooner had they heard it, than they called back the
+magistrates who had departed. These returned early in the morning, and
+renewed the search. They measured and sounded everywhere, much more
+carefully than before, especially in the chamber above mentioned, in order
+to find out some hollow place. But finding nothing whatever during the
+whole of the third day, they purposed on the morrow to strip off all the
+wainscot of that room. Meanwhile they set guards in all the rooms about,
+to watch all night lest I should escape. I heard from my hiding-place the
+pass-word which the captain of the band gave to his soldiers, and I might
+have got off by using it, were it not that they would have seen me issuing
+from my retreat: for there were two on guard in the chapel where I got
+into my hiding-place, and several also in the large wainscotted room which
+had been pointed out to them.
+
+"But mark the wonderful providence of God. Here was I in my hiding-place.
+The way I got into it was by taking up the floor, made of wood and bricks,
+under the fire-place. The place was so constructed that a fire could not
+be lit in it without damaging the house; though we made a point of keeping
+wood there, as if it were meant for a fire. Well, the men on the
+night-watch lit a fire in this very grate, and began chatting together
+close to it. Soon the bricks, which had not bricks but wood underneath
+them, got loose, and nearly fell out of their places, as the wood gave
+way. On noticing this and probing the bottom with a stick, they found that
+the bottom was made of wood; whereupon they remarked that this was
+something curious. I thought that they were going there and then to break
+open the place and enter; but they made up their minds at last to put off
+further examination till next day. Meanwhile, though nothing was further
+from my thoughts than any chance of escaping, I besought the Lord
+earnestly, that if it were for the glory of His Name, I might not be taken
+in that house, and so endanger my entertainers; nor in any other house,
+where others would share my disaster. My prayer was heard. I was preserved
+in that house in a wonderful manner; and when, a few days after, I was
+taken, it was without prejudice to any one, as shall be presently seen.
+
+"Next morning, therefore, they renewed the search most carefully,
+everywhere except in the top chamber which served as a chapel, and in
+which the two watchmen had made a fire over my head, and had noticed the
+strange make of the grate. God had blotted out of their memory all
+remembrance of the thing. Nay, none of the searchers entered the place the
+whole day, though it was the one that was most open to suspicion, and if
+they had entered, they would have found me without any search; rather, I
+should say, they would have seen me, for the fire had burnt a great hole
+in my hiding-place, and had I not got a little out of the way, the hot
+embers would have fallen on me. The searchers, forgetting or not caring
+about this room, busied themselves in ransacking the rooms below, in one
+of which I was said to be. In fact, they found the other hiding-place to
+which I thought of going, as I mentioned before. It was not far off, so I
+could hear their shouts of joy when they first found it. But after joy
+comes grief; and so it was with them. The only thing that they found, was
+a goodly store of provision laid up. Hence they may have thought that this
+was the place that the mistress of the house meant; in fact, an answer
+might have been given from it to the call of a person in the room
+mentioned by her.
+
+"They stuck to their purpose, however, of stripping off all the wainscot
+of the other large room. So they set a man to work near the ceiling, close
+to the place where I was: for the lower part of the walls was covered with
+tapestry, not with wainscot. So they stripped off the wainscot all round,
+till they came again to the very place where I lay, and there they lost
+heart and gave up the search. My hiding-place was in a thick wall of the
+chimney, behind a finely laid and carved mantel-piece. They could not well
+take the carving down without risk of breaking it. Broken, however, it
+would have been, and that into a thousand pieces, had they any conception
+that I could be concealed behind it. But knowing that there were two
+flues, they did not think that there could be room enough there for a man.
+Nay, before this, on the second day of the search, they had gone into the
+room above, and tried the fire-place through which I had got into my hole.
+They then got into the chimney by a ladder to sound with their hammers.
+One said to another in my hearing, 'Might there not be a place here for a
+person to get down into the wall of the chimney below, by lifting up this
+hearth?' 'No,' answered one of the pursuivants, whose voice I knew, 'you
+could not get down that way into the chimney underneath, but there might
+easily be an entrance at the back of this chimney.' So saying, he gave the
+place a kick. I was afraid that he would hear the hollow sound of the hole
+where I was. But God, Who set bounds to the sea, said also to their dogged
+obstinacy, 'Thus far shalt thou go, and no further;' and He spared His
+sorely-stricken children, and gave them not up into their persecutors'
+hands, nor allowed utter ruin to light upon them for their great charity
+towards me.
+
+"Seeing that their toil availed them naught, they thought that I had
+escaped somehow, and so they went away at the end of four days, leaving
+the mistress and her servants free. The yet unbetrayed traitor stayed
+after the searchers were gone. As soon as the doors of the house were made
+fast, the mistress came to call me, another four-days-buried Lazarus, from
+what would have been my tomb had the search continued a little longer. For
+I was all wasted and weakened, as well with hunger, as with want of sleep,
+and with having to sit so long in such a narrow place. The mistress of the
+house, too, had eaten nothing whatever during the whole time, not only to
+share my distress, and to try on herself how long I could live without
+food, but chiefly to draw down the mercy of God on me, herself, and her
+family, by this fasting and prayer. Indeed, her face was so changed when I
+came out, that she seemed quite another woman, and I should not have known
+her but for her voice and her dress. After coming out, I was seen by the
+traitor, whose treachery was still unknown to us. He did nothing then, not
+even send after the searchers, as he knew that I meant to be off before
+they could be recalled."
+
+
+
+
+VIII.
+
+
+"As soon as I had taken a little refreshment and rest, I set out and went
+to a friend's house, where I kept still for a fortnight. Then knowing that
+I had left my friends in great distress, I proceeded to London to aid and
+comfort them. I got a safe lodging with a person of rank.(55) A year ago
+it had been Father Southwell's abode, before his seizure and imprisonment
+in the Tower of London, where he now was. I wanted, however, to hire a
+house where I might be safe and unknown, and be free to treat with my
+friends; for I could not manage my business in a house that was not my
+own, especially in such a one as I then dwelt in. I had recourse to a
+servant of Father Garnett, named Little John,(56) an excellent man and one
+well able to help me. He it was that used to make our hiding-places; in
+fact, he made the one to which I owed my safety. Thanks to his endeavours,
+I found a house well suited for my purpose, and settled with my landlord
+about the rent. Till the house was furnished, I hired a room in my
+landlord's own house.(57) There I resolved to pass two or three nights in
+arranging my affairs, getting letters from my friends in distress, and
+writing back letters of comfort in return. Thus it was that the traitor
+got sent to the place, which was only known to a small circle of friends.
+It was God's will that my hour should then come.
+
+"One night, when Little John and I had to sleep in that room, the traitor
+had to bring a letter that needed an answer, and he left with the answer
+about ten o'clock. I had only come in about nine, sorely against the will
+of the lady, my entertainer, who was uncommonly earnest that I should not
+leave her house that night. Away went the traitor then, and gave
+information to the Priest-hunters both when and where he had left me. They
+got together a band, and came at midnight to the house, just as I had gone
+to sleep. Little John and I were both awakened by the noise outside. I
+guessed what it was, and told John to hide the letter received that night
+in the ashes where the fire had been. No sooner had he done so and got
+into bed again, than the noise which we had heard before seemed to travel
+up to our room. Then some men began knocking at the chamber-door, ready to
+break it in if it was not opened at once. There was no exit except by the
+door where our foes were; so I bade John get up and open the door. The
+room was at once filled with men, armed with swords and staves; and many
+more stood outside, who were not able to enter. Among the rest stood two
+pursuivants, one of whom knew me well, so there was no chance of my
+passing unknown.
+
+"I got up and dressed, as I was bid. All my effects were searched, but
+without a single thing being found that could do harm to any man. My
+companion and I were then taken off to prison. By God's grace we did not
+feel distressed, nor did we show any token of fear. What I was most afraid
+of was, that they had seen me come out of that lady's house, and had
+tracked me to the room that I had hired; and so that the noble family that
+had harboured me would suffer on my account. But this fear was unfounded;
+for I learnt afterwards that the traitor had simply told them where he had
+left me, and there it was that they found me.
+
+"The pursuivant who knew me, kept me in his house two nights; either
+because those who were to examine me were hindered from doing so on the
+first day, or (as it struck me afterwards) because they wished first to
+examine my companion, Little John. I noticed the first night, that the
+room where I was locked up was not far from the ground; and that it would
+be easy to let myself down from the window by tearing up the bedclothes
+and making a rope of them. I should have done so that very night, had I
+not heard some one stirring in the next room. I thought that he was put
+there to watch me, and so it turned out. However, I meant to carry out my
+plan the night after, if the watchman went away; but my keeper forestalled
+me; for to save the expense of a guard, he put irons on my arms, which
+prevented me from bringing my hands together and from separating them.
+Then in truth I was more at ease in mind, though less in body; for the
+thought of escape vanished, and there came in its place a feeling of joy
+that I had been vouchsafed this suffering for the sake of Christ, and I
+thanked the Lord for it as well as I could.
+
+"Next day I was brought before the Commissioners, at the head of whom was
+one who is now Lord Chancellor of the realm.(58) He had been a Catholic,
+but went over to the other side, for he loved the things of this world.
+
+"They first asked me my name and calling. I gave them the name I passed
+by; whereupon one called me by my true name, and said that I was a Jesuit.
+As I was aware that the pursuivant knew me, I answered that I would be
+frank and open in everything that belonged to myself, but would say
+nothing that could affect others. So I told them my name and calling, to
+wit that, though most unworthy, I was a Priest of the Society of Jesus.
+
+" 'Who sent you into England?' they asked.
+
+" 'The Superiors of the Society.'
+
+" 'To what end?'
+
+" 'To bring back stray souls to their Creator.'
+
+" 'No, no,' said they; 'you were sent for matters of State; and to lure
+people from the obedience of the Queen to the obedience of the Pope.'
+
+" 'As for matters of State,' I replied, 'we are forbidden to have anything
+to say to them, as they do not belong to our Institute. This prohibition,
+indeed, extends to all the members of the Society; but on us Missioners it
+is particularly enjoined in a special instruction. As for the obedience
+due to the Queen and the Pope, each is to be obeyed in that wherein they
+have jurisdiction; and one obedience does not clash with the other, as
+England and all Christian realms have hitherto experienced.'
+
+" 'How long have you been doing duty as a Priest in this country?'
+
+" 'About six years.'
+
+" 'How, and where, did you land, and where have you lived since your
+landing?'
+
+" 'I cannot in conscience answer any of these questions,' I replied,
+'especially the last, as it would bring mischief on others; so I crave
+pardon for not satisfying your wishes.'
+
+" 'Nay,' said they, 'it is just on these heads that we chiefly desire you
+to satisfy us, and we bid you in the Queen's name to do so.'
+
+" 'I honour the Queen,' said I, 'and will obey her and you in all that is
+lawful, but here you must hold me excused: for were I to mention any
+person or place where I have been lodged, the innocent would have to
+suffer, according to your laws, for the kind service they have done me.
+Such behaviour on my part would be against all justice and charity, and
+therefore I never will be guilty of it.'
+
+" 'You shall do so by force, if not by goodwill.'
+
+" 'I hope,' I said, 'by the grace of God, it shall not be as you say. I
+beg you, therefore, to take this my answer: that neither now nor at any
+other time will I disclose what you demand of me.'
+
+"Thereupon they wrote a warrant for my imprisonment, and gave it to the
+pursuivants, bidding them take me to prison. As we were leaving, he who is
+now Chancellor said that I must be kept in close confinement, as in cases
+of high treason. 'But tell the gaolers,' he added, 'to treat him well on
+account of his birth.' It seems, however, that the head gaoler gave orders
+at variance with this humane recommendation: for I was lodged in a
+garret,(59) where there was nothing but a bed, and no room to stand up
+straight, except just where the bed was. There was one window always open,
+through which foul air entered and rain fell on to my bed. The room door
+was so low, that I had to enter, not on my feet, but on my knees, and even
+then I was forced to stoop. However, I reckoned this rather an advantage,
+inasmuch as it helped to keep out the stench (certainly no small one) that
+came from the privy close to my door, which was used by all the prisoners
+in that part of the house. I was often kept awake, or woke up, by the bad
+smell.
+
+"In this place I passed two or three days of true repose. I felt no pain
+or anxiety of mind, and enjoyed, by the blessing of God, that peace which
+the world does not and cannot give.
+
+"On the third or fourth day, I was taken for a second examination to the
+house of a magistrate called Young. He it was who had the management of
+all the searches and persecutions that the Catholics in the neighbourhood
+of London had to endure; and it was to him that the traitor had given his
+information. Along with him was another, who had for many years conducted
+the examination by torture, Topcliffe by name. He was a man of cruelty,
+athirst for the blood of the Catholics, and so crafty and cunning, that
+all the wily wit of his companion seemed abashed into silence by his
+presence; in fact, the Justice spoke very little during the whole
+examination. I found the two of them alone: Young in a civilian's dress,
+Topcliffe with a sword by his side and in a Court dress. He was an old
+man, grown grey in wickedness. Young began questioning me as to my place
+of abode, and the Catholics that I knew. I answered that I neither could
+nor would make disclosures that would get any one into trouble, for
+reasons already stated. He turned then to Topcliffe and said, 'I told you
+how you would find him.'
+
+"Topcliffe looked frowningly at me and said, 'Do you know me? I am
+Topcliffe, of whom I doubt not you have often heard.'
+
+"He meant this to frighten me. To heighten the effect, he had laid his
+sword on the table near his hand, as though he were ready to use it on
+occasion. But he failed certainly, and caused me not the least alarm; and
+whereas I was wont to answer with deference on other occasions, this time
+I did quite the contrary, because I saw him making a show to scare me.
+Finding that he could get no other manner of reply from me than what I had
+given, he took a pen and wrote an artful and malicious form of
+examination.
+
+" 'Here,' says he, 'read this paper. I shall show it to the Privy Council,
+that they may see what a traitor you are to the realm, and how manifestly
+guilty.'
+
+"The contents of the paper were as follows: 'The examinate was sent by the
+Pope and the Jesuit Persons, and coming through Belgium there had
+interviews with the Jesuit Holt and Sir William Stanley; thence he came
+into England, on a political errand, to beguile the Queen's subjects, and
+lure them from their obedience to their Sovereign. If, therefore, he will
+not disclose the places and persons with whom he has lived, it is presumed
+that he has done much mischief to the State,' &c.
+
+"On reading this, I saw that I could not meet so many falsehoods with one
+single denial; and as I was desirous that he should show my way of
+answering to the Council, I said that I also wished to answer in writing.
+Hereat Topcliffe was overjoyed, and cried out, 'Oh! now you are a
+reasonable man;' but he was disappointed. He had hoped to catch me in my
+words, or at least to find out my handwriting, so that some of the papers
+found in the houses of the Catholics might be proved to be mine. I foresaw
+this, and therefore wrote in a feigned hand as follows: 'I was sent by my
+Superiors. I never was in Belgium. I have not seen Father Holt since the
+time that I left Rome. I have not seen Sir William Stanley since he left
+England with the Earl of Leicester. I am forbidden to meddle with matters
+of State; I never have done, and never will do so. I have tried to bring
+back souls to the knowledge and love of their Creator, and to make them
+show obedience to the laws of God and man; and I hold this last point to
+be a matter of conscience. I humbly crave that my refusal to answer
+anything concerning the persons that I know, may not be set down to
+contempt of authority; seeing that God's commandment forces me to follow
+this course, and to act otherwise would be against justice and charity.'
+
+"While I was writing this, the old man waxed wroth. He shook with passion,
+and would fain have snatched the paper from me.
+
+" 'If you don't want me to write the truth,' said I, 'I'll not write at
+all.'
+
+" 'Nay,' quoth he, 'write so-and-so, and I'll copy out what you have
+written.'
+
+" 'I shall write what _I_ please,' I answered, 'and not what _you_ please.
+Show what I have written to the Council, for I shall add nothing but my
+name.'
+
+"This I signed so near the writing, that nothing could be put in between.
+The hot-tempered man, seeing himself disappointed, broke out into threats
+and blasphemies. 'I'll get you put into my power, and hang you in the air,
+and show you no mercy; and then I shall see what God will rescue you out
+of my hands.'
+
+"From the abundance of his heart he poured forth these evil words; but by
+this he raised my hopes, just the opposite effect to what he wanted.(60)
+Neither then nor since have I ever reckoned aught of a blasphemer; and, in
+sooth, I have found by experience, that God increases the confidence of
+His servants, when He allows strife to rise up against them. I gave,
+therefore, this short answer: 'You will be able to do nothing without the
+leave of God, Who never abandons those that hope in Him. The will of God
+be done.'
+
+"Thereupon Young called the gaoler who had brought me, to take me back to
+prison. As he was leading me off, Topcliffe addressed him and bade him put
+irons on my legs. Both then fell a-chiding him for having brought me by
+himself, fearing perchance lest I should escape from his hands. When I had
+crept back to my little closet, my legs were garnished according to order.
+The man seemed grieved that put the fetters on. For my part, instead of
+grief I felt very much joy, such is God's goodness to the most unworthy of
+His creatures. To pay the man for the kind turn that he had done me, I
+gave him some money for his job; and told him it was no punishment to
+suffer in so good a cause."
+
+Father Garnett described this act of faith and courage in the following
+terms in a letter to the General of the Society, which we translate from
+the Italian: "This Father has always been very courageous, and when he was
+first taken, and the gaoler put very heavy irons on his legs, he gave him
+some money. The following day, the gaoler, thinking that if he took off
+the irons doubtless he would give him more, took them off, but got
+nothing. After some days he came to put them on again, and received a
+reward, and then taking them off did not get a farthing. They went on
+playing thus with one another several times, but at last the gaoler,
+seeing that he did not give him anything for taking off his irons, left
+him for a long time in confinement, so that the great toe of one foot was
+for almost two years in great danger of mortification. So your Reverence
+sees that in these times the courage of true Christian soldiers is not
+wanting. May our Lord give him perseverance, and to those who follow him
+the grace to imitate him."(61)
+
+
+
+
+IX.
+
+
+"Here I stayed upwards of three months. During the first month I made from
+memory, as well as I could, the Spiritual Exercises; giving four and
+sometimes five hours a day to meditation. God lavished His goodness on me
+throughout, and I had proof that He opens His bounteous hands to His
+servants most of all when He has closed up the sources of earthly comfort
+to them.
+
+"When I was quietly lodged in prison, without being brought out or
+undergoing any further examination for many days, they examined and put to
+the torture Richard Fulwood, whom the traitor had pointed out as my
+servant, and Little John, who had been taken with me. Unable, either by
+coaxing or bribery, to draw anything from them that would compromise
+others, they had recourse to threats, and then to force: but the force of
+the Holy Ghost in them was too great to be overcome by men. They were both
+hung up for three hours together, having their arms fixed into iron rings,
+and their bodies hanging in the air; a torture which causes frightful pain
+and intolerable extension of the sinews. It was all to no purpose; no
+disclosure could be wrested from them that was hurtful to others; no
+rewards could entice, no threats or punishments force them, to discover
+where I or any of ours had been harboured, or to name any of our
+acquaintances or abettors.
+
+"Here I ought not to pass over in silence God's great goodness and mercy
+to me, the most unworthy of all His servants. It was shown in this, that
+there was not a single traitor, either among those that were then seized
+in my house or in the house of the good gentleman, my entertainer; no, nor
+even among those that, in the other persecutions which by God's providence
+afterwards befel me, were imprisoned, tortured, and treated with the
+utmost cruelty. Not one of them, I say, ever yielded, but all, by the
+grace of God, held steadfast through everything. Those who were my
+companions, or the servants I intrusted with commissions to the gentlemen
+of my acquaintance, as they necessarily knew all my friends, would have
+been able to do very great mischief, and enrich themselves by ruining
+others: yet not one of them ever caused any harm either by word or deed,
+wittingly or unwittingly; nor, as far as I remember, did they ever give
+one cause of complaint. On many of them God, in His goodness, poured the
+choicest gifts of His Holy Spirit.
+
+"John Lasnet, the first that I had, died in Spain a Lay-brother of the
+Society. The second that I had for some little while was Michael Walpole,
+who is now a Priest of the Society, and labouring in England. The third
+was named [Ralph] Willis. He had a vocation, so I sent him to study in the
+Seminary at Rhemes, where he went through his course of philosophy. His
+behaviour there was orderly, but afterwards at Rome he joined a turbulent
+party, thus returning evil for good. He was the only one of my helpmates
+that walked at all awry. He was, however, made Priest, and sent into
+England. There he was seized, and condemned to death for the Faith, and
+answered unflinchingly before the tribunal; but instead of losing his
+life, he was kept some time in prison; whence he effected his escape, and
+is still labouring in England.
+
+"After him I had a godly man of the name of John Sutton, the brother of
+three Priests, one of whom was a martyr, and another died in the Society.
+Father Garnett kept him in his house for many years, up to the time of his
+own arrest.
+
+"The next that I had was Richard Fulwood, of whom I have spoken above. He
+managed to make his escape, and during my imprisonment was employed by
+Father Garnett until that Father's happy death. He managed nearly all his
+master's business with strangers, not without the knowledge of the
+persecutors, who offered a handsome sum for his capture, and were still
+more anxious about it after Father Garnett was taken. In fact, they gave
+the poor man no peace until they drove him into banishment, where he yet
+remains, doing good service to our mission notwithstanding.
+
+"After him I had John Lilly, a man well known at Rome; he died lately in
+England, a Lay-brother of the Society. Next came two other godly men, whom
+I did not take to keep, but merely as makeshifts till I could get a man
+every way suited to my wants, and endowed with a religious spirit. I found
+one at length; and when I quitted England, I took him with me, and left
+him at St. Omers. There he was well grounded in Greek and Latin, and
+became a great favourite with all the Fathers, who sent him into Spain
+with the highest recommendations. He still remains there, growing always
+in virtue and learning. Not long ago I had a letter from the Father
+Prefect of Studies, in which he tells me that he is the best student in
+his course.
+
+"Such were the mercies of God vouchsafed to His unworthy servant, in
+answer to my constant prayers. Many gentlemen intrust themselves and their
+interests to our servants' good faith no less than to ours; so that there
+could be no greater let or hindrance to our good work, than any treachery
+on their part; indeed, the defection of such a one would be likely to
+cause the most frightful ruin among Catholics. For if one servant, and he
+neither a Catholic nor one of the household, like the traitor of whom I
+have spoken, made such havoc in his master's family, what mischief could a
+Priest's servant do to the many persons of high rank that had harboured
+him and his master! God has hitherto kept me free from the like betrayal.
+
+"To return to my story. They could wrest nothing out of Little John and
+Fulwood; and none of my host's Catholic servants would make any avowal, or
+own that he knew me. Seeing that they could bring no witness against him,
+they gradually lost the hope they had of seizing his chattels and revenue.
+
+"Sometimes they would bring me up for examination, when they had anything
+new against me. Once they called me to try on a suit of clothes, which had
+been found in my host's house, and which the traitor said were mine. I put
+them on, and they were just a fit, for the truth was that they had been
+made for me; however, I would not own them, nor admit them to be mine.
+Hereupon Young flew into a passion, called me a headstrong and
+unreasonable man. He was so barefaced as to add 'How much more sensible is
+Southwell, who after long wilfulness is now ready to conform, and wishes
+to treat with some man of learning.'
+
+" 'Nay,' I answered, 'I will never believe that Father Southwell wishes to
+treat with any one from any wavering in his faith, or to learn what to
+believe from a heretic; but he might perchance challenge any heretic to
+dispute with him that dared, as Father Campion did, and as many others
+would do if you would let them, and appoint proper umpires.'
+
+"Then Young seized hold of the book, and kissing it, cried: 'I swear upon
+this book that Southwell has offered to treat, with a view of embracing
+our religion.'
+
+" 'I do not believe he ever did so,' said I.
+
+" 'What,' said an officer of the Court, 'do you not believe his oath?'
+
+" 'No,' was my reply, 'I neither can nor will believe him; for I have a
+better opinion of Father Southwell's firmness than of his truthfulness;
+since perhaps he thinks that he is allowed to make this statement to
+beguile me.'
+
+" 'No such thing,' said Young; 'but are you ready to conform if he has
+done so?' (To conform, in their sense, means to embrace their deformed
+religion.)
+
+" 'Certainly not,' I answered; 'for if I keep myself free from heresy and
+heretical meetings, it is not because he or any man on earth does the
+same; but because to act otherwise would be to deny Christ, by denying His
+faith, which may be done by deed as well as by word. This is what our Lord
+forbade under pain of a heavier punishment than man can inflict, when He
+said, "He that shall deny Me before men, him will I deny before My Father
+Who is in Heaven." '
+
+"To this the heretic answered not a word, save that I was stiff-necked (a
+name that was applicable rather to himself), and bade them take me back to
+prison.
+
+"Another time I was sent for to be confronted with three witnesses,
+servants of a certain nobleman named Lord Henry Seymour, son of the Duke
+of Somerset. They were heretics, and avouched that on a certain day I had
+dined with their mistress and her sister, while they, among others, waited
+at table. The two sisters were daughters of the Earl of Northumberland.
+One of them was a devout Catholic, and had come to London a little before
+my imprisonment to get my help in passing over to Belgium, there to
+consecrate herself to God. She was staying at the house of her sister, the
+wife of the aforesaid lord. She wanted to bring back this sister to the
+Catholic faith, which the latter had abandoned after her good father's
+death. I dined with them on the day the witnesses mentioned. It was in
+Lent; and they told how their mistress ate meat, while the Lady Mary and I
+ate nothing but fish. Young flung this charge in my teeth with an air of
+triumph, as though I could not help acknowledging it, and thereby
+disclosing some of my acquaintances. I answered that I did not know the
+men whom he had brought up.
+
+" 'But we know you,' said they, 'to be the same that was at such a place
+on such a day.'
+
+" 'You wrong your mistress,' said I, 'in saying so. I, however, will not
+so wrong her.'
+
+" 'What a barefaced fellow you are!' exclaimed Young.
+
+" 'Doubtless,' I answered, 'were these men's statements true. As for me, I
+cannot in conscience speak positively in the matter, for reasons that I
+have often alleged; let them look to the truth and justice of what they
+say.'
+
+"Young then, in a rage, remanded me to prison.
+
+"After three months some of my friends made efforts to have me removed to
+another more comfortable prison, seeing that nothing could be proved
+against me except my Priesthood; and this they obtained by means of a
+handsome bribe to Young. So they sent to my prison, which was called the
+Counter, and took off my fetters. These were rusty when they were first
+put on; but by wearing and moving about in them every day, I had rendered
+them quite bright and shining. My cell was so small, that a man who had
+his legs free, might take the whole length of it in three steps. I used to
+shuffle from one end to the other, as well for exercise, as because the
+people underneath used to sing lewd songs and Geneva psalms; and I wanted
+to drown by the clanking of my chain a noise that struck still more
+harshly on my ear. My fetters then being removed, and my expenses paid
+(which were not great, as I had had little but butter and cheese to season
+my bread withal), they brought me before Young, who, making a show of
+anger, began to chide and upbraid me more than was his wont, and asked me
+whether I was yet willing to acknowledge where and with whom I had lived.
+I answered that I could not do so with a safe conscience, and therefore
+would not.
+
+" 'Well then,' said he, 'I will put you in closer confinement, where you
+shall be safer lodged, and have iron bars before your window.'
+
+"Forthwith he wrote a warrant, and sent me to the prison that is called
+the Clink.(62) He made all this show, that he might not appear to have
+taken money for what he did. The fact was, that the prison to which I was
+now sent was far better than the other, and more comfortable for all
+prisoners; but to me it afforded especial comfort, on account of the great
+number of Catholics whom I found there.
+
+"They could not now hinder me from approaching the Sacraments, and being
+comforted in divers other ways, as I shall afterwards show; for when I had
+been there a few months, the place was by God's grace so improved, that as
+for discharging all the duties of the Society, I should never wish to be
+at large in England, provided I could always live in the like prison and
+after the like fashion.(63) So my being shut up in the Clink seemed like a
+change from Purgatory to Paradise. Instead of lewd songs and blasphemies,
+the prayers of some Catholic neighbours in the next room met my ear. They
+came to my door to cheer me up, and showed me a way by which we could open
+a free communication. This was through a hole in the wall, which they had
+covered with a picture, that it might not be seen. By means of it they
+gave me on the morrow a letter from my friends; and at the same time
+furnished me with materials for writing back. I wrote, therefore, to
+Father Garnett, and told him the whole truth of what had happened to me,
+and what manner of replies I had made, as I have set forth above."
+
+"I also confessed, and received the Most Holy Body of Christ, through that
+same hole. But I had not to do this long, for the Catholics contrived to
+fashion a key that would open my door; and then every morning, before the
+gaoler got up, they brought me to another part of the prison, where I said
+Mass, and administered the Sacraments to the prisoners lodged in that
+quarter; for all of them had got keys of their cells.
+
+"I had just such neighbours as I would have picked out had I had my
+choice. My next-door neighbour was our Brother, Ralph Emerson, of whom
+Father Campion, in a letter to Father General, makes mention in these
+terms, 'My little man and I.' He was indeed small in body,(64) but in
+steadfastness and endurance he was great. He had been already many long
+years in bonds, ever keeping godly and devout, like a man of the Society:
+and after my coming to the Clink, he remained six or seven years more. At
+last he was sent off, with other confessors of Christ, to the Castle of
+Wisbech, where he was attacked with palsy. One half of his body was
+powerless, so that he could not move about or do the least thing for
+himself. He lived, notwithstanding, to add by his patience fresh jewels to
+the crown that awaited him. Being driven into banishment with the same
+company, he came to St. Omers, and died a holy death there, to the great
+edification of the by-standers. I found this good Brother my next
+neighbour in the Clink; overhead I had John Lilly, whom God's providence
+had shut up there for his own good and mine. I had other godly men around
+me, all true to their faith.
+
+"These having the free run of the prison, any one might visit them without
+danger. I arranged, therefore, that when any of my friends came to the
+prison, they should ask to see one of these; and thus they got to have
+talk with me without its being noticed. I did not, however, let them into
+my room, but spoke to them through the aforesaid hole.
+
+"So I passed some time in great comfort and repose; striving the while to
+gather fruit of souls, by letter and by word of mouth. My first gaoler was
+a sour-tempered man, who watched very closely to see that there were no
+unlawful doings amongst us. This called for great wariness on our part, to
+avoid discovery; but ere long God summoned him from the wardenship of the
+prison, and from the prison of his body at the same time.
+
+"His successor was a younger man of a milder turn. What with coaxing, and
+what with bribes, I got him not to look into our doings too nicely, and
+not to come when he was not called for, except at certain fixed times, at
+which he always found me ready to receive him.
+
+"I used the liberty thus granted me for my neighbour's profit. I began to
+hear many confessions, and reconciled many persons to the Catholic Church.
+Some of them were heretics, but the greater number were only schismatics,
+as I could deal more freely with these than with the others. It was only
+after long acquaintance, and on the recommendation of trusty friends, that
+I would let any heretics know how little restraint was put upon me. I do
+not remember above eight or ten converts from heresy, of whom four entered
+Religion. Two joined our Society, and the other two went into other
+Orders. As for schismatics, I brought back a goodly number of them to the
+bosom of the Church. Some became Religious: and others gave themselves to
+good works in England during the persecution. Of these last was Mr. John
+Rigby, afterwards martyred."(65)
+
+
+
+
+X.
+
+
+"During my stay in this prison, I found means to give the Spiritual
+Exercises. The gaoler did as I wished him to do; he never came to me
+without being called, and never went into my neighbours' rooms at all. So
+we fitted an upper chamber to serve as a chapel, where six or seven made
+the Exercises, all of whom resolved to follow the counsels of Christ our
+Lord, and not one of them flinched from his purpose.
+
+"I found means also to provide for a very pressing need. Many Priests of
+my acquaintance, being unable to meet with safe lodgings when they came to
+London, used to put up at inns till they had settled the business that
+brought them. Again, as my abode was fixed, and easy to find, the greater
+part of the Priests that were sent from the Seminaries abroad had
+instructions to apply to me, that through me they might be introduced to
+their Superior, and might receive other assistance at my hands. Not having
+always places prepared, nor houses of Catholics to which I could send
+them, I rented a house and garden in a suitable spot, and furnished it, as
+far as was wanted, by the help of my friends. Thither I used to send those
+who brought letters of recommendation from our Fathers, and who I was
+assured led a holy life and seemed well fitted for the mission. I
+maintained them there till I had supplied them, through the aid of certain
+friends, with clothes and necessaries, sometimes even with a residence, or
+with a horse to go to their friends and kinsmen in the country. I covered
+all the expenses of this house with the alms that were bestowed on me. I
+did not receive alms from many persons, still less from all that came to
+see me; indeed, both out of prison and in prison, I often refused such
+offers. I was afraid that if I always accepted what was offered, I might
+scare from me souls that wished to treat with me on the business of their
+salvation; or receive gifts from those that could either ill afford it, or
+would afterwards repent of it. I made it a rule, therefore, never to take
+alms except from a small number of persons, whom I knew well. Most of what
+I got was from those devoted friends, who offered me not only their money
+but themselves, and looked upon it as a favour when I took their offer.
+
+"I gave charge of this house to a very godly and discreet matron of good
+birth, whom the Lord honoured with martyrdom.(66) Her maiden name was
+Heigham, but she bore the name of Line from her deceased husband. Both she
+and her husband were beloved by God, and had much to suffer for His sake.
+This lady's father was a Protestant, and when he heard of his daughter's
+becoming a Catholic, he withheld the dower which he had promised her. He
+disinherited one of his sons for the same reason. This son, called William
+Heigham, is now in Spain, a Lay-brother of the Society. It is twenty-six
+years since I knew him. He was then a well-educated gentleman, finely
+dressed like other high-born Londoners. He supported a Priest named
+Thomson, whom I afterwards saw martyred. As soon as his father learned
+that he, too, had become a Catholic, he went and sold his estate, the
+rents of which were reckoned at 6,000 florins [600_l._] yearly, that it
+might not pass to his son. The son was afterwards arrested for the Faith;
+and he and his Priest together, if I mistake not, were thrown into the
+prison of Bridewell, where vagrants are shut up and put to hard labour
+under the lash. I paid him a visit there, and found him toiling at the
+tread-mill, all covered with sweat. On recovering his freedom he hired
+himself out as a servant to a gentleman, that had to wife a Catholic lady
+whom I knew. She intrusted her son to his care: he taught the boy the
+ground-work of the Latin tongue, besides giving him lessons on the harp,
+which he himself touched admirably. I went to see him in this situation,
+and had a long talk with him about his call to his present state.
+
+"Mistress Line, his sister, married a good husband and a staunch Catholic.
+He had been heir to a fine estate; but his father or uncle (for he was
+heir to both) sent a message from his death-bed to young Line, then a
+prisoner for the Faith, asking him to conform and go to some heretical
+church for once; otherwise he would have to give up his inheritance to his
+younger brother. 'If I must either give up God or the world,' was his
+courageous answer, 'I prefer to give up the world, for it is good to
+cleave unto God.' So both his father's and his uncle's estate went to his
+younger brother. I saw this latter once in his elder brother's room,
+dressed in silk and other finery, while his brother had on plain and mean
+clothes. This good man afterwards went into Belgium, where he obtained a
+pension from the King of Spain, part of which he sent to his wife; and
+thus they lived a poor and holy life. His death, which happened in
+Belgium, left his widow friendless, so that she had to look to Providence
+for her support. Before my imprisonment she had been charitably taken by
+my entertainers into their own house. They furnished her with board and
+lodging, and I made up the rest.
+
+"She was just the sort of person that I wanted as head of the house that I
+have spoken of, to manage the money matters, take care of the guests, and
+meet the inquiries of strangers. She had good store of charity and
+wariness, and in great patience she possessed her soul. She was nearly
+always ill from one or other of many divers diseases, which purified her
+and made her ready for Heaven. She used often to say to me: 'Though I
+desire above all things to die for Christ, I dare not hope to die by the
+hand of the executioner; but perhaps the Lord will let me be taken some
+time in the same house with a Priest, and then be thrown into a chill and
+filthy dungeon, where I shall not be able to last out long in this
+wretched life.' Her delight was in the Lord, and the Lord granted her the
+desires of her heart.
+
+"When I was rescued out of prison, she gave up the management of my house;
+for then so many people knew who she was, that her being in a place was
+enough to render it unsafe for me. So a room was hired for her in another
+person's house, where she often used to harbour Priests. One day (it was
+the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin) she let in a great
+many Catholics to hear Mass, a thing which she would never have done in my
+house. Good soul, she was more careful of me than of herself. Some
+neighbours noticed the throng, and called the constables. They went
+upstairs into the room, which they found full of people. The celebrant was
+Father Francis Page, S.J., who was afterwards martyred.(67) He had pulled
+off his vestments before the Priest-hunters came in; so that they could
+not readily make out which was the Priest. However, from the Father's
+grave and modest look, they thought that he must be their man.
+Accordingly, they laid hold of him, and began questioning him and the
+others also. No one would own that there was a Priest there; but as the
+altar had been found ready for Mass, they acknowledged that they had been
+waiting for a Priest to come. While the Catholics and their persecutors
+were wrangling on this point, Father Francis Page, taking advantage of
+some one's opening the door, got away from those that held him and slipped
+out, shutting the door behind him. He then went upstairs to a place that
+he knew, where Mrs. Line had had a hiding-place made, and there he
+ensconced himself. Search was made for him the whole house over, to no
+purpose.
+
+"So they took Mrs. Line and the richer ones of the party to prison, and
+let the others go on bail. God lengthened out the martyr's life beyond her
+expectation. It was some months before she was brought to trial, on a
+charge of harbouring and supporting Priests. To the question of 'guilty or
+not guilty,' she made no direct answer, but cried out in a loud voice, so
+that all could hear her: 'My lords, nothing grieves me, but that I could
+not receive a thousand more.'(68) She listened to the sentence of death
+with great show of joy and thanksgiving to the Lord God. She was so weak,
+that she had to be carried to Court in a chair, and sat there during the
+whole of the trial. After her return to prison, a little before her death,
+she wrote to Father Page, who had escaped. The letter is in my hands at
+present. She disposed therein of the few things that she had, leaving to
+me a fine large cross of gold that had belonged to her husband. She
+mentioned me thrice in the letter, calling me her Father. She also left
+some few debts which she begged me to see paid. Afterwards she bequeathed
+me her bed by word of mouth. I wanted to purchase it from the gaolers, who
+had plundered everything found in her cell after her death; but I could
+only get the coverlet, which I used ever after during my stay in London,
+and reckoned it no small safeguard.
+
+"Being arrived at the place of punishment, some preachers wanted to tease
+her, as usual, with warnings to abandon her errors; but she cut them
+short, saying, 'Away! I have no dealings nor communion with you.' Then,
+kissing the gallows with great joy, she knelt down to pray, and kept on
+praying till the hangman had done his duty. So she gave up her soul to
+God, along with the martyr Father Filcock, S.J.,(69) who had often been
+her confessor, and had always been her friend. Her martyrdom, however,
+happened six or seven years after the time of which I am now speaking. She
+managed my house for three years, and received therein many holy Priests."
+
+"I always had a Priest residing in this house, whom I used to send to
+assist and console my friends, as I was unable, during my imprisonment, to
+visit them myself. The first I had there was Father Jones, a Franciscan
+Recollect, afterwards martyred,(70) but then newly arrived in England....
+After him I received another Priest, lately arrived from Spain, and
+formerly known to me, Robert Drury by name. He was of gentle birth and
+well educated, and could consequently associate with gentlemen without
+causing any suspicion. I introduced him, therefore, to my chief friends;
+and he assisted them well and zealously for two years and more that he
+tarried in my house. This good Priest also God chose to be His witness and
+martyr...."
+
+"In that house of mine, while I was in prison, there lived awhile one of
+our Fathers, who was in ill health, Father John Curry. There also he died,
+and there he lies buried in some secret corner. For those Priests who live
+secretly on the mission, we are obliged also to bury secretly when they
+die.
+
+"All this while my good host, who had been taken a little before me, was
+kept imprisoned; and for the first four months so straitly, that neither
+his wife nor any of his friends were allowed to have any access to him.
+After this, however, the persecutors, seeing that they could not produce
+any proof against him, because none of the Catholic servants would
+acknowledge anything and the traitor had never seen me in Priest's guise,
+and was only one witness after all, by degrees relaxed a little of their
+harshness, and permitted him to be visited and cared for, though they
+still kept him in strict custody.
+
+"While thus close shut up, he wrote a work by no means contemptible, which
+he divided into three parts, and called 'Three Farewells to the world, or
+three deaths in different states of soul.'(71) In the first book he
+described a man of moral life, and virtuous in the opinion of men, but
+directing himself in all things by his own lights.... In the second book
+he described a good and pious lady, who at first wished to be guided in
+everything, but subsequently, deceived by the devil, determined in some
+things to follow her own ideas.... In the third book he described the
+death of a pious and devoted man, who, though living in the world and
+possessed of riches, yet always sought and followed the counsels of his
+spiritual Father, manifesting himself entirely for the purpose of being
+directed by him to the greater glory of God." ...
+
+"It was written, not with ink, but merely with pencil, upon loose scraps
+of paper, for at that time he was kept so close that he could get no ink.
+As he finished each of the three parts, he sent it to me, that I might
+correct anything I might find against sound doctrine. He gave as a reason
+for writing the work, that he had himself found, as he thought, so immense
+a benefit from giving himself thoroughly to the direction of his spiritual
+guide, and had felt in consequence so undisturbed a peace of mind, even
+when the malice of the persecutors was daily threatening him with death,
+that he could not refrain from recommending the same course to others whom
+he loved. He said, moreover, that he wrote the book, not for the public,
+but principally for his own family, and secondly for his relations and
+friends; for that, as he could not communicate with them by word of mouth,
+he desired to show them in writing the most secure and meritorious way to
+perfection while living in the world. For he endeavoured to prove that
+perfection was even more necessary for those who lived in the world than
+for Religious.
+
+"Such were the sentiments of this good man. He noways regretted that he
+had during four years given himself up to my direction, though he found
+himself in consequence exposed to such extreme distresses, and saw his
+family and fortune made a mark for the persecutors as a result of having
+harboured me. Nay, it was not only that he bore all these trials
+patiently, but he really thought it all joy to suffer thus for the good
+cause. His wife, also, though she loved her husband most tenderly, and was
+of a peculiarly sensitive mind, yet in this juncture bore everything with
+a singular sweetness and patience. After I was transferred to the Clink,
+where there was more chance of communicating with me either by word or
+letter, she took a house in the immediate neighbourhood of my prison, in
+order that she might consult me constantly, and provide me with everything
+I needed. In this house she and her husband, who obtained his release
+after a time by large payments of money, resided while I remained in that
+prison. But after my escape from the Tower, they betook themselves back to
+their country seat, in order that they might have me with them there
+again."
+
+
+
+
+XI.
+
+
+"In the meantime, I was so fully taken up in the prison with business, and
+with the visits of Catholics, that in the next room, which was Brother
+Emerson's, there were often six or eight persons at once, waiting their
+turn to see me. Nay, many of my most intimate and attached friends have
+oft-times had to wait many hours at a stretch, and even then I have been
+obliged to ask them to come another time...."
+
+"While I remained in this prison, I sent over numbers of boys and young
+men to Catholic Seminaries abroad. Some of these are, at this present,
+Priests of the Society, and engaged on the English mission: others still
+remain in the Seminaries, in positions of authority, to assist in training
+labourers for the same field. On one occasion I had sent two boys on their
+way to St. Omers, and had given them letters of recommendation, written
+with lemon-juice, so that the writing was not visible on the paper. In the
+paper itself I wrapped up a few collars, so that it might seem that its
+only use was to keep the collars clean. The boys were taken, and on being
+questioned, confessed that I had sent them. They let it out also that I
+had given them this letter, and had told them, when they came to a certain
+College of ours, on their way to St. Omers (for they had to pass by
+Ostend, which is not the usual way, and thus they came to be taken), to
+bid the Fathers steep the paper in water, and they would be able to read
+what I had written. On this information, then, the paper was steeped by
+the authorities, and two letters of mine were read, written on the same
+paper. One was written in Latin to our Belgian Fathers; this I had
+consequently signed with my own proper name. The other was addressed to
+our English Fathers at St. Omers. The letters having been thus discovered,
+I was sent for to be examined.
+
+"Young, however, was no longer to be my examiner. He had died in his sins,
+and that most miserably. As he lived, so he died:(72) he lived the devil's
+confessor, he died the devil's martyr; for not only did he die in the
+devil's service, but he brought on his death through that very service. He
+was accustomed to work night and day to increase the distress of the
+Catholics, and to go forth frequently in inclement weather, at one or two
+o'clock in the morning, to search their houses. By these labours he fell
+into a consumption,(73) of which he died. He died, moreover, overwhelmed
+with debt, so that it might be clear that he abandoned all things for the
+devil's service. Notwithstanding all the emoluments of his office, all the
+plunder he took from the persecuted Catholics, and the large bribes they
+were constantly giving him to buy off his malicious oppression, his debts
+were said to amount to no less a sum than a hundred thousand florins
+[10,000_l._]; and I have heard even a larger sum mentioned than this.
+Perhaps he expected the Queen would pay his debts; but she did nothing of
+the sort. All she did was once to send a gentleman from Court to visit
+him, when he was confined to his bed, and near death; and this mark of
+favour so delighted him, that he seemed ready to sing _Nunc dimittis_. But
+it was a false peace, and the lifting up of the soul that goes before a
+fall; and like another Aman, he was bidden not to a banquet, but to
+execution, and that for ever. So with his mouth full of the Queen's
+praises, and his great obligations to Her Majesty, he died a miserable
+death, and anguish took the place of his joy. The joy of the hypocrite is
+but for an instant.
+
+"This man's successor in the office of persecuting and harassing the
+servants of God, was William Wade, now Governor of the Tower of London,
+but at that time Secretary to the Lords of the Council. For the members of
+the Council choose always to have a man in their service to whose cruelty
+anything particularly odious may be attributed, instead of its being
+supposed to be done by their warrant. This Wade then sent for me, and
+first of all showed me the blank paper that I had given to the boys, and
+asked me if I recognized it. I answered, 'No, I did not.' And in fact I
+did not recognize it, for I did not know the boys had been taken. Then he
+dipped the paper in a basin of water, and showed me the writing, and my
+name subscribed in full. When I saw it, I said: 'I do not acknowledge the
+writing. Any one may easily have counterfeited my handwriting and forged
+my signature; and if such boys as you speak of have been taken, they may
+perhaps in their terror say anything that their examiners want them to
+say, to their own prejudice and that of their friends; a thing I will
+never do. At the same time, I do not deny that it would be a good deed to
+send such boys abroad to be better educated; and I would gladly do it if I
+had the means; but closely confined as I am in prison, I cannot do
+anything of the kind, though I should like to do it.'
+
+"He replied to me with a torrent of abuse for denying my signature and
+handwriting, and said: 'In truth, you have far too much liberty; but you
+shall not enjoy it long.' Then he rated the gaoler soundly for letting me
+have so much liberty.
+
+"I was sent for on two or three other occasions, to be examined; and
+whenever I came out of this prison, I always wore a Jesuit's cassock and
+cloak,(74) which I had had made as soon as I came among Catholic
+fellow-prisoners. The sight of this dress raised mocks from the boys in
+the streets, and put my persecutors in a rage. On the first occasion, they
+said I was a hypocrite. I replied: 'When I was arrested, you called me a
+courtier, and said that I had dressed myself in that fashion in order to
+disguise my real character, and to be able to deal with persons of rank in
+safety, and without being recognized. I told you then, that I did not like
+a layman's dress, and would much rather wear my own. Well, now I am doing
+so; and you are in a rage again. In fact, you are not satisfied with
+either piping or mourning, but you seek excuses for inveighing against
+me.'
+
+"To this they answered: 'Why did you not go about in this dress before,
+instead of wearing a disguise, and taking a false name? A thing no good
+man would do.'
+
+"I replied: 'I am aware you would like us not to do so, in order that we
+might be arrested at once, and not be able to do any good in the work of
+rescuing and gaining souls. But do you not know that St. Raphael
+personated another, and took another name, in order that, not being known,
+he might better accomplish God's work for which he had been sent?'
+
+"At another time I was examined before the Dean of Westminster, the
+dignitary who has taken the place of the former Abbot of the great royal
+monastery there. Topcliffe and some other Commissioners were present.
+Their object was to confront me with the good widow, my host's mother, of
+whom I have before spoken, and who was confined at this time in a
+prison(75) near the church at Westminster, for she was not yet condemned
+to death; that happened later. They wanted to see if she recognized me. So
+when I came into the room where they brought me, I found her already
+there. When she saw me coming in with the gaolers, she almost jumped for
+joy; but she controlled herself, and said to them: 'Is that the person you
+spoke of? I do not know him; but he looks like a Priest.'
+
+"Upon this she made me a very low reverence, and I bowed in return. Then
+they asked me if I did not recognize her?
+
+"I answered: 'I do not recognize her. At the same time, you know this is
+my usual way of answering, and I will never mention any places, or give
+the names of any persons that are known to me (which this lady, however,
+is not); because to do so, as I have told you before, would be contrary
+both to justice and charity.'
+
+"Then Topcliffe said: 'Tell the truth; have you reconciled any persons to
+the Church of Rome?'
+
+"I quite understood his bloodthirsty intention, that being a thing
+expressly prohibited under penalty of high treason; but then I knew I was
+already as much compromised on account of my Priesthood, and therefore I
+answered boldly: 'Yes, in truth, I have received some persons, and am
+sorry that I have not done this good service to more.'
+
+" 'Well,' said Topcliffe, 'how many would you like to have reconciled, if
+you could? A thousand?'
+
+" 'Certainly,' I said, 'a hundred thousand, and many more still, if I
+could.'
+
+" 'That would be enough,' said Topcliffe, 'to levy an army against the
+Queen.'
+
+" 'Those whom I reconciled,' said I, 'would not be against the Queen, but
+all for her; for we hold that obedience to superiors is of obligation.'
+
+" 'No such thing,' said Topcliffe, 'you teach rebellion. See, I have here
+a Bull of the Pope, granted to Sanders(76) when he went to Ireland to stir
+up the Queen's subjects to rebellion. See, here it is. Read it.'
+
+"I answered: 'There is no need to read it. It is likely enough that the
+Pontiff, if he sent him, gave him authority. But I have no power to meddle
+at all in such matters. We are forbidden to have anything to do with such
+things. I never have, and never will.'
+
+" 'Take and read it,' he said; 'I will have you read it.'
+
+"So I took it, and seeing the name of Jesus on the top, I reverently
+kissed it.
+
+" 'What,' said Topcliffe, 'you kiss a Bull of the Pope, do you?'
+
+" 'I kissed,' said I, 'the name of Jesus, to which all love and honour are
+due. But if it is a Bull of the Pope, as you say, I reverence it also on
+that score.'
+
+"And so saying, I kissed the printed paper again. Then Topcliffe, in a
+furious passion, began to abuse me in indecent terms.... At this
+insolence, to own the truth, I somewhat lost command of myself; and though
+I knew that he had no grounds which seemed probable even to himself for
+what he said, but had uttered it from pure malice, I exclaimed: 'I call
+the Great and Blessed God to witness, that all your insinuations are
+false.'
+
+"And, as I spoke, I laid my hand on the book that was open before me on
+the table. It was a copy of the Holy Bible, but according to their corrupt
+translation into the vulgar tongue. Then Topcliffe held his peace; but the
+Dean took up the word. 'Are you willing,' said he, 'to be sworn on our
+Bible?' The better instructed Catholics, who can show the dishonesty of
+that translation, usually refuse this.
+
+"I replied: 'In truth, under the necessity of rebutting this man's false
+charges at once, I did not take notice what version this was. However,
+there are some truths, as, for instance, the Incarnation and Passion of
+Christ, that have not been corrupted by mistranslation; and by these I
+call the truth of God to witness. There are many other things falsely
+rendered, so as to involve heresies; and these I detest and anathematize.'
+
+"So saying, I laid my hand again upon the book, and more firmly than
+before. The old man was angry and said: 'I will prove that you are a
+heretic.'
+
+"I replied: 'You cannot prove it.'
+
+" 'I will prove it,' he said, 'thus: Whoever denies Holy Scripture is a
+heretic; you deny this to be Holy Scripture: _Ergo_.'
+
+"I replied: 'This is no true syllogism; it shifts from general to
+particular, and so has four terms.'
+
+"The old man answered: 'I could make syllogisms before you were born.'
+
+" 'Very likely,' I said; 'but the one you have just produced is not a true
+one.'
+
+"However, the good old man(77) would not try a new middle term, and made
+no further attempt to prove me a heretic. But one urged one thing, and
+another another, not in the way of argument, but after their usual plan,
+asking me such questions as they knew very well I did not like to answer;
+and then, in the end, they sent me back to prison."
+
+
+
+
+XII.
+
+
+"On another occasion they examined me, and all the other Catholics that
+were confined in the same prison with me, in a public place called
+Guildhall, where Topcliffe and several other Commissioners were present.
+When they had put their usual questions, and received from me the usual
+answers, they came to the point, intending, I imagine, to sound us all as
+to our feelings towards the State, or else to entrap us in some
+expressions about the State that might be made matter of accusation. They
+asked me, then, whether I acknowledged the Queen as the true Governor and
+Queen of England.
+
+"I answered: 'I do acknowledge her as such.'
+
+" 'What,' said Topcliffe, 'in spite of Pius V.'s excommunication?'
+
+"I answered: 'I acknowledge her as our Queen, notwithstanding I know there
+is such an excommunication.'
+
+"The fact was, I knew that the operation of that excommunication had been
+suspended for all in England by a declaration of the Pontiff, till such
+time as its execution became possible.
+
+"Topcliffe proceeded: 'What would you do in case the Pope sent an army
+into England, asserting that the object was solely to bring back the
+kingdom to the Catholic religion, and protesting that there was no other
+way left of introducing the Catholic faith, and, moreover, commanding all
+in virtue of his Apostolical authority to aid his cause? Whose side would
+you then take, the Pope's or the Queen's?'
+
+"I saw the malicious man's cunning, and that his aim was, that whichever
+way I answered I might injure myself, either in soul or body; and so I
+worded my reply thus: 'I am a true Catholic, and a true subject of the
+Queen. If, then, this were to happen, which is unlikely, and which I think
+will never be the case, I would act as became a true Catholic and a true
+subject.'
+
+" 'Nay, nay,' said he; 'answer positively and to the point.'
+
+" 'I have declared my mind,' said I, 'and no other answer will I make.'
+
+"On this he flew into a most violent rage, and vomited out a torrent of
+curses; and ended by saying: 'You think you will creep to kiss the Cross
+this year; but before the time comes, I will take good care you do no such
+thing.'
+
+"He meant to intimate, in the abundance of his charity, that he would take
+care I should go to Heaven by the rope before that time. But he had not
+been admitted into the secrets of God's sanctuary, and did not know my
+great unworthiness. Though God had permitted him to execute his malice on
+others, whom the Divine Wisdom knew to be worthy and well prepared, as on
+Father Southwell and others, whom he pursued to the death, yet no such
+great mercy of God came to me from his anger. Others indeed, for whom a
+kingdom was prepared by the Father, were advanced to Heaven by our Lord
+Jesus through his means; but this heavenly gift was too great for an angry
+man to be allowed to bestow on me. However, he was really in some sort a
+prophet in uttering these words, though he meant them differently from the
+sense in which they were fulfilled.
+
+"What I have mentioned happened about Christmas. In the following Lent, he
+himself was thrown into prison for disrespect to the members of the
+Queen's Council, on an occasion, if I mistake not, when he had pleaded too
+boldly in behalf of his only son, who had killed a man with his sword in
+the great hall of the Court of Queen's Bench. This took place about
+Passion Sunday. We, then, who were in prison for the Faith, seeing our
+enemy, Aman, about to be hanged on his own gibbet, began to lift up our
+heads, and to use what liberty we had a little more freely, and we
+admitted a greater number to the Sacraments, and to assist at the services
+and holy rites of the Church. Thus it was that on Good Friday a large
+number of us were together in the room over mine, in fact, all the
+Catholics in the prison, and a number of others from without. I had gone
+through all the service, and said all the prayers appointed for the day,
+up to the point where the Priest has to lay aside his shoes. I had put
+them off, and had knelt down, and was about to creep towards the Cross and
+make the triple adoration of it; when, lo! just as I had moved two paces,
+the head gaoler came and knocked at the door of my room underneath, and as
+I did not answer from within, he began to batter violently at the door and
+make a great noise. As soon as I heard it, I knew that the chief gaoler
+was there, because no other would have ventured to behave in that way to
+me: so I sent some one to say that I would come directly, and then,
+instead of going on with the adoration of the material Cross, I hastened
+to the spiritual cross that God presented to me, and taking off the sacred
+vestments that I was wearing, I went down with speed, for fear the gaoler
+might come up after me, and find a number of others, who would thus have
+been brought into trouble. When he saw me, he said in a loud tone of
+voice: 'How comes it that I find you out of your room, when you ought to
+be kept strictly confined to it?'
+
+"As I knew the nature of the man, I pretended, in reply, to be angry, that
+one who professed to be a friend should have come at such a time as that,
+when, if ever, we were bound to be busy at our prayers.
+
+" 'What,' said he, 'you were at Mass, were you? I will go and see.'
+
+" 'No such thing,' I said; 'you seem to know very little of our ways.
+There is not a single Mass said to-day throughout the whole Church. Go up
+if you like; but understand that, if you do, neither I nor any one of the
+Catholics will ever pay anything for our rooms. You may put us all, if you
+like, in the common prison of the poor who do not pay. But you will be no
+gainer by that; whereas, if you act in a friendly way with us, and do not
+come upon us unawares in this manner, you will not find us ungrateful, as
+you have not found us hitherto.'
+
+"He softened down a little at this; and then I said: 'What have you come
+for now, I pray.'
+
+" 'Surely,' said he, 'to greet you from Master Topcliffe.'
+
+" 'From him?' I said; 'and how is it that he and I are such great friends?
+Is he not in such a prison? He cannot do anything against me just now, I
+fancy.'
+
+" 'No,' said the gaoler, 'he cannot. But he really sends to greet you.
+When I visited him to-day, he asked me how you were. I replied that you
+were very well. "But he does not bear his imprisonment," said Master
+Topcliffe, "as patiently as I do mine. I would have you greet him, then,
+in my name, and tell him what I have said." So I have come now for the
+purpose of repeating his message to you.'
+
+" 'Very well,' I replied. 'Now tell him from me, that by the grace of God
+I willingly bear my imprisonment for the cause of the Faith, and I could
+wish his cause were the same.'
+
+"Thereupon the gaoler went away, rating his servant, however, for not
+having kept me more closely confined. And thus Topcliffe really
+accomplished what he had promised, having checked me in the very act of
+adoration, although without thinking of what he said, and with another
+intent at the time. Thus was Saul among the prophets. However, he did not
+prevent my going up again and completing what I had begun.
+
+"The man who had charge of my room would not do anything in our rooms
+without my leave. And after my first gaoler, who soon died, the others who
+succeeded were well disposed to oblige me. One of them, who had the
+gaolership by inheritance, I made a Catholic. He immediately gave up his
+post and sold the right of succession, and became the attendant of a
+Catholic gentleman, a friend of mine, and afterwards accompanied his son
+to Italy, and got a vocation to the Religious state. At present he is a
+prisoner in the very prison where he had been my gaoler. The next who had
+the charge of me after him, being a married man with children, was kept by
+fear of poverty from becoming a Catholic; but yet he was afterwards so
+attached to myself and all our friends, that he received us into his own
+house, and sometimes concealed there such Catholics as were more sorely
+pressed than others by the persecution. And when I was to be got out of
+the Tower of London, with serious risk to all who aided the enterprise, he
+himself in person was one of the three who exposed themselves to such
+great danger. And although he was nearly drowned the first night of the
+attempt, he rowed the boat the next night as before, as I shall hereafter
+relate. For not long after what I just now mentioned, I was removed from
+that prison to the Tower of London; the occasion of which was the
+following."
+
+
+
+
+XIII.
+
+
+"There was in the prison with me a certain Priest,(78) to whom I had done
+many good services. When he first came to England, I had lodged him in an
+excellent house with some of my best friends; I had made Catholics of his
+mother and only brother; I had secured him a number of friends when he was
+thrown into prison, and had made him considerable presents. I had always
+shown him affection, although, perceiving that he was not firm and steady
+in spirit, but rather hankered too much after freedom, I did not deal
+confidently with him, as with others in the prison, especially Brother
+Emerson and John Lilly. Nevertheless, this good man, from some motive or
+other, procured my removal; whether in the desire and expectation that, if
+I were gone, all whom he saw come to me would thenceforth come to him, or
+in order to curry favour with our enemies, and obtain liberty or some such
+boon for himself, is not certain. Be that as it may, he reported to our
+enemies that he was standing by when I handed a packet of letters dated
+from Rome and Brussels to a servant of Father Garnett's, of the name of
+Little John, about whom I have before spoken. This latter, after having
+been arrested in my company, as I have related, and subjected to various
+examinations, but without disclosing anything, had been released for a sum
+of money which some Catholic gentlemen had paid. For his services were
+indispensable to them and many others, as he was a first-rate hand at
+contriving Priests' hiding-places. The Priest then reported that I had
+given this man letters, and that I was in the habit of receiving letters
+from beyond the sea addressed both to my Superior and to myself.
+
+"Acting on this information, the persecutors sent a Justice of the Peace
+to me one day, with two Queen's messengers, or pursuivants as they call
+them. These came up to my room on a sudden with the head gaoler; but by
+God's providence they found no one with me at the time except two boys,
+whom I was instructing with intention to send them abroad; one of whom, if
+I remember right, escaped, the other they imprisoned for a time. But they
+found nothing else in my room that I was afraid of being seen; for I was
+accustomed to keep all my manuscripts and other articles of importance in
+some holes made to hide things. All these holes were known to Brother
+Emerson; and so after my removal he took out everything, and among the
+rest a reliquary that I have with me now, and a store of money that I had
+in hand for the expenses of my house in town, of which I have before
+spoken, to the amount of thirteen hundred florins [130_l._]. This money he
+sent to my Superior, who took charge of the house from that time till I
+was got out of prison.
+
+"When these officials came in they began to question me; and when the
+examination was over, which it soon was, as they could get nothing from me
+of what they wanted to know, they began to search the room all over, to
+find letters or something else, that might serve their turn and injure me.
+While the Justice of the Peace was rummaging my books, one of the
+pursuivants searched my person, and opening my doublet, he discovered my
+hairshirt. At first he did not know what it was, and said: 'What is this?'
+
+" 'A shirt,' I replied.
+
+" 'Ho, ho!' said he, 'it is a hairshirt.' And he caught hold of it, and
+wanted to drag it off my body by force.
+
+"This insolence of the varlet, to confess my imperfection honestly,
+excited me more than anything that I have ever had to endure from my
+enemies, and I was within a little of thrusting him violently back; but I
+checked myself by God's grace, and claimed the Justice's protection, who
+immediately made him give over. So they sought, but found nothing in my
+room that they sought for except myself; and me they took at once, and
+went straight to the Tower of London with me, and there handed me to the
+Governor, whose title is King's Lieutenant. He was a Knight of the name of
+Barkley. He conducted me at once to a large high tower of three stories,
+with a separate lock-up place in each, one of a number of different towers
+contained within the whole inclosure. He left me for the night in the
+lowest part, and committed the custody of my person to a servant in whom
+he placed great confidence. The servant brought a little straw at once,
+and throwing it down on the ground, went away, fastening the door of my
+prison, and securing the upper door both with a great bolt and with iron
+bars. I recommended myself therefore to God, Who is wont to go down with
+His people into the pit, and Who never abandoned me in my bondage, as well
+as to the most Blessed Virgin, the Mother of Mercy, and to my Patron
+Saints and Guardian Angel; and after prayer I lay down with a calm mind on
+the straw, and slept very well that night.
+
+"The next day I examined the place, for there was some light, though dim;
+and I found the name of Father Henry Walpole, of blessed memory,(79) cut
+with a knife on the wall, and not far from there I found his oratory,
+which was a space where there had been a narrow window, now blocked up
+with stones. There he had written on either side with chalk the names of
+the different choirs of Angels, and on the top, above the Cherubim and
+Seraphim, the name of Mary Mother of God, and over that the name of Jesus,
+and over that again, in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, the name of GOD. It was
+truly a great consolation to me to find myself in this place, hallowed by
+the presence of so great and so devoted a martyr, the place, too, in which
+he was frequently tortured, to the number, as I have heard, of fourteen
+times. Probably they were unwilling to torture him in public and in the
+ordinary place, because they did it oftener than they would have it known.
+And I can well believe that he was racked that number of times, for he
+lost through it the proper use of his fingers. This I can vouch for from
+the following circumstance. He was carried back to York, to be executed in
+the place where he was taken on his first landing in England, and while in
+prison there he had a discussion with some ministers which he wrote out
+with his own hand.(80) A part of this writing was given to me, together
+with some meditations on the Passion of Christ, which he had written in
+prison before his own passion. These writings, however, I could scarcely
+read at all, not because they were written hastily, but because the hand
+of the writer could not form the letters. It seemed more like the first
+attempts of a child, than the handwriting of a scholar and a gentleman,
+such as he was. Yet he used to be at Court before the death of Father
+Campion, in whose honour he also wrote some beautiful verses in the
+English tongue, declaring that he and many others had received the warmth
+of life from that blessed martyr's blood,(81) and had been animated by it
+to follow the more perfect counsels of Christ.
+
+"When, therefore, I found myself in Father Walpole's cell I rejoiced
+exceedingly thereat; but I was not worthy to be the successor of such a
+man in his place of suffering. For on the day following my gaoler, either
+because he thought to do me a favour, or in consequence of his master's
+orders, brought me into the upper room, which was sufficiently large and
+commodious for a prisoner. I told him that I preferred to stay in the
+lower dungeon, and mentioned the reason, but as he showed himself opposed
+to this, I asked him to allow me sometimes to go there and pray. This he
+promised me, and in fact frequently permitted. Then he inquired of me if
+he could go for me anywhere to any friends of mine who would be willing to
+send me a bed. For it is the custom in this prison that a bed should not
+be provided, but that a prisoner should provide himself a bed and other
+furniture, which afterwards goes to the Lieutenant of the Tower, even
+though the prisoner should be liberated. I replied that I had no friends
+to whom I could send, except such as I left in the prison from which I had
+been brought;(82) these, perhaps, if he would call there, would give me a
+plain bed by way of alms. The gaoler therefore went to the Catholics
+detained in the Clink, who immediately sent me a bed such as they knew I
+wished for; that is, a mattrass stuffed with wool and feathers after the
+Italian fashion. They sent also a cloak and some linen for me; and asked
+him always to come there for anything I wanted, and promised to give money
+or anything else, provided he brought a note signed by me of things I
+needed. They also gave him money at that time for himself, and besought
+him to treat me kindly."
+
+
+
+
+XIV.
+
+
+"On the third day, immediately after dinner, came my gaoler to me, and
+with sorrowful mien told me the Lords Commissioners had come, and with
+them the Queen's Attorney General, and that I must go down to them.
+
+" 'I am ready,' I replied. 'I only ask you to allow me to say a _Pater_
+and _Ave_ in the lower dungeon.'
+
+"This he allowed; and then we went together to the house of the
+Lieutenant, which was within the Tower walls. There I found five men, none
+of whom had before examined me except Wade, who was there for the purpose
+of accusing me on all points.
+
+"The Queen's Attorney General then took a sheet of paper, and began to
+write a solemn form of juridical examination."
+
+The examination of Father Gerard on this occasion is preserved in the
+Public Record Office.(83) The Commissioners were Sir Richard Barkley,
+Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Edward Coke, then Attorney General, Thomas
+Fleming, a Privy Councillor, Sir Francis Bacon, afterwards Lord
+Chancellor, and William Wade, or Waad, afterwards Lieutenant of the Tower.
+
+                  -------------------------------------
+
+"The examination of John Gerard, Priest, taken this 14th day of April,
+1597.
+
+"Being demanded whether he received any letters from the parts beyond the
+seas or no, confesseth that within these four or five days he received(84)
+from Antwerp (as he supposeth) letters inclosed and sealed up. But how
+many letters were inclosed therein he knoweth not, and saith that the said
+letters were directed to him by the name of Standish; and being demanded
+from whom those letters were sent,(85) saith that he knoweth not from whom
+the same were sent, and denieth that he read them or that he knoweth the
+contents of the same, and at the first he said that he burnt them, but
+afterwards retracted that and confesseth that he sent them over to whom
+the same appertained, but(86) refuseth to declare to whom the same were
+delivered over, and refuseth also to declare who brought the same to him,
+or by whom he conveyed them over. He confesseth that he received within
+this year past other letters from the parts beyond the seas, and two or
+three of them he confesseth he did read, and saith that those letters
+contained matter concerning maintenance of scholars beyond sea, but
+refuseth to declare who sent those letters or by whom the same were
+brought, and saith that some of those letters were sent from St. Omers;
+and two or three other letters which he received from the parts beyond the
+seas he conveyed over to some other within this realm, but denieth that he
+knew the contents of those letters, and refuseth to tell who sent or
+brought the same or to whom the same were conveyed, but saith that the
+same were sent over to him to whom the said last letters which he received
+were conveyed unto. And being demanded whether he sent not those letters
+to Garnett, his Superior, saith that he will name no name; but saith that
+those letters came to him because he had more opportunity to receive them
+and to convey them over. And confesseth that the party to whom he sent
+those letters is a Priest, and being demanded how it is possible that he
+should know to whom the said last letters appertained, considering that he
+saith that he neither knoweth from whom the same were sent, nor knoweth
+the contents of the same, especially the said letters being directed to
+himself by the name of Standish, saith that he(87) thinketh that some
+within this realm have greater(88) care and authority to provide for such
+scholars as be beyond sea than he, and saith that he sent those last
+letters as he had done other to that person, taking the same to contain no
+other matter but only concerning(89) maintenance of scholars and such as
+be sent from hence for the like matters. And being demanded whether he
+opened not the outermost sealed of those last letters, confesseth that he
+did; and being also demanded to whom the letters within inclosed were
+directed, saith that he remembereth not(90) the name, but saith that he
+thinketh it was to the said former person, and saith that there was
+nothing written within the outermost paper, and thinketh, that there were
+two letters within that which he conveyed over. And saith that the letters
+within were not directed as the outermost was, but saith that he
+remembereth not(91) by what name the same were directed.
+
+"_I refuse not for any disloyal mind, I protest as I look to be saved, but
+for that I take these things not to have concerned any matter of State,
+with which I would not have dealt, nor any other but matters of devotion
+as before._
+
+"And being demanded whether this subscription is his usual manner of
+writing, saith that he useth the same in his subscriptions to his
+examinations, and saith that the cause thereof is that he would bring no
+man to trouble and that he will not acknowledge his own hand, and saith
+that he never wrote any letter to any man in this hand, saving once to Mr.
+Topcliffe. And being demanded what was the cause that moved him to have
+escaped out of prison of late, saith that the cause was that he might have
+more opportunity to have won souls. And being demanded who procured the
+counterfeit keys for him, by means whereof he should have escaped,
+refuseth to tell who it was, for that, as he saith, he will not discover
+anything against any other that may bring them to trouble.
+
+"JOHN GERARD.(92)
+
+"Examined by us,"
+RY. BARKELEY.
+EDW. COKE.
+THO. FFLEMYNGE.
+FR. BACON.
+W. WAAD."(93)
+
+                  -------------------------------------
+
+We now return to the impression that remained on Father Gerard's memory of
+this examination, when he wrote his life some twelve years afterwards.
+"They did not ask anything at that time about private Catholics, but only
+about matters of State, to which I answered as before in general terms;
+namely, that all such things were strictly forbidden to us of the Society,
+that I had consequently never mixed myself up with political matters,
+sufficient proof whereof, I said, was to be found in the fact that, though
+they had had me in custody for three years and had constantly examined me,
+they had never been able to produce a single line of my writing, nor a
+single trustworthy witness, to show that I had ever injured the State in a
+single point.
+
+"They then inquired what letters I had lately received from our Fathers
+abroad. Here it was I first divined the reason of my being transferred to
+the Tower. I answered, however, that if I had ever received any letters
+from abroad, they never had any connection with matters of State, but
+related solely to the money matters of certain Catholics who were living
+beyond seas.
+
+" 'Did not you,' said Wade, 'receive lately a packet of letters; and did
+you not deliver them to such a one for Henry Garnett?'
+
+" 'If I have received any such,' I answered, 'and delivered them as you
+say, I only did my duty. But I never received nor delivered any but what
+related to the private money matters of certain Religious or students who
+are pursuing their studies beyond seas, as I have before said.'
+
+" 'Well,' said they, 'where is he to be found to whom you delivered the
+letters, and how is he called?'
+
+" 'I do not know,' I answered; 'and if I did know, I neither could nor
+would tell you.' And then I alleged the usual reasons.
+
+" 'You tell us,' said the Attorney General, 'that you do not wish to
+offend against the State. Tell us, then, where this Garnett is; for he is
+an enemy of the State, and you are bound to give information of such
+people.'
+
+" 'He is no enemy of the State,' I replied; 'but, on the contrary, I am
+sure that he would be ready to lay down his life for the Queen and the
+State. However, I do not know where he is, and if I did know I would not
+tell you.'
+
+" 'But you shall tell us,' said they, 'before we leave this place.'
+
+" 'Please God,' said I, 'that shall never be.'
+
+"They then produced the warrant which they had for putting me to the
+torture, and gave it me to read; for it is not allowed in this prison to
+put any one to the torture without express warrant. I saw the document was
+duly signed, so I said: 'By the help of God, I will never do what is
+against God, against justice, and against the Catholic faith. You have me
+in your power; do what God permits you, for you certainly cannot go
+beyond.'
+
+"Then they began to entreat me not to force them to do what they were
+loath to do; and told me they were bound not to desist from putting me to
+the torture day after day, as long as my life lasted, until I gave the
+information they sought from me.
+
+" 'I trust in God's goodness,' I answered, 'that He will never allow me to
+do so base an act as to bring innocent persons to harm. Nor, indeed, do I
+fear what you can do to me, since all of us are in God's hands.'
+
+"Such was the purport of my replies, as far as I can remember.
+
+"Then we proceeded to the place appointed for the torture. We went in a
+sort of solemn procession; the attendants preceding us with lighted
+candles, because the place was underground and very dark, especially about
+the entrance. It was a place of immense extent, and in it were ranged
+divers sorts of racks, and other instruments of torture. Some of these
+they displayed before me, and told me I should have to taste them every
+one. Then again they asked me if I was willing to satisfy them on the
+points on which they had questioned me. 'It is out of my power to satisfy
+you,' I answered; and throwing myself on my knees, I said a prayer or two.
+
+"Then they led me to a great upright beam, or pillar of wood, which was
+one of the supports of this vast crypt. At the summit of this column were
+fixed certain iron staples for supporting weights. Here they placed on my
+wrists manacles of iron, and ordered me to mount upon two or three wicker
+steps;(94) then raising my arms, they inserted an iron bar through the
+rings of the manacles, and then through the staples in the pillar, putting
+a pin through the bar so that it could not slip. My arms being thus fixed
+above my head, they withdrew those wicker steps I spoke of, one by one,
+from beneath my feet, so that I hung by my hands and arms. The tips of my
+toes, however, still touched the ground;(95) so they dug away the ground
+beneath, as they could not raise me higher, for they had suspended me from
+the topmost staples in the pillar.
+
+"Thus hanging by my wrists, I began to pray, while those gentlemen
+standing round asked me again if I was willing to confess. I replied, 'I
+neither can nor will.' But so terrible a pain began to oppress me, that I
+was scarce able to speak the words. The worst pain was in my breast and
+belly, my arms and hands. It seemed to me that all the blood in my body
+rushed up my arms into my hands; and I was under the impression at the
+time that the blood actually burst forth from my fingers and at the back
+of my hands. This was, however, a mistake; the sensation was caused by the
+swelling of the flesh over the iron that bound it.
+
+"I felt now such intense pain (and the effect was probably heightened by
+an interior temptation), that it seemed to me impossible to continue
+enduring it. It did not, however, go so far as to make me feel any
+inclination or real disposition to give the information they wanted. For
+as the eyes of our merciful Lord had seen my imperfection, He did 'not
+suffer me to be tempted above what I was able, but with the temptation
+made also a way of escape.' Seeing me therefore in this agony of pain and
+this interior distress, His infinite mercy sent me this thought: 'The very
+furthest and utmost they can do is to take away thy life; and often hast
+thou desired to give thy life for God: thou art in God's hands, Who
+knoweth well what thou sufferest, and is all-powerful to sustain thee.'
+With this thought our good God gave me also out of His immense bounty the
+grace to resign myself, and offer myself utterly to His good pleasure,
+together with some hope and desire of dying for His sake. From that moment
+I felt no more trouble in my soul, and even the bodily pain seemed to be
+more bearable than before, although I doubt not that it really increased,
+from the continued strain that was exercised on every part of my body.
+
+"Hereupon those gentlemen, seeing that I gave them no further answer,
+departed to the Lieutenant's house; and there they waited, sending now and
+then to know how things were going on in the crypt. There were left with
+me three or four strong men, to superintend my torture. My gaoler also
+remained, I fully believe out of kindness to me, and kept wiping away with
+a handkerchief the sweat that ran down from my face the whole time, as,
+indeed, it did from my whole body. So far, indeed, he did me a service;
+but by his words, he rather added to my distress, for he never stopped
+beseeching and entreating me to have pity on myself, and tell these
+gentlemen what they wanted to know; and so many human reasons did he
+allege, that I verily believe he was either instigated directly by the
+devil under pretence of affection for me, or had been left there purposely
+by the persecutors to influence me by his show of sympathy. In any case,
+these shafts of the enemy seemed to be spent before they reached me, for
+though annoying, they did me no real hurt, nor did they seem to touch my
+soul, or move it in the least. I said, therefore, to him, 'I pray, you to
+say no more on that point, for I am not minded to lose my soul for the
+sake of my body, and you pain me by what you say.' Yet I could not prevail
+with him to be silent. The others also who stood by said: 'He will be a
+cripple all his life, if he lives through it; but he will have to be
+tortured daily till he confesses.' But I kept praying in a low voice, and
+continually uttered the holy names of Jesus and Mary.
+
+"I had hung in this way till after one of the clock, as I think, when I
+fainted. How long I was in the faint I know not; perhaps not long; for the
+men who stood by lifted me up, or replaced those wicker steps under my
+feet, until I came to myself; and immediately they heard me praying, they
+let me down again. This they did over and over again when the faint came
+on, eight or nine times before five of the clock. Somewhat before five
+came Wade again, and drawing near said, 'Will you yet obey the commands of
+the Queen and the Council?'
+
+" 'No,' said I, 'what you ask is unlawful, therefore I will never do it.'
+
+" 'At least then,' said Wade, 'say that you would like to speak to
+Secretary Cecil.'
+
+" 'I have nothing to say to him,' I replied, 'more than I have said
+already; and if I were to ask to speak to him, scandal would be caused,
+for people would imagine that I was yielding at length, and wished to give
+information.'
+
+"Upon this Wade suddenly turned his back in a rage, and departed, saying
+in a loud and angry tone, 'Hang there, then, till you rot!'
+
+"So he went away, and I think all the Commissioners then left the Tower;
+for at five of the clock the great bell of the Tower sounds, as a signal
+for all to leave who do not wish to be locked in all night. Soon after
+this they took me down from my cross, and though neither foot nor leg was
+injured, yet I could hardly stand."
+
+
+
+
+XV.
+
+
+"I was helped back to my cell by the gaoler, and meeting on the way some
+of the prisoners who had the range of the Tower, I addressed the gaoler in
+their hearing, saying I wondered how those gentlemen could insist so on my
+telling them where Father Garnett was, since every one must acknowledge it
+to be a sin to betray an innocent man, a thing I would never do, though I
+should die for it. This I said out loud, on purpose that the authorities
+might not have it in their power to publish a report about me that I had
+made a confession, as they often did in such cases. I had also another
+reason, which was that word might reach Father Garnett, through these
+persons spreading abroad what they heard me say, that it was about him I
+was chiefly examined, in order that he might look to himself. I noticed
+that my gaoler was very unwilling that I should speak thus before the
+others, but I did not stint for that. My gaoler appeared sincerely to
+compassionate my state, and when he reached my cell he laid me a fire, and
+brought me some food, as supper-time had nearly come. I scarcely tasted
+anything, but laid myself on my bed, and remained quiet there till the
+next morning.
+
+"Early next morning, however, soon after the Tower gates were opened, my
+gaoler came up to the cell and told me that Master Wade had arrived, and
+that I must go down to him. I went down, therefore, that time in a sort of
+cloak with wide sleeves, for my hands were so swollen that they would not
+have passed through ordinary sleeves. When I had come to the Lieutenant's
+house, Wade addressed me thus: 'I am sent to you on the part of the Queen
+and of Master Secretary Cecil, the first of whom assures you on the word
+of a Sovereign, the other on his word of honour, that they know for
+certain that Garnett is in the habit of meddling in political matters, and
+that he is an enemy of the State. Consequently, unless you mean to
+contradict them flatly, you ought to submit your judgment, and produce
+him.'
+
+" 'They cannot possibly know this,' I replied, 'by their own experience
+and of certain knowledge, since they have no personal knowledge of the
+man. Now, I have lived with him and know him well, and I know him to be no
+such character as you say.'
+
+" 'Well then,' returned he, 'you will not acknowledge it, nor tell us what
+we ask?'
+
+" 'No, certainly not,' said I; 'I neither can nor will.'
+
+" 'It would be better for you if you did,' he replied. And thereupon he
+summoned from the next room a gentleman who had been there waiting, a tall
+and commanding figure, whom he called the Superintendent of Torture. I
+knew there was such an officer, but this man was not really in that
+charge, as I heard afterwards, but was Master of the Artillery in the
+Tower. However, Wade called him by that name to strike the greater terror
+into me, and said to him, 'In the name of the Queen, and of the Lords of
+her Council, I deliver this man into your hands. You are to rack him twice
+to-day, and twice daily until such time as he chooses to confess.' The
+officer then took charge of me, and Wade departed.
+
+"Thereupon we descended with the same solemnity as before into the place
+appointed for torture, and again they put the manacles on the same part of
+my arms as before; indeed, they could not be put on in any other part, for
+the flesh had so risen on both sides that there were two hills of flesh
+with a valley between, and the manacles would not meet anywhere but in the
+valley. Here then were they put on, not without causing me much pain. Our
+good Lord, however, helped me, and I cheerfully offered Him my hands and
+my heart. So I was hung up again as I before described; and in my hands I
+felt a great deal more pain than on the previous day, but not so much in
+my breast and belly, perhaps because this day I had eaten nothing.
+
+"While thus hanging I prayed, sometimes silently, sometimes aloud,
+recommending myself to our Lord Jesus and His Blessed Mother. I hung much
+longer this time without fainting, but at length I fainted so thoroughly
+that they could not bring me to, and they thought that I either was dead
+or soon would be. So they called the Lieutenant, but how long he was there
+I know not, nor how long I remained in the faint. When I came round,
+however, I found myself no longer hanging by my hands, but supported
+sitting on a bench, with many people round me, who had opened my teeth
+with some iron instrument, and were pouring warm water down my throat. Now
+when the Lieutenant saw I could speak, he said: 'Do you not see how much
+better it is for you to yield to the wishes of the Queen than to lose your
+life this way?'
+
+"By God's help I answered him with more spirit than I had ever before
+felt, 'No, certainly I do not see it. I would rather die a thousand times
+than do what they require of me.'
+
+" 'You will not, then,' he repeated.
+
+" 'No, indeed I will not,' I answered, 'while a breath remains in my
+body.'
+
+" 'Well then,' said he, and he seemed to say it sorrowfully, as if
+reluctant to carry out his orders, 'we must hang you up again now, and
+after dinner too.'
+
+" 'Let us go, then, in the name of God,' I said; 'I have but one life, and
+if I had more I would offer them all for this cause.' And with this I
+attempted to rise in order to go to the pillar, but they were obliged to
+support me, as I was very weak in body from the torture. And if there was
+any strength in my soul it was the gift of God, and given, I am convinced,
+because I was a member of the Society, though a most unworthy one. I was
+suspended, therefore, a third time, and hung there in very great pain of
+body, but not without great consolation of soul, which seemed to me to
+arise from the prospect of dying. Whether it was from a true love of
+suffering for Christ, or from a sort of selfish desire to be with Christ,
+God knows best; but I certainly thought that I should die, and felt great
+joy in committing myself to the will and good pleasure of my God, and
+contemning entirely the will of men. Oh, that God would grant me always to
+have that same spirit (though I doubt not that it wanted much of true
+perfection in His eyes), for a longer life remains to me than I then
+thought, and He granted me time to prepare myself better for His holy
+presence.
+
+"After awhile the Lieutenant, seeing that he made no way with me by
+continuing the torture, or because the dinner-hour was near at hand, or
+perhaps through a natural feeling of compassion, ordered me to be taken
+down. I think I hung not quite an hour this third time. I am rather
+inclined to think that the Lieutenant released me from compassion; for,
+some time after my escape, a gentleman of quality told me he had it from
+Sir Richard Barkley himself (who was this very Lieutenant of whom I
+speak), that he had of his own accord resigned the office he held, because
+he would no longer be an instrument in torturing innocent men so cruelly.
+And, in fact, he gave up the post after holding it but three or four
+months, and another Knight was appointed in his stead, in whose time it
+was that I made my escape.
+
+"So I was brought back to my room by my gaoler, who seemed to have his
+eyes full of tears, and he assured me that his wife had been weeping and
+praying for me the whole time, though I had never seen the good woman in
+all my life. Then he brought me some food, of which I could eat but
+little, and that little he was obliged to cut for me and put into my
+mouth. I could not hold a knife in my hands for many days after, much less
+now when I was not even able to move my fingers, nor help myself in
+anything, so that he was obliged to do everything for me. However, by
+order of the authorities he took away my knife, scissors, and razors, lest
+I should kill myself, I believe; for they always do this in the Tower as
+long as the prisoner is under warrant for torture. I expected, therefore,
+daily to be sent for again to the torture-chamber, according to order; but
+our merciful God, while to other stronger champions, such as Father
+Walpole and Father Southwell, He gave a sharp struggle that they might
+overcome, gave His weak soldier but a short trial that he might not be
+overcome. They indeed, being perfected in a short time, fulfilled a long
+space; but I, unworthy of so great a good, was left to run out my days,
+and so supply for my defects by washing my soul with my tears, since I
+deserved not to wash it with my blood. God so ordained it, and may that be
+done which is good in His eyes."
+
+Father Garnett, in his letters, mentions Father Gerard's torture for the
+first time when writing to Father Persons at Rome, April 23, 1597:(96)
+"John Gerard hath been sore tortured in the Tower: it is thought it was
+for some letters directed to him out of Spain." Between this date and the
+next, some details had reached Father Garnett, for on the 7th of May,
+1597, he wrote to the General (we translate from the Italian):(97) "Of
+John Gerard I have already written to you where he is. He hath been twice
+hanged up by the hands, with great cruelty of others, and not less
+suffering of his own. The inquisitors here say that he is very obstinate,
+and that he has a great alliance with God or the devil, as they cannot
+draw the least word out of his mouth, except that in torment he cries
+'Jesus.' They took him lately to the rack, and the torturers and examiners
+were there ready, but he suddenly, when he entered the place, knelt down,
+and with a loud voice prayed to our Lord that, as He had given grace and
+strength to some of His Saints to bear with Christian patience being torn
+to pieces by horses for His love, so He would be pleased to give him grace
+and courage, rather to be dragged into a thousand pieces than to say
+anything that might injure any person or the Divine glory. And so they
+left him without tormenting him, seeing him so resolved." On June 13, 1597
+(in the copy it is _Jan. 10_, evidently a mistake), he writes:(98) "I
+wrote unto you heretofore of the remove of Mr. Gerard to the Tower: he
+hath been thrice hanged up by the hands, every time until he was almost
+dead, and that in one day twice. The cause was (as now I understand
+perfectly) for to tell where his Superior was, and by whom he had sent him
+letters which were delivered him from Father Persons, and he was
+discovered by one of his fellow-prisoners. The Earl of Essex saith he must
+needs honour him for his constancy." Again, a letter of Father Garnett to
+the General, in Latin, dated June 11, 1597, runs thus:(99) "I have written
+to you more than once of our Mr. John Gerard, that he has been thrice
+tortured, but that he has borne all with invincible courage. We have also
+lately heard for certain that the Earl of Essex praised his constancy,
+declaring that he could not help honouring and admiring the man. A
+secretary of the Royal Council denies that the Queen wishes to have him
+executed. To John this will be a great trouble."
+
+
+
+
+XVI.
+
+
+"I remained therefore in my cell, spending my time principally in prayer.
+And now again I made the Spiritual Exercises, as I had done at the
+beginning of my imprisonment, giving four or five hours a day to
+meditation for a whole month. I had a breviary with me, so that I was able
+to say my Office; and every day I said a dry Mass (such as is said by
+those who are practising Mass before the Priesthood), and that with great
+reverence and desire of communicating, especially at that part where I
+should have communicated if the Sacrifice had been real. And these
+practices consoled me in my tribulation.
+
+"At the end of three weeks, as far as I can remember, I was able to move
+my fingers, and help myself a little, and even hold a knife. So when I had
+finished my retreat, I asked leave to have some books, but they only
+allowed me a Bible, which I obtained from my friends in my former prison.
+I sent to them for some money, by which means I saw that I should be able
+to enlist the sympathies of my gaoler, and induce him to allow me things,
+and even to bring me some books. My friends sent me by him all that I
+asked for. I got my gaoler to buy some large oranges, a fruit of which he
+was very fond. But besides gratifying him with a present of them, I
+meditated making another use of them in time.
+
+"I now began to exercise my hands a little after dinner. Supper I never
+took, though it was always allowed; indeed, there was no stint of food in
+the prison, all being furnished at the Queen's expense; for there were
+given me daily six small rolls of very good bread. There are different
+scales of diet fixed in the prison, according to the rank of the prisoner;
+the religious state, indeed, they take no account of, but only human rank,
+thus making most of what ought to be esteemed the least. Well, the
+exercise which I gave my hands was to cut the peel of these oranges into
+the form of crosses, and sew them two and two together. I made many of
+these crosses, and many rosaries also strung on silken cord. Then I asked
+my gaoler if he would carry some of these crosses and rosaries to my
+friends in my old prison? He, seeing nothing in this to compromise him,
+readily undertook to do so. In the meanwhile, I put some of the
+orange-juice in a small jug. I was now in want of a pen, but I dared not
+openly ask for one; nay, even if I had asked, and obtained my request, I
+could at this time scarcely have written, or but very badly; for though I
+could hold a pen, I could hardly feel that I had anything in my fingers.
+The sense of touch was not recovered for five months, and even then not
+fully, for I was never without a certain numbness in my hands up to the
+time of my escape, which was more than six months after the torture. So I
+begged for a quill to make myself a toothpick, which he readily brought
+me. I made this into a pen fit for writing, then cutting off a short piece
+of the pointed end, I fixed it on a small stick. With the rest of the
+quill I made a toothpick, so long that nothing appeared to have been cut
+off, and this I afterwards showed my gaoler. Then I begged for some paper
+to wrap up my rosaries and crosses, and obtained his leave also to write a
+line or two with pencil on the paper, asking my friends to pray for me.
+All this he allowed, not suspecting that he was carrying anything but what
+he knew. But I had managed to write on the paper with some orange-juice,
+telling my friends to write back to me in the same way, but sparingly at
+first; asking them also to give the bearer a little money, and promise him
+some as often as he should bring any crosses or rosaries from me, with a
+few words of my writing to assure them that I was well.
+
+"When they received the paper and the rosaries, knowing that I should if
+possible have written something with orange-juice, as I used to do with
+them, they immediately retired to their room, and held the paper to a
+fire. Thus they read all I had written, and wrote back to me in the same
+way, sending me some comfits or dried sweetmeats wrapped up in the paper
+on which they had written. We continued this method of communication for
+about half a year; but we soon proceeded with much greater confidence when
+we found that the man never failed to deliver our missives faithfully. For
+full three months, however, he had no idea that he was conveying letters
+to and fro. But after three months I began to ask him to allow me to write
+with a pencil at greater length, which he permitted. I always gave him
+these letters open, that he might see what I wrote, and I wrote nothing
+but spiritual matters that he could see, but on the blank part of the
+paper I had written with orange-juice directions and particular advice for
+my different friends, about which he knew nothing.
+
+"As it happened, indeed, I need not have been so circumspect; for the man,
+as I found out after some time, could not read. He pretended, however,
+that he was able, and used to stand and look over my shoulder while I read
+to him what I had written with pencil. At length it occurred to me that
+possibly he could not read; so in order to make the trial, while he was
+looking over the paper, I read it altogether in a different way from what
+I had written. After doing this on two or three occasions without his
+taking any notice, I said openly to him, with a smile, that he need not
+look over my shoulder any more. He acknowledged, indeed, that he could not
+read, but said that he took great pleasure in hearing what I read to him.
+After this he let me write what I would, and carried everything as
+faithfully as ever. He even provided me with ink, and carried closed
+letters to and fro between my friends and me. For seeing that I had to do
+with very few, and those discreet and trustworthy people, and thinking
+that neither I nor they were likely to betray him, he did just what we
+asked him for a consideration, for he always received a stipulated
+payment. He begged me, however, not to require him to go so often to the
+Clink prison, lest suspicion should arise from these frequent visits,
+which might cause harm not only to him, but to me; he proposed, therefore,
+that some friend of mine should meet him near the Tower and deliver the
+letters to him. But I was loath to risk the safety of any one by putting
+him thus in the man's power. It made no difference to those already in
+custody; they could, without much additional danger, hold correspondence
+with me, and send me anything for my support by way of alms. Besides, I
+knew that my messenger would not be likely to speak of the letter he
+carried, as he was quite conscious that this would be as dangerous for
+himself as for those to whom he carried them.
+
+"Nay, even if he had wished he could not have done much injury either to
+me or my friends, because I took good care never to name any of them in my
+letters: but before I was in prison, and after, I invariably used
+pseudonyms which were understood by those to whom I wrote. Thus, I called
+one 'Brother,' another 'Son,' another 'Nephew,' or 'Friend,' and so of
+their wives, calling this one 'Sister,' that one 'Niece,' or 'Daughter.'
+In this way no one not in the secret could possibly tell whom I meant,
+even if the letters had been intercepted, which they never were. I may add
+that even if the letters had been betrayed and read, they could never have
+been made further use of by the enemy, in allowing them to be carried to
+their destination to lure the correspondents on till they should
+compromise themselves, as was sometimes done. For I never wrote now with
+lemon-juice, as I once did in the Clink; which letter was betrayed to the
+persecutor Wade, as I before related. The reason of my doing so then was
+because there were two letters there, which had to be read in one place,
+and then carried to another. Now lemon-juice has this property, that what
+is written in it can be read in water quite as well as by fire, and when
+the paper is dried the writing disappears again till it is steeped afresh,
+or again held to the fire. But anything written with orange-juice is at
+once washed out by water, and cannot be read at all in that way; and if
+held to the fire, though the characters are thus made to appear, and can
+be read, they will not disappear; so that a letter of this sort, once
+read, can never be delivered to any one as if it had not been read. The
+party will see at once that it has been read, and will certainly refuse
+and disown it, if it should contain anything dangerous. It was in this way
+I knew that my letters always reached my friends, and that theirs reached
+me in safety. And so our correspondence continued, I obtaining sure
+information of all my friends, and they receiving at my hands the
+consolation they sought.
+
+"In order, however, that matters might go on still more securely, I
+managed, through some of my friends, that John Lilly's release should be
+purchased; and from that time I always got him to bring to my gaoler
+everything that reached me from the outside. It was through his means too,
+a little later, that I escaped from the Tower, although nothing certainly
+was farther from my thoughts when I thus secured his services. All I had
+in view was to be able to increase my correspondence with safety. This
+went on for about four months, and after the first month I gave a good
+time to study by means of books secretly procured. But at this time an
+event occurred which caused me great anxiety.
+
+"Master Francis Page, of whom I have before spoken, was now living with my
+former host," Mr. Wiseman, "who had been released from prison. After my
+removal to the Tower, he got to learn in what part of it I was confined;
+and out of regard for me used to come daily to a spot from whence he could
+see my window, in order to get the chance some day of seeing me there. At
+last it so happened that going one day to the window (it was a warm day in
+summer), I noticed a gentleman at some distance pull off his hat as if to
+me; then he walked to and fro, and frequently stopped and made pretence of
+arranging his hair, in order to have the opportunity of doffing his hat to
+me without attracting the attention of others. At last I recognized him by
+the clothes that he was accustomed to wear, and made him a sign of
+recognition, and giving him my blessing, I withdrew at once from the
+window, lest others should see me, and have suspicion of him. But the good
+man was not content with this; daily did he come for my blessing, and
+stopped some time, walking to and fro, and ever as he turned he doffed his
+hat, though I frequently made signals to him not to do so. At length he
+was noticed doing this, and one day as I was looking I saw him, to my
+great grief, seized and led away. He was brought to the Lieutenant of the
+Tower, who examined him about me and my friends. But he denied everything,
+and said that he simply walked there for his amusement, it being a fine
+open space close to the river Thames. So they kept him a prisoner for some
+days, and meanwhile by inquiry found that he was living with my former
+host. This increased their suspicion that he had been sent there to give
+me some sign. But as he constantly denied everything, they at last had
+recourse to me, and sent for me to be examined. Now, as I was going to the
+examination, Master Page was walking up and down with my gaoler in the
+hall, through which I was taken to the chamber where the authorities
+awaited me. Immediately I was introduced, the examiners said to me: 'There
+is a young man here named Francis Page, who says he knows you and desires
+to speak with you.'
+
+" 'He can do so if he wishes,' I replied; 'but who is this Francis Page? I
+know no such person.'
+
+" 'Not know him?' said they; 'he at any rate knows you so well that he can
+recognize you at a distance, and has come daily to salute you.'
+
+"I, however, maintained I knew no such man. So when they found they could
+twist nothing out of me either by wiles or threats, they sent me back. But
+as I passed again through the hall where Master Page was with the others,
+I looked all round, and said with a loud voice, 'Is there any one here of
+the name of Francis Page, who says he knows me well, and has often come
+before my window to see me? Which of all these is he? I know no such
+person, and I wonder that any one should be willing to injure himself by
+saying such things.'
+
+"All this while the gaoler was trying to prevent my speaking, but was
+unable. I said this, not because I had any idea that he had acknowledged
+that he knew me, but for fear they might afterwards tell him of me what
+they had told me of him. And so it turned out. For they had told him
+already that I had acknowledged I knew him, and they had only sent for me
+then that he might see me go in, intending to tell him I had confirmed all
+I said before. But now they could not so impose on him. For when he was
+summoned, he immediately told them what I had said publicly in the hall as
+I passed through. The men, in their disappointment, stormed against the
+gaoler and me, but being thus baffled, could not carry out their
+deception.
+
+"A little later they released Master Page for money, who soon crossed the
+sea, and, after going through his studies in Belgium, was made Priest.
+Thence he returned afterwards to England and remained mostly in London,
+where he was much beloved, and useful to many souls. One of his penitents
+was that Mistress Line whose martyrdom I have above related. In her house
+he was once taken, as I said, but that time he escaped. A little after he
+obtained his desire of being admitted into the Society, but before he
+could be sent over to Belgium for his noviceship, he was again taken, and
+being tried like gold in the furnace, and accepted as the victim of a
+holocaust, he washed his robe in the blood of the Lamb, and is now in the
+possession of his reward. And he sees me now no longer detained in the
+Tower while he is walking by the water of the Thames, but rather he
+beholds me on the waters, still tossed by the various winds and storms,
+while he is secure of his own eternal happiness, and solicitous, as I
+hope, for mine. Before all this, however, he used to say that he was much
+encouraged and amused by hearing what I said as I passed through the hall,
+as it enabled him to detect and avoid the snares of the enemy.
+
+"During the time I was detained at the Tower, no one was allowed to visit
+me, so that I could afford no help to souls by my words; by letter,
+however, I did what I could with those to whom I could venture to trust
+the secret of how they might correspond with me. Once, however, after John
+Lilly's release, as he was walking in London streets, two ladies, mother
+and daughter, accosted him, and begged him if it was by any means possible
+to bring them where they could see me. He, knowing the extreme danger of
+such an attempt, endeavoured to dissuade them, but they gave him no peace
+till he promised to open the matter to the gaoler, and try to get him to
+admit them, as if they were relations of his. Gained over by large
+promises, the man consented; the ladies had also made a present of a new
+gown to his wife. They therefore, dressing themselves as simple London
+citizens, the fashion of whose garments is very different from that of
+ladies of quality, came with John Lilly under pretence of visiting the
+gaoler's wife, and seeing the lions that are kept in the Tower, and the
+other animals there which the curious are in the habit of coming to see.
+After they had seen all the sights, the gaoler led them within the walls
+of the Tower, and when he found a good opportunity, introduced them and
+John Lilly into my room, exposing himself to a great danger for a small
+gain. When they saw me they could not restrain themselves from running and
+kissing my feet, and even strove with one another who should first kiss
+them. For my part, I could not deny them what they had bought so dear, and
+then begged for so earnestly, but I only allowed them to offer this homage
+to me as to the prisoner of Christ, not as to the sinner that I am. We
+conversed a little, then leaving with me what they had brought for my use,
+they returned in safety much consoled, but not without tears, for they
+thought they should never see my face again, inasmuch as they had heard in
+the city that I was to be brought to trial and executed."
+
+
+
+
+XVII.
+
+
+"Once also Father Garnett, my Superior, sent me similar happy news,
+warning me in a letter full of consolation to prepare myself for death.
+And, indeed, I cannot deny that I rejoiced at the things that were said to
+me; but my great unworthiness prevented me from going into the House of
+the Lord. In fact, the good Father, though he knew it not, was to obtain
+this mercy before me; and God grant that I may be able to follow him even
+at a distance to the Cross which he so much loved and honoured. God gave
+him the desire of his heart; for it was on the Feast of the Invention of
+the Holy Cross that he found Him Whom his soul loved. On this same Feast
+of the Holy Cross on which this holy Father found his crown, I received,
+by his intercession I fully believe, two great favours, of which I will
+speak further at the close of this narration; to which close, indeed, it
+behoves me to hasten, for I am conscious that I have already been more
+diffuse than such small matters warranted.
+
+"What good Father Garnett warned me of by letter, the enemy threatened
+also by words and acts about that time. For those who had come before with
+authority to put me to the torture, now came again, but with another
+object, to wit, to take my formal examination in preparation for my trial.
+So the Queen's Attorney General questioned me on all points, and wrote
+everything down in that order which he meant to observe in prosecuting me
+at the assizes, as he told me. He asked me, therefore, about my
+Priesthood, and about my coming to England as a Priest and a Jesuit, and
+inquired whether I had dealt with any to reconcile them to the Pope, and
+draw them away from the faith and religious profession which was approved
+in England. All these things I freely confessed that I had done; answers
+which furnished quite sufficient matter for my condemnation according to
+their laws. When they asked, however, with whom I had communicated in
+political matters, I replied that I had never meddled with such things.
+But they urged the point, and said it was impossible that I, who so much
+desired the conversion of England, should not have tried these means also,
+as being very well adapted to the end. To this I replied, as far as I
+recollect, in the following way: 'I will tell you my mind candidly in this
+matter, and about the State, in order that you may have no doubt about my
+intent, nor question me any more on the subject; and in what I say, lo!
+before God and His holy Angels I lie not, nor do I add aught to the true
+feeling of my heart. I wish, indeed, that the whole of England should be
+converted to the Catholic and Roman faith; that the Queen, too, should be
+converted, and all the Privy Council; yourselves also, and all the
+magistrates of the realm: but so that the Queen and you all without a
+single exception should continue to hold the same powers and dignities
+that you do at present, and that not a single hair of your head should
+perish, that so you may be happy both in this life and the next. Do not
+think, however, that I desire this conversion for my own sake, in order to
+regain my liberty and follow my vocation in freedom. No; I call God to
+witness that I would gladly consent to be hanged to-morrow if all this
+could be brought about by that means. This is my mind and my desire:
+consequently I am no enemy of the Queen's nor of yours, nor have I ever
+been so.'
+
+"Hereupon Mr. Attorney kept silence for a time, and then he began afresh
+to ask me what Catholics I knew; did I know such-and-such? I answered, 'I
+do not know them.' And I added the usual reasons why I should still make
+the same answer even if I did know them. Upon this, he digressed to the
+question of equivocation, and began to inveigh against Father Southwell,"
+whose conduct I defended by several arguments.(100)
+
+"They made no reply to me; but the Attorney General wrote everything down,
+and said he should use it against me at my trial in a short time. But he
+did not keep his word: for I was not worthy to enter under God's roof,
+where nothing denied can enter. I have, therefore, still to be purified by
+a prolonged sojourn in exile, and so at length, if God please, be saved as
+by fire.
+
+"This my last examination was in Trinity term, as they call it. They have
+four terms in the year, during which many come up to London to have their
+causes tried, for these are times that the law courts are open. It is
+during these terms, on account of the great confluence of people, that
+they bring those Priests to trial whom they have determined to prosecute;
+and probably this was what they proposed to do in my case: but man
+proposes and God disposes, and He had disposed otherwise. When this time,
+therefore, had passed away, there was no longer any probability that they
+would proceed against me publicly. I turned my attention consequently to
+study in this time of enforced leisure, as I thought they had now
+determined only to prevent my communication with others, and that this was
+the reason they had transferred me to my present prison, as being more
+strict and more secure."
+
+
+
+
+XVIII.
+
+
+"I thus endeavoured to conform myself to the decrees of God and the
+tyranny of man; when lo! on the last day of July [1597], the anniversary
+of our holy Father Ignatius' departure from this life, while I was in
+meditation and was entertaining a vehement desire of an opportunity for
+saying Mass, it came into my head that this really might be accomplished
+in the cell of a certain Catholic gentleman, which lay opposite mine on
+the other side of a small garden within the Tower. This gentleman(101) had
+been detained ten years in prison. He had been, indeed, condemned to
+death, but the sentence was not carried out. He was in the habit of going
+up daily on the leads of the building in which he was confined, which he
+was allowed to use as a place of exercise. Here he would salute me, and
+wait for my blessing on bended knees.
+
+"On examining this idea of mine more at leisure, I concluded that the
+matter was feasible, if I could prevail on my gaoler to allow me to visit
+this gentleman. For he had a wife who had obtained permission to visit him
+at fixed times, and bring him changes of linen and other little comforts
+in a basket; and as this had now gone on many years, the officers had come
+to be not so particular in examining the basket as they were at first. I
+hoped, therefore, that there would be a possibility of introducing
+gradually by means of this lady all things necessary for the celebration
+of Mass, which my friends would supply. Resolving to make the trial, I
+made a sign to the gentleman to attend to what I was going to indicate to
+him. I then took pen and paper and made as if I was writing somewhat;
+then, after holding the paper to the fire, I made a show of reading it,
+and lastly I wrapped up one of my crosses in it, and made a sign of
+sending it over to him. I dared not speak to him across the garden, as
+what I said would easily have been heard by others. Then I began treating
+with my gaoler to convey a cross or a rosary for me to my fellow-prisoner,
+for the same man had charge of both of us, as we were near neighbours. At
+first he refused, saying that he durst not venture, as he had had no proof
+of the other prisoner's fidelity in keeping a secret. 'For if,' said he,
+'the gentleman's wife were to talk of this, and it should become known I
+had done such a thing, it would be all over with me.' I reassured him,
+however, and convinced him that such a result was not likely, and, as I
+added a little bribe, I prevailed upon him as usual to gratify me. He took
+my letter, and the other received what I sent; but he wrote me nothing
+back as I had requested him to do. Next morning when he made his
+appearance on the leads he thanked me by signs, and showed the cross I had
+sent him.
+
+"After three days, as I got no answer from him, I began to suspect the
+real reason, namely, that he had not read my letter. So I called his
+attention again, and went through the whole process in greater detail.
+Thus, I took an orange and squeezed the juice into a little cup, then I
+took a pen and wrote with the orange-juice, and holding the paper some
+time before the fire, that the writing might be visible, I perused it
+before him, trying to make him understand that this was what he should do
+with my next paper. This time he fathomed my meaning, and thus read the
+next letter I sent him. He soon sent me a reply, saying that he thought
+the first time I wanted him to burn the paper, as I had written a few
+visible words on it with pencil; therefore he had done so. To my proposal,
+moreover, he answered, that the thing could be done, if my gaoler would
+allow me to visit him in the evening and remain with him the next day; and
+that his wife would bring all the furniture that should be given her for
+the purpose.
+
+"As a next step, I sounded the gaoler about allowing me to visit my
+fellow-prisoner, and proposed he should let me go just once and dine with
+him, and that he, the gaoler, should have his share in the feast. He
+refused absolutely, and showed great fear of the possibility of my being
+seen as I crossed the garden, or lest the Lieutenant might take it into
+his head to pay me a visit that very day. But as he was never in the habit
+of visiting me, I argued that it was very improbable that the thing should
+happen as he feared. After this, the golden arguments I adduced proved
+completely successful, for I promised him a crown for his kindness; and he
+acceded to my request. So I fixed on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin;
+and in the meanwhile I told my neighbour to let his wife call at such a
+place in London, having previously sent word to John Lilly what he should
+give her to bring. I told him, moreover, to send a pyx and a number of
+small hosts, that I might be able to reserve the Blessed Sacrament. He
+provided all I told him, and the good lady got them safely to her
+husband's cell. So on the appointed day I went over with my gaoler, and
+stayed with my fellow-prisoner that night and the next day; but the gaoler
+exacted a promise that not a word of this should be said to the
+gentleman's wife. The next morning, then, said I Mass, to my great
+consolation; and that confessor of Christ communicated, after having been
+so many years deprived of that favour. In this Mass I consecrated also
+two-and-twenty particles, which I reserved in the pyx with a corporal;
+these I took back with me to my cell, and for many days renewed the divine
+banquet with ever fresh delight and consolation."
+
+
+
+
+XIX.
+
+
+"Now while we were together that day, I--though nothing was less in my
+thoughts when I came over than any idea of escape (for I sought only our
+true deliverer, Jesus Christ, as He was prefigured in the little ash-baked
+loaf of Elias, that I might with more strength and courage travel the rest
+of my way even to the Mount of God),--seeing how close this part of the
+Tower was to the moat by which it was surrounded, began to think with
+myself that it were a possible thing for a man to descend by a rope from
+the top of the building to the other side of the moat. I asked my
+companion, therefore, what he thought about it, and whether it seemed
+possible to him. 'Certainly,' said he, 'it could be done, if a man had
+some real and true friends to assist him, who would not shrink from
+exposing themselves to danger to rescue one they loved.'
+
+" 'There is no want of such friends,' I replied, 'if only the thing is
+feasible and worth while trying,'
+
+" 'For my part,' said he, 'I should only be too glad to make the attempt;
+since it would be far better for me to live even in hiding, where I could
+enjoy the Sacraments and the company of good men, than to spend my life
+here in solitude between four walls.'
+
+" 'Well, then,' I answered, 'let us commend the matter to God in prayer;
+in the meanwhile I will write to my Superior, and what he thinks best we
+will do.'
+
+"While we remained together, we took counsel on all the details that would
+have to be carried out, if the plan were adopted. I returned that night to
+my cell, and wrote a letter to Father Garnett by John Lilly, putting all
+the circumstances before him. He answered me that the thing should be
+attempted by all means, if I thought it could be done without danger to my
+life in the descent.
+
+"Upon this I wrote to" Mr. Wiseman, "my former host, telling him that an
+escape in this way could be managed, but that the matter must be
+communicated to as few as possible, lest it should get noised about and
+stopped. I appointed, moreover, John Lilly and Richard Fulwood, the latter
+of whom was at that time serving Father Garnett, if they were willing to
+expose themselves to the peril, to come on such a night to the outer bank
+of the moat opposite the little tower in which my friend was kept, and
+near the place where Master Page was apprehended, as I described before.
+They were to bring with them a rope, one end of which they were to tie to
+a stake; then we, from the leads on the top of the tower, would throw over
+to them a ball of lead with a stout string attached, such as men use for
+sewing up bales of goods. This they would find in the dark by the noise it
+would make in falling, and would attach the string to the free end of
+their rope, so that we, who retained one end of the string, would thus be
+able to pull the rope up. I ordered, moreover, that they should have on
+their breasts a white paper or handkerchief, that we might recognize them
+as friends before throwing out our string, and that they should come
+provided with a boat in which we might quickly make our escape.
+
+"When these arrangements had been made and a night fixed, yet my host
+wished that a less hazardous attempt should first be made, by trying
+whether my gaoler could be bribed to let me out, which he could easily do
+by permitting a disguise. John Lilly therefore offered him, on the part of
+a friend of mine, a thousand florins [100_l._] on the spot, and a hundred
+florins [10_l._] yearly for his life, if he would agree to favour my
+escape. The man would not listen to anything of the kind, saying he should
+have to live an outcast if he did so, and should be sure to be hanged if
+ever he was caught. Nothing, therefore, could be done with him in this
+line. So we went on with our preparations according to our previous plan;
+and the matter was commended to God with many prayers by all those to whom
+the secret was committed. One gentleman, indeed, heir to a large estate,
+made a vow to fast once a week during his life if I escaped safely. When
+the appointed night came, I prevailed on the gaoler, by entreaties and
+bribes, to allow me to visit my friend. So he locked us both in together
+with bolts and bars of iron as usual, and departed. But as he had also
+locked the inside door that led to the roof, we had to loosen the stone
+into which the bolt shot with our knives, or otherwise we could not get
+out. This we succeeded in doing at length, and mounted the leads softly
+and without a light, for a sentinel was placed in the garden every night,
+so that we durst not even speak to each other but in a very low whisper.
+
+"About midnight we saw the boat coming with our friends, namely, John
+Lilly, Richard Fulwood, and another, who had been my gaoler in the former
+prison, through whom they procured the boat, and who steered the boat
+himself. They neared the shore; but just as they were about to land, some
+one came out of one of the poor cottages thereabouts, and seeing their
+boat making for the shore, hailed them, taking them for fishermen. The man
+indeed returned to his bed without suspecting anything, but our boatmen
+durst not venture to land till they thought the man had gone to sleep
+again. They paddled about so long, however, that the time slipped away,
+and it became impossible to accomplish anything that night; so they
+returned by London Bridge. But the tide was now flowing so strongly, that
+their boat was forced against some piles there fixed to break the force of
+the water, so that they could neither get on nor get back. Meanwhile, the
+tide was still rising, and now came so violently on the boat that it
+seemed as if it would be upset at every wave. Being in these straits, they
+commended themselves to God by prayers, and called for help from men by
+their cries.
+
+"All this while we on the top of the tower heard them shouting, and saw
+men coming out on the bank of the river with candles, running up and
+getting into their boats to rescue those in danger. Many boats approached
+them, but none durst go up to them, fearing the force of the current.(102)
+So they stood there in a sort of circle round them, spectators of their
+peril, but not daring to assist. I recognized Richard Fulwood's voice in
+the shouts, and said, 'I know it is our friends who are in danger.' My
+companion indeed did not believe I could distinguish any one's voice at
+that great distance;(103) but I knew it well, and groaned inwardly to
+think that such devoted men were in peril of their lives for my sake. We
+prayed fervently, therefore, for them, for we saw that they were not yet
+saved, though many had gone to assist them. Then we saw a light let down
+from the bridge,(104) and a sort of basket attached to a rope, by which
+they might be drawn up, if they could reach it. This it seems they were
+not able to do. But God had regard to the peril of His servants, and at
+last there came a strong sea-boat with six sailors, who worked bravely,
+and bringing their boat up to the one in danger, took out Lilly and
+Fulwood. Immediately they had got out, the boat they had left capsized
+before the third could be rescued, as if it had only kept right for the
+sake of the two who were Catholics. However, by God's mercy, the one who
+was thrown into the river caught a rope that was let down from the bridge,
+and was so dragged up and saved. So they were all rescued and got back to
+their homes."
+
+
+
+
+XX.
+
+
+"On the following day(105) John Lilly wrote me by the gaoler as usual.
+What could I expect him to say but this: 'We see, and have proved it by
+our peril, that it is not God's will we should proceed any further in this
+business.' But I found him saying just the contrary. For he began his
+letter as follows: 'It was not the will of God that we should accomplish
+our desire last night; still He rescued us from a great danger, that we
+might succeed better the next time. What is put off is not cut off:(106)
+so we mean to come again to-night, with God's help.'
+
+"My companion, on seeing such constancy joined with such strong and at the
+same time pious affection, was greatly consoled, and did not doubt
+success. But I had great ado to obtain leave from the gaoler to remain
+another night out of my cell; and had misgivings that he would discover
+the loosening of the stone when he locked the door again. He, however,
+remarked nothing of it.
+
+"In the meantime I had written three letters to be left behind. One was to
+the gaoler, justifying myself for taking this step without a word to him;
+I told him I was but exercising my right, since I was detained in prison
+without any crime, and added that I would always remember him in my
+prayers, if I could not help him in any other way. I wrote this letter
+with the hope that if the man were taken into custody for my escape, it
+might help to show that he was not to blame. The second letter was to the
+Lieutenant, in which I still further exonerated the gaoler, protesting
+before God that he knew nothing whatever about my escape, which was, of
+course, perfectly true, and that he certainly would not have allowed it if
+he had suspected anything. This I confirmed by repeating the very tempting
+offer which had been made him and which he had refused. As to his having
+allowed me to go to another prisoner's cell, I said I had extorted it from
+him with the greatest difficulty by repeated importunities, and therefore
+it would not be right that he should suffer death for it. The third letter
+was to the Lords of the Council, in which I stated first the causes which
+moved me to the recovery of my liberty, of which I had been unjustly
+deprived. It was not so much the mere love of freedom, I said, as the love
+of souls which were daily perishing in England that led me to attempt the
+escape, in order that I might assist in bringing them back from sin and
+heresy. As for matters of State, as they had hitherto found me averse to
+meddling with them, so they might be sure that I should continue the same.
+Besides this, I exonerated the Lieutenant and gaoler from all consent to,
+or connivance at, my escape, assuring them that I had recovered my liberty
+entirely by my own and my friends' exertions. I prepared another letter
+also, which would be taken next morning to my gaoler, not, however, by
+John Lilly, but by another, as I shall narrate presently.
+
+"At the proper hour we mounted again on the leads. The boat arrived and
+put to shore without any interruption. The schismatic, my former gaoler,
+remained with the boat, and the two Catholics came with the rope. It was a
+new rope, for they had lost the former one in the river on occasion of
+their disaster. They fastened the rope to a stake, as I had told them;
+they found the leaden ball which we threw, and tied the string to the
+rope. We had great difficulty, however, in pulling up the rope, for it was
+of considerable thickness, and double too. In fact, Father Garnett ordered
+this arrangement, fearing lest, otherwise, the rope might break by the
+weight of my body. But now another element of danger showed itself, which
+we had not reckoned on: for the distance was so great between the tower
+and the stake to which the rope was attached, that it seemed to stretch
+horizontally rather than slopingly; so that we could not get along it
+merely by our weight, but would have to propel ourselves by some exertion
+of our own. We proved this first by a bundle we had made of books and some
+other things wrapped up in my cloak. This bundle we placed on the double
+rope to see if it would slide down of itself, but it stuck at once. And it
+was well it did; for if it had gone out of our reach before it stuck, we
+should never have got down ourselves. So we took the bundle back and left
+it behind.
+
+"My companion, who had before spoken of the descent as a thing of the
+greatest ease, now changed his mind, and confessed it to be very difficult
+and full of danger. 'However,' said he, 'I shall most certainly be hanged
+if I remain now, for we cannot throw the rope back without its falling
+into the water, and so betraying us both and our friends. I will therefore
+descend, please God, preferring to expose myself to danger with the hope
+of freedom, rather than to remain here with good certainty of being
+hanged.' So he said a prayer, and took to the rope. He descended fairly
+enough, for he was strong and vigorous, and the rope was then taut: his
+weight, however, slackened it considerably, which made the danger for me
+greater, and though I did not then notice this, yet I found it out
+afterwards when I came to make the trial.
+
+"So commending myself to God, to our Lord Jesus, to the Blessed Virgin, to
+my Guardian Angel, and all my Patrons, particularly to Father Southwell,
+who had been imprisoned near this place for nearly three years before his
+martyrdom, to Father Walpole, and to all our Saints, I took the rope in my
+right hand and held it also with my left arm; then I twisted my legs about
+it, to prevent falling, in such a way that the rope passed between my
+shins. I descended some three or four yards face downwards, when suddenly
+my body swung round by its own weight and hung under the rope. The shock
+was so great that I nearly lost my hold, for I was still but weak,
+especially in the hands and arms. In fact, with the rope so slack and my
+body hanging beneath it, I could hardly get on at all. At length, I made a
+shift to get on as far as the middle of the rope, and there I stuck, my
+breath and my strength failing me, neither of which were very copious to
+begin with. After a little time, the Saints assisting me, and my good
+friends below drawing me to them by their prayers, I got on a little
+further and stuck again, thinking I should never be able to accomplish it.
+Yet I was loath to drop into the water as long as I could possibly hold
+on. After another rest, therefore, I summoned what remained of my
+strength, and helping myself with legs and arms as well as I could, I got
+as far as the wall on the other side of the moat. But my feet only touched
+the top of the wall, and my whole body hung horizontally, my head being no
+higher than my feet, so slack was the rope. In such a position, and
+exhausted as I was, it was hopeless to expect to get over the wall by my
+own unaided strength. So John Lilly got on to the wall somehow or other
+(for, as he afterwards asserted, he never knew how he got there), took
+hold of my feet, and by them pulled me to him, and got me over the wall on
+to the ground. But I was quite unable to stand, so they gave me some
+cordial waters and restoratives, which they had brought on purpose. By the
+help of these I managed to walk to the boat, into which we all entered.
+They had, however, before leaving the wall, untied the rope from the stake
+and cut off a part of it, so that it hung down the wall of the tower. We
+had previously, indeed, determined to pull it away altogether, and had
+with this object passed it round a great gun on the tower without knotting
+it. But God so willed it that we were not able by any exertion to get it
+away; and if we had succeeded, it would certainly have made a loud splash
+in the water, and perhaps have brought us into a worse danger.
+
+"On entering the boat we gave hearty thanks to God, Who had delivered us
+from the hand of the persecutor and from all the expectation of the
+people; we returned our best thanks also to those who had exposed
+themselves to such labours and perils for our sakes. We went some
+considerable distance in the boat before landing. After we had landed I
+sent the gentleman, my companion, with John Lilly, to my house, of which I
+have before spoken, which was managed by that saintly widow, Mistress
+Line. I myself, however, with Richard Fulwood, went to a house which
+Father Garnett had in the suburbs; and there Little John and I, a little
+before daylight, mounted our horses, which he had ready there for the
+purpose, and rode straight off to Father Garnett, who was then living a
+short distance in the country.(107) We got there by dinner-time, and great
+rejoicing there was on my arrival, and much thanksgiving to God at my
+having thus escaped from the hands of my enemies in the name of the Lord.
+
+"In the meanwhile I had sent Richard Fulwood with a couple of horses to a
+certain spot, that he might be ready to ride off with my gaoler, if he
+wished to consult his immediate safety. For I had a letter written, of
+which I made previous mention, which was to be taken to him early in the
+morning at the place where he was accustomed to meet John Lilly. Lilly,
+however, did not carry the letter, for I had bidden him remain quiet
+within doors until such time as the storm which was to be expected had
+blown over. So another, who also knew the gaoler, took the letter, and
+gave it to him at the usual meeting-place. He was indeed surprised at
+another's coming, but took the letter without remark, and was about to
+depart with the intention of delivering it to me as usual; but the other
+stopped him, saying, 'The letter is for you, and not for any one else.'
+
+" 'For me?' said the gaoler, 'from whom then does it come?'
+
+" 'From a friend of yours,' replied the other; 'but who he is I don't
+know.'
+
+"The gaoler was still more astonished at this, and said, 'I cannot myself
+read; if, then, it is a matter which requires immediate attention, pray
+read it for me.'
+
+"So the man that brought the letter read it for him. It was to the effect
+that I had made my escape from prison; and here I added a few words on the
+reasons of my conduct, for the purpose of calming his mind. Then I told
+him, that though I was nowise bound to protect him from the consequences,
+as I had but used my just right, yet, as I had found him faithful in the
+things which I had intrusted him with, I was loath to leave him in the
+lurch. If, therefore, he was inclined to provide for his own safety
+immediately, there was a horse waiting for him with a guide who would
+bring him to a place of safety, sufficiently distant from London, where I
+would maintain him for life, allowing him two hundred florins [20_l._]
+yearly, which would support him comfortably. I added that if he thought of
+accepting this offer, he had better settle his affairs as quickly as
+possible, and betake himself to the place which the bearer of the letter
+would show him.
+
+"The poor man was, as may well be supposed, in a great fright, and
+accepted the offer; but, as he was about to return to the Tower to settle
+matters and get his wife away, a mate of his met him, and said, 'Be off
+with you as quick as you can; for your prisoners have escaped from the
+little tower, and Master Lieutenant is looking for you everywhere. Woe to
+you if he finds you!' So, returning all in a tremble to the bearer of the
+letter, he besought him for the love of God to take him at once to where
+the horse was waiting for him. He took him, therefore, and handed him over
+to Richard Fulwood, who was to be his guide. Fulwood took him to the house
+of a friend of mine residing at the distance of a hundred miles from
+London, to whom I had written, asking him, if such a person should come,
+to take him in and provide for him. I warned him, however, not to put
+confidence in him, nor to acknowledge any acquaintance with me. I told him
+that Richard Fulwood would reimburse him for all the expenses, but that he
+must never listen to the man if at any time he began to talk about me or
+about himself.
+
+"Everything was done as I had arranged; my friend received no damage, and
+the gaoler remained there out of danger. After a year he went into another
+county, and, becoming a Catholic, lived there comfortably for some five
+years with his family on the annuity which I sent him regularly according
+to promise. He died at the end of those five years, having been through
+that trouble rescued by God from the occasions of sin, and, as I hope,
+brought to Heaven. I had frequently in the prison sounded him in matters
+of religion; and though his reason was perfectly convinced, I was never
+able to move his will. My temporal escape, then, I trust, was by the sweet
+disposition of God's merciful providence the occasion of his eternal
+salvation.
+
+"The Lieutenant of the Tower, when he could not find either his prisoners
+or their gaoler, hastened to the Lords of the Council with the letters
+which he had found. They wondered greatly that I should have been able to
+escape in such a way; but one of the chief members of the Council, as I
+afterwards heard, said to a gentleman who was in attendance that he was
+exceedingly glad I had got off. And when the Lieutenant demanded authority
+and assistance to search all London for me, and any suspected places in
+the neighbourhood, they all told him it would be of no use. 'You cannot
+hope to find him,' said they; 'for if he had such determined friends as to
+accomplish what they have, depend upon it they will have made further
+arrangements, and provided horses and hiding-places to keep him quite out
+of your reach.' They made search, however, in one or two places, but no
+one of any mark was taken that I could ever hear of.
+
+"For my part, I remained quietly with Father Garnett for a few days, both
+to recruit myself and to allow the talk about my escape to subside. Then
+my former hosts, who had proved themselves such devoted friends, urged my
+return to them, first to their London house close to the Clink prison,
+where they were as yet residing. So I went to them, and remained there in
+secrecy, admitting but very few visitors; nor did I ever leave the house
+except at night, a practice I always observed when in London, though at
+this time I did even this very sparingly, and visited only a few of my
+chief friends.
+
+"At this time I also visited my house, which was then under the care of
+Mistress Line, afterwards martyred. Another future martyr was then
+residing there of whom I have previously spoken, namely, Mr. Robert Drury,
+Priest. In this house about this time I received a certain parson who had
+been chaplain to the Earl of Essex in his expedition against the Spanish
+King, when he took Cadiz. He was an eloquent man and learned in languages;
+and when converted to the Catholic faith he had abandoned divers great
+preferments, nay, had likewise endured imprisonment for his religion.
+Hearing that he had an opportunity of making his escape, I offered that he
+should come to my house. There I maintained him for two or three months,
+during which time I gave him the Spiritual Exercises. In the course of his
+retreat, he came to the determination of offering himself to the Society;
+upon which I asked him to tell me candidly how he, who had been bred up in
+Calvin's bosom as it were, had been accustomed to military life, and had
+learnt in heresy and had long been accustomed to prefer his own will to
+other people's, could bring himself to enter the Society, where he knew,
+or certainly should know, that the very opposite principles prevailed. To
+this he replied, 'There are three things, in fact, which have especially
+induced me to take this step. First, because I see that heretics and evil
+livers hold the Society in far greater detestation than they do any other
+Religious Order; from which I judge that it has the Spirit of God in an
+especial degree, which the spirit of the devil cannot endure, and that it
+has been ordained by God to destroy heresy, and wage war against sin in
+general. Secondly, because all ecclesiastical dignities are excluded by
+its Constitutions, whence it follows that there is in it a greater
+certainty of a pure intention; and as its more eminent members are not
+taken from it for the Episcopate, it is more likely to retain its first
+fervour and its high estimation for virtue and learning. Thirdly, because
+in it obedience is cultivated with particular care, a virtue for which I
+have the greatest veneration, not only on account of the excellent effects
+produced thereby in the soul, but also because all things must needs go on
+well in a body where the wills of the members are bound together, and all
+are directed by God.'
+
+"These were his reasons; so I sent him into Belgium, that he might be
+forwarded to the College at Rome by Father Holt, giving him three hundred
+florins [30_l._] for his expenses. I gave the Spiritual Exercises also to
+some others in that house before I gave it up, among whom was a pious and
+good Priest named Woodward, who also found a vocation to the Society, and
+afterwards passed into Belgium with the intention of entering it; but as
+there was a great want of English Priests in the army at the time, he was
+appointed to that work, and died in it, greatly loved and reverenced by
+all.
+
+"I did not, however, keep that house long after the recovery of my
+liberty, because it was now known to a large number of persons, and was
+frequented during my imprisonment by many more than I should have
+permitted if I had been free. My principal reason, however, for giving it
+up was because it was known to the person who had been the cause of my
+being sent to the Tower. He had indeed expressed sorrow for his act, and
+had written to me to beg my pardon, which I freely gave him; yet, as he
+was released from prison soon after my escape, and I found that those
+among whom he had lived had no very good opinion of his character, I did
+not think it well that a thing involving the safety of many should remain
+within his knowledge. Mistress Line, also, a woman of singular prudence
+and virtue, was of the same mind. So I determined to make other
+arrangements as soon as possible...."
+
+"It seemed best, therefore, that Mistress Line should lodge for a space by
+herself in a hired room of a private house; while I, who did not wish to
+be without a place in London where I could safely admit some of my
+principal friends, and perhaps house a Priest from time to time, joined
+with a prudent and pious gentleman, who had a wife of similar character,
+in renting a large and spacious house between us. Half the house was to be
+for their use and the other half for mine, in which I had a fair chapel
+well provided and ornamented. Hither I resorted when I came to London, and
+here also I sent from time to time those I would, paying a certain sum for
+their board. In this way I expended scarce half the amount I did formerly
+under the other arrangement, when I was obliged to maintain a household
+whether there were any guests in the house or not; though indeed it was
+seldom that the house was empty of guests.
+
+"I made this new provision for my own and my friends' accommodation just
+in good time; for most certainly had I remained in my former house I
+should have been taken again. The thing happened in this wise. The Priest
+who, as I have related, got me promoted from a more obscure prison to a
+nobler one, began to importune me with continual letters that I would
+grant him an interview. Partly by delaying to answer him, partly by
+excusing myself on the score of occupation, I put him off for about half a
+year. At length he urged his request very pressingly, and complained to me
+by letter that I showed contempt of him. I sent him no answer, but on a
+convenient occasion, knowing where he lodged, I despatched a friend to him
+to tell him that if he wished to see me, he must come at once with the
+messenger. I warned the messenger, however, not to permit any delay, nor
+to allow him to write anything nor address any one on the way if he wished
+to have an interview with me. I arranged, moreover, that he should be
+brought not to any house, but to a certain field near one of the Inns of
+Court, which was a common promenade, and that the messenger should walk
+there alone with him till I came. It was at night, and there was a bright
+moon. I came there with a couple of friends, in case any attempt should be
+made against me, and making a half circuit outside (that he might not know
+in what part of London I lived), I happened to enter the field near the
+house of a Catholic which adjoined it; and our good friend catching first
+sight of me near this house, thought perhaps that I came out of it, and in
+fact the Archpriest was lodging in it at the time. However that may be, I
+found him there walking and waiting for me, and when I had heard all he
+had to say, I saw that there was nothing which he had not already said in
+his letters, and to which he had not had my answer. My suspicion was
+therefore increased, and certainly not without reason. For within a day or
+two that corner house near which he saw me enter the field, and my old
+house which I had lately left (though he knew not that I had left it),
+were both of them surrounded and strictly searched on the same night and
+at the same hour. The Archpriest was all but caught in the one; he had
+just time to get into a hiding-place, and so escaped.(108) The search
+lasted two whole days in the other house, which the Priest knew me to have
+occupied at one time. The Lieutenant of the Tower and the Knight
+Marshal(109) conducted the searches in person, a task they never undertake
+unless one of their prisoners has escaped. From these circumstances it is
+sufficiently clear, both of whom they were in search and from whom they
+got their information.
+
+"But when they found me not (nor indeed did they find the Priest who was
+then in the house, living with a Catholic to whom I had let it), they sent
+pursuivants on the next day to the house of my host, who had by this time
+returned to his country seat, but by God's mercy they did not find me
+there either. It was well, therefore, that I acted cautiously with the
+above-mentioned Priest, and also that I had so opportunely changed my
+residence in London."
+
+
+
+
+XXI.
+
+
+"I saw also that it would soon be necessary for me to give up my present
+residence in the country, and betake myself elsewhere; otherwise those
+good and faithful friends of mine," the Wisemans, "would always be
+suffering some annoyance for my sake. I proposed the matter, therefore, to
+them, but they refused to listen to me in this point, though in all other
+things they were most obedient. But I thought more of their peace than of
+their wishes, however pious these wishes were; and therefore I laid the
+matter before my Superior,(110) who approved my views. So I obtained from
+Father Garnett another of ours, a pious and learned man, whom I had known
+at Rome, and who at that time was companion to Father Ouldcorne, of
+blessed memory; this was Father Richard Banks, now professed of four vows.
+I took him to live with me for a time, that I might by degrees introduce
+him into the family in my place; and in the meantime I made more frequent
+excursions than usual.
+
+"In one of these excursions I visited a noble family, by whom I had long
+been invited and often expected, but I had never yet been able to visit
+them on account of my pressing occupations. Here I found the lady of the
+house, a widow, very pious and devout, but at this present overwhelmed
+with grief at the loss of her husband. She had, indeed, been so affected
+by this loss that for a whole year she scarce stirred out of her chamber,
+and for the next three years which had intervened before my visit, had
+never brought herself to go to that part of the mansion in which her
+husband had died. To this grief and trouble were added certain anxieties
+about the bringing up of her son, who was yet a child under his mother's
+care. He was one of the first Barons of the realm; but his parents had
+suffered so much for the Faith, and had mortgaged so much of their
+property to meet the constant exactions of an heretical Government, that
+the remaining income was scarcely sufficient for their proper maintenance.
+But a wise woman builds up her house and is proved in it...."
+
+This lady was Elizabeth, daughter of Sir John Roper, who was raised to the
+peerage in 1616 as Lord Teynham. In 1590(111) she married George, the
+second son of William, Lord Vaux of Harrowden, but her husband died in
+1594, during the lifetime of his father. When in the following year her
+father-in-law also died, she was left in charge of her infant son, Edward
+fourth Baron Vaux.
+
+As she wished me to reside in her house, "on my return to London I
+proposed the matter to Father Garnett, who was much rejoiced at the offer,
+knowing the place to be one where much good might be done both directly
+and indirectly. He said, too, that the offer had occurred most
+opportunely, for that there were some Catholics in another county more to
+the north, where Catholics were more numerous and there was no Priest of
+the Society, who had been long petitioning for the Father at present
+stationed at that house, and who would much rejoice at the prospect of
+having him among them. To this I urged that the place was large enough for
+two, and that I very much desired to have a companion of the Society with
+me, and I requested that he would assign me Father John Percy, with whom I
+had become acquainted during my imprisonment, not indeed personally, but
+by frequent interchange of letters. This Father had been brought prisoner
+from Flanders to Holland,(112) where he was recognized and tortured; he
+was afterwards thrown into the foul gaol of Bridewell, and after remaining
+there some time made a shift to escape from a window with another Priest,
+letting himself down with a rope. Mistress Line made him welcome in my
+house, where he tarried for a time; but soon after went down into the
+county of York, and dwelt there with a pious Catholic. In this part he
+made himself so dear to every one, that though I had Father Garnett's
+consent, it was a full year before I could get him away from them.
+
+"Since now to the desire of this noble widow was added the approval of
+Father Garnett, I so settled my affairs as to provide amply for the
+security and advantage of my former hosts. For I left with them Father
+Banks, a most superior man in every respect; and although at first my old
+friends did not value him so much, yet, as they became better acquainted,
+they found that the good account I had given them was no more than the
+truth, and soon came to esteem him as a father. I often afterwards visited
+their house, where I had found so great faith and piety.
+
+"When I was domiciled in my new residence, I began by degrees to wean my
+hostess' mind from that excessive grief; showing how that we ought to
+mourn moderately only over our dead, and not to grieve like those who have
+no hope. I added that as her husband had become a Catholic before his
+death, one little prayer would do him more good than many tears; that our
+tears should be reserved for our own and others' sins, for our own souls
+stood in need of floods of that cleansing water, and it was to the
+concerns of our own souls that all our thoughts and labours should be
+turned. I then taught her the use of meditation, finding her quite capable
+of profiting by it, for her mental powers were of a very high order. I
+thus gradually brought her first to change that old style of grief for a
+more worthy one; then to give eternal concerns the preference over worldly
+matters; and to consider how she might transform her life, which before
+was good and holy, into better and holier, by endeavouring as much as she
+could to imitate the life of our Lord and of His Saints.
+
+"She was ready to set up her residence wherever I judged it best for the
+good of religion, whether in London,(113) or in the most remote part of
+the island, as she often protested to me. I considered, however, that
+though a residence in or near London would be better for the gaining of
+souls, yet that it was not at present very safe for me; nor, indeed, could
+she remain there in private, since she was well known for a Catholic, and
+the Lords of the Council demanded from her frequent accounts of her son,
+the Baron, where and how he was educated. Moreover, as she had the
+management of her son's estate while he was a minor, stewards and
+bailiffs, and other such persons, must have constant communication with
+her; so that it was quite out of the question her living near London under
+an assumed name; yet this was absolutely necessary if a person wished to
+carry on the good work in that neighbourhood. It was thus those ladies did
+with whom Father Garnett lived so long, who were in fact sisters of this
+lady's deceased husband, one unmarried, the other a widow.(114) I saw,
+therefore, no fitter place for her to fix her residence than where she was
+among her own people, where she had the chief people of the county
+connected with her and her son, either by blood or friendship.
+
+"The only difficulty which remained was about the exact spot. The house in
+which she was actually living was not only old, but antiquated. It had
+been the residence of her husband's father, who had married a wife who was
+a better hand at spending than at gathering, and consequently the house
+was very poorly appointed for a family of their dignity. There was another
+and larger house of theirs at" Great Harrowden, "a distance of about three
+miles, which had been the old family seat. This had also been neglected,
+so that it was in some part quite ruinous, and not fit for our purpose,
+namely, to receive the Catholic gentry who might come to visit me. In
+addition to this, it was not well adapted for defence against any sudden
+intrusions of the heretics, and consequently we should not be able to be
+as free there as my hostess wished. Her desire was to have a house where
+we might as nearly as possible conform ourselves to the manner of life
+followed in our Colleges; and this in the end she brought about.
+
+"She sought everywhere for such a house, and we looked at many houses in
+the county; but something or other was always wanting to her wishes. At
+last we found a house which had been built by the late Chancellor of
+England,(115) who had died childless, and was now to be let for a term of
+years. It was truly a princely place, large and well built, surrounded by
+gardens and orchards, and so far removed from other houses that no one
+could notice our coming in or going out. This house she took on payment of
+fifteen thousand florins [1,500_l._], and began to fit it up for our
+accommodation. She wished to finish the alterations before we removed
+thither; but man proposes, and God disposes as He wills, though always for
+the best, and for the true good of His elect.
+
+"When I came to the lady's house, she had a great number of servants, some
+heretics, others indeed Catholics, but allowing themselves too much
+liberty. By degrees things got into better order; some became Catholics;
+others, through public and private exhortations, became by the grace of
+God more fervent; and some, of whom there did not appear any hope of
+amendment, were dismissed. There was one who brought great trouble on us.
+For on one occasion when we were in London, either from thoughtlessness or
+loquacity, or because the yoke of a stricter discipline, now begun in the
+family, sat uneasily upon him, he said to a false brother that I had
+lately come to live at his lady's house, and had carried on such and such
+doings there; and that I was then in London at such a house, naming the
+house of which I rented half, as I have before said; he told him also that
+he himself had gone to that house with his lady at a time when she and I
+were in town on business connected with her son, and that he had seen the
+master and mistress of that house when they called on his lady, as they
+had often done. My hostess had now returned into the country with this
+servant, leaving me for a short time in town. But the man had left this
+tale behind him, which soon came to the ears of the Council, how that I
+had my residence with such a lady, and was at this moment at such a house
+in London. They instantly, therefore, commissioned two Justices of the
+Peace to search the house.
+
+"I, who had no inkling of such a danger, had remained in town for certain
+business, and was giving a retreat to three gentlemen in the house before
+mentioned. One of these three gentlemen was Master Roger Lee, now Minister
+in the English College of St. Omers. He was a gentleman of high family,
+and of so noble a character and such winning manners that he was a
+universal favourite, especially with the nobility, in whose company he
+constantly was, being greatly given to hunting, hawking, and all other
+noble sports. He was, indeed, excellent at everything, but he was withal a
+Catholic, and so bent on the study of virtue that he was meditating a
+retreat from the world and a more immediate following of Christ. He used
+frequently to visit me when I was in the Clink prison, and I clearly saw
+that he was called to greater things than catching birds of the air, and
+that he was meant rather to be a catcher of men. I had now, therefore,
+fixed a time with this gentleman and good friend of mine, in which he
+should seek out, by means of the Spiritual Exercises, the strait path that
+leads to life, under the guidance of Him Who is Himself the Way and the
+Life.
+
+"But while he and the others were engaged privately in their chambers in
+the study of this heroic philosophy, suddenly the storm burst upon us. I,
+too, in fact, after finishing my business in town, had taken the
+opportunity of a little quiet to begin my own retreat, giving out that I
+had returned into the country. I was now in the fourth or fifth day of the
+retreat, when about three o'clock in the afternoon John Lilly hurried to
+my room, and without knocking, entered with his sword drawn.
+
+"Surprised at this sudden intrusion, I asked what was the matter.
+
+" 'It is a matter of searching the house,' he replied.
+
+" 'What house?'
+
+" 'This very house: and they are in it already!'
+
+"In fact, they had been cunning enough to knock gently, as friends were
+wont to do, and the servant opened readily to them, without the least
+suspicion until he saw them rush in and scatter themselves in all
+directions.
+
+"While John was telling me this, up came the searching party, together
+with the mistress of the house, to the very room in which we were. Now,
+just opposite to my room was the chapel, so that from the passage the door
+of the chapel opened on the one hand, and that of my room on the other.
+The magistrates, then, seeing the door of the chapel open, went in, and
+found there an altar richly adorned, and the priestly vestments laid out
+close by, so handsome as to cause expressions of admiration from the
+heretics themselves. In the meanwhile I, in the room opposite, was quite
+at my wit's end what to do; for there was no hiding-place in the room, nor
+any means of exit except by the open passage were the enemy were. However,
+I changed the soutane which I was wearing for a secular coat, but my books
+and manuscript meditations, which I had there in considerable quantities,
+I was quite unable to conceal.
+
+"We stood there with our ears close to the chink of the door, listening to
+catch what they said: and I heard one exclaim from the chapel, 'Good God!
+what have we found here? I had no thoughts of coming to this house
+to-day!' From this I concluded that it was a mere chance search, and that
+they had no special warrant. Probably, therefore, I thought they had but
+few men with them. So we began to consult together whether it were not
+better to rush out with drawn swords, seize the keys from the searching
+party, and so escape; for we should have Master Lee and the master of the
+house to help us, besides two or three men-servants. Moreover, I
+considered that if we should be taken in the house, the master would
+certainly be visited with a far greater punishment than what the law
+prescribes for resistance to a magistrate's search.
+
+"While we were thus deliberating, the searchers came to the door of my
+room and knocked. We made no answer, but pressed the latch hard down, for
+the door had no bolt or lock. As they continued knocking, the mistress of
+the house said, 'Perhaps the man-servant who sleeps in that room may have
+taken away the key. I will go and look for him.'
+
+" 'No, no,' said they, 'you go nowhere without us, or you will be hiding
+away something.'
+
+"And so they went with her, not staying to examine whether the door had a
+lock or not. Thus did God blind the eyes of the Assyrians, that they
+should not find the place, nor the means of hurting His servants, nor know
+where they were going.
+
+"When they had got below-stairs, the mistress of the house, who had great
+presence of mind, took them into a room in which some ladies were, the
+sister, namely, of my hostess in the country, and Mistress Line; and while
+the magistrates were questioning these ladies, she ran up to us, saying,
+'Quick, quick! get into the hiding-place!' She had scarce said this and
+run down again, before the searchers had missed her and were for
+remounting the stairs. But she stood in their way on the bottom step, so
+that they immediately suspected what the case was, and were eager to get
+past. This, however, they could not do without laying forcible hands on
+the lady, a thing which, as gentlemen, they shrank from doing. One of
+them, however, as she stood there purposely occupying the whole width of
+the stair-way, thrust his head past her, in hopes of seeing what was going
+on above-stairs. And indeed he almost caught sight of me as I passed along
+to the hiding-place. For as soon as I heard the lady's words of warning, I
+opened the door, and with the least possible noise mounted from a stool to
+the hiding-place, which was arranged in a secret gable of the roof. When I
+had myself mounted, I bade John Lilly come up also, but he, more careful
+of me than of himself, refused to follow me, saying: 'No, Father; I shall
+not come. There must be some one to own the books and papers in your room;
+otherwise, upon finding them, they will never rest till they have found
+you too: only pray for me.'
+
+"So spoke this truly faithful and prudent servant, so full of charity as
+to offer his life for his friend. There was no time for further words. I
+acquiesced reluctantly and closed the small trap-door by which I had
+entered, but I could not open the door of the inner hiding-place, so that
+I should infallibly have been taken if they had not found John Lilly, and
+mistaking him for a Priest ceased from any further search. For this was
+what happened, God so disposing it, and John's prudence and intrepidity
+helping thereto.
+
+"For scarcely had he removed the stool by which I mounted, and had gone
+back to the room and shut the door, when the two chiefs of the searching
+party again came upstairs and knocked violently at the door, ready to
+break it open if the key were not found. Then the intrepid soldier of
+Christ threw open the door and presented himself undaunted to the
+persecutors.
+
+" 'Who are you?' they asked.
+
+" 'A man, as you see,' he replied.
+
+" 'But what are you? Are you a Priest?'
+
+" 'I do not say I am a Priest,' replied John; 'that is for you to prove.
+But I am a Catholic certainly.'
+
+"Then they found there on the table all my meditations, my breviary, and
+many Catholic books, and what grieved me most of all to lose, my
+manuscript sermons and notes for sermons, which I had been writing or
+compiling for the last ten years, and which I made more account of,
+perhaps, than they did of all their money. After examining all these they
+asked whose they were.
+
+" 'They are mine,' said John.
+
+" 'Then there can be no doubt you are a Priest. And this cassock, whose is
+this?'
+
+" 'That is a dressing-gown, to be used for convenience now and then.'
+
+"Convinced now that they had caught a Priest, they carefully locked up all
+the books and papers in a box, to be taken away with them. Then they
+locked the chapel door and put their seal upon it, and taking John by the
+arm they led him downstairs, and delivered him into the custody of their
+officers. Now when he entered with his captors into the room where the
+ladies were, he, who at other times was always wont to conduct himself
+with humility and stand uncovered in such company, now, on the contrary,
+after saluting them, covered his head and sat down. Nay, assuming a sort
+of authority, he said to the magistrates: 'These are noble ladies; it is
+your duty to treat them with consideration. I do not, indeed, know them,
+but it is quite evident that they are entitled to the greatest respect.'
+
+"I should have mentioned that there was a second Priest in the house with
+me, Father Pullen,(116) an old man, who had quite lately made his
+noviceship at Rome. He luckily had a hiding-place in his room, and had got
+into it at the first alarm.
+
+"The ladies, therefore, now perceiving that I was safe, and that the other
+Priest had also escaped, and seeing also John's assumed dignity, could
+scarce refrain from showing their joy. They made no account now of the
+loss of property, or the annoyance they should have to undergo from the
+suspicion of having had a Priest in the house. They wondered indeed and
+rejoiced, and almost laughed to see John playing the Priest, for so well
+did he do it as to deceive those deceivers, and divert them from any
+further search."
+
+
+
+
+XXII.
+
+
+"The magistrates who had searched the house took away John Lilly with
+them, and the master of the house also with his two men-servants, under
+the idea that all his property would be confiscated for harbouring a
+Priest.(117) The ladies, however, represented that they had merely come to
+pay an after-dinner visit to the mistress of the house, without knowing
+anything about a Priest being there; so they were let off on giving bail
+to appear when summoned. The same favour was ultimately shown to Master
+Roger Lee, though it was with greater difficulty the magistrates could be
+persuaded that he was only a visitor. At last, then, they departed well
+satisfied, and locked up their prisoners for the night to wait their
+morrow's examination.
+
+"Immediately on their departure, the mistress of the house and those other
+ladies came with great joy to give me notice; and we all joined in giving
+thanks to God, Who had delivered us all from such imminent danger by the
+prudence and fidelity of one. Father Pullen and I removed that very night
+to another place, lest the searchers should find out their error and
+return.
+
+"The next day I made a long journey to my hostess' house in the country,
+and caused much fear, and then much joy, as I related all that God had
+done for us. Then we all heartily commended John Lilly to God in prayer.
+And, indeed, there was reason enough to do so. For the magistrates, making
+full inquiries the next day, found that John had been an apothecary in
+London for seven years, and then had been imprisoned in the Clink for
+eight or nine more, and that he had been the person who had communicated
+with me in the Tower, for the gaoler's wife had been apprehended after her
+husband's flight, and had confessed so much. They saw, therefore, clearly
+that they had been tricked, and that John was not a Priest, but a Priest's
+servant; and they now began to have a shrewd suspicion, though rather too
+late, that I had been hidden at the time in the same house where they
+caught him, especially as they found so many books and writings which they
+did not doubt were mine. They sent, therefore, to search the house again,
+but they found only an empty nest, for the birds were flown.
+
+"John was carried to the Tower and confined there in chains. Then they
+examined him about my escape, and about all the places he had been to with
+me since. He, seeing that his dealings with the gaoler were already known
+to them, and desirous (if God would grant him such a favour), to lay down
+his life for Christ, freely confessed that it was he who had compassed my
+deliverance, and that he took great pleasure in the thought of having done
+so; he added that he was in the mind to do the same again if occasion
+required and opportunity offered. The gaoler, however, he exonerated, and
+protested that he was not privy to the escape. With regard to the places
+where he had been with me, he answered (as he had been often taught to do)
+that he would bring no one into trouble, and that he would not name a
+single place, for to do so would be a sin against charity and justice.
+Upon this they said they would not press him any further in words, but
+would convince him by deeds that he must tell them all they wanted. John
+replied: 'It is a thing that, with the help of God, I will never do. You
+have me in your power; do what God permits you.'
+
+"Then they took him to the torture-chamber, and hung him up in the way I
+have before described, and tortured him cruelly for the space of three
+hours. But nothing could they wring from him that they could use either
+against me or against others, so that from that time they gave up all hope
+of obtaining anything against any one from him either by force or fear.
+Consequently they tortured him no more, but kept him in the closest
+custody for about four months to try and tire him into compliance. Failing
+also in this, and seeing that their pains availed them nothing, they sent
+him to another prison, where prisoners are usually sent who are awaiting
+execution, and probably it was their intention to deal that way with him,
+but God otherwise determined. For after a long detention here, and having
+been allowed a little communication with other Catholic prisoners, he was
+asked by a certain Priest to assist him in making his escape. Turning his
+attention, therefore, to the matter, he found a way by which he delivered
+both the Priest and himself from captivity.
+
+"I ought not, however, to omit an incident that happened during his
+detention in the Tower, since it is in such things that the dealings of
+God's providence are often to be very plainly recognized. While he was
+under examination about me and others of the Society, Wade, who was at
+that time the chief persecutor, asked him if he knew Garnett. John said he
+did not.
+
+" 'No?' said Wade, with a sour smile; 'and you don't know his house in the
+Spital(118) either, I dare say! I don't mind letting you know,' he
+continued, 'now that I have you safe, that I am acquainted with his
+residence, and that we are sure of having him here in a day or two to keep
+you company. For when he comes to London he puts up at that house, and
+then we shall catch him.'
+
+"John knew well that the house named was Father Garnett's resort, and was
+in great distress to find that the secret had been betrayed to the enemy;
+and, though kept as close as possible, yet he managed in a few days by
+God's good providence to get an opportunity of sending some little article
+_wrapped up in blank paper_ to a friend in London. His friend on receiving
+it carefully smoothed out the paper and held it to the fire, knowing that
+John would be likely to communicate by the means of orange-juice if he had
+the opportunity, and there he found it written that this residence of
+Father Garnett's had been betrayed, and that Father Garnett must be warned
+of it. This was instantly done, and in this way the Father was saved, for
+otherwise he would assuredly, as Wade had said, have betaken himself to
+that house in a day or two. Now, however, he not only did not go, but took
+all his things away, so that when the house was searched they found
+nothing. Had it not been for this providential warning from our greatest
+enemy, they would have found plenty; they would have found him, his books,
+altar furniture, and other things of a similar nature. Father Garnett,
+then, escaped this time by John's good help, as I had done previously.
+
+"After his escape John came to me, but though I desired much to keep him,
+it was out of the question, for he was now so marked a man that his
+presence would have been a continual danger for me and all my friends. For
+I was wont in the country to go openly to the houses of Catholic
+gentlemen, and it might well happen that John might come across persons
+that knew him, and would know me through him. Whereas but very few of the
+enemy knew me, for I was always detained in close custody, and none but
+Catholics saw me in prison, nay, such Catholics only as I knew to be
+specially trustworthy. I had, indeed, been examined publicly in London
+several times, but the persons concerned in the examinations very seldom
+left town, and if they had done so I should have been warned of it
+instantly, and should have taken good care never to trust myself in their
+neighbourhood. So I put John with Father Garnett, to stay in quiet hiding
+for a time; and when opportunity offered sent him over to Father Persons,
+that he might obtain, what he had long hoped for, admission to the
+Society. He was admitted at Rome,(119) and lived there for six or seven
+years as a Lay-brother, much esteemed, I believe, by everybody. I can on
+my part testify about him to the greater glory of God, and that the more
+allowably because I believe he has died in England before this present
+writing, whither he returned with a consumption on him: I can, I say,
+testify that for nearly six years that he was with me in England, and had
+his hands full of business for me, though he had to do with all sorts of
+men in all sorts of places (for while I was engaged upstairs with the
+gentry and nobility, he was associating downstairs with the servants,
+often very indifferent characters), yet the whole of this time he so
+guarded his heart and his soul that I never found him to have been even in
+danger of mortal sin. Truly his was an innocent soul, and endowed with
+great prudence and cleverness.
+
+"But now that I have brought the history of John Lilly to its close, it is
+time to return to myself, who, having just escaped one danger, had like to
+have fallen into a second and still greater one, had not God again
+interposed His hand."
+
+
+
+
+XXIII.
+
+
+"I mentioned just now that one of my hostess' servants told a friend of
+his, but an enemy of ours, that I habitually resided at his mistress'
+house, and that at that particular time I was at such a house in London.
+How this house was searched, and how they seized my companion and my
+manuscripts, but missed me, I have related. The Council, therefore, now
+knowing my residence in the country, issued a commission to some Justices
+of the Peace in that county to search this lady's house for a Priest. It
+had, in fact, began to be talked of in the county that she had taken this
+grand house in order that she might harbour Priests there in larger
+numbers and with greater freedom, because it was more private; and in this
+people were not far wrong."
+
+"Now at this time, that is, soon after my return from London, we had
+driven over to the new house to make arrangements for our removal thither,
+and with the special object of determining where to construct
+hiding-places. To this end we had Little John with us, whom I have before
+mentioned as very clever at constructing these places, and whom Father
+Garnett had lent to us for a time for this purpose. Having made all the
+necessary arrangements we left Little John behind, and Hugh Sheldon also
+to help him, who is now at Rome with Father Persons in the room of John
+Lilly. These two, whom we had always found most faithful, were to
+construct the hiding-places, and to be the only ones beside ourselves to
+know anything about them. The rest of us, however, returned the same day
+to our hostess' own house, and by the advice of one of the servants, God
+so disposing it, we came back a different way, as being easier for the
+carriage. Had we returned by the way we went, the searchers would have
+come early to the house where we were, and most probably catching us
+entirely unprepared, would have found what they came to seek. The fact was
+that the road by which we went to the new house ran through a town, where
+some of the enemy were on the watch and had seen us pass, but not seeing
+us return they concluded that we were spending the night at the new house,
+and went there the first thing in the morning to search.
+
+"But the house was so large that, although they had a numerous body of
+followers, they were not able to surround it entirely, nor to watch all
+the outlets so narrowly, but what Little John managed to make off safely.
+Hugh Sheldon they caught, but could get nothing out of him, so they sent
+him afterwards to prison at Wisbech, and from thence later to some other
+prison in company with many Priests, and at last in the same good company
+into exile.
+
+"When, however, the Justices found that they were wrong, and that the lady
+had returned home the previous day, they retraced their steps and came as
+fast as their horses could carry them to the old house. They arrived at
+our dinner-hour, and being admitted by the carelessness of the porter, got
+into the hall before we had any warning. Now as the lady of the house was
+a little indisposed that morning, we were going to take our dinner in my
+room, that is, Father Percy, myself, and Master Roger Lee, who had come
+down from London to finish his retreat which had been so rudely
+interrupted before. So when I heard who had come, that they were in the
+great hall, and that his lordship himself, who was indeed but a boy at
+that time, could not prevent them from intruding into his room, though he
+was also unwell, I made a pretty shrewd guess what they had come about,
+and snatching up such things as wanted hiding I made the best of my way to
+the hiding-place, together with Father Percy and Master Roger Lee. For it
+would not do for this latter to have been found here, especially as he had
+already been found in the house in London where I was known to have been,
+and would therefore have given good reason to think that I was here also.
+But we had to pass by the door of the room in which the enemy were as yet
+waiting, and exclaiming that they would wait no longer. Nay, one of the
+pursuivants opened the door and looked out; and some of the servants said
+that he must have seen me as I passed. But God certainly interposed, for
+it was surely not to be expected from natural causes that men who had come
+eager to search the house at once, and were loudly declaring they would do
+so, should stay in a room where they were not locked in, just as long as
+was necessary for us to hide ourselves, and then come forth as if they had
+been let loose, intrude upon the lady of the house, and course through all
+the rooms like bloodhounds after their prey. I cannot but think that this
+was the finger of God, Who would not that the good intentions of this lady
+should be so soon frustrated, but rather wished by so evident a display of
+His providence to confirm her in her determinations, and preserve her for
+many more good works.
+
+"The authorities searched the house thoroughly the whole day, but found
+nothing. At last they retired disappointed, and wrote to the Council what
+they had done. We soon discovered who had done the mischief (for he had
+not done it secretly) and discharged him, but without unkindness. I gave
+out also that I should quit the place altogether, and for a time we
+practised particular caution in all points.
+
+"In consequence of this mishap it became impossible for us to remove to
+the new house. For those same Justices, who were pestilent heretics, and
+several others in the same county, Puritans, declared they would never
+suffer her ladyship to live at peace if she came there, as her only object
+was to harbour Priests. Being deterred, therefore, from that place, but
+not from her design, she set about fitting up her own present residence
+for that same purpose, and built us separate quarters close to the old
+chapel, which had been erected anciently by former Barons of the family to
+hear Mass in when the weather might make it unpleasant to go to the parish
+church. Here, then, she built a little wing of three stories for Father
+Percy and me. The place was exceedingly convenient, and so free from
+observation that from our rooms we could step out into the private garden,
+and thence through spacious walks into the fields, where we could mount
+our horses and ride whither we would.
+
+"As we lived here safely and quietly, I frequently left Father Percy at
+home, and made excursions to see if I could establish similar centres of
+operation among other families; and in this Father Roger Lee (to give him
+his present title) helped me not a little. He first took me to the house
+of a relation of his, who lived in princely splendour, and whose father
+was one of the Queen's Council. This young nobleman was a schismatic, that
+is, a Catholic by conviction, but conforming externally to the State
+religion; and there seemed no hope of getting him any further, for he
+contented himself with _velleities_, and was fearful of offending his
+father. His wife, however, who was a heretic, had begun to listen with
+interest to Catholic doctrine, so that there was hope she might in time be
+brought into the Church. Their house was full of heretic servants, and
+there was a constant coming and going of heretic gentry either on business
+or on visit; it was therefore imperatively necessary that, as I could only
+go there publicly, I should well conceal my purpose.
+
+"We paid a visit, then, to this house, and were made very welcome, Master
+Lee for his own sake, as being much beloved, and I for his. On the first
+day I looked in vain for an opportunity of a conversation with the lady of
+the house, for there was always some one by. We were obliged to play at
+cards to pass the time, as those are wont to do who know not the eternal
+value of time, or at least care not for it. On the next day, however, as
+the lady of the house stept aside once to the window to set her watch, I
+joined her there, and after talking a little about the watch, passed on to
+matters which I had more in view, saying I wished we took as much pains to
+set our souls in order as we did our watches. She looked up at me in pure
+surprise to hear such things from my lips; and as I saw I might never get
+a better opportunity than the present, I began to open a little further,
+and told her that I had come there with Master Lee specially for her sake,
+hearing from him that she took interest in matters of religion, and that I
+was ready to explain the Catholic doctrine to her, and satisfy all the
+doubts she could possibly have; moreover, that I could point out the way
+to a height of virtue which she had hitherto never dreamt of, for that in
+heresy she could neither find that way, nor any who made account of it.
+She was struck with what I said, and promised to find some opportunity for
+further conversation, when we might speak more fully on the matter. I gave
+her this hint of a higher virtue, because she had been represented to me,
+as she really was, as a lady of most earnest and conscientious character.
+
+"She found the time according to her promise; all her difficulties were
+removed, and she became a Catholic. After reconciling her to the Church, I
+made some other converts in the same house; then I recommended her a
+Catholic maid, and suggested that she should keep a Priest always in the
+house, to which she gladly assented. This was a thing that might easily be
+managed, not indeed as it was in our house, where the whole household was
+Catholic, and knew us to be Priests; but a Priest could well live in the
+upper part of the house, from which all heretics might be kept away,
+especially now that some of the servants were Catholics. And, indeed, the
+accommodation was such that I do not know any place in England where a
+Priest who wished to be private could live more conveniently. For he could
+have, in the first place, a fine room to himself, opening on a spacious
+corridor of some eighty paces, which looked on a garden, the laying out of
+which had cost, as I was told, ten thousand florins [1,000_l._]; in this
+corridor, moreover, was a separate room, which would serve excellently as
+a chapel, and another for his meals, with fire-places and every
+convenience. It was a pity, I said, that such a place had not a resident
+Priest, where the mistress was a devout Catholic, and the master no enemy
+to religion. Her husband, indeed, made no difficulty of receiving Priests;
+nay, he sometimes came to hear me preach, and at last went so far as to be
+fond of dressing the altar with his own hands, and of saying the breviary:
+yet with all this he still remains outside the ark, liable to be swept off
+by the waters of the deluge when they break forth, for he presumes too
+much on an opportunity of doing penance before death.
+
+"The lady then readily fell in with my suggestion of having a Priest in
+her house; so I brought thither Father Antony Hoskins, a man of great
+ability, who had lately come over from Spain, where he had spent ten years
+in the Society with remarkable success in his studies. Being placed there,
+he did a great deal of good on all sides, and remained with them almost up
+to the present time, when at length he has been removed and put to greater
+things. He did not, however, stay constantly at home, for he is a man
+whom, when once known, many would wish to confer with, so that he was
+forced to go about at times. At present there is another Father in the
+house, a most devoted man. But the lady directs herself chiefly by Father
+Percy, who this very week addressed me a letter in the following
+words:--'Such a one' (meaning this lady of whom I have been speaking) 'is
+going on very well. She has put her whole house under the protection of
+our Blessed Lady of Loretto, and offers her heart to her, to serve her and
+her Son for ever, with all that she possesses; and in token of this she
+has had made a beautiful heart of gold, which she wishes to send to
+Loretto by the first opportunity. We desire, therefore, to hear from you
+by whom she can send this offering.' Thus he writes about this lady. In
+this way then, by the grace of God, was this house, with its domestic
+church, established and confirmed in the Faith.
+
+"Master Roger also introduced me to some neighbours of his; among others
+to a gentleman of the Queen's Court,"(120) Sir Everard Digby, "who had
+inherited a large estate, and had married a lady who was sole heiress to
+all her father's property," Mary Mulshaw, of Gothurst, in Buckinghamshire.
+"Not one of this family was a Catholic, nor even inclined to the Catholic
+faith. The wife's father, who was the head of the house, was a thorough
+heretic, and had his thoughts entirely occupied in hoarding money for his
+daughter, and increasing her revenues. His son-in-law devoted himself
+wholly to juvenile sports. When in London, he attended at Court, being one
+of the Queen's gentlemen pensioners; but in the country he spent almost
+his whole time in hunting and hawking. Hence it happened that Master Roger
+Lee, who was a neighbour of his, and fond of similar sports, often joined
+him on such occasions, and brought his falcons to hawk in company. We two,
+therefore, took advantage of this acquaintanceship, and I was introduced
+to this gentleman's house as a friend and intimate of Master Lee's. We
+made frequent visits there, and took every opportunity of speaking of
+Catholic doctrine and practice. I took care, however, that Master Lee
+should always speak more frequently and more earnestly than I, that no
+suspicion might arise about my real character. Indeed, so far was this
+gentleman from having the least suspicion about me, that he seriously
+asked Master Lee whether he thought I was a good match for his sister,
+whom he wished to see married well, and to a Catholic, for he looked on
+Catholics as good and honourable men.
+
+"We had, therefore, as I said, frequent converse on matters of salvation;
+and the wife was the first to listen with any fruit, at a time when she
+was living in the country but her husband was up in town. Her parents were
+now dead, and she was mistress of the house, so that we were able to deal
+more directly with her. At last she came to the point of wishing to be a
+Catholic, and told me she should be glad to speak with a Priest. I could
+scarce forbear a smile at this. I answered, however, that the thing might
+be managed, and that I would speak with Master Lee on the subject. 'In the
+meantime,' I added, 'I can teach you the way to examine your conscience,
+as I myself was taught to do it by an experienced Priest.' So I told
+Master Roger that as she was now determined and prepared, he might inform
+her of my being a Priest. This he did, but she for some time refused to
+believe it, saying, 'How is it possible he can be a Priest? Has he not
+lived among us rather as a courtier? Has he not played at cards with my
+husband, and played well too, which is impossible for those not accustomed
+to the game? Has he not gone out hunting with my husband, and frequently
+in my hearing spoken of the hunt and of the hawks in proper terms, without
+tripping, which no one could but one who has been trained to it?'
+
+"Many other things she adduced to show I could not be a Priest: to all of
+which Master Lee replied, 'It is true that he said and did what you say;
+and unless he had done so, how could he have gained entrance here, and
+conversed with you, and by his conversation brought you to the Faith? For
+if he had presented himself as a Priest (which he would much prefer, were
+it feasible), how would your father, who was then living, have allowed his
+introduction, or you yourselves?'
+
+"She could not but admit the truth of this; yet she found it hard to
+believe that it was so. 'I pray you,' she said, 'not to be angry with me,
+if I ask further whether any other Catholic knows him to be a Priest but
+you. Does so-and-so know him?'
+
+" 'Yes,' he answered, 'and goes to confession to him.'
+
+"Then she mentioned other names, and at last that of my hostess, who lived
+in the neighbourhood, but ten miles off.
+
+" 'Does she, too, know him as a Priest, and deal with him as such?'
+
+" 'Why,' said Master Lee, 'she not only knows him as a Priest, but has
+given herself, and all her household, and all that she has, to be directed
+by him, and takes no other guide but him.'
+
+"Then at length she confessed herself satisfied.
+
+" 'You will find him, however,' added Master Lee, 'quite a different man
+when he has put off his present character.'
+
+"This she acknowledged the next day, when she saw me in my soutane and
+other priestly garments, such as she had never before seen. She made a
+most careful confession, and came to have so great an opinion of my poor
+powers, that she gave herself entirely to my direction, meditated great
+things, which, indeed, she carried out, and carries out still.
+
+"When this matter was thus happily terminated, we all three consulted
+together, how we could induce her husband to enter also into St. Peter's
+net. Now, it so happened that he had fallen sick in London, and his wife
+on hearing it determined to go and nurse him. We, however, went up before
+her, and, travelling more expeditiously, had time to deal with him before
+she came. I spoke to him of the uncertainty of life, and the certainty of
+misery, not only in this life, but especially in the next, unless we
+provided against it: and I showed him that we have here no abiding city,
+but must look for one to come. As affliction oftentimes brings sense, so
+it happened in his case; for we found but little difficulty in gaining his
+goodwill. And as he was a man of solid sense and excellent heart, he laid
+a firm foundation from the beginning. He prepared himself well for
+confession, after being taught the way; and when he learnt that I was a
+Priest, he felt no such difficulty in believing as his wife had done,
+because he had known similar cases; but he rather rejoiced at having found
+a confessor who had experience among persons of his rank of life, and with
+whom he could deal at all times without danger of its being known that he
+was dealing with a Priest. After his reconciliation, he began on his part
+to be anxious about his wife, and wished to consult with us how best to
+bring her to the Catholic religion. We both smiled at this, but said
+nothing at that time, determining to wait till his wife came up to town,
+that we might witness how each loving soul would strive to win the other.
+
+"Certainly they were a favoured pair. Both gave themselves wholly to God's
+service, and the husband afterwards sacrificed all his property, his
+liberty, nay, even his life, for God's Church, as I shall relate
+hereafter. For this was that Sir Everard Digby, Knight, of whom later on I
+should have had to say many things, if so much had not been already
+written and published about him and his companions. But never in any of
+these writings has justice been done to the sincerity of his intention,
+nor the circumstances properly set forth which would put his conduct in
+its true light.
+
+"After this they both came to see me at my residence in the country. But
+while there he was again taken ill, and that so violently and dangerously,
+that all the Oxford doctors despaired of his life. As, therefore, in all
+likelihood he had not long to live, he began to prepare himself earnestly
+for a good death, and his wife to think of a more perfect way of life. For
+some days she gave herself to learn the method of meditation, and to find
+out God's will with regard to her future life, how she might best direct
+it to His glory. To be brief, she came to this determination, that if her
+husband should die, she would devote herself entirely to good works,
+observe perpetual chastity and exact obedience; that as for her property,
+which would be very extensive as they were without children, she would
+spend it all in pious uses according to my direction; she would herself
+live where and in what style I judged best for the advancement of God's
+honour and the good of her own soul; and she added that her desire was to
+wear poor clothing wherever she might be, and observe all the rules of
+poverty. All this was to be while the persecution might last in England.
+If, however, it should cease, and England should become Catholic, then she
+would give her house (a very large and fine one), and all the property her
+father left her, for the foundation of a College of the Society: and this
+would have been amply sufficient for a first-rate foundation.
+
+"This was her resolution, but God had otherwise arranged, and for that
+time happily. For when all the Oxford doctors gave up Sir Everard's case
+as hopeless, I, who loved him much, did not lose heart, but without his
+knowledge I sent for a certain Cambridge doctor, a Catholic, and a man of
+much learning and experience, whom I had known to cure cases abandoned by
+other physicians. On his arrival at our house, where Sir Everard Digby
+then was with his wife, after telling him all about the patient, I got him
+to examine the sick man himself, and learn from him all about his habit of
+body and general constitution. Then I asked him if he thought there was
+any hope. He answered, 'If Sir Everard will venture to put himself
+entirely in my hands, I have good hopes, with the help of God, of bringing
+him round.'
+
+"The patient on hearing this said to me, 'Since this doctor is known to
+your Reverence, and is chosen by you, I give myself willingly into his
+hands.'
+
+"By this doctor, then, he was cured beyond all expectation, and so
+completely restored to perfect health that there was not a more robust or
+stalwart man in a thousand. He was a most devoted friend to me, just as if
+he had been my twin-brother. And this name of brother we always used in
+writing to each other. How greatly he was attached me, may be seen from
+the following incident. Once when I had gone to a certain house to assist
+a soul in agony, he got to learn that I was in great danger there: upon
+this he at first expressed a terrible distress, and then immediately said
+to his wife that if I should be taken, he was resolved to watch the roads
+by which I should be carried prisoner to London, and take with him a
+sufficient number of friends and servants to rescue me by force from those
+who had me in custody; and if he should miss me on the road, he would
+accomplish my release one way or another, even though he should spend his
+whole fortune in the venture. Such, then, was his attachment to me at that
+time, and this he retained always in the same--nay, rather in an
+increased--degree to the end of his life; as he showed by the way he spoke
+of me when pleading for his life before the public court. At this time,
+however, as I said, he was restored to health; and he and his wife got
+together a little domestic church after the pattern of that in our own
+house, and built a chapel with a sacristy, furnishing it with costly and
+beautiful vestments, and obtained a Priest of the Society for their
+chaplain, who remained with them to Sir Everard's death.
+
+"What was done by this family was done by others also. For many of the
+Catholic gentry coming to our house, and seeing the arrangements and
+manner of life, followed the example themselves, establishing a sort of
+congregation in each of their houses, providing handsome altar furniture,
+making convenient arrangements for the residence of Priests, and showing
+especial respect and reverence to them.
+
+"Among those who came to this determination was a certain lady resident
+near Oxford, whose husband was indeed a Catholic, but overmuch devoted to
+worldly pursuits. She, however, gave herself to be directed by me as far
+as she could, having such a husband. I often visited them, and was always
+welcomed by both; and there I established one of our Fathers, Edward
+Walpole, whom I mentioned at an early part of this narrative as having
+left a large patrimony for the sake of following Christ our Lord, in the
+first year of my residence in England.
+
+"There was another lady also who had a similar wish: she was a relative of
+my hostess, and she also resided in the county of Oxford. Her husband was
+a Knight of very large property, who hoped to be created a Baron, and
+still hopes for it. This lady came on a visit to our house, and wished to
+learn the way of meditating, which I taught her; but as her husband was a
+heretic, it was impossible for her to have a Priest in her house, as she
+greatly wished. She took, however, the resolution of supporting a Priest,
+who should come to her at convenient times. She resolved, also, to make a
+meditation every day, and to give one or two hours daily to spiritual
+reading, when she had no guests in the house. On her coming to me every
+six months, I found that she had never omitted her meditation, nor her
+daily examination of conscience, except on one occasion when her husband
+insisted on her staying with the guests. Yet she had a large and busy
+household to superintend, and a continual coming and going of guests.
+
+"It happened on one occasion when I was in this lady's house, and was
+sitting with her after dinner, the servants having gone down to get their
+own dinner, that suddenly a guest was shown up who had just arrived. This
+was an Oxford Doctor of Divinity, a heretic of some note and a persecutor
+of Catholics; his name was Dr. Abbot.(121) He had just before this
+published a book against Father Southwell, who had been executed, and
+Father Gerard, who had escaped from the Tower, because these two had
+defended the doctrine of equivocation, which he chose to impugn. After
+this publication, the good man had been made Dean of Winchester, a post
+which brought him in a yearly income of eight thousand florins [800_l._].
+This man then, as I said, was shown up, and entered the dining-room,
+dressed in a sort of silk soutane coming down to his knees, as is the
+manner of their chief ministers. We were in appearance sitting at cards,
+though when the servants had all left the room we had laid the cards down
+to attend to better things. Hearing, however, this gentleman announced, we
+resumed our game, so that he found us playing, with a good sum of money on
+the table.
+
+"I may here mention, that when I played thus with Catholics, with the view
+of maintaining among a mixed company the character in which I appeared, I
+always agreed that each one should have his money back afterwards, but
+should say an _Ave Maria_ for each piece that was returned to him. It was
+on these terms that I frequently played with my brother Digby and other
+Catholics, where it appeared necessary, so that the by-standers thought we
+were playing for money, and were in hot earnest over it.
+
+"So also this minister never conceived the slightest suspicion of me, but
+after the first courtesies began to talk at a pretty pace: for this is the
+only thing those chattering ministers can do, who possess no solid
+knowledge, but by the persuasive words of human wisdom lead souls astray,
+and subvert houses, teaching things that are not convenient. So he, after
+much frivolous talk, began to tell us the latest news from London; how a
+certain Puritan had thrown himself down from the steeple of a church,
+having left it in writing that he knew himself to be secure of his eternal
+salvation. About this writing, however, the learned Doctor said nothing,
+but I had heard the particulars myself from another quarter.
+
+" 'Wretched man!' said I; 'what could induce him thus to destroy body and
+soul by one and the same act!'
+
+" 'Sir,' said the Doctor, learnedly enough and magisterially, 'we must not
+judge any man.'
+
+" 'True,' I replied; 'it is just possible that, as he was falling, he
+repented of his sin: _inter pontem et fontem_, as they say. But this is
+extremely improbable; since the last act of the man of which we have any
+means of judging was a mortal sin and deserving of damnation.'
+
+" 'But,' said the Doctor, 'we cannot know whether this was such a sin.'
+
+" 'Nay,' I replied, 'this is not left to our judgment; it is God's own
+verdict, when He forbids us under pain of hell to kill any one: a
+prohibition which applies especially to the killing of ourselves, for
+charity begins from oneself.'
+
+"The good Doctor being here caught, said no more on this point, but turned
+the subject, and said, smiling, 'Gentlemen must not dispute on theological
+matters.'
+
+" 'True,' said I, 'we do not make profession of knowing theology; but at
+least we ought to know the law of God, though our profession is to play at
+cards.'
+
+"The lady with whom I was playing, hearing him speak to me in this way,
+could scarce keep her countenance, thinking within herself what he would
+have said if he had known who it was he was answering. The Doctor,
+however, did not stay much longer. Whether he departed sooner than he at
+first intended, I know not; but I know that we much preferred his room to
+his company."
+
+
+
+
+XXIV.
+
+
+"I must now return to London, and relate what happened after John Lilly
+was taken, and the gentleman imprisoned with whom I rented my London
+house. This house being now closed to me, I sought out another, but on a
+different plan. I did not now join in partnership with any one, because I
+was unwilling to be in the house of one known to be a Catholic. I managed
+that this new house should be hired by a nephew of Master Roger Lee, whom
+with his wife I had reconciled to the Catholic Church; and, as he was not
+known to be a Catholic, the house was entirely free from all suspicion. I
+had the use of this house for three years, and during that time it was not
+once searched; nor even before the Queen's death, though there were many
+general searches made, and the prisons were choked with Catholics, did
+they ever come to this house.
+
+"I had a man to keep the house who was a schismatic, but otherwise an
+honest and upright person. When I was in residence, this man provided me
+with necessaries; and when I was away, he managed any business for me
+according to my written directions. In all appearance he was the servant
+of the gentleman who owned the house, and so he was esteemed and called by
+the neighbours; and since, as a schismatic, he frequented their churches,
+they entertained no suspicion of him, nor of the house.
+
+"For myself, when I came to town, I always entered the house after dark,
+and in summer time scarce ever went out while I remained there. But my
+friends would come to visit me by ones and twos on different days, that no
+special attention might be drawn to the house from the number of visitors.
+Nor did they ever bring any servants with them, though some were of very
+high rank, and usually went about with a large number of attendants. By
+these means I provided better for them and for myself, and was able to
+continue longer in this way of life...."
+
+"When I was in London I did not allow every one to come to my house whose
+desire to converse with me I was willing to gratify; but I would
+sometimes, especially after dark in winter time, go myself to their
+houses. On one occasion I was asked by a certain lady to her house to hear
+the confession of a young nobleman attached to the Court, who was a dear
+friend of her husband's. Her husband was also a Catholic and well known to
+me: though quite a young man, he had been one of the principal captains in
+the Irish war. And the young nobleman just mentioned was a Baron, and son
+to an Irish Earl, and at this present writing he has himself succeeded to
+the earldom on his father's death.(122) This young Baron, then," Lord
+Dunkellin, "wished to make his confession to me. As I had not known him
+before, I put a few questions to him, according to my wont, beforehand. I
+asked him, therefore, if he was prepared at once. He answered that he was.
+I then asked how often in the year he was accustomed to go to the
+Sacraments. 'Twice or thrice in the year,' he said.
+
+" 'It would be better,' said I, 'to come more frequently, and then less
+preparation would be necessary. As it is, I should advise you to take a
+few days for the exact and diligent examination of your conscience,
+according to the method that I will show you; then you will come with
+greater fruit, and with greater satisfaction to yourself and to me. And
+for the future I would recommend a more frequent use of the holy
+Sacraments.' And I brought some reasons for my advice.
+
+"He listened to me very patiently, and when I had finished he replied, 'I
+will do in future what you recommend, and I would willingly follow your
+counsel at present, if it were possible; it is, however, impossible to put
+off my present confession.'
+
+" 'Why is it impossible?' I asked.
+
+" 'Because,' he replied, 'to-morrow I shall be in circumstances of danger,
+and I desire to prepare myself by confession to-day.'
+
+" 'What danger is this,' I asked again, 'to which you will be exposed?'
+
+" 'There is a gentleman at Court,' he said, 'who has grievously insulted
+me, so that I was compelled in defence of my honour to challenge him to
+single combat, and we meet to-morrow at an appointed spot at some distance
+from town.'
+
+" 'My lord,' I exclaimed, 'to approach the Sacrament in such a frame of
+mind is not to prepare yourself for danger, nor to cleanse your soul
+(though I doubt not it was with a good intention you proposed it), but
+rather to sully your soul more than ever, to affront God still further,
+and render Him still more your enemy. For to come to confession with a
+determination of taking vengeance is to put an obstacle to the grace of
+the Sacrament; and, moreover, this particular action on which you are
+resolved is not only a sin, but is visited with excommunication. I urge
+you, therefore, to give up this intention; you will be able to preserve
+your honour by some other way. Nay, the honour you think to preserve by
+this is not real honour, but merely the estimation of bad men founded on
+bad principles: men who exalt their own worldly ideas above the law and
+honour of God.'
+
+" 'It is impossible to withdraw now,' he said, 'for the thing is known to
+many, and has been taken even to the Queen, who has expressly forbidden us
+to pursue the matter any further.'
+
+" 'Well then,' said I, 'you have the best possible reason for laying aside
+the quarrel, namely, obedience to the Queen's behest. Moreover, you must
+remember that you are known for the intimate friend of the Earl of Essex,
+and that, if you overcome your adversary, the Queen (if it be only to
+spite the Earl) will certainly visit you with some heavy punishment for
+having disregarded her commands; but if you should kill him,
+unquestionably she will take your life. On the other hand, if you should
+be vanquished, what becomes of the honour you wish to defend, and if you
+should be slain in that state of soul in which you go to the fight, you go
+straight to eternal fire and everlasting shame, for while you are
+defending your body from your adversary's sword, you forget to parry the
+mortal thrust that the devil is aiming at your soul.'
+
+"But spite of all I could say, the fear of the world, which is fatally
+powerful with men of this rank, prevailed, and his reply was, 'I implore
+you, Father, to pray for me, and to hear my confession if you possibly
+can.'
+
+" 'Certainly I cannot hear you,' I said, 'for that honour which you
+worship is not necessary to you, in the sense in which it is to those who
+are obliged to take their part in a war. Besides, you are the challenger,
+and you took this unlawful course when it was possible for you to follow
+some other method of vindicating yourself, and so whatever necessity there
+is for pursuing the matter has been created by yourself. But this is what
+I will do; I will give you from my reliquary a particle of the Holy Cross,
+inclosed with an Agnus Dei, and you shall wear it upon you. Perhaps God
+may have mercy upon you for the sake of this, and afford you time for
+penance. Understand, however, I do not give it you in order to encourage
+you in your bad purpose, but that you may wear it with all reverence and
+respect, so that, should you come into danger (which certainly I do not
+desire), God may be moved to preserve your life, in the consideration of
+the good will you have of honouring His Cross.'
+
+"He took my gift very thankfully and reverentially, and had it sewed
+inside his shirt over his heart, for it was arranged that they should
+fight in their shirts without cuirass. It happened, God so allowing it,
+that his adversary made a lunge at his heart and pierced his shirt, but
+did not touch his skin. He on his side wounded and prostrated his enemy,
+then gave him his life and came off victorious. He then came to me in high
+spirits, and told me how he had been preserved by the power of the Holy
+Cross; then he thanked me very earnestly, and promised to be more on his
+guard in future. The Queen soon after took a fancy to this young nobleman,
+and kept him close to her at Court for a time. But tiring soon of this
+sort of life, at his father's death he married the widow of the Earl of
+Essex. She was a heretic when he married her, but he soon made her a
+Catholic, and they both live now as Catholics in Ireland, as I hear.
+
+"That Knight, moreover, who introduced this young Baron to me, followed my
+counsel at that time, and after devoting several days to a diligent
+examination of conscience, made a general confession of his whole life,
+with a view of reforming it for the future. A little later he was desirous
+of returning to the Irish wars, but as I was in doubt whether this was
+lawful in conscience, he promised me to resign his appointment and return
+to England, if the Priests there, to whom I referred him as living on the
+spot, and therefore having a closer knowledge of the circumstances,
+decided that it was unlawful. Soon after his arrival in Ireland, in a
+certain fight, while he was bravely mounting a wall and animating his men
+to follow, he was struck dead by a musket-ball. He had, however, before
+the fight, carefully written me a letter and sent it off, informing me
+that he had consulted the Priests in the country, and had received this
+answer, that it was lawful to fight against the Catholic party, because it
+was not clear to all why they had taken up arms.
+
+"After his death a remarkable incident occurred, which I will relate. His
+wife, pious soul, who never had the least idea of her husband's death,
+about that time heard every night some one knocking at her chamber door,
+and that so loudly as to wake her. Her maids heard it too, but on opening
+the door there was no one to be seen. She therefore got a Priest to stay
+with her and her maids till the usual time of the knocking, and when the
+same noise and knocking at the door were heard, the Priest himself went to
+the door, but found no one. This knocking went on till such time as news
+of her husband's death reached her, as if it had been a warning from his
+Angel to pray for his soul...."
+
+"Having held this house for three years, I let it to a Catholic friend,
+and took another house near the principal street in London, called the
+Strand. Since most of my friends lived in that street, they were thus able
+to visit me more easily, and I them. After my removal I discovered how
+entirely free from suspicion was the house which I had left, and in which
+I had dwelt for three years; for the servant who kept my house sent for a
+gardener with whom he had been acquainted in the other house (for the
+garden of the new house needed to be put in order), and the gardener
+remarked to him, 'Some Papists have come to live in your old house:' as
+though they who had previously dwelt there had been good Protestants.
+
+"This new house was very suitable and convenient, and had private
+entrances on both sides, and I had contrived in it some most excellent
+hiding-places; and there I should long have remained, free from all peril
+or even suspicion, if some friends of mine, while I was absent from
+London, had not availed themselves of the house rather rashly. It
+remained, however, in the same state up to the time of the great and
+terrible disturbance of the Powder Plot, as I shall hereafter shortly
+mention.
+
+"Meantime my friends brought me another who was heir to a barony, and is
+himself now a peer, and by God's grace I persuaded him to take on his
+shoulders the yoke of the law of Christ and of the Catholic faith, and
+made him a member of the Church. Another whom I had previously known in
+the world, and had seen to be wholly devoted to every kind of vanity, fell
+sick. He had abounded with riches and pleasures, and passed his days in
+jollity, destined, however, to fall from thence in a moment, had not God
+patiently waited, and in a suitable time led him to penance. He then was
+lying sick of a grievous illness, but yet had not begun to think of death.
+I heard that he was sick, and obtained an entry into his chamber at eleven
+o'clock at night, after the departure of his friends. He recognized me,
+and was pleased at my visit. I explained why I had come, and warned him to
+think seriously of the state of his soul, and, instead of a Judge, render
+God a Friend and most loving Father, however much he might have wasted all
+his substance. So then weakness of body opened the ears of his heart, and
+in an acceptable time God heard us, and in the day of salvation helped us;
+insomuch that he offered himself as at once ready to make his confession.
+I, however, said I would return on the following night, and advised him
+meantime to procure that there should be read to him, by a friend whom I
+named, Father Lewis of Grenada's _Explanation of the Commandments_: that
+after each Commandment he should occupy some little time in reflection,
+and call to mind how, and how often, he had offended against that
+Commandment; that he should then make an act of sorrow regarding each, and
+so go on to the next. He promised that he would do so, and I promised that
+I would return on the following night. This I did, and heard his
+confession; I gave him all the assistance I could, for the time had been
+short, especially for a sick man, to prepare for such a confession, but he
+dared no longer defer it, although he still seemed tolerably strong. I
+advised him to use the utmost care in discharging all his debts, which
+were great, through the extravagant expenditure in which he had indulged;
+I also exhorted him to redeem his sins by alms. He did both by the will he
+made the following day, and bequeathed a large sum for pious uses, which,
+as I heard, was honestly paid.
+
+"I also bade him prepare for the Holy Communion and Extreme Unction
+against the following night, and to have some pious book read to him
+meantime. He not only did what I advised, but exhorted all that came to
+visit him on the following day, to repent at once of their former life,
+and not defer their amendment as he had done: 'Do not,' he said, 'look for
+the mercy which I have found, for this is to be presumptuous and to
+irritate God; for I have deserved hell a thousand times on this account.'
+And much more to the same effect did he speak, with so much earnestness
+and freedom, that all marvelled at so sudden a change. They asked him to
+hide the cross which he had hanging from his neck (for I had lent him my
+own cross full of relics to kiss, and exercise acts of reverence and
+love); but he answered, 'Hide it! Nay, I would not hide it, even if the
+most bitter heretics were here. Too long have I refrained from profession
+of the Catholic faith, and now, if God gave me life, I would publicly
+profess myself a Catholic:' so that all marvelled and were much edified
+and moved at his words. He spoke thus to all the peers and great men that
+visited him. His conversion thus became publicly known, and many of the
+courtiers afterwards spoke of it. On the third night of my visiting him
+according to my promise, he again made his confession with great
+expressions of sorrow, and begged for the Sacrament of Extreme Unction,
+and when he received it, himself arranged for me more conveniently to
+reach the different parts of his body, just as though he had been a
+Catholic many years. Seeing him in such good disposition, I asked him
+whether he did not put all his trust in the merits of Christ and in the
+mercy of God. 'Surely!' said he; 'did I not do so, and did not that mercy
+give me salvation, I should have been condemned to the pit of hell; in
+myself I find no ground of hope, but rather of trembling. But I feel great
+hope in the mercy and goodness of God, Who has so long waited for me, and
+now has called me when I deserved, aye, and thought of, anything but
+this!' Then he took my hand and said, 'Father, I cannot express how much I
+am indebted to you, for you were sent by God to give me this happiness.' I
+found, moreover, that he had no temptation against faith, but most firmly
+believed and confessed every point, and I saw most clearly that God had
+poured into his soul the habits of many virtues. Then I erected an altar
+in his chamber with the ornaments which I had brought, and I said Mass,
+while he assisted with great devotion and comfort. I afterwards gave him
+the Viaticum, which he received with the utmost reverence. When I had
+finished everything, I gave him some advice that would be useful should he
+fall into his agony before my return, and I left him full of consolation.
+Now, see the providence of God: but a few hours after my departure, as he
+was persevering in petitions for mercy, and in acts of thanksgiving for
+the mercy he had received, he rendered up his soul to God. But before his
+death, he asked the by-standers whether certain purple and red robes could
+be applied to the use of the altar, which he had received from the King
+when he was created a Knight of the Order of the Bath. The investiture of
+this order takes place only at the coronation of the King, and the Knights
+enjoy precedence before all other Knights except those of the most noble
+Order of the Garter, almost all of whom are Earls or other peers. He,
+however, was a Knight of the Bath, and he wished that the robes with which
+he had been invested at the coronation should be devoted to the use of the
+altar; for he said that he had derived great comfort from seeing my
+vestments, which were merely light and portable, but yet handsome, of red
+silk embroidered with silver lace. So after his death they gave me his
+suit of the peculiar robes of that order, and out of them I made sets of
+vestments of two colours, one of which the College of St. Omers still
+possesses. Thus is the pious desire of the deceased fulfilled, in whose
+conversion I could not fail to see God's great goodness and providence.
+
+"About the same time I received into the Church a lady, the wife of a
+certain Knight, who is at the present day a very good and useful friend of
+our Fathers. Her husband was at this time a heretic, but his brother had
+been brought by me, through the Spiritual Exercises, to despise the world
+and follow the counsels of Christ. He introduced me to his sister, and
+after one or two interviews she embraced the Catholic faith, although she
+was well assured that she would incur great losses as soon as it should
+become known to her husband, as in truth it came to pass. For he first
+tried caresses, then threats, and left no means unemployed to shake her
+resolution, insomuch that for a long time she had nothing to expect or
+hope but to be separated from her husband, and stripped of all the goods
+of the world, that so in patience she might possess her soul. When her
+husband was on her account deprived of the public employment which he
+held, she bore it with great fortitude, and remained ever constant and
+even in mind. At length, by her virtue and her patience, she rendered her
+husband a friend to Catholics, and afterwards himself a Catholic. He was
+reconciled by the ministry of Father Walpole, to whom I had recommended
+her on my leaving England.
+
+"There were many other conversions, which I cannot mention separately, for
+I have already carried to too great length the narrative of these events,
+which are truly very insignificant if they are compared with the actions
+of others."
+
+
+
+
+XXV.
+
+
+"One case more I cannot pass over, which gave me especial pleasure for the
+sake of the person concerned; for I do not know that any one was ever more
+dear to me.
+
+"Sir Everard Digby, of whom I have spoken above, had a friend for whom he
+felt a peculiar affection. He had often recommended him to me, and was
+anxious to give me an opportunity of making his acquaintance and gaining
+him over, if it possibly might be; but because he held an office in the
+Court, requiring daily attendance about the King's person, so that he
+could not be absent for long together, our desire was long delayed.
+
+"At last Sir Everard met his friend, while we were both together in
+London; and he took an opportunity of asking him to come at a certain time
+to his chamber, to play at cards, for these are the books gentlemen in
+London study both night and day. He promised to come, and on his arrival
+he did not find a party at play, but only us two sitting and conversing
+very seriously; so Sir Everard asked him to sit down a little, until the
+rest should arrive. Then, in an interval of silence, Sir Everard said, 'We
+two were engaged in a very serious conversation, in fact, concerning
+religion. You know,' he said, addressing the visitor, 'that I am friendly
+to Catholics and to the Catholic faith; I was, nevertheless, disputing
+with this gentleman, who is a friend of mine, against the Catholic faith,
+in order to see what defence he could make; for he is an earnest Catholic,
+as I do not hesitate to tell you.' Then, turning to me, he begged me not
+to be vexed that he betrayed me to a stranger. 'And I must say,' he
+continued, 'he so well defended the Catholic faith that I could not answer
+him, and I am glad that you have come to help me.'
+
+"The visitor was young and confident, and trusting in his own great
+abilities, expected to carry everything before him, so good was his cause
+and so lightly did he esteem me, as he afterwards confessed. So he began
+to allege many objections to the arguments before used. I waited with
+patience until he ceased speaking, and then answered in few words. He
+urged his points, and so we argued one against the other for a short
+hour's space. Afterwards I began to explain my view more fully, and to
+confirm it with texts of Holy Scripture and passages from the Fathers, and
+with such reasons as came to my mind. And I felt, as I often did, God
+supplying me words as I spoke on His behalf in great might, not for the
+sake of me that spoke, nor for any desert of mine, but just as He gives
+milk to a mother when she has an infant who needs to be fed with milk. My
+young friend was of a docile nature, and could no way bear to speak
+against the truth when he saw it; so that he listened in silence, and God
+was meantime speaking to his heart with a voice far more powerful and
+efficacious. God, too, gave him ears to hear, so that the word fell not
+upon stony ground, nor among thorns, but into good soil, yea, very good,
+that yielded by God's grace a hundred-fold in its season. So before he
+left, he was fully resolved to become a Catholic, and took with him a book
+to assist him in preparing for a good confession, which he made before a
+week had passed. And from that time it was not enough for him to walk in
+the ordinary path of God's commandments, but God prepared him for higher
+things; and whatever counsels I gave him he received with eagerness, and
+retained not only in a faithful memory, but in a most ready will. He began
+to use the daily examination of conscience, and even learned the method of
+meditation, and made a meditation every day. He was forced to rise very
+early to do this before he went to the King, which in summer was at break
+of day, for the King went hunting every day, and he, by duty of his
+office, was necessarily present at the royal breakfast. He would,
+moreover, so with his whole soul devour pious books, that he always had
+one in his pocket; and in the King's Court and in the Presence-chamber,
+while courtiers and ladies were standing around, you might see him turn
+himself to a window, and there read a chapter of Thomas a Kempis'
+_Imitation of Christ_, a book with which he was most intimate; and after
+he had read it, you might see him turn in body, but not in mind, towards
+the others, for there he would stand rapt in thought, while the rest
+perhaps were supposing that he was admiring the beauty of some lady, or
+thinking over the means to climb to great honours. In truth, he had no
+need to take particular pains about this, for, in the first place, he was
+son and brother to an Earl, and, moreover, the place and office which he
+filled were very honourable, giving him the ear of the King every day. His
+wit could not fail to distinguish favourable opportunities for gaining his
+requests, and, in fact, the King had given him an office which he
+afterwards sold, but which, had he kept it, would have brought him in more
+than ten thousand florins [1,000_l._] a year. In short, such was his
+position that he would undoubtedly have soon risen to great honours; for
+he made himself acceptable to all, and was not a little beloved, insomuch
+that after he had left the Court and given up all hope of worldly honour,
+I heard it said by some persons of the greatest eminence and experience in
+the ways of the Court, that they had never in forty years' space known any
+one so highly valued and beloved in every quarter.
+
+"But, what is far more important, he was beloved in the Court of the King
+of Kings, and inspired to desire and seek after greater and more abiding
+blessings. So he conceived the wish of trying the Spiritual Exercises, in
+the course of which he determined to desert the Court, and devote himself
+to those pursuits which would render him most pleasing to God and most
+profitable to his neighbour; so with as little delay as possible he made
+such a disposition of his goods as would enable him freely to make his
+escape from England. He then, to the surprise of all, asked and obtained
+the King's leave to go to Italy, where he still resides, and he is so well
+known to our Fathers that there is no need to write anything more
+concerning him; but this I can say, that wherever I have known him to have
+been, he has left men filled with great esteem for him, and expectation of
+yet greater things...."
+
+"The conversions which took place in the country were not few, and some
+were cases of heads of families; but I have already gone to great length,
+and I will here recount one only, the beginning and end of which I saw to
+be good.
+
+"There was a lady, a kinswoman of my hostess, whose husband had now many
+years been a Catholic, yet neither her husband, nor any of her friends,
+nor my hostess herself, who loved her as a sister, could ever lead her to
+become a Catholic. She did not object to listen to Catholics, even to
+Priests, and was fond of earnest argument with them; but she would believe
+no one but herself, and indeed her talents were greater than I have often
+met with in a woman. My hostess often mourned over this lady, and grieved
+that no remedy could be found; she wished that I should once see her. She
+spoke highly in praise of her talents and amiable disposition, and of her
+life and behaviour in all respects, with the one solitary exception of her
+being an obstinate heretic. I asked my hostess, therefore, to invite her
+to pay us a visit, although she lived in a distant county. She came
+according to the invitation, and we took care that she should find me
+showing myself in public, and dressed as though I had been a guest just
+arrived from London. On the first two days we did but little, for we knew
+that she would have plenty of time afterwards, and I wished to remove all
+timidity from her; for though she had been accustomed to meet Priests at
+that house, yet they had kept mostly to their chambers. But as soon as I
+judged her to be convinced that I was a Catholic, but not a Priest, I
+began slowly to turn my conversation with her often upon religion. At
+first I spoke little, but to such purpose that she could not answer me;
+and so I left her, not urging her, but rather leaving her with a desire to
+hear more. At length, after a few days, I judged her thoroughly prepared,
+and I arranged that my hostess should begin to talk seriously upon these
+topics, and that when she saw me enter into the conversation and carry it
+on, she should leave us in company with one or two of the lady's
+daughters, for she had brought three with her. This having been done, we
+began the combat with, as it seemed to her, various success, for one or
+two hours; and then she listened to me as I spoke without interruption for
+two or three hours more. She spoke little in answer, and did not like on
+the spot to acknowledge herself vanquished, but she thanked me heartily,
+and went away quite red and flushed in the face. She was truly moved, or,
+rather, changed interiorly, and straightway she ran to my hostess and
+said, 'Oh, cousin, what have you done?'
+
+" 'What have I done?' replied the other.
+
+" 'Oh, who is it,' she rejoined, 'that you introduced me to? Is he such a
+one as you represented to me? At any rate, he is,' ... and she spoke in
+much higher terms of my learning and language than I deserved, and she
+added that she could not resist what I urged, nor answer it.
+
+"On the following day God confirmed what He had wrought in her, and she
+surrendered at discretion, and accepted a book to help her to prepare for
+confession. Meantime, with the mother's consent and assistance, I
+instructed her three daughters, and when they had learned the catechism, I
+heard their confessions. The mother, however, during the time of her
+preparation, began to be filled with trouble and sorrow, not on account of
+leaving her heresy, but through fear of confession. I, on the contrary,
+encouraged her to persevere, and adduced arguments against her timidity,
+but I could not rid her of it, and so, seeing that she was ready as far as
+examination was concerned, but nevertheless put the matter off from day to
+day, and begged a little more time to prepare, I would not consent. I told
+her that this came from the enemy, who grieved to leave his habitation,
+and at length she saw and acknowledged this. For as soon as out of
+obedience she had made her confession, she felt relieved of a great
+burden, and filled with consolation; and she told me that now she was glad
+not to have delayed longer.
+
+"I have often found this, that some souls experience great trouble when
+first they make confession on being reconciled to the Church of God. Some
+persons even fall sick and faint, so as to be forced to cease speaking for
+a time and sit down, until they have recovered a little and are able to
+continue; and this has happened even when at their first coming they were
+in sound health, and ready to confess. And then when they recommenced,
+they again fell ill, and this happened two or three times in the course of
+their first confession. But when the confession was finished, they not
+only felt no sickness, but having received absolution, they went away full
+of joy and consolation. Some, in fact, have remarked to me, that did men
+but know what consolation is gained in confession, they would never be
+deprived of so great a happiness.
+
+"Among these was to be reckoned this lady, who came forth from confession
+full of consolation, and gave most hearty thanks to her cousin, for that
+by her means she had been admitted to share in so great a happiness. So
+great was God's mercy towards her, that thenceforth she gave herself
+wholly up to devotion. On her return home she devoted herself to making
+handsome vestments, and, whenever she was able, she procured the company
+of Priests. And not content with this, she was anxious to return wholly to
+our house, and to dwell with us, in order to have more frequent access to
+the Sacraments, and the opportunity of hearing the public and private
+exhortations that we had every Sunday and Festival-day. She stayed with us
+about two years, and all that time she gave herself up to devotion and the
+constant reading of pious books. She was clearly led to this course of
+life by the special mercy and providence of God; for at the end of the
+period I have mentioned, although she seemed stout and strong, she was
+suddenly attacked with disease, by which, within a few days, she was so
+weakened, that no skill of the physicians could restore her strength. She
+was warned to prepare for the life to come, and she repeated a good and
+careful confession of her whole life.
+
+"At length, finding herself in her last agony, she wished to write a
+letter to her brother, who was a heretic, and almost the greatest enemy
+the Catholics had in the county in which he dwelt. To him, then, she
+wished to send a letter, written by her daughter's hand, but subscribed
+with her own, to the following effect: That he knew she had long been a
+strenuous upholder of this new religion, so that he might be the more
+convinced that she would not have changed it without good grounds, and
+that she had certain and unanswerable authorities for the faith which she
+had adopted; wherefore she protested to him that ever since the time when
+she embraced the faith she had lived in peace of conscience, and that
+never before that time had she enjoyed true internal consolation; finally,
+she begged him to have a care of his soul, and proceeded thus: 'I, your
+sister, now at the point of death, by these my last words, beg and beseech
+you to embrace the Catholic and ancient faith; and I protest that there is
+no other in which you can be saved.' These were her sentiments when almost
+come into her last agony, from which I perceived that she was wholly
+converted from heresy, and full of charity towards her neighbour; so
+having asked her a few questions, and found that she was not troubled with
+any temptations of presumption or of despair, I gave her as much help as I
+could in forming and uttering acts of the opposite virtues. After which,
+when she was on the point of death, I offered her a picture of the Passion
+of Christ, and she embraced and kissed it with the greatest affection. I
+put also a blessed medal into her hands, and reminded her to invoke the
+name of Jesus in her heart at least, in order to gain the indulgences,
+although she could not speak. I then asked her to give some sign to show
+that she did thus from her heart, whereupon she caught hold of the medal
+and kissed it, repeating this action several times. Observing she made
+answer to me by signs, I bade her conceive a great sorrow for ever having
+offended God, Who was so good in Himself, and had shown so great mercy to
+her, and to give a sign of it by raising her hand: she did so with great
+earnestness; then to conceive sorrow that she had ever been in heresy, and
+had resisted God and the Church, of which also she gave a sign; then to
+conceive the wish that all heretics might be converted, and that she
+willingly offered her life for their conversion, and she again made the
+signal with great earnestness, and also took my hand within her own, which
+were already chill, and held it firmly, repeating the signs that she was
+pleased with the suggestions I made to her. And I continued up to her last
+gasp, encouraging her, and exhorting her to praise God in her heart, to
+desire that all creatures should praise and serve Him, and to offer her
+life for this end. And she gave me answer to everything, now raising, now
+lowering her hand; just as I asked her to do in assent to what I
+suggested. All the by-standers, who were numerous, and a Priest also who
+was among them, were in great admiration, and declared that they never
+witnessed such a death as this. For she continued, as I have said,
+responding to my suggestions up to the very last breath, raising her hand
+slightly when she could no longer raise it much. In these interior acts
+she gave up her soul, without any trouble of mind or convulsion of body,
+but like one going off to sleep, she went to rest in peace.
+
+"Her youngest daughter had already died holily in our house before her
+mother. The second daughter married a rich man, and brought him to me from
+a considerable distance to be made a Catholic. The eldest still lives in
+the same house, to be espoused not to man but to God, for she has a
+vocation to the Religious state. In the meantime she lives there
+religiously, and devotes herself to the service of Religious, as the lady
+of the house always did, and does still...."
+
+"I gave the Spiritual Exercises in this house to many others, as well to
+those who formed part of the family as to others; and in each case the
+fruit which I hoped for was produced...."
+
+"But suddenly all things were upset for a time, and all good hindered by
+the Powder Plot, as it is called. And if proof were wanting that I knew
+nothing of this affair, this alone would be sufficient, that at that very
+time I had sent several from England across the sea into these parts. One
+was a lady, who was going to be a Nun in the Benedictine Convent at
+Brussels, whither I had sent two others not long before, who are now in
+high authority there. Another had been an heretical minister, whom I had
+brought to the Faith and instructed. He was the last that I received into
+the Church before these disturbances. When these persons, with certain
+others, were on the point of crossing the Channel, orders were sent to
+allow no ships to leave; they were, consequently, all taken and thrown
+into prison, from which they were released two years ago. He who had been
+a minister is at present studying in the Roman College; and the lady of
+whom I spoke is now professed in the convent whither she was going when
+she was taken. Only one other minister besides the one just mentioned did
+I convert in England, and he is now a Priest and is working in that
+vineyard. I also sent over many youths to the Seminaries while I was in
+this last residence of mine, who will, by God's help, give fruit in due
+season.
+
+"But if we have received good things from God's hands, why should we not
+also bear with evil things?--if those things can be truly called evil which
+are sent from Him, and therefore sent that He may draw good from them, for
+those who receive them well, and humbly recognize and adore His
+providence, both when He gives and when He takes away. He had, indeed,
+given me many and great consolations in this residence; interior
+consolations chiefly, from conversions and from the signal progress in
+virtue of many souls; but exterior consolations were not wanting. For in
+external matters everything was well and abundantly supplied me. I had
+several excellent horses for my missionary journeys, and all that I could
+wish for to carry on the work I had in hand. Then, in the house itself,
+the arrangements were made in the best way both for our health and our
+convenience. And for companion I had Father Strange, who is now in the
+Tower(123) (for Master Digby had obtained Father Percy from the Superior),
+and another Priest who resided a long time with us. We had, moreover, good
+store of useful books, which were kept in a library without any
+concealment, because they had the appearance of belonging to the young
+Baron, and of having been left him by his uncle,(124) who was a very
+learned and studious nobleman, and was well known for his piety. He had,
+in fact, resigned the right and title of the barony to his younger
+brother, the father of the present lord, in order that he might more
+entirely and securely devote himself to God and his studies. If he had
+lived a little longer, he would assuredly have been a member of our
+Society, for on his death-bed this was the only thing that caused him
+regret, namely, that he could not then be admitted into the Society, a
+thing he desired most earnestly.
+
+"Our vestments and altar furniture were both plentiful and costly. We had
+two sets for each colour which the Church uses; one for ordinary use, the
+other for Feast-days: some of these latter were embroidered with gold and
+pearls, and figured by well-skilled hands. We had six massive silver
+candlesticks on the altar, besides those at the sides for the Elevation;
+the cruets were of silver also, as were the basin for the lavabo, the
+bell, and the thurible. There were, moreover, lamps hanging from silver
+chains, and a silver crucifix on the altar. For greater Festivals,
+however, I had a crucifix of gold, a foot in height, on the top of which
+was represented a pelican, while on the right arm of the cross was an
+eagle with expanded wings carrying on its back its young ones, who were
+also attempting to fly; on the left arm a phoenix expiring in flames that
+it might leave an offspring after it; and at the foot was a hen with her
+chickens, gathering them under her wings. All this was made of wrought
+gold by a celebrated artist...."
+
+"But I, who was not sufficiently grateful to God for these benefits which
+I have mentioned, and many others, was compelled to leave them to others
+who could use them better and to greater advantage.
+
+"For since it was my chief friends who were involved in that disaster of
+the Powder Plot, the Council on this account believed me to be privy to
+it, and from the first sought for me with great persistence and severity.
+They sent certain magistrates to search our house most exactly, with
+orders, if they found me not, to stay in the house till recalled, to post
+guards all round the house every night, and to have men on the watch both
+day and night at a distance of three miles from the house on every side,
+who were to apprehend all whom they did not know and bring them before the
+Justices. All this was done to the letter. But immediately the news
+reached us of such a plot having been discovered, and we learnt that
+certain of our friends had been killed and others taken, expecting that in
+such a season we, too, should have something to suffer, we had made all
+snug before they came, so that they found nothing. They continued
+searching, however, for many days, till at last my hostess discovered to
+the Justice in chief command one of the hiding-places in which a few books
+had been stowed away, thinking that he would then desist from searching
+any further, under the impression that if a Priest had been in the house
+he would have been hidden there, yet they continued in the house for full
+nine days; and I, meanwhile, remained shut up in a hole where I could sit,
+but not stand upright. This time, however, I did not suffer from hunger,
+for every night food was brought to me secretly; nay, after four or five
+days, when the rigour of the search was somewhat relaxed, my friends even
+took me out at night and warmed me at a fire, for it was wintry weather,
+just before Christmas-tide. And when nine days had passed the searching
+party withdrew, believing it impossible I could be there so long without
+being discovered.
+
+"In the meantime they had taken a Priest, who, knowing nothing of the
+watch set about the place, was coming to our house for safety. This good
+Priest (by name Thomas Laithwaite,(125) who is now of our Society, and is
+labouring in England) had left us a few days before at my request, when we
+heard of the Plot, in order to communicate with Father Garnett, and obtain
+from him for me instructions how to act in the present crisis. Even on his
+way thither he was taken, but escaped again for that time in the following
+manner. His captors took him to an inn, intending to bring him up for
+examination and committal the next day. On entering the inn he took off
+his cloak and sword and laid them on a bench; then, on pretence of looking
+after his horse and getting him taken to water, he went to the stable,
+and, as there was a stream near the house, he bade the boy lead the horse
+thither at once, and himself went along also. When they had come to the
+stream and the horse was drinking, 'Go,' said he to the lad, 'get ready
+the hay and the straw for his bed, and I will bring him back when he has
+drunk.' The boy returned to the stable without further thought, and he,
+mounting his horse, spurred him into the stream, and swam him to the
+opposite bank. Those in the inn, seeing his cloak and sword still lying
+there, had for some time no suspicion of his stratagem; but hearing from
+the stable-boy what had happened, they saw they had been outwitted, and
+immediately set off in pursuit. They were, however, too late, for the
+fugitive, knowing the way well, got to the house of a Catholic before
+night, and lay hid there for a few days. Then, finding that he could not
+get to Father Garnett, and thinking all danger had passed in our
+direction, he tried to return to me. But while avoiding Charybdis he fell
+into the clutches of Scylla; for, as I said above, he was taken on his way
+to our house, and dragged to London. They were not able, however, to prove
+him a Priest, and his brother was allowed to buy him his freedom for a sum
+of money.
+
+"Two other Priests who were resident with me in that house (one of whom,
+as I said before, was Father Strange), at the beginning of their troubles
+wished to go to Father Garnett and remain with him. Both of them, however,
+were taken prisoners on their way; one was thrown into Bridewell, and was
+afterwards banished, together with other Priests, while Father Strange,
+the other, was sent to the Tower, where he suffered much, as has been
+before mentioned."
+
+
+
+
+XXVI.
+
+
+"The history of the Plot, its causes and consequences, is but too well
+known; since it has been written by both friends and enemies, though
+perhaps by neither exactly as it ought to be. I myself, when I came from
+England to Rome, was ordered to put in writing an account of the whole
+affair, and did so as well as I could. There is no need, therefore, to
+repeat here what I wrote at length on that occasion...."(126)
+
+"I will now add a few words about myself before closing this narrative. I
+have stated in the other treatise, of which I spoke, that a proclamation
+was issued against three Jesuit Fathers, of whom I was one; and, though
+the most unworthy, I was named first in the proclamation, whereas I was
+the subject of one, and far inferior in all respects to the other. All
+this, however, I solemnly protest, was utterly groundless; for I knew
+absolutely nothing of the Plot from any one whatsoever, not even under the
+seal of confession as the other two did; nor had I the slightest notion
+that any such scheme was entertained by any Catholic gentleman, until by
+public rumour news was brought us of its discovery, as it was to all
+others dwelling in that part of the country.
+
+"When I saw by that long search of nine days that I was sought after and
+aimed at in particular, I wrote a public letter, as if to some friends, in
+which, by many arguments, and by protestations beyond all cavil, I
+maintained my entire innocence of the charges brought against me. Of this
+letter I caused many copies to be taken, and to be dropped about the
+London streets very early in the morning. These were found and read by
+many persons, and a copy was shown to the King by one of the Lords of
+Council, who was no enemy either of mine or of my cause. The King, as I
+heard, was personally satisfied by this. Afterwards, however, when
+information was given them of Father Garnett's hiding-place, and they
+conceived hopes of catching him, and of turning the whole charge on the
+Society, they thought it necessary to publish the names of some of ours as
+the principal contrivers of the Plot. So they put my name down, as well as
+those of the other two Fathers, of whom they had heard from a certain
+servant of Master Catesby. This man, however, before his death, repenting
+of this injury he had done them, confessed that he had been induced to say
+what he did of them against his conscience, by the fear of death on the
+one hand, and by the hope of pardon, and by the persuasions and
+suggestions of Secretary Cecil on the other. And it is possible that some
+persons at that time had a real suspicion that I was privy to the thing,
+because they knew that many of the gentlemen who had been taken were
+friends of mine, and were in the habit of visiting me at my London house.
+This, indeed, was acknowledged by one of them in his examination, though
+at the same time he affirmed that I knew nothing of their scheme. Nor did
+they ever get a single word against me from any of their examinations.
+Master Digby, indeed, who was known to be most intimate with me, and for
+that reason was most strictly examined about me, publicly protested in
+open court that he never dare mention a syllable of it to me, because I
+should never have permitted him to go on with it. When I heard of all
+this, and, besides, had learnt several particulars concerning Father
+Garnett, which proved that any knowledge he had was under seal of
+confession, and imparted to him by the only Priest of the Society who knew
+of it, and that also only in confession, it seemed to me that I was
+sufficiently cleared of the charge; and in order to bring this fact into
+notice, I prepared three letters to three Lords of the Council, a little
+before the death of the condemned conspirators, in which I showed more at
+full that I was completely ignorant of the whole matter, and pointed out
+how they might satisfy themselves of the same while those gentlemen were
+yet alive. Whether they did so or not, I do not know; but this much I
+know, that in the whole process of Father Garnett's trial, in which after
+the receipt of these letters they tried their utmost to defame the whole
+Society, and in particular to charge this Plot on the English mission,
+they never once mentioned me. They spoke, indeed, of three Fathers as
+guilty, but they named those two who had heard of it in confession, and
+Father Ouldcorne, not as privy to the Plot beforehand, but as an
+accomplice _post factum_.
+
+"Nevertheless, I took the greatest precaution to remain hidden; and I lay
+at a place in London known to no one. So by the protection of God I
+continued safe, and if it had seemed good I could have remained so still
+longer. I did not, therefore, leave England to avoid being taken, but as
+in that great disturbance it was no time for labouring, but rather for
+keeping quiet, I took a favourable opportunity that presented itself of
+passing over into these parts and reposing a little, that after so long a
+period of distracting work in all kinds of company, I might take breath
+and recover strength for future labours. Why, even at that very time when
+I was keeping so close, and when nearly all my friends were either in
+prison, or so upset that they could scarcely help themselves, much less
+me, though I had lost the house I had in London, through the fault of one
+who disclosed it, as I have said, and though strict watch was kept
+everywhere, and danger beset me on all sides; yet, before I had settled to
+leave England, I managed to hire another house in London very fit for my
+purpose, perhaps more so than the former. I managed also to furnish it
+with everything necessary, and made some good hiding-places in it; and
+there I remained in safety the whole of Lent before my departure. Besides
+this house I also hired another, finer and larger than this, which I
+intended should be in common between Father Antony Hoskins and me. This
+house after my departure was used by the Superior of the mission for a
+considerable time.
+
+"The first of these last-mentioned houses I brought into some little
+danger, about the end of Lent, in order to rescue one of our Fathers from
+imminent danger. The thing happened in this wise. The good Father, by name
+Thomas Everett, had gone to a gentleman's house in London, where there
+were some false brethren, or else some talkative ones; for the fact
+reached the ears of the Council. And as he is something of my height, and
+has black hair, Cecil thought it was I of whom notice was given him, and
+said to a private friend of his, 'Now we shall have him,' naming me.
+However, he had neither the one nor the other. For I, learning that the
+Father had gone to this place, where he could not possibly remain hidden,
+asked my friend, in whose house I had myself been concealed before I had
+procured and furnished my new abode, to fetch him and keep him close in
+his house for a time, which he did. Here he remained while the house he
+had just left was undergoing a strict search. Now it so happened that,
+after a few days, a search was also made in the very place to which he had
+been brought, on account of some books of Father Garnett's which had been
+seen, and which this gentleman used to keep for him. After rifling the
+place well and finding no one, for Father Everett had betaken himself to a
+hiding-place, they carried off the master and mistress of the house, and
+threw them into prison. Now when I heard this, and knew there was no
+Catholic left in the house, fearing lest the Father should either perish
+with hunger, or come forth to be taken, I sent persons from my own house,
+to whom I described the position of his hiding-place. They went thither,
+and called to him, and knocked at the place, for him to open it; he,
+however, would neither open nor answer, though they said that I had sent
+them for him. For, as he did not know their voices, he was afraid that
+this was a trick of the searchers, who sometimes pretend to depart, and
+then after a time return, and assuming a friendly tone, go about the
+rooms, asking any who are hidden to come out, for that the searchers are
+all gone. The good Father suspected that this was the case now, and
+therefore made no answer. My messengers remained a long time trying to
+reassure him, and at last were obliged to return, but so late, that they
+fell into the hands of the watch. They were detained in custody that
+night, and got off with some difficulty the next day. One of them,
+however, was recognized as having formerly lived with a Catholic, and was
+therefore believed to be a Catholic himself, and as it was now known that
+he lived in the house that I had hired, this brought that house into
+suspicion, though it had been ostensibly hired by a schismatic, who was
+under no suspicion at all. The consequence was that some four days later
+the chief magistrate of London, who is called the mayor, came with a
+_posse_ of constables to search the house.
+
+"In the meantime, hearing that Father Thomas would not answer, and knowing
+well that he was there, to prevent his perishing from starvation, I sent
+the next night another party with the man who had made the hiding-place
+and knew how to open it. The place was thus opened, and the good Father
+rescued from his perilous position. They brought him to my house, and
+there he remained. I myself, however, before he arrived, had gone to a
+friend's house, a very secure place, for the purpose of staying there a
+little, as I had some fears that the apprehension of my servants a day or
+two back might bring the searchers to my house. My fears were well
+founded: for on Holy Thursday, while Father Everett was saying Mass, and
+had just finished the Offertory, there was a great tumult and noise at the
+garden gate; and the mayor used such violence, and made such quick work of
+it, as to have entered the garden, and the house, and to be now actually
+mounting the stairs, just as the Father, all vested as he was, and with
+all the altar furniture bundled up, had entered his hiding-place. So near
+a matter was it, that the mayor and his company smelt the smoke of the
+extinguished candles, so that they made sure a Priest had been there, and
+were the more eager in their search. But of the three hiding-places in the
+house they did not find one. So they departed, taking with them those men
+whom they found in the house, and who acknowledged themselves to be
+Catholics, and the schismatic also who passed for the house-holder. After
+this, having again released Father Everett from his hiding-hole and
+advised him to leave London, I determined not to use that house again for
+some time. And seeing that the times were such as called us rather to
+remain quiet, than to gird ourselves for work, I took the first
+opportunity of crossing the sea and coming into these parts.(127)
+
+"I recommended my friends to different Fathers, asking them to have
+special care of them during my absence. As for my hostess," Mrs. Vaux,
+"she was brought to London after that long search for me, and strictly
+examined about me by the Lords of the Council; but she answered to
+everything so discreetly as to escape all blame. At last they produced a
+letter of hers to a certain relative, asking for the release of Father
+Strange and another, of whom I spoke before. This relative of hers was the
+chief man in the county in which they had been taken, and she thought she
+could by her intercession with him prevail for their release. But the
+treacherous man, who had often enough, so far as words went, offered to
+serve her in any way, proved the truth of our Lord's prophecy: 'A man's
+enemies shall be those of his own household;' for he immediately sent up
+her letter to the Council. They showed her, therefore, her own letter, and
+said to her, 'You see now that you are entirely at the King's mercy for
+life or death; so if you consent to tell us where Father Gerard is, you
+shall have your life.'
+
+" 'I do not know where he is,' she answered; 'and if I did know, I would
+not tell you.'
+
+"Then rose one of the lords who had been a former friend of hers, to
+accompany her to the door out of courtesy, and on the way said to her
+persuasively, 'Have pity on yourself and on your children, and say what is
+required of you, or otherwise you will certainly die.'
+
+"To which she answered with a loud voice, 'Then, my lord, I will die.'
+
+"This was said when the door had been opened, so that her servants who
+were waiting for her heard what she said, and all burst into weeping. But
+the Council only said this to terrify her, for they did not commit her to
+prison, but sent her to the house of a certain gentleman in the city, and
+after being held here in custody for a time, she was released, but on
+condition of remaining in London. And one of the principal Lords of the
+Council acknowledged to a friend that he had nothing against her except
+that she was a stout Papist, going ahead of others, and, as it were, a
+leader in evil.
+
+"Immediately she was released from custody, knowing that I was then in
+London, quite forgetful of herself, she set about taking care of me, and
+provided all the furniture and other things necessary for my new house.
+Moreover, she sent me whole sheets daily, recounting everything that
+occurred; and when she knew that I wished to cross the sea for a time, she
+bid me not spare expense, so that I secured a safe passage, for that she
+would pay everything, though it should cost five thousand florins; and, in
+fact, she sent me at once a thousand florins [100_l._] for my journey. I
+left her in the care of Father Percy, who had already, as my companion,
+lived a long time at her house. There he still remains, and does much
+good. I went straight to Rome, and being sent back thence to these parts,
+was fixed at Louvain.
+
+"I have received two signal benefits on the 3rd of May, through the
+intercession, as I think, of blessed Father Garnett, who went to Heaven on
+that day. The first was as follows: When I had come to the port where,
+according to agreement, I was to embark with certain high personages, in
+order to pass unchallenged out of England, they, out of fear, excused
+themselves from performing their promise. And in this mind they continued
+till the hour of the day fixed for embarking. Now just at that time Father
+Garnett's martyrdom was consummated in London, and he being received into
+Heaven remembered me upon earth; for the minds of those lords were so
+changed, that the Ambassadors themselves came to fetch me, and with their
+own hands helped to dress me in Spanish costume, so that I might be taken
+for one of their suite, and so pass free. All went well, and I do not
+doubt that I owed it to Father Garnett's prayers.
+
+"The other and greater benefit is that three years later, on the same 3rd
+of May, I was admitted into the body of the Society, by the four solemn
+vows,(128) though most unworthy. This I look upon as the greatest and most
+signal favour I have ever received, and it seems to me that God wished to
+show me that I owed this also to the prayers of Father Garnett, from an
+exact similarity in the circumstance of time between my profession and his
+martyrdom. For the day originally fixed for both had been the 1st of May,
+the Feast of the Holy Apostles SS. Philip and James, and in both cases
+unforeseen delays postponed the event till the 3rd of May.
+
+"God grant that I may truly love and worthily carry the Cross of Jesus,
+that I may walk worthy of the vocation whereunto I am called. This one
+thing I have asked of our Lord, and this will I continue to ask, that I
+may dwell in the House of God all my days, until I begin to prove myself
+grateful for so great a favour, and that though hitherto unfruitful, yet
+by the fertility of the olive-tree in which I have been grafted, I may at
+length begin to bear some fruit!"
+
+
+
+
+XXVII.
+
+
+Here the Autobiography of Father Gerard ends. Though he survived his
+escape from England thirty-one years,(129) we have not much more to relate
+of the events of his life. We have, however, first a few notes to record
+on the concluding portion of the narrative.
+
+First, with regard to the brave Elizabeth Vaux. She was re-arrested, long
+after the liberation of which Father Gerard has told us, for in a letter
+from Louvain to Father Aquaviva, the General of the Society, dated August
+17, 1612, he gives the following account of her conduct, and that of her
+son, Lord Vaux, in prison. We translate from the Latin original.(130)
+
+"Lord Vaux remains in prison under condemnation, but by no means cast
+down. He seems with invincible courage to trample on rather than to be
+deprived of the world, and not so much to have lost as to have contemned
+its goods. His praise certainly is in the mouths of all men. And his cause
+is so honourable to him, and to the Catholic religion, and so disgraceful
+to his enemies, that the King seemed to be ready to let the Baron go, and
+to restore him all his goods, when, God so disposing it, and preserving
+His servant for great things, some men making a more careful search than
+usual, found out that the mother of the Baron, who was herself under
+condemnation and in prison, but who retained all her fervour and devotion,
+had received a Priest into her cell on the very Feast of St. John Baptist.
+When the officers entered, they found a good Father who had just completed
+the Holy Sacrifice, and was in the act of distributing the most holy Body
+of Christ to those who were assisting. Mrs. Vaux herself, and two others,
+had communicated. The Priest turned back to the altar, and quietly
+received the remaining Hosts, lest they should fall into sacrilegious
+hands. The first man who entered the room, seeing the altar well
+appointed, and all of them kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament, was
+astounded; and forgetting the fierceness with which, under similar
+circumstances, most people rush upon a Priest, only uttered these words:
+'Has not your ladyship suffered enough already for this sort of thing?'
+
+"The wonder is of old standing on the part of those who do not understand
+how blessed is the life that God will give to those who never change their
+fidelity to Him, and who, fearing God more than the King, even though they
+have but just escaped death, still wish to bury the dead. So our good
+Father Cornforth was taken: a very holy man, whose life well deserves
+recording. He was carried off to the pseudo-Prelate of Canterbury, and as
+he could not conceal his Priesthood on account of those with whom he was
+taken, so neither would he for his own safety's sake, hide his Religious
+state. So he was sent off to that prison from which they usually take
+their victims when they want an offering for the god of heresy. Canterbury
+then went to the King in all haste and fury, and putting fire to the
+cotton to raise a flame, so inflamed the King's mind against the Baron,
+that he seems to have diverted him from his inclination to set him free to
+the very reverse. But notwithstanding all this, as the Baron has those
+counsellors for him who are most powerful with the King, we all hope that
+the King will soon be pacified, and that all will end well for our friend,
+especially if your Paternity and yours will help him with your holy
+prayers."
+
+In the Public Record Office we have various papers which add a little to
+what Father Gerard has here written. Letters(131) dated February 26 and
+October 22, 1612, say that Mrs. Vaux, Lord Vaux's mother, was condemned to
+perpetual imprisonment for refusing to take the oath of allegiance, and
+that Lord Vaux was transferred to the custody of the Dean of Westminster.
+The Privy Councillor, who was their friend, was Henry Howard, Earl of
+Northampton. There are three letters(132) extant from him to Viscount
+Rochester in behalf of the Vauxes. In the first he says that Lord Vaux's
+sister [Katherine, wife of Henry Nevill, Lord Abergavenny] has presented a
+petition that her brother and mother may, on account of the hot season, be
+removed from their keeper's house in town to that in the country; but they
+being imprisoned for life on a _proemunire_, the matter rests with the
+King. And this, in the third letter, he says the Archbishop and Council
+consented to, if they can still be under charge of their keeper. The
+second letter thanks Lord Rochester for his intercession in behalf of Lord
+Vaux and his mother, and adds that they expect but little mercy where the
+Metropolitan [Archbishop Abbot] is mediator. Lastly, we have the
+grant(133) to Lord Vaux of Harrowden of his lands, &c., at Harrowden and
+elsewhere, in the counties of Essex, Bedford, Nottingham, Lincoln, and
+Cambridge, which were forfeited to the King on his conviction in a
+_proemunire_ for refusing the oath of allegiance. Later on, May 4, 1625,
+Charles I. granted him a special pardon(134) for "not repairing to the
+Protestant church and forbearing the same," which is recited to be "a
+contempt of the King's crown and dignity."
+
+The proclamation for the apprehension of the three Fathers gives a
+description of Father Gerard.(135) "John Gerard, _alias_ Brooke, of
+stature tall, and according thereunto well set; his complexion swart or
+blackish; his face large; his cheeks sticking out, and somewhat hollow
+underneath the cheeks; the hair of his head long if it be not cut off; his
+beard cut close, saving little mustachoes, and a little tuft under his
+lower lip; about forty years old." To this we may add the description(136)
+of Father Gerard given by the ruffian Topcliffe, whose spelling is
+sufficiently "kewryoos" to be worth retaining. It is dated in the Calendar
+of the Record Office, 1583, but this is evidently erroneous, as Father
+Gerard escaped from the Tower in 1597.
+
+
+    "Jhon Gerrarde ye Jhezewt preest that escaip out of the Tower and
+    Richard Blount a Seamry preest of estymacion, and a thirde preest
+    intend to passe our rather after then wth the Lo Imbass at Dovr
+    Rye or thirabowtts upon yt coast.
+
+    "They have provided for a Culler to passe wthout suspycion a Seale
+    lyke a Seale of the Counsall table to bleare the Eyes of
+    Seartchers and officers. Therefore it were not amysse That some
+    order were lefte wth my Lorde Trasorr that he gyve order that the
+    Lres do passe under such a Seale from yr Lls. But under & wth
+    summe prevey mark upon the lres besides the seale. Then any
+    passendgr that carryethe a lre wthowte suche a prevy mrk Is fytt
+    to be stayed for a tyme Until hee bee knowen.
+
+    "Jhon Gerrarde, ye Jhezewt is about 30 years oulde Of a good
+    stature sumwhat higher then Sr Tho Layton & upright in his paysse
+    and countenance sum what stayring in his look or Eyes Currilde
+    heire by Nature & blackyshe & not apt to have much heire of his
+    bearde. I thincke his noase sum what wide and turninge Upp
+    Blubarde Lipps turninge outwards Especially the over Lipps most
+    Uppwards toword the Noase Kewryoos in speetche If he do now
+    contynewe his custome ... And in his speetche he flourrethe &
+    smyles much & a falteringe or Lispinge, or dooblinge of his Tonge
+    in his speeche.
+
+    "Yor honors as you will comade me.
+
+    "RIC TOPCLYFFE alias.
+
+    _Endorsed_--"Concerning Gerrard the Priest and others."
+
+
+What Sir Thomas Leighton's height may have been we do not know, but in the
+copy of this description sent by Cecil to Anne, Lady Markham,(137) a pen
+has been passed through the words "Sir Thomas Leighton," and the word
+"ordinary" is written in its stead. The proclamation was nearer the truth
+than Topcliffe as to Father Gerard's age, which was then forty-two.
+
+A correspondence between Cecil and Lady Markham betrays to us an offer
+made by her "to deliver the person of Gerard into the hands of the State."
+Her object was to obtain the pardon and restoration of her husband, Sir
+Griffin Markham, who was in banishment for having taken part in Watson's
+conspiracy. One of Cecil's correspondents says,(138) of "certain lady of
+Nottinghamshire, called the Lady Markham," "this more I know, that there
+is not the like pragmatical-headed lady in this part of England."
+
+Her letters(139) are interesting for the mention of her two servants, who
+had gone to live with Father Gerard, but still more for the testimony she
+bears to the general belief entertained by Catholics in Father Gerard's
+sanctity, and to the improbability in the judgment of all who knew him of
+his being a party to the Plot.
+
+
+    "Right Honourable,--Your lordship may think me slack in performing
+    that which I so freely made promise of, but the death of my father
+    hath so much appalled me as I am not fit to do as I would. I did
+    hear Mr. Gerard was taken, which something stayed me. Moreover,
+    your lordship hath Mr. Ha. Hurlston in hold, who may direct you
+    the best concerning him of any I know, as also I take it Sir
+    Everard Digby came for Mr. Walley" [Father Garnett]; "but thus it
+    is I cannot learn where Mrs. Vaux is, neither if I knew durst I
+    visit her. And this is most strange to me, neither of those which
+    were my servants comes to me, which makes me think they remove
+    with Mr. Gerard, or are imprisoned, but I rather think they are
+    shifted out of the way, because their attendance will make their
+    master more acceptable, one of them being an exquisite painter and
+    the other a perfect good embroiderer. The painter is a black man,
+    and taller than the embroiderer, whose hair is yellowish, and was
+    called Christopher Parker by his true name. The painter was called
+    Brian Hunston. I am bold to inform you thus largely of them
+    because I verily suppose they attend their wandering friend and
+    master, but where, till I either see them or hear some directions,
+    I cannot imagine; but I protest to your lordship, if I could learn
+    I am resolved he should speak with you, if by any means I could
+    procure it, for I fear this most vile and hateful Plot hath taken
+    deep and dangerous root, because I meet with many that will as
+    easily be persuaded there was no gunpowder laid as that holy good
+    man was an actor in the Plot; and surely the generality did ever
+    so much admire him, that they were happy or blessed in hearing
+    him, and their roof sanctified by his appearance in their house. I
+    am to go shortly into the country. If it would please your
+    lordship to give me leave to send a man to my husband I should be
+    much bound to you, for I cannot tell till I hear from him how to
+    determine of those businesses occasioned by my father's death. I
+    humbly beseech you commiserate my affliction and grant me this
+    poor request, if it stand with your liking, and I shall ever pray
+    for your increase of honour and happiness. So I humbly take my
+    leave this 18th of November, 1605.
+
+    "Your lordship's most humble to command,
+    "ANNE MARKHAM."
+
+    _Endorsed_--"The Lady Markham to my Lord."
+
+    "Right Honourable,--Afore I came out of London I sent to know your
+    lordship's pleasure, but mine uncle could not meet with Mr.
+    Lewnus, and indeed I did think my credit was so decayed with the
+    Padre that I could not do as I would, employ my best endeavours to
+    perform thereby to express my great desire of your lordship's good
+    opinion. Now I find either necessity of their part or my two
+    servants' credits hath given me so much power as I shall shortly
+    see Mr. Gerard, but for the day or certain time they are too
+    crafty to appoint, but whensoever I will do my best to keep him
+    within my kenning till I hear from your lordship, and then, my
+    credit preserved, which is dearer to me than life, your command
+    shall be as truly obeyed as if your most trusty servant were
+    commanded. I do perceive there are great business in hand, and
+    your lordship is, next to His Majesty, most shot at, but what the
+    project is I dare not be very inquisitive of, because it is not
+    ripe, as by circumstance I perceive; and I labour to make myself
+    in good estimation with them, which would not be if I covet to
+    know more than they like. This, I protest to God, is only to do
+    service to your lordship. There had been some of them with me ere
+    this, but great occasion hath drawn them to haste into other
+    places, whither I know not. If the watch had continued but two
+    days longer, Mr. Gerard had been pined out at Harrowden. I hear
+    Ric. the butler is close in the Gatehouse, yet your lordship knows
+    that prisons are places of such corruption as money will help
+    letters to their friends to tell what they have been examined of,
+    so they will guess shrewdly how to shift. I have none that I do
+    trust about me with my resolution to do my best endeavours to
+    preserve your lordship, therefore I am enforced to be brief. I
+    beseech you pardon it in me, that writes in fear, but if it please
+    your honour to send your note or directions to mine Uncle Harvey,
+    I will expect till that he send them, and ever pray God to protect
+    you from these most dangerous conspirators. For the true trial of
+    my devotion in that prayer I will most sincerely labour your
+    preservation, so I humbly take my leave this 3rd of January.
+
+    "Your lordship's at command,
+    "ANNE MARKHAM."
+
+    "To the Right Honourable my very good lord the Earl of Salisbury.
+    Haste this."
+
+    _Endorsed_--"3rd January, 1605[-6]. Lady Markham to my Lord."
+
+
+The following is Cecil's answer.(140)
+
+
+    "Madam,--Although I do confess my great mislike of the daily resort
+    and residence of the Priests, and especially the Jesuits, whose
+    end can be no other than of pernicious consequence to this estate,
+    yet, being in hope that warnings would make them retire from
+    further tempting of law, I have used no extraordinary course for
+    their apprehension, being, I confess, full of tenderness in
+    matters of blood. But having now discovered, by many confessions
+    of the late conspirators, that some of these Jesuits have passed
+    so far as to be persuaders and actors in this barbarous
+    conspiracy, which excludeth almost all offices of humanity from
+    men that have softest hearts, I have thought good to take your
+    offer for His Majesty's service, to deliver the person of Gerard
+    (who is one of those) into the hands of the State. For which
+    purpose, although your letter doth not well express what you would
+    have done, whereby both the service may be effected and your name
+    covered; yet I have procured a warrant, here inclosed, which will
+    be sufficient to authorize and command any man to whom you shall
+    direct it, which I have left to your own choice to put in, because
+    I know not who they are which dwell thereabouts in whom you dare
+    repose trust. And unless you have the warrant presently, and in
+    the instant to execute, I know the inconvenience of the
+    protraction. You shall therefore do very well to observe how the
+    warrant is made, and thereby shall you perceive that the party to
+    whomsoever you shall direct it is authorized sufficiently, and
+    will receive this warrant from anybody's hands whom you shall
+    send; so as if you will choose any of your own to carry it to any
+    such gentleman as you shall like, that third party need not say he
+    comes from you, but from some other, and yet he may bring the
+    gentleman that you shall name upon the back of the warrant to
+    execute all things according to your direction. Lastly, madam,
+    this I say unto you, that either your religion is very foul, or
+    you will make no difficulty to discover such a pernicious
+    creature, as differs so far from the rest of the society (as I am
+    persuaded); wherein I will add thus much further, that you shall
+    be an instrument of reflecting His Majesty's good opinion to your
+    husband, and confirm the conceit I have of you, that you would not
+    trouble yourself and me in this kind unless you meant sincerely.
+    And so I commit you to God. From the Court at Whitehall, this 15th
+    of January, 1605[-6].
+
+    "Your ladyship's loving friend,
+    "SALISBURY."
+
+    "There are only three of your churchmen in this wicked
+    predicament, Gerard, Father Walley, and Father Greeneway, so as it
+    is indifferent to the State which of these be come by. This letter
+    is sent according to your direction to Mr. Stringer, who shall
+    receive it from the next post to him, and the packet to the post
+    is signed by the postmaster's hand, and not by mine, who knoweth
+    not the contents nor anything of you, and yet his hand will make
+    the less suspicion. I desire you to keep safe both this mine own
+    letter and the warrant, because I may have both delivered again
+    hereafter, if there be no cause continuing to use them hereafter,
+    and I will do the like with your letter, which I reserve for you."
+
+    _Endorsed_--"To the Lady Markham."
+
+
+The "certain high personages" with whom he crossed the Channel were the
+Ambassadors of Spain and Flanders.(141) The former was the Conde de Villa
+Mediana, the latter Don Pedro de Zuniga. It is remarkable that, though
+Topcliffe had said that Father Gerard intended "to pass over rather after
+than with the Lord Ambassador," his conspicuous person should have been
+allowed to pass.
+
+On reaching the Continent in safety, he went, as he tells us, straight to
+Rome, whence, we learn from Father More,(142) he was sent to Tivoli for
+awhile, for rest of mind and body. He was then appointed English
+Penitentiary in the Basilica of St. Peter,(143) and this was his field of
+work till the spring of 1611.(144)
+
+We have a letter,(145) dated "this Simon and Jude's daie, 1606," from
+Father Andrew Whyte, afterwards the Apostle of Maryland, addressed, "To
+his especial good friende Mr. Garret geue these att Roome." It was to ask
+him to speak to Father Persons to get Richard Green received into the
+Society, who had been sent to College by Father Gerard, and had been
+imprisoned "about the time of this late commotion." Green "was received
+very kindly" by Father Walley [Garnett] "and provided for very charitably
+in a manner as one of the Society, with a promise that the year following
+he should be received without fail;" but now, as "few or none of Father
+Walley's writings or determinations were found, and Richard Fulwood gone
+which should have given particular testimony," Father Whyte begs that "he
+may either be sent to the Novitiates of other countries with the license
+of the General, or else may have a promise to be next that is received at
+Louvain."
+
+
+
+
+XXVIII.
+
+
+To this Novitiate at Louvain we now turn, as it was thither that Father
+Gerard was next sent. It was the foundation of Donna Luisa de Carvajal,
+who by her will(146) dated Valladolid, Dec. 22, 1604, left 12,000 ducats
+for the establishment of an English Novitiate. The document is an
+admirable specimen of true Spanish devotion and humility. After commending
+her soul to God by the intercession of our Blessed Lady, she proceeds--"For
+the love of God I humbly pray the Superiors of the Society of Jesus and
+the Praepositus of the Professed House, as a favour, to grant me some
+little place in their church where my body may be buried, in consideration
+of the devotion I have ever entertained for their holy Religious Order: to
+which Order, in the manner that I have thought would be most to the glory
+of God, I offer, with the greatest affection, a gift which, though but
+small, is all that I have. And if a burial-place be refused me in that
+church, my executors will obtain for me a resting-place in some other
+church of the Society: and if they are unable to obtain this, let me be
+buried in some monastery in which, for the love of God, they may be
+willing to give burial to a poor person like myself; and let my funeral be
+conducted in accordance with this my poverty. As executors I name Father
+Richard Walpole, the Vice-Prefect of the English Mission, and the
+Confessor of the English College in this city, or their successors. After
+them (and I have named them first from respect to their priestly dignity)
+I name the Condessa de Miranda, Donna Maria de Zuniga, Donna Maria Gasca,
+Don Frances de Contreras, Melchior de Molina, and Don Luis de Carrillo e
+Toledo, Conde de Caracena. First of all I declare that many years ago,
+when I was with my uncle, I made a vow to God to dedicate all my goods to
+His glory and greatest service. Then His Divine Majesty gave me large
+desires and vehement attraction to spend myself above all things for the
+preservation and advancement of the English Fathers of the Society of
+Jesus, who sustain that kingdom like strong columns, defend it from an
+otherwise inevitable ruin, and supply efficacious means of salvation for
+thousands and thousands of souls. Wherefore I offer them to the most holy
+Virgin our Lady, I place them under her protection, and I name and leave
+her universal heir of all my goods.... And I give possession of them
+henceforward to the most glorious Virgin, and in her name and place to
+Father Robert Persons, or failing him, to the Father who shall succeed him
+as Superior of the Mission: but with this condition and obligation, that
+such goods shall be applied to the founding of a Novitiate of English
+Religious of the Society of Jesus, in whatever kingdom or part of the
+world shall seem to Father Persons to be to the greater glory of God. But
+in the case that England shall be brought back to the faith and obedience
+of the Roman Church, my will is that the said revenue be transferred into
+that kingdom, for the foundation of a Novitiate of the Society there,
+unless it shall seem better to Father Persons, for reasons concerning the
+Catholic religion, to leave the Novitiate beyond the kingdom."
+
+Time was not lost in carrying out the intentions of this pious
+benefactress.(147) In 1606, Father Persons obtained possession of a large
+house in Louvain, which had been inhabited by the Knights of Malta, and
+thus came to be called St. John's, though the church attached to it was
+dedicated to St. Gregory the Apostle of England and other Saints. Father
+More, who lived there with Father Gerard, tells us that it was on high
+ground commanding the whole city; below was a walled garden, and on the
+slope of the hill pleasant walks amongst the vines which were ranged in
+terraces, and the whole, though within the city walls, as quiet and calm
+as befitted a house of prayer.
+
+We do not know exactly the date of Father Gerard's arrival at Louvain, or
+the office to which he was first appointed there. The letter of the 17th
+August, 1612, to the General, from which we have already given a large
+extract concerning Mrs. Vaux, is dated from Louvain. It proceeds with an
+account of a miraculous cure at the intercession of Father Thomas Garnett,
+the nephew of the Provincial, who was martyred at Tyburn on the 3rd of
+June, 1608. This father was the first Novice of St. John's, Louvain. That
+Noviceship commenced in February, 1607, with six Priests, two Scholastics,
+and five Lay-brothers, Novices, under Father Thomas Talbot as their Novice
+Master. In 1614, St. John's received students in philosophy and theology,
+as well as Novices, when a house in the garden was fitted up for the
+Novitiate and Father Henry Silisdon was installed in St. John's as Rector
+of the new College. This arrangement did not last long, for at the end of
+the year the Novitiate was transferred to Liege. No less than fifteen
+letters have come down to us written by Father Gerard in the year 1614,
+addressed to the Prefect of the English Mission, Father Thomas Owen,
+Rector of the English College at Rome. They treat chiefly of the purchase
+of the new house at Liege, and the transfer of the Novitiate to that city.
+Some extracts relating to Father Gerard himself will be found interesting.
+Some of them are signed John Nelson and others John Tomson. In later years
+he seems to have been known only by the name of Tomson.
+
+The choice of Liege as a residence seems to have been mainly owing to the
+disquiet caused to the Catholics in the Low Countries by the remonstrances
+of the English Government. We have some specimens of it in the following
+extracts, in which we find Father Gerard true to the natural fearlessness
+of his character. "Concerning(148) my wariness in avoiding the eyes of
+spies, I have been all this year more sparing in that kind than divers
+friends here did think needful, although some one or two did think it
+dangerous to go any journey, as doubting I might be killed by the way, but
+this was but according to their accustomed fears with which I have been
+long acquainted. But, indeed, Father, I am so far from desire to go many
+journeys, that it is a pain to me to think of going anywhither, and the
+reason why I never went to any of those places your Reverence mentioneth
+in this year past (but only the last Lent to Maclin for Mr. Rouse) was not
+that I thought it dangerous (being known so well to live here public that
+it cannot be unknown to any spies), nor for that I wanted leave, for I had
+the other Provincial's particular and willing grant, without my own
+asking, to go to any place of these countries; but it was because I had
+rather be at home: and in the town of Lovaine itself, I go not abroad half
+so much as I think were needful for the contentment of others. I was not
+at the Teresians, where the Mother of the House (to whom I gave the
+Exercise four years ago) and Father Scott's(149) sister do much desire my
+often coming, any more than once since the last Lent. At the Monastery of
+St. Monica's, my cousin Shurley hath requested my coming thither for these
+three or four months, to bestow one afternoon upon her and some younger
+Nuns whom she hath charge of, that they may altogether ask me what
+spiritual questions they may like best, and I have never yet found a fit
+time for it; and, indeed, I doubt I am to blame for it. The gentlemen in
+the town(150) I doubt I visit not once in a quarter of a year, and I have
+some reason to think that either they think me careless of them, or afraid
+to be seen abroad, as though my case were very dangerous, which would also
+make them or any other that should come to town more fearful to come into
+my company, and consequently hinder the little good that I might do with
+them. But I hope I shall be as wary as your Reverence wisheth, and if this
+course go forwards of being Rector without the name of Rector, there will
+be less inconvenience, whosoever see me seeing me still as a private man."
+In this he alludes to a plan of his own, that Father Blackfan should have
+the title of Rector, although he himself had been appointed to the
+Rectorship of the Novitiate.
+
+The next letter is dated April 6, 1614.(151) "I have yours of the 15th
+March, and see in that, as in all of yours, your fatherly care of me,
+which, by the grace of God, I will labour to deserve. I am well satisfied
+with Father General's order, and shall endeavour to get this building
+finished for the Novitiate as soon as I can, and then will settle to my
+book as much as my health and letters will permit.... Having writ thus
+far, I was called to go to Bruxels with Father Rector (by Father Blacfan's
+and Father Percy his advice) to speak with the Duke's(152) Secretary, who
+telling Father Percy the last week that the Agent did solicit against me,
+and that he could not well answer him, unless he delivered him some
+reasons in writing for my innocency, this writing was promised him by
+Father Percy; but I being loath to have any such writing sent, as thinking
+it the likeliest means to raise a new persecution against me, though for
+the Secretary's satisfaction we drew and delivered him a brief note of
+four or five effectual proofs, yet both to the Secretary first, and
+afterwards to the Nuncio, I told this day that if any such writing were
+sent it would do me great harm, for Canterbury having such a writing would
+doubtless show it at the Council table, and then those lords who secretly
+do know me to be innocent, and wish me well, will be, as it were, forced
+to speak against me, lest they should seem to favour me, and so the King
+should be more incensed. The Nuncio did promise Father Rector and me that
+he would seriously deal both with the Secretary and the Prince himself in
+the cause."
+
+Writing under date April 18, 1614,(153) he shows that he thinks that too
+much importance had been given to the Agent's interference. "I think your
+Reverence was made to believe by letters sent about Easter, that there was
+some new troubles against me here, out of England, and consequently that
+there was need of such information to the Nuncio and Father Provincial as
+had been given. But when I heard of it, I said it was nothing but Trumbol
+his own device, in hope to work upon the weakness of the Prince; and so
+now it proves, for I am going to the Secretary himself with our Father
+Rector, as I wrote from Bruxells, and giving him a paper of some few
+points for my innocency, with the request he would not deliver it, but
+show it if he would to the Agent. The Secretary answered he would
+advertise me if it were needful; but since the note was showed unto
+Trumbol, and he showed to be satisfied with it, and afterwards meeting the
+Secretary told him that he took it to be only matter of religion; but that
+being now made matter of State, he, being a servant employed in matter of
+State, could not but seek to concur with them that employed him, as it
+were granting that himself was satisfied, and yielding a reason why he had
+moved the matter. And this being understood both by the Prince and the
+Nuncio, they were very glad of it.... I write this from Maclin, whither
+Sir William [Stanley] was desirous to have me come for his comfort now and
+after the death and funeral of his lady."
+
+But such a man as Father Gerard was not likely to be left in peace in
+those intriguing times. In the August following, Father Silisdon writes to
+Father Owen.(154) "Even now I have advice that His Majesty of England hath
+made two complaints to the Prince, and that the first is against Father
+Gerard's being in his dominions." The consequence was that a transfer to
+another territory became desirable, and Father Gerard set his heart on
+migrating with his Novices to Liege. He writes from that city, under the
+signature of John Nelson, Sept. 19, 1614.(155) "There be many causes to be
+alleged why here, rather than in any place; as the commodity of dealing
+with our English in the summer, the opportunity of keeping our Novices
+unknown, the excellent seat far beyond Lovaine, and that bestowed on us,
+the present helps sent for this beginning, with great likelihood of much
+more; the great favour which is to be expected from this Prince and his
+family, and is to be strengthened by my two cousins, Sir William and Mr.
+Morton, and Sir William hath written to him that he doth much joy in his
+cousin who is there to be Rector." The two cousins of whom Father Gerard
+here speaks were two very powerful friends. The one was Sir William
+Stanley, who showed himself a kind friend to Father Gerard and his charge
+by negotiating the purchase of the property at Liege in his own name, and
+advancing the purchase money--at least, that portion of it which had to be
+paid down(156)--probably (as Father Gerard speaks of the "seat being
+bestowed upon us") regarding it as a gift. Whatever else was requisite for
+the purchase was provided by Brother William Browne, who, though(157)
+grandson, brother, and uncle of Viscounts Montague,--his grandfather was
+Queen Mary's Ambassador to the Holy See--was himself content to spend his
+life in the humble duties of a Jesuit Lay-brother.
+
+The "Mr. Morton" was Sir George Talbot of Grafton, afterwards ninth Earl
+of Shrewsbury. He was a scholar of some repute,(158) and an intimate
+friend of Maximilian, Duke of Bavaria. As Ferdinand, the Prince-Bishop of
+Liege, was Maximilian's brother, it was no little help to Father Gerard to
+be on "cousinly" terms with George Talbot. The Duke became a generous
+benefactor to the new House at Liege. In 1618 he sent Father Gerard,
+through Sir George Talbot, 5,000 florins for the Noviceship.(159) In a
+letter dated Jan. 25, 1620, the Duke writes to Father Gerard, who had
+promised to pray that he might have a son: "I bound myself once by vow to
+your Blessed Ignatius, that if he would obtain this favour for me, I would
+give my son the name of Ignatius, and would build and endow a College of
+the Society wherever Father General might judge it most useful. What if
+God should purpose thus to provide for you?"(160) In July of the same year
+he wrote: "We have sent you a contribution of 1,300 German florins by
+Father Mayer for a tabernacle for the Blessed Sacrament, and for a niche
+for an image of the Blessed Virgin." Even after Father Gerard's departure
+from the House, Duke Maximilian's liberality to it did not fail. Father
+Silisdon, Father Gerard's successor as Master of Novices, removed the
+Novitiate to Watten,(161) and not long after the Duke settled a permanent
+endowment upon the College of Liege, which was begun in the House that
+Father Gerard had established.
+
+Father Gerard's Socius or "Compagnion," as he calls him, was Father Henry
+More, subsequently the historian of the Province. When discussing, before
+his appointment, those Fathers who were fitted for that office, after
+mentioning others, he says: "Father Nicholson is far short of either of
+them for my turn, for he is no good Latinist, I think little better than
+myself, though he be much better scholar; neither hath he any other
+language but Spanish, of which I shall have small use. Father Henry More
+hath French well, Dutch prettily, and Italian sufficiently, besides
+Spanish very well, and Latin as I would wish him."(162)
+
+As to his first Novices, he had twelve, which made what he styled "a
+pretty beginning."(163) They were "the two that expect at Liege, the two
+that are come from Rome, and four out of Spain, with Mr. Lewkner and Mr.
+Whitmore, besides Grafton, when he comes, and a tailor now servant in this
+house, who by all judgments here is as fit to be received as Brother
+Silvester, the young tailor now in the Noviceship, is fit to be
+dismissed."(164)
+
+Of the two that "expected at Liege," a previous letter had said, "Here be
+also Mr. Mansel and Mr. Owen Shelley, by the names of Mr. Griffin and Mr.
+Titchborn: both expect, the first with some loathness to stay long, the
+second is wholly resigned. The first is a pious man, and to those that
+know his fashion will be profitable for some uses in the Society, but the
+second will be practical and fit for anything, and in truth I think he
+will do very well."(165) This Father Owen Shelley was afterwards Rector of
+the College of Liege, and justified Father Gerard's judgment of his
+character.
+
+Amongst the "four which are come out of Spain" were two that must have
+constantly served to remind their Rector at Liege of the Gunpowder Plot,
+as the remonstrances of King James' Agent had managed to do at Louvain.
+"One of them," he says, "is akin to Father Garnett, and of his name,
+though we call him Gilford, as he was called at St. Omers. William Ellis,
+but we call him John Williams, for he was page(166) to Sir Everard Digby,
+and taken with him, though he might have escaped, for his master offered
+him horse and money to shift for himself, but the youth said he would live
+and die with him; and so, being taken, was condemned at Stafford, and
+should have been executed. He was offered to have his life if he would go
+to their church, which he refused. In the end they saved him and some
+others. He never [yielded] in the least point. He hath good friends near
+Sir Everard Digby's whom I know, and he is heir to 80_l._ a year, if his
+father do him right."(167)
+
+At the close of this short notice of Father Gerard's Rectorship it will be
+but right to record an unfavourable judgment passed upon him, as it will
+help us to form a true appreciation of his character. It is the only
+instance that has come down to us of blame on the part of one of his own
+brethren. "I see a general fear in all ours, those of best judgment, of
+the success of Father Nelson's government, and unless he hath a companion
+that may moderate him, his zeal will, I fear, carry him too far; and I
+fear it so much the more because I see him loath to have anybody with him
+who is likely to propose anything to him contrary to his own zealous
+desires." This is in a confidential letter(168) from Father Silisdon to
+Father Owen, dated Oct. 31, 1614, so that, as it was written before the
+transfer to Liege, it was a misgiving lest he should be indiscreet as a
+Rector, rather than a judgment on his actual conduct as a Superior.
+
+
+
+
+XXIX.
+
+
+During his residence at Liege, amongst Father Gerard's correspondents were
+two venerable servants of God, Robert Cardinal Bellarmine, and Father Luis
+de la Puente, better known by the Latinized form of his name, de Ponte. As
+by a man's friends we can obtain an insight into his character, we have
+thought it desirable to give the few letters from these two holy men to
+Father Gerard that have come down to us. Cardinal Bellarmine's autograph
+is preserved at Stonyhurst.(169) We translate the letter from the original
+Latin.
+
+
+    "Very Rev. and beloved Father in Christ,--I have received your
+    Reverence's letter dated from Liege the 23rd November, with the
+    little presents inclosed in it, an English knife, a little case
+    (either bone or ivory, I do not know which), and three small
+    toothpicks. I do not know whether these were sent me for use, or
+    as having some special meaning. Whichever it be they were welcome,
+    as a proof of friendship and brotherhood.
+
+    "The memory of that excellent Mr. Oliver,(170) whose acquaintance
+    I made very late, has brought me no little sadness, or rather
+    grief, not on his account, who is translated from this world to
+    the joys of Paradise, but for the sake of many whom without doubt
+    he would have converted to a good life if Divine Providence had
+    permitted him to live awhile longer. But the good pleasure of God
+    must ever be fulfilled, and the very same, in order that it may be
+    fulfilled, must ever be pleasing to us under all circumstances.
+
+    "I was pleased to read what your Reverence relates in your letter
+    of your journeys; of your office of Master of Novices; of the
+    building which you have bought at Liege; of the visitation of His
+    Serene Highness Ferdinand, the Prince-Bishop of Liege, and of the
+    promise that the Priory, at its next vacancy, shall be applied to
+    the College. If my assistance in carrying this out can be of any
+    use to you with the Pope, it shall not be wanting.
+
+    "Of Dr. Singleton I have heard much, and have defended him to the
+    best of my power, as long as I could, but the party opposed to him
+    has prevailed. Nor do I see how I can help him at so great a
+    distance, and especially as I should be suspected, because I am a
+    Jesuit. The devil is envious of the harmony between the English at
+    Douay and the Fathers of the Society, for which the good Cardinal
+    Allen cared so much; but all means must be tried to re-establish a
+    true and sincere friendship, and agreement in teaching; otherwise
+    a kingdom divided against itself shall be brought to desolation.
+    For many reasons I say freely that nothing can be done by me in
+    his behalf; first, as I was just saying, because I should be under
+    suspicion, being a Jesuit. Then because I am an old man of
+    seven-and-seventy years of age, and I daily expect the dissolution
+    of my tabernacle. Thirdly, because I cannot think of any manner in
+    which I could help him. The common way of helping men of this sort
+    is to give them ecclesiastical benefices, but here in Rome the
+    multitude of those who aspire to and seek after such benefits is
+    so great that their number is almost infinite. Nor are they only
+    Italians, but Spaniards also, Frenchmen, Germans, who look for
+    nothing but benefices at Rome. I myself, who was thought to have
+    some influence with the Pope, have laboured for more than ten
+    years for a Spaniard, an excellent man and a great friend of mine,
+    to obtain for him a good benefice falling vacant in his own
+    country. I could say the same of Flemish and German friends of
+    mine. What then would be the case with English people, in whose
+    country there are no ecclesiastical benefices for Catholics? But,
+    since these temporal things are nothing when compared to eternal
+    benefices, our friend Dr. Singleton must not be cast down if our
+    Lord treats him now, as of old He treated His Apostles, who He
+    willed should enter into the Kingdom of Heaven through many
+    tribulations. But I must not be too lengthy, for I know that both
+    he and your Reverence stand in no need of my exhortations. I know
+    that your Reverence will have hard work to read my bad writing,
+    but Father Coffin(171) would have it that I should write to you
+    with my own hand.
+
+    "With this I bid your Reverence farewell. Commend me to the
+    prayers of Dr. Singleton, and of all your College; but your
+    Reverence's self especially, for our old friendship and
+    brotherhood, must diligently commend me to the Lord our God.
+
+    "From Rome, on Christmas Day, December 25, 1618.(172)
+
+    "Your Reverence's brother and servant in Christ,
+
+    "ROBERT CARD. BELLARMINE."
+
+    "To the Very Rev. Father John Tomson, S.J.,
+    "Rector of the College of the English Novices at Liege."
+
+
+The two letters which have come down to us, addressed to Father Gerard by
+the venerable Father Luis de la Puente, were written just as his
+residence(173) at Liege was drawing to a close. We translate from Father
+Grene's transcript of the originals.(174)
+
+
+    "I. H. S.
+
+    "P.C.
+
+    "When I received your Reverence's letters, I was unable to answer
+    them at once, for I was suffering from extreme weakness, which
+    usually afflicts me every year all through the winter. Blessed be
+    our great God, from Whose providence come health and sickness,
+    life and death, and whatever prosperity and adversity there is in
+    this world. The height of felicity in this life is to be superior
+    to all these things, seeking only God's good pleasure in all
+    things, for life in His will, and health, honour, happiness,
+    spiritual progress, and all sanctity consist in the fulfilment of
+    the will of God: and so every day I would that at every breath I
+    could say, May Thy most holy and most sweet will be done in me,
+    concerning me, and by me and about me, in all things and by all
+    things, now and always and for ever. Amen.(175) God always pours
+    His spirit of prayer into those who so submit their will to His;
+    wherefore the Psalmist says--'Be subject unto the Lord and pray to
+    Him,' for when any one with prompt obedience and entire
+    resignation humbly submits himself to God, God Himself, Who does
+    the will of those that fear Him, in a certain way is made subject
+    to him, so that He does whatever is asked, God becoming obedient
+    to the voice of a man--not of any man soever, but of the man who
+    obeys God. Oh, wonderful power of prayer and of obedience! Let us
+    pray, my Father, that we may be perfectly obedient, and let us
+    obey, that we may be able to pray, and to speak worthily with God.
+
+    "It will help wonderfully both one and the other, to meditate
+    profoundly on these two things: to wit, Who God is in Himself, and
+    what He is towards us, and then what we are of ourselves, and what
+    towards God. For whilst I think of God, His Trinity and Unity,
+    most beautiful, most wise, most holy, most full of love for me,
+    immense and everywhere present, the fountain of all good things
+    that are in me and beyond me, from Whom I myself depend, and all
+    that is mine, and everything that I use and enjoy, how can I do
+    otherwise than love Him with all my strength? How shall I not
+    praise Him and thank Him constantly? How shall I not give my whole
+    self to His service? And these affections become the more ardent
+    as I ponder that I have nothing of myself; that I am nothing, and
+    that I and all that is mine would be reduced to nothing unless I
+    were preserved by Him. Now whilst, within this immensity of God, I
+    consider what I have been and what I am towards Him, I am
+    horrified and tremble as I ponder on my malice, my ingratitude, my
+    slothfulness. Hence arise feelings of hatred of self, of
+    humiliation and self-denial, and various acts and exercises of
+    penance, which not only nourish humility by which a man, through a
+    truthful knowledge of himself, becomes vile to himself, but they
+    also arouse a most ardent charity by which he loves his Supreme
+    Benefactor, Who has conferred and still confers so many and such
+    great benefits on one who is ungrateful and unworthy. Thus the
+    mind is elevated to perfect contemplation and union with God
+    Himself, and, as it were forgetful of itself, is immersed in Him,
+    or rather God hides it in the concealment of His countenance from
+    all disturbance of men.
+
+    "Here is a short epitome of my mystical theology, which I have put
+    out at rather greater length in my book; but why should I teach
+    these things to a doctor of others and my own master? Surely I
+    have become foolish, but your letters compelled me. Would that you
+    would help me by your prayers, that what I write in my letters I
+    may perform in deed. Forgive my humble and poor style, for I know
+    not any more elegant; but I am sure that you do not care for
+    words, but for the sense that is in the words. I value very highly
+    the cross which you have sent me, and I will always bear it with
+    me. I hope, by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, who
+    appeared in that tree,(176) and who confers such benefits on those
+    who are there and those who visit her, that I may be a partaker of
+    those benefits, for though I am absent in the body I am present in
+    spirit.
+
+    "I humbly commend myself to the Holy Sacrifices of your Reverence.
+
+    "Your Reverence's unworthy servant in Christ,
+
+    "[Cross] LUDOVICUS DE PONTE. [Cross]
+
+    "Valladolid, March 23, 1621.
+
+    _Postscript_--"By God's help I have finished a great work. Its
+    title is, _Expositio Moralis in Canticum Canticorum_, containing
+    exhortations on all the mysteries and virtues of the Christian
+    religion. It is divided into two volumes, and each volume into
+    five books. The arrangement is new and singular, but not without
+    foundation in the Sacred Text. The matter is grave in itself, and
+    very copious, taken out of Holy Scripture and the holy Fathers.
+    The style is humble, but clear and chaste, and not out of harmony
+    with matter that is spiritual and sacred, and therefore elevated.
+    It is printed at Paris, and will soon reach Germany and Belgium.
+    Would that it may be to the glory of God, the edification of the
+    Church, and of use to one's neighbour."
+
+
+The other letter from the same Father was written in reply to one from
+Father Gerard announcing that he was about to leave Belgium.
+
+
+    "I. H. S.
+
+    "P.C.
+
+    "May the Almighty and most pitiful Lord accompany you in the
+    journey that you begin, for with such a Guide and Companion you
+    will be everywhere safe and cheerful, and making true progress.
+    Let Him ever dwell in your memory, understanding, and will, for
+    His most sweet providence especially protects those who make their
+    journeys from obedience to Superiors, as Jacob did, who at his
+    father's bidding journeyed through the desert into Mesopotamia,
+    where he heard the voice of the Lord, which said to him, 'I will
+    be thy Keeper whithersoever thou goest.' Trusting to this hope,
+    and protected by this guardianship, you will happily fulfil what
+    you have begun.
+
+    "I commend myself to your Reverence's Sacrifices and prayers, for
+    my weakness oppresses me much; but may the will of God be done in
+    me and about me in all things and by all things, to Whom
+    concerning all things be glory for ever. Amen.
+
+    "[Cross] LUDOVICUS DE LA PUENTE. [Cross]
+
+    "Valladolid, Feb. 2, 1622."
+
+
+With these saintly words our materials for writing the life of Father John
+Gerard abruptly fail us. Beyond what has been recorded we only know that
+he was sent first to Spain, and then to Rome, which he reached Jan. 15,
+1623.(177) He was Confessor to the English College till his death, July
+27, 1637, at the ripe age of seventy-three, and upwards.
+
+
+
+
+XXX.
+
+
+In this Autobiography Father Gerard has laid before us his life in all the
+freedom and unreserve of a confidential communication with his Religious
+brethren and Superiors. It is not possible, we are convinced, for any
+impartial person to rise from its perusal without a deep conviction that
+Father Gerard was a gentleman and a Christian, a man of honour and
+religious principle; and in many cases this sense of his integrity will be
+accompanied with some of that personal regard and affection with which he
+inspired those who lived in intimacy with him. He bore too much for
+principle, and made too great sacrifices, for us to think that he would
+deliberately and perseveringly commit sin to free himself from blame. Yet
+this is the supposition that is involved in an attack upon his veracity in
+the compilation of his Narrative of the Gunpowder Plot.
+
+It is quite true that he, and many others, considered themselves
+justified, when their own lives or those of innocent persons were at
+stake, in the use of assertions that were simple falsehoods in the
+ordinary sense of the terms employed. These they called equivocations; and
+we find no trace in the period of which we are writing of the modern sense
+of the word, that is, of a true expression which is really beside the
+point, though it is so employed that it is very unlikely to be seen to be
+so by the person to whom it is addressed, who thus is said rather to be
+suffered to deceive himself than to be deceived. Practically the
+distinction is hard to draw, and it has the disadvantage of seeming to
+make the morality of the expression depend on the quickness and readiness
+of the person in danger, who may be able to think of phrases containing a
+real ambiguity but which yet would throw the hearers off the right scent.
+
+According to modern feeling, Father Gerard would have been quite justified
+in examining the trees and hedges in search of a falcon(178) he had not
+lost, and inquiring of all he met whether they had heard the tinkling of
+the bird's bells, although it was to make them think that he had lost a
+falcon, in other words, to deceive them; but by the same modern feeling he
+would be held to be guilty of a lie when he said that he was the servant
+of a lord in a neighbouring county, though he might, without guilt, have
+worn that lord's livery as a disguise if he could have obtained it, which
+would have been a more effectual deception than any words.
+
+Again, according to modern judgment, John Lilly would be held guilty of a
+lie when he said(179) of Gerard's books and manuscripts, "They are mine;"
+but quite guiltless when, with the same intention of making the
+magistrates believe him to be a Priest when he was not, he said, "I do not
+say I am a Priest, that is for you to prove." Yet the latter expression
+was far more likely to deceive than the former. It was more like what a
+Priest, under the circumstances, would have said. Present feeling would
+condemn him of a lie for saying simply, that the books were his, when it
+would acquit him if he had thought of using far more deceptive
+expressions, such as "I am not bound to compromise myself by saying whose
+they are."
+
+The only difference between modern morality and that on which Father
+Gerard acted was that now-a-days men say, "Have recourse to evasions."
+Then men said, "Say what you like, it is their fault if they think it
+true." It is evident that of the two courses of proceeding, the
+plain-spoken old way is the least open to abuse. No one certainly would
+have recourse to it excepting from a well-weighed plea of a sorrowful
+necessity. Whereas, on the other hand, evasions are not startling, and the
+conscience may lay but little stress on the presence or absence of
+justifying circumstances. For it is most necessary to bear seriously in
+mind that all Catholic divines then held, and now hold, that to make use
+of equivocation excepting under those peculiar circumstances that make it
+lawful, is in itself a sin, and thus no escape from the sin of lying. So
+Father Garnett plainly said when on his trial,(180) "As I say it is never
+lawful to equivocate in matters of faith, so also in matters of human
+conversation, it may not be used promiscually or at our pleasure, as in
+matters of contract, in matters of testimony, or before a competent judge,
+or to the prejudice of any third person: in which cases we judge it
+altogether unlawful."
+
+It is but fair that, in reading the narrative of times when many lives
+hung on successful disguise and concealment, we should remember that the
+modern sense of equivocation was then unknown. Protestant moralists have
+spoken out their minds plainly enough on this subject.
+
+"Great English authors, Jeremy Taylor, Milton, Paley, Johnson, men of very
+distinct schools of thought, distinctly say that under certain extreme
+circumstances it is allowable to tell a lie. Taylor says: 'To tell a lie
+for charity, to save a man's life, the life of a friend, of a husband, of
+a prince, of a useful and a public person, hath not only been done at all
+times, but commended by great and wise and good men. Who would not save
+his father's life, at the charge of a harmless lie, from persecutors or
+tyrants?' Again, Milton says: 'What man in his senses would deny that
+there are those whom we have the best ground for considering that we ought
+to deceive, as boys, madmen, the sick, the intoxicated, enemies, men in
+error, thieves? I would ask, by which of the Commandments is lying
+forbidden? You will say, by the ninth. If then my lie does not injure my
+neighbour, certainly it is not forbidden by this Commandment.' Paley says:
+'There are falsehoods which are not lies, that is, which are not
+criminal.' Johnson: 'The general rule is, that truth should never be
+violated; there must, however, be some exceptions. If, for instance, a
+murderer should ask you which way a man is gone.' "(181)
+
+This _language_ would not have been used by Catholics. With them the word
+"lie" signified a simple falsehood; and an "equivocation" was a false
+expression used under such circumstances that if they to whom it was
+addressed were deceived by it, it was their own fault. They had then no
+right to the truth, and even in some cases it would have been a sin to
+tell them the truth.
+
+In substance, however, though not in form, the doctrine of Gerard,
+Southwell, and Garnett, was the same as that of Taylor, Milton, and
+Johnson. But to confine ourselves to the practice of Father Gerard, this
+doctrine is not necessary for his defence, and if his conduct be fairly
+examined, he will be held, even from the modern point of view, to have
+done no wrong. Protestant moralists, as we have seen, permit men under
+certain circumstances to tell a lie with intent to deceive. And Catholic
+moralists permit under such circumstances assertions which would lead the
+hearers to deceive themselves by neglecting to advert to the limit of the
+speaker's obligation to tell the truth. But with regard to Father Gerard's
+legal interrogations, we may waive the question whether they are right or
+wrong in their morality, for we see clearly that he so expressed himself
+as to show that his words were not intended to be believed.
+
+The real parallel to them, alleged by Gerard himself, as we shall shortly
+see, is the prisoner's usual plea of "Not guilty." This is the only form
+in which the _question_ is now put to a person accused. But in those days
+the question was put over and over again, and in every variety of form. To
+deny was really to plead "Not guilty," and if this be lawful once, it was
+lawful whenever they were forced to repeat it. Not only was it a capital
+offence to be a Priest within the realm, but it was high treason to be
+reconciled to the Church, or absolved by a Priest, or to harbour or
+comfort one. Thus the interrogations addressed to prisoners were always
+intended to make them criminate themselves or others; that is, in the one
+case to cause them to plead guilty, so that they might be condemned to
+death on their own confessions; or, in the other case, to force them to
+become Queen's evidence, and be accessory to the infliction upon others of
+the extremest penalties enacted by an unjust law.
+
+The first instance that occurs in Father Gerard's Life, is that when,
+after his apprehension, on being questioned he declared that he was quite
+unacquainted with the family of the Wisemans, and those who were examining
+him betrayed their informer by crying out, "What lies you tell! Did you
+not say so-and-so before such a lady as you read your servant's letter?"
+Then he adds, "But I still denied it, _giving them good reasons however
+why, even if it had been true, I could and ought to have denied it_."(182)
+
+Another time(183) he was confronted with three servants of Lord Henry
+Seymour, who avouched that he had dined with their mistress and her
+sister, the Lady Mary Percy, that it was in Lent, and they told how their
+mistress ate meat, while Lady Mary and Father Gerard ate nothing but fish.
+"Young flung this charge in my teeth with an air of triumph, as though I
+could not help acknowledging it, and thereby disclosing some of my
+acquaintances. I answered that I did not know the men whom he had brought
+up.
+
+" 'But we know you,' said they, 'to be the same that was at such a place
+on such a day.'
+
+" 'You wrong your mistress,' said I, 'in saying so. I, however, will not
+so wrong her.'
+
+" 'What a barefaced fellow you are!' exclaimed Young.
+
+" 'Doubtless,' I answered, 'were these men's statements true. _As for me,
+I cannot in conscience speak positively in the matter, for reasons that I
+have often alleged; let them look to the truth and justice of what they
+say._' "
+
+A third instance is the interview(184) between Father Gerard and the widow
+Wiseman, in the presence of the Dean of Westminster, Topcliffe, and
+others. "They wanted to see if she recognized me. So when I came into the
+room where they brought me, I found her already there. When she saw me
+coming in with the gaolers, she almost jumped for joy; but she controlled
+herself, and said to them: 'Is that the person you spoke of? I do not know
+him; but he looks like a Priest.'
+
+"Upon this she made me a very low reverence, and I bowed in return. Then
+they asked me if I did not recognize her?
+
+"I answered: 'I do not recognize her. _At the same time, you know this is
+my usual way of answering, and I will never mention any places, or give
+the names of any persons that are known to me_ (which this lady, however,
+is not); _because to do __ so, as I have told you before, would be
+contrary both to justice and charity_.' "
+
+Lastly, when examined(185) by the Attorney General, after having received
+a letter from Father Garnett, warning him to prepare himself for death,
+and after having freely confessed that he was a Priest and a Jesuit, and
+that he had reconciled others to the Pope, and drawn them away from the
+faith and religious profession which was approved in England, "answers,"
+he says himself, "which furnished quite sufficient matter for my
+condemnation, according to their laws," and after having denied that he
+had meddled in political matters; his examination proceeded as follows.
+
+"Hereupon Mr. Attorney kept silence for a time, and then he began afresh
+to ask me what Catholics I knew; did I know such-and-such? I answered, 'I
+do not know them.' _And I added the usual reasons why I should still make
+the same answer even if I did know them._(186) Upon this, he digressed to
+the question of equivocation, and began to inveigh against Father
+Southwell, because on his trial he denied that he knew the woman who was
+brought forward to accuse him.(187) She swore that he had come to her
+father's house and was received there as a Priest; this he positively
+denied, though he had been taken in that house and was found in a
+hiding-place, having been betrayed by this wretched woman. (A dutiful
+daughter truly, who thus betrayed to death both her spiritual and her
+natural father! Christ our Lord, however, came not to send peace, but a
+sword to divide between the good and the bad; and in this case he divided
+the bad daughter from the good parents.) Good Father Southwell, then,
+though he marvelled at the impudence of this miserable wench, yet denied
+what she asserted, and _gave good reasons for his denial_, well knowing
+and solidly proving that it was not lawful for him to do otherwise, lest
+he should add to the injury of those who were already suffering for the
+Faith, and for charity shown to him. Taking this occasion, therefore, he
+showed very learnedly that it was lawful in some cases, nay, even
+necessary perhaps, to use equivocation; which doctrine he established and
+confirmed by strong arguments and copious authorities, drawn as well from
+Holy Scripture as from the writings of the Doctors of the Church.
+
+"The Attorney General inveighed much against this, and tried to make out
+that this was to foster lying, and so destroy all reliable communications
+between men, and, therefore, all bonds of society. I, on the other hand,
+maintained that this was not falsehood, nor supposed an intention of
+deceiving, which is necessary to constitute a lie, but merely a keeping
+back of the truth, and that where one is not bound to declare it:
+consequently there is no deception, because nothing is refused which the
+other has a right to claim. I showed, moreover, that our doctrine did no
+way involve a destruction of the bonds of society, because the use of
+equivocation is never allowed in making contracts, since all are bound to
+give their neighbour his due, and in making of contracts truth is due to
+the party contracting. It should be remarked also, I said, that it is not
+allowed to use equivocation in ordinary conversation to the detriment of
+plain truth and Christian simplicity, much less in matters properly
+falling under the cognizance of civil authority,(188) since it is not
+lawful to deny even a capital crime if the accused is questioned
+juridically. He asked me, therefore, what I considered a juridical
+questioning. I answered that the questioners must be really superiors and
+judges in the matter under examination; then, the matter itself must be
+some crime hurtful to the common weal, in order that it may come under
+their jurisdiction; for sins merely internal were reserved for God's
+judgment. Again, there must be some trustworthy testimony brought against
+the accused; thus, it is the custom in England that all who are put on
+their trial, when first asked by the Judge if they are guilty or not,
+answer, 'Not guilty,' before any witness is brought against them, or any
+verdict found by the jury; and though they answer the same way, whether
+really guilty or not, yet no one accuses them of lying. Therefore I laid
+down this general principle, that no one is allowed to use equivocation
+except in the case when something is asked him, either actually or
+virtually, which the questioner has no right to ask, and the declaration
+of which will turn to his own hurt, if he answers according to the
+intention of the questioner. I showed that this had been our Lord's
+practice, and that of the Saints. I showed that it was the practice of all
+prudent men, and would certainly be followed by my interrogators
+themselves in case they were asked about some secret sin, for example, or
+were asked by robbers where their money was hid.
+
+"They asked me, therefore, when our Lord ever made use of equivocations;
+to which I replied, 'When He told His Apostles that no one knew the Day of
+Judgment, not even the Son of Man; and again, when He said that He was not
+going up to the Festival at Jerusalem, and yet He went; yea, and He knew
+that He should go when He said He would not.'
+
+"Wade here interrupted me, saying, 'Christ really did not know the Day of
+Judgment, as Son of Man.'
+
+" 'It cannot be,' said I, 'that the Word of God Incarnate, and with a
+human nature hypostatically united to God, should be subject to ignorance;
+nor that He Who was appointed Judge by God the Father should be ignorant
+of those facts which belonged necessarily to His office; nor that He
+should be of infinite wisdom, and yet not know what intimately concerned
+Himself.' In fact, these heretics do not practically admit what the
+Apostle teaches (though they boast of following his doctrines), namely,
+that all the fulness of the Divinity resided corporally in Christ, and
+that in Him were all the treasures of the wisdom and knowledge of God. It
+did not, however, occur to me at the moment to adduce this passage of St.
+Paul."
+
+In every one of these instances words are carefully introduced to show
+that the denials in question were uttered not with the intent of deceiving
+the hearers (though even that, according to the grave Protestant
+authorities recently quoted, would have been lawful), nor of allowing them
+to deceive themselves if they did not choose to advert to the
+circumstances in which the denials were made (as Catholic divines would
+have permitted);(189) but avowedly in order that they might not be
+available as legal evidence against the speaker or his friends.
+
+To Father Gerard's defence of himself it may be as well to add that of
+Father Southwell,(190) who was assailed by Sir Edward Coke.
+
+"The Father would have spoken further on this point [obedience to the
+laws] had they not attacked him on another," objecting to him a statement
+of Anne Bellamy's, who deposed that Father Robert had instructed her, that
+if asked by searchers or persecutors if there was a Priest in the house,
+she could say "No," though she knew there was one: nay, that if asked on
+oath, she could swear there was not. No sooner was this brought out than
+the Judges and officers of the court showed themselves highly scandalized,
+and were for stopping their ears:(191) as if, forsooth, the seeking for
+Catholic Priests to put them to a traitor's death, or force them to
+apostatize, were a proceeding so clearly and so indubitably just, as to
+make it as clearly and indubitably unjust to hide them from such an
+ordeal, or to deny them to their pursuers: nor, indeed, would the harm be
+confined to the cruel execution of the Priest, but with him the whole of
+the family in whose house he was found would be liable to the same death
+of traitors. Coke, therefore, the Attorney General, made the most he could
+of this matter, insisting that such a pernicious doctrine tended to
+destroy all truth, and all reliance of men in each other's veracity, and
+if allowed to prevail, would upset all good government. Topcliffe also
+inveighed against it so exorbitantly, that Judge Popham silenced him.
+Father Robert then, as soon as he was allowed to reply, explained briefly
+what he had said to the witness, whose statement was not altogether exact,
+and addressing the Judge, said:
+
+" 'If you will have the patience to listen to me, I shall be able to prove
+to you from the Holy Scriptures, from the Fathers, from theologians, and
+from reason, that in case a demand is made against justice and with the
+view of doing grievous harm to an innocent person, to give an answer not
+according to the intent of the questioner is no offence against either the
+divine law or the natural law. Nay, I will prove that this doctrine in no
+wise threatens the good government of states and kingdoms: and that, where
+the other necessary conditions of an oath are present, there is nothing
+wrong in confirming such an answer in that manner. Now I ask you, Mr.
+Attorney, Supposing the King of France (which God forbid) were to invade
+this country successfully, and having obtained full possession of this
+city, were to make search for Her Majesty the Queen, whom you knew to be
+hidden in a secret apartment of the palace: supposing, moreover, that you
+were seized in the palace and brought before the King, and that he asked
+you where the Queen was, and would receive no profession of ignorance from
+you except on oath: what would you do? To palter or hesitate is to show
+that she is there: to refuse to swear is equivalent to a betrayal. What
+would you answer? I suppose, forsooth, you would point out the place! Yet
+who of all who now hear me would not cry out upon you for a traitor? You
+would then, if you had any sense, swear at once, either that you knew not
+where she was, or that you knew she was not in the palace, in order that
+your knowledge might not become instrumental to her harm. Of this kind, in
+fact, was the answer of Christ in the Gospel, when He said that concerning
+the Day of Judgment no one had any knowledge, neither the Angels in
+Heaven, nor the Son: that is, according to the interpretation of the
+Fathers, such knowledge that He could communicate to others. Now this is
+the condition of Catholics in England: they are in peril of their liberty,
+their fortunes, and their lives, if they should have a Priest in their
+houses. How can it be forbidden them to escape these evils by an equivocal
+answer, and to confirm this answer, if necessary, by an oath? For in such
+a case, three things must be remembered: first, that a wrong is done
+unless you swear; secondly, that no one is obliged to answer everybody's
+questions about everything; thirdly, that an oath is always lawful, if
+made with truth, with judgment, and with justice, all which are found in
+this case.'(192)
+
+"He went on to exemplify his position by supposed queries of robbers and
+highwaymen; but he was interrupted by abuse."
+
+Father Garnett has defended himself at sufficient length in his speech on
+his trial;(193) but as he there refers to his previous answers, we have
+thought it best to give insertion here to an autograph paper of his
+preserved in the Public Record Office.(194)
+
+
+    "Concerning equivocation, which I seemed to condemn in moral
+    things, my meaning was in moral and human conversation, in which
+    the virtue of verity is required among friends, for otherwise it
+    were injurious to all humanity. Neither is equivocation at all to
+    be justified, but in case of necessary defence from injustice or
+    wrong, or the obtaining some good of great importance, when there
+    is no danger of harm to others, as in the case of Coventry,(195)
+    wherein I suppose it is a great advantage to me for to be
+    admitted, and no harm can ensue to the city. For the city seeketh
+    nothing but to be free from the sickness, and if it were possible
+    that the city knew me to be free of certainty, they would admit me
+    presently, which is confirmed by the custom of places beyond
+    [sea], where, though they know a man to come from a place
+    infected, yet after they have kept him in some several place, with
+    convenient diet, for forty days, they admit him.
+
+    "As for Mr. Tresham's equivocation, I am loath to judge; yet I
+    think ignorance might excuse him, because he might think it lawful
+    in that case to equivocate for the excuse of his friend, yet would
+    I be loath to allow of it or practise it: he being not then urged,
+    but voluntarily offering it himself, contrary to that which he had
+    before set down, and especially being in case of manifest treason,
+    as I will after explain. But in case a man be urged at the hour of
+    his death, it is lawful for to equivocate, _with such due
+    circumstances as are required in his life_. An example we may
+    bring in another matter. For the divines hold that in some cases a
+    man may be bound to conceal _something in his confession_, because
+    of some great harm which may ensue of it. And as he may do so in
+    his life, so may he at his death, if the danger of the harm
+    continue still.
+
+    "The case being propounded, supposing that I knew Gerard
+    acquainted with this treason, and having been often demanded
+    thereof, I still denying it, by way of equivocation, whether at
+    the hour of my death, either natural or by course of justice, I
+    may by equivocation seek to clear him again.
+
+    "I answer, that in case I be not urged I may not, but I must leave
+    the matter in case in which it stand; but if I be urged, then I
+    may clear him by equivocation, whereas otherwise my silence would
+    be accounted an accusation. But all this I understand when the
+    case is such that I am bound to conceal Gerard's treason, as if I
+    had heard it in confession. For this is a general rule, that in
+    cases of true and manifest treason,(196) a man is bound
+    voluntarily in utter and very truth by no way to equivocate, if he
+    know it not by way of confession, in which case also he is bound
+    to seek all lawful ways to discover, _salvo sigillo_.
+
+    "HENRY GARNETT.
+
+    "29 deg. Martii.
+
+    "All the Doctors that hold equivocation to be lawful do maintain
+    that it is not lawful when the examinate is bound to tell the
+    simple truth, that is, according to the civil law, when there is a
+    competent judge, and the cause subject to his jurisdiction, and
+    sufficient proofs. But in case of treason a man is bound to
+    confess of another without any witness at all, yea, voluntarily to
+    disclose it; not so of himself.
+
+    "And how far the common law bindeth in cases that are not treason
+    a man to confess of himself, I know not. In the civil law, it is
+    sufficient to have _semiplenam probationem_, that is, _unum testem
+    omni exceptione majorem_, or _manifesta indicia_.
+
+    "Our law I take to be more mild, and that a man may put all to
+    witnesses without confessing, except in cases of treason. For,
+    according to our law, _non pervertitur judicium tacendo vel
+    negando_, as in the civil law, where is required _reus confitens_.
+    But generally, when a man is bound to confess, there is no place
+    of equivocation. And when he is not bound to confess according to
+    the laws of each country, then may he equivocate."
+
+
+In the last paper Father Garnett is not speaking of equivocation used in
+defence of an innocent person, but of what we may call the persistent plea
+of "Not guilty," and he there draws an interesting distinction between the
+Roman civil law and our own, which he calls "more mild," in that it
+professed to regard a prisoner as innocent till he is proved to be guilty.
+Happily this is our practice now, as well as our profession, and our
+quotations are needed to enable us to form judgments of conduct in times
+that have happily passed away.
+
+But with regard to the trustworthiness of Father John Gerard's evidence,
+as we have it before us in his Narrative of the Gunpowder Plot, even if
+the lawfulness of his proceedings were not admitted, all that we are
+concerned to show is, that untrue statements, made by a man under
+circumstances which, rightly or wrongly, he considers to justify him in
+making them, furnish no presumption whatever that, under other
+circumstances, affording to his conscience no such justification, his word
+cannot be trusted. It is an evident instance of the maxim that the
+exception proves the rule. Restraining himself carefully within the limits
+of what he held to be lawful under circumstances of extreme difficulty and
+great personal danger, are we not rather to conclude that, under far less
+pressure, he will as carefully confine himself to the laws imposed by his
+conscience? Clearly there is nothing in Father Gerard's practice under
+examination to cause us to hesitate in placing implicit trust in his word
+when he speaks as an historian; and, in addition, we are sure that no one
+will rise from the perusal of the exculpatory letters which we propose to
+subjoin, without a full conviction of his innocence and truthfulness.
+
+
+
+
+XXXI.
+
+
+But before we close this subject by producing these letters, we think it
+desirable to answer in detail two particular accusations that have been
+brought against Father Gerard's veracity by a modern writer. Canon Tierney
+says:(197) "To show how very little reliance can be placed on the
+asseverations of Gerard when employed in his own vindication, it is only
+right to observe that, referring to this transaction" [the Communion of
+the conspirators after their oath of secresy] "in his manuscript
+narrative, he first boldly and very properly asserts, on the authority of
+Winter's confession, that the Priest who administered the Sacrament was
+not privy to the designs of the conspirators; and then ignorant of Faukes'
+declaration which had not been published, and supposing that his name had
+not transpired, as that of the Clergyman who had officiated upon the
+occasion, he returns at once to the artifice which I have elsewhere
+noticed, of substituting a third person as the narrator, and solemnly
+protests on his salvation that he knows not the Priest from whom Catesby
+and his associates received the Communion!"
+
+Dr. Lingard also says simply that the Communion was received by the
+conspirators "from the hand of the Jesuit missionary Father Gerard,"(198)
+apparently unconscious that he had ever denied it.
+
+We have little doubt that the house in which the oath of secrecy was taken
+and holy Communion received, was really Father Gerard's house. The "house
+in the fields behind St. Clement's Inn," as Faulks calls it; "behind St.
+Clement's," as it appears in Winter's confession, seems to be the house
+described by Father Gerard as that which he occupied up to the time of the
+Powder Plot, "nearer the principal street in London, called the
+Strand,"(199) in which street most of his friends lived. But he was not
+the only Priest who lived in that house. At least two other Priests(200)
+resided habitually with him. One was Father Strange, who was in the Tower
+when the Autobiography was written; the other, whose name he does not
+give, "was thrown into Bridewell, and was afterwards banished, together
+with other Priests." Then there was also Thomas Laithwaite,(201) who
+afterwards became a Jesuit, who frequented the house if he did not live
+there. Father Gerard says, "There I should long have remained, free from
+all peril or even suspicion, if some friends of mine, while I was absent
+from London, had not availed themselves of the house rather rashly." What
+meaning can this have but that Catholics were allowed, in Father Gerard's
+absence, to come to the house too freely to receive the Sacraments, so
+that it became too widely known that it was his house?
+
+Immediately after binding themselves by oath to secrecy, the minds of the
+conspirators must have been preoccupied with the thoughts of the
+tremendous undertaking to which they had just pledged themselves; and it
+is very unlikely that mention should be made, in subsequent conversation
+among them, of the name of the Priest, whom they had only seen at the
+altar, especially as he "was not acquainted with their purpose."(202) The
+only two conspirators who mention Father Gerard's name are Faulks and
+Thomas Winter. Faulks was a stranger, who had "spent most of his time in
+the wars of Flanders, which is the cause that he was less known here in
+England."(203) We have no trace of any personal intercourse between Thomas
+Winter and Father Gerard. What can have been more natural than that they
+should have been told to meet at Father Gerard's house, and that those who
+did not know him by sight should have concluded that it was Father
+Gerard's Mass that they heard? It surely is more probable that they should
+have been mistaken in a name than that Father Gerard should have been
+guilty of perjury in contradicting, from a place of safety, that which was
+no accusation against him, but a harmless statement that, in ignorance of
+the oath taken, he had given Communion to certain Catholics.
+
+Faulks' confession was extorted by torture. King James had given orders,
+"The gentler tortours are to be first usid unto him, _et sic per gradus ad
+ima tenditur_, and so God speede your goode work."(204) Faulks was under
+none of the "gentler tortures" when in a tremulous hand he wrote "Guido"
+on that declaration. "The prisoner is supposed to have fainted before
+completing"(205) the signature. Before the words exculpating Father Gerard
+from all knowledge of the conspirators' purpose, the word _Hucusque_
+appears in the handwriting of Sir Edward Coke, who has underlined the
+sentence in red. The ideas of justice of this great lawyer permitted him
+to publish the mention there made of Father Gerard's name, and to suppress
+the statement of his innocence. There is also a red line drawn beneath the
+following words in Thomas Winter's examination: "But Gerard knew not of
+the provision of the powder, to his knowledge."(206)
+
+The second accusation brought by the same writer,(207) is couched as
+follows: "Relying upon the fidelity of Gerard, who declares _upon his
+conscience_, that he has 'set down Father Garnett's words truly and
+sincerely as they lie in his letter,' Dr. Lingard has printed what is
+given by that writer, and from it has argued, with Greenway, that Garnett
+on the 4th of October, the date assigned to it both by Gerard and
+Greenway, was still ignorant of the nature of the Plot. The truth,
+however, is, that although the _letter_ was written on the _fourth_, the
+_postcript_ was not added until the _twenty-first_ of October; that from
+this postscript the two Jesuit writers have selected a sentence, which
+they have transferred to the body of the letter; and then, concealing both
+the existence of the postscript and the date of the 21st, have represented
+the whole as written and dispatched on the 4th. The motive for this
+proceeding, especially on the part of Greenway, is obvious. That writer's
+argument is, that the Parliament had been summoned to meet on the 3rd of
+October, that Garnett had not heard of the intention to prorogue it to the
+following month (this, to say the least, is very improbable); that, for
+anything he could have known to the contrary, the great blow had already
+been struck, at the very time when he was writing; and, consequently,
+that, had he been acquainted with the intentions of Catesby and his
+confederates, he would never, at such a moment, have thought of
+proceeding, as he says he was about to proceed, towards London, and thus
+exposing himself to the almost inevitable danger of falling into the hands
+of his enemies.... Now the whole of this reasoning is founded on the
+assumption that the letter bore only the single date of the 4th. On the
+21st, the supposed danger of a journey to London no longer existed. At
+that period, too, Garnett, instead of proceeding towards the metropolis,
+had not only removed in the opposite direction, from Goathurst, in
+Buckinghamshire, to Harrowden, the seat of Lord Vaux, in Northamptonshire,
+but was also preparing to withdraw himself still further from the capital,
+and by the end of the month, was actually at Coughton, in the
+neighbourhood of Alcester. In fact, what was written on the 4th, he had
+practically contradicted on the 21st, and to have allowed any part of the
+letter, therefore, to carry this later date, would have been to supply the
+refutation of the very argument which it was intended to support. Hence
+the expedient to which this writer has had recourse. The postscript and
+its date are carefully suppressed; and we are told that, looking at the
+contents of the letter, Garnett, when he wrote it, could have known
+nothing of the designs of the conspirators: 'Quando scrisse questa
+lettera, che fu alli quattro d'Ottobre, non sapeva niente del disegno di
+questi gentilhuomini, altro che il sospetto che prima havea havuto'
+(Greenway's MS., 51b). Without stopping to notice the falsehood contained
+in the concluding words of this sentence, and without intending to offer
+an opinion here, as to the principal question of Garnett's conduct, I may
+still remark that even the friends of that Jesuit universally admit him to
+have received the details of the plot from Greenway about the 21st; and
+that this fact alone may be regarded as supplying another and a sufficient
+motive both to the latter and to Gerard, for the suppression of that
+date."
+
+This note by Canon Tierney produced its effect on Dr. Lingard, and that
+historian, in the edition of his work published in 1849, remarks upon the
+matter as follows.(208) "The object for which this letter was made up in
+the shape which it thus assumes in Gerard's MS., is plain from the
+reasoning which both he and Greenway found upon it. They contend that, if
+Garnett had been privy to the conspiracy, he must have believed on the 4th
+that the explosion had already taken place on the 3rd, the day on which
+the Parliament had been summoned to meet; though no reason is assigned why
+he might not, as well as others, have been aware of the prorogation to the
+5th of November, and they add that, under such belief, he would never have
+resolved to encounter the dangers of making, as he proposed to do, a
+journey to London, though in fact he made no such journey, but changed his
+route, and was actually, at the time in which he wrote, on his way to the
+meeting appointed at Dunchurch. Hence it became necessary to suppress the
+postscript, because it was irreconcileable with such statements. There
+was, moreover, this benefit in the suppression, that it kept the reader in
+ignorance (1) of the real date of the letter, the 21st of October, the
+very time when it is admitted that Greenway made to Garnett a full
+disclosure of the Plot; and (2) that Garnett took that opportunity of
+blotting out a most important passage in the letter written on the 4th,
+with a promise to forward the same passage later in an epistle apart; two
+facts which would furnish strong presumptions against the alleged
+innocence of the Provincial."
+
+One word in passing, in reply to the "two facts which would furnish strong
+presumptions against" Father Garnett's innocence. 1. Dr. Lingard has
+forgotten that "the full disclosure of the Plot" was made in confession,
+and that Father Garnett could make no use of it in any way, until the
+conjuncture arose when the penitent gave him leave. 2. It is true that a
+passage, written to Father Persons on the 4th October, was erased by
+Father Garnett on the 21st; but what presumption does this furnish? The
+"promise to forward the same passage later in an epistle apart," could not
+mean that he would write him word of the Powder Plot when it was safe to
+do so. Is it likely that a conspirator would have written to his friend,
+with all the chances of a letter being intercepted, that they were
+proposing to blow up the Houses of Parliament? What would he have gained
+even had he but risked a phrase as oracular as that of the letter to Lord
+Mounteagle? Such a supposition assumes that Father Garnett was not only
+guilty of the Plot, but that he had lost all common sense and ordinary
+caution; and that he was indebted to the accidental return of his letter
+to his hands, seventeen days after he had written it, for an opportunity
+of destroying proof under his own hand that he was guilty. If this
+consideration is not conclusive, we have but to refer to the context, as
+given from the original by Mr. Tierney himself,(209) and our sense of the
+ridiculous must settle the question. Father Garnett must have been the
+most erratic of letter-writers, if he could insert a reference to the
+Gunpowder Treason, or to any other treason, between two such subjects as
+the choice of Lay-brothers and his own want of money. The letter ends as
+follows.
+
+" 'I pray you send word how many Coadjutors' " [Jesuit Lay-brothers]
+" 'you will have. I have one, a citizen of London, of very good
+experience, which may benefit us, in buying and selling without taxes. But
+he is fifty years old: and I think it not amiss to have, at the first,
+some ancient men for such. Send your will herein.'
+
+"_A short but separate paragraph of three lines is here carefully
+obliterated._
+
+" 'I am in wonderful distress, for want of the ordinary allowance from
+Joseph' " [Creswell, the Superior in Spain]. " 'I pray you write for all
+the arrearages, which, if it may all be gotten, I can spare you some.
+Thus, with humble remembrance to Claud' " [Aquaviva, the General],
+" 'Fabio, Perez, Duras, and the rest, I cease, 4o Octobris.' "
+
+But let us address ourselves to the grave accusation made against Gerard
+and Greenway. That Dr. Lingard should have made such a statement at all is
+owing, first, to the fact that at the time when he was preparing the new
+edition of his History, he had no longer access to the manuscript of
+Father Gerard, of which he had had the use(210) when originally compiling
+his work. The reader, who has Gerard's Narrative now beneath his eyes, can
+speedily convince himself of this fact. And, secondly, to a
+misunderstanding of Canon Tierney's note, for which that writer's
+expressions are to blame. If it had been true, as Dr. Lingard understood
+Mr. Tierney to say, that Gerard and Greenway drew the same argument from
+the date of Father Garnett's letter, their conduct would have been
+entirely indefensible, and they would have deserved the blame brought
+against them.
+
+The truth however is, and in this lies an ample defence for both of them,
+that this is not so. Father Gerard quotes Father Garnett's letter only and
+solely to illustrate the state of the Catholics in England. For this
+purpose, the date of the letter he was quoting was entirely unimportant.
+Indeed, he originally quoted the letter without any date; and then he
+interlined the date of Oct. 4th, but laying no more stress upon it than he
+had laid on the dates of the other letters of July 24th and August 28th.
+For the same reason it would not occur to him to note that the passage
+respecting Ireland was taken from a postcript. It was enough for him that
+he gave Father Garnett's very words, as he declared "upon his conscience"
+that he did; and that he had Father Garnett's authority for the account
+that he was giving of the condition and state of feeling of Catholics.
+When he turned to the letter for a date, it was natural enough that he
+should take that which was endorsed upon it by Father Persons, who, having
+erased the date of the 21st which he had originally written upon it, had
+substituted the 4th, and "in another corner of the paper also, where it
+appears most likely to catch the eye, inscribed the same date thus, '4 deg.
+8bris.' "(211) As there is no ground for blaming Father Persons for thus
+endorsing a single date on a letter which continued to bear two, so
+neither is it reasonable to blame Father Gerard for quoting the letter
+under one date only. It is clear, therefore, that there is no accusation
+whatever against Father Gerard, and if Father Greenway had not drawn from
+the date of the letter the argument regarding Father Garnett, none would
+ever have been made. It is gravely to be regretted that Mr. Tierney should
+have said that there was "a sufficient motive both to the latter _and to
+Gerard_ for the suppression of that date." This expression evidently
+misled Dr. Lingard, and led him erroneously to speak of "the reasoning
+which both he [Gerard] and Greenway found upon it." Had Dr. Lingard not
+trusted to Mr. Tierney, but referred to Gerard's Narrative, he would have
+said of the whole charge that which he has said(212) of the alterations of
+names in the first part of the letter. Of this his expression is, "Had his
+object been only to present the public with an account of the persecution
+to which the English Catholics were at that moment subjected, there would
+not have been great cause to complain." This _was_ his only object,(213)
+and therefore there was, in Dr. Lingard's judgment, no great cause to
+complain.
+
+Father Greenway derived his information of the letter from Father Gerard's
+Narrative, of which he was translator. Whether the argument he has founded
+on the date of the letter has any and what force is not here under
+discussion, but it is evident that he propounded it in good faith. The
+original letter was in existence to confute him. If he had seen it or
+noticed the postscript and its date, he would never have exposed himself
+to such a confutation. He was misled, innocently enough, but seriously, by
+the manner in which the letter appeared in Father Gerard's pages which he
+was translating.
+
+In a word, the accusation is this. Gerard and Greenway found an argument
+on the fact that a letter of Garnett's was dated the 4th of October, when
+they knew that it was in his hands on the 21st. And the answer is this.
+Gerard may have known, but had no need to notice, the fact of the double
+date, as he founded no argument whatever upon it: Greenway, who did found
+an argument on it, had no reason for suspecting the existence of a later
+date on the letter.
+
+
+
+
+XXXII.
+
+
+Having thus vindicated the fair fame of these Fathers from the unmerited
+imputations brought against them, it remains for us to produce the letters
+which were written expressly to prove Father Gerard's innocence of all
+complicity with the conspiracy. We first take from the Public Record
+Office(214) his letter to the Duke of Lenox, enclosing letters to the Earl
+of Salisbury and Sir Everard Digby. These are the letters described by
+Father Gerard himself in the twelfth chapter of his Narrative.(215)
+
+
+    "Right Honourable,--Seeing all laws, both divine and human, do
+    license the innocent to plead for himself, and the same laws do
+    strictly require and highly commend an open ear in any of
+    authority to give audience and equal trial to a plaintiff in such
+    a case, my hope is that your Grace will excuse this my boldness in
+    offering up by your hands my humble petition for trial of my
+    innocence touching the late most impious treason, whereof I am
+    wrongfully accused, by some lost companions, I assure me, who, to
+    save themselves from deserved punishment, will not stick to accuse
+    any innocent of any crime wherein their bare word may pass for
+    proof. There is none so innocent but may be wrongfully accused,
+    sith innocency itself in our Lord and Master was accused and
+    condemned as an enemy to the State and no friend to Caesar. The
+    servant must not look to be more free from wrongs than his Master
+    was. But happy is that man by whom the truth is tried in judgment
+    and innocency cleared.
+
+    "I durst not presume, being branded with the odious name of
+    traitor, to offer my petition to my Sovereign (to whom, as God is
+    witness, I wish long life and all happiness as to my own soul).
+    But if by your Grace's means (of whose piety and worthy
+    disposition I have heard so much good) the humble suit of a
+    distressed suppliant (prostrate at His Majesty's feet) may be
+    offered up, I hope it shall be found not unfit for your Grace to
+    offer, and most fit and reasonable for so wise and righteous a
+    Prince to grant.
+
+    "My humble petition is only this. That, whereas I have protested
+    before God and the world, I was not privy to that horrible Plot of
+    destroying the King's Majesty and his posterity, &c., by powder
+    (wherewith I am now so publicly taxed in the proclamation), that
+    full trial may be made, whether I be guilty therein or not. And if
+    so it be proved, that then all shame and pain may light upon me;
+    but if the truth appear on the contrary side, that then I may be
+    cleared from this so grievous an infamation and punishment not
+    deserved. Two kinds of proofs may be made in this cause, which I
+    humbly beseech your Grace, for God's cause, may be performed. One
+    is, that all the principal conspirators (with whom I am said to
+    have practised the foresaid Plot of Powder against the Parliament
+    House) may be asked at their death, as they will answer at the
+    dreadful tribunal unto which they are going, whether ever they did
+    impart the matter to me, or I practise the same with them in the
+    least degree, or whether they can but say of their knowledge that
+    I did know of it. And I know it will then appear that no one of
+    them will accuse me, if it be not apparent they do it in hope of
+    life, but do give signs that they die in the fear of God and hope
+    of their salvation.
+
+    "And as by this trial it will appear (in this time most fit for
+    saying truth) that there is not sufficient witness against me, so
+    I humbly desire also trial may be made by examining a witness, who
+    can, if he will, fully clear me, and I hope he will not deny me
+    that right, especially being(216) ... the place of right and
+    justice himself. Sir Everard Digby can testify for me, how
+    ignorant I was of any such matter but two days before that
+    unnatural parricide should have been practised. I have, for full
+    trial thereof, enclosed a letter unto him, which I humbly beseech
+    may be delivered before your Grace and the other two lords, whose
+    favour and equity I have likewise humbly entreated by these
+    letters unto them. All which I am bold to direct unto your Grace's
+    hands, presuming upon your gracious furtherance, not having other
+    means, in this my distressed case, to have them severally
+    delivered. God of His goodness will reward, I hope, in full
+    measure, this your Grace's favour and pity showed to an innocent
+    wrongly accused, who would rather suffer any death than not to be
+    found ever faithful to God and his Sovereign,
+
+    "JOHN GERARD.
+
+    "This 23rd of January."
+
+    _Addressed_--"To the Right Honourable the Duke of Lenox, these
+    deliver."
+
+    _Endorsed in Cecil's hand_--"Gerard the Jesuit to the Duke of
+    Lenox."
+
+    "Right Honourable,--Although I can expect no other from one in your
+    place, but that you should permit the course of justice to proceed
+    against any that are proved guilty of treason to His Majesty and
+    the State, especially in so foul and unnatural a treason as was
+    lately discovered, yet I cannot but hope where there is so much
+    wisdom, and so vigilant a care for the preservation of this State,
+    your lordship will also be pleased to hear, and forward to make
+    trial, who may be wrongfully accused, knowing right well that it
+    is as necessary in any Government to protect the innocent as to
+    punish the offenders.
+
+    "What proof there is of my accusation I know not, and therefore
+    cannot answer it. But this I know: that none can truly produce the
+    least proof that ever I was made privy to that treason of which I
+    am accused, and much less a practiser with the principal
+    conspirators in the same, as I am denounced to be. Therefore, sith
+    I know not my accusers, God I hope will be judge between them and
+    me, to Whom I refer my cause, and in Whom my trust is, and ever
+    shall be, that He will right me.
+
+    "In the meantime my humble request is, that your lordship, who
+    have been so often seen to be pitiful towards any in distress, and
+    a potent helper to those who were oppressed (a special ornament in
+    so eminent a person, and much commended and rewarded by God
+    Himself), will show your accustomed commiseration in my case, and
+    afford me therein such audience as may be sufficient to make trial
+    of my innocency. Wherein your lordship shall imitate the just
+    proceeding of the highest Lord, from Whom both yourself, and all
+    that govern, have all your power. For God Himself, although He
+    know all things before He call us to account, yet, to give us the
+    form of just proceeding, is said in Holy Scripture to be ever
+    careful in hearing what the accused can say for himself before He
+    proceeds to give sentence. So we read that God said to Abraham,
+    'Clamor Sodomorum etc., multiplicatus est, etc., descendam et
+    videbo utrum clamorem qui venit ad me opere compleverint, an non
+    est ita, ut sciam.' So again in the Gospel when He heard a
+    complaint against His steward, He would not proceed against him
+    without full audience, but called him and said, 'Quid haec audio de
+    te? redde rationem villicationis tuae.' These most high and worthy
+    examples I trust your lordship will follow in my case, as you have
+    been known to do with others. And then I doubt not but that shall
+    appear true which I have most sincerely protested before God and
+    the world.
+
+    "My humble petition therefore is, that a witness may be asked his
+    knowledge who is well able to clear me if he will, and I hope he
+    will not be so unjust in this time of his own danger as to conceal
+    so needful a proof being so demanded of him. Sir Everard Digby
+    doth well know how far I was from knowledge of any such matter but
+    two days before the treason was known to all men. I have therefore
+    written a letter unto him, to require his testimony of that which
+    passed between him and me at that time. Wherein, if I may have
+    your lordship's furtherance to have just trial made of the truth
+    whilst yet he liveth, I shall ever esteem myself most deeply bound
+    to pray for your lordship's happiness both in this world and in
+    the next. In which hope I will rest, your lordship's prone and
+    humble suppliant, never to be proved false to King and country,
+
+    "JOHN GERARD.
+
+    "This 23rd of January."
+
+    _Addressed_--"To the Right Honourable the Earl of Salisbury,
+    Principal Secretary to His Majesty, these."
+
+    _Endorsed in Cecil's hand_--"Gerard the Jesuit to my son."
+
+    "Sir Everard Digby,--I presume so much of your sincerity both to
+    God and man, that I cannot fear you will be loath to utter your
+    knowledge for the clearing of one that is innocent from a most
+    unjust accusation, importing both loss of life to him that is
+    accused, and of his good name also, which he much more esteemeth.
+
+    "So it is that upon some false information (given, as I suppose,
+    by some base fellows, desirous to save their lives by the loss of
+    their honesty) there is come forth a proclamation against my
+    Superior, and one other of the Society, and myself, as against
+    three notorious practisers with divers of the principal
+    conspirators in this late most odious treason of destroying the
+    King's Majesty and all in the Parliament House with powder. And
+    myself am put in the first place, as the first or chiefest
+    offender therein.
+
+    "Now God I call to witness, Who must be my Judge, that I did never
+    know of it before the rumour of the country brought it to the
+    place where I was, after the treason was publicly discovered. And
+    if this protestation be not sincerely true, without any
+    equivocation, and the words thereof so understood by me, as they
+    sound to others, I neither desire nor expect any favour at God's
+    hand when I shall stand before His tribunal. But because this
+    protestation doth only clear me in their opinion who are so
+    persuaded of my conscience that they think I would not condemn my
+    soul to save my body (which I hope by God's grace shall never be
+    my mind): therefore, to give more full proof of my innocency to
+    those also may doubt the truth of my words, I take witness to
+    yourself whether you, upon your certain knowledge, cannot clear
+    me. I wrote a letter before Christmas which I hoped would be
+    sufficient to have cleared me; wherein, beside a most serious
+    protestation (such as no honest man can use if he were guilty, as
+    for my part my conscience doth persuade me), I alleged some other
+    reasons which did make it more than probable, in my opinion, that
+    I was neither to be charged with this late treason, nor chargeable
+    with former dealing in State matters. But I did of purpose forbear
+    this proof (which now I allege), although I did assure myself it
+    would clear me from all just suspicion of being privy to that last
+    and greatest treason; and I did forbear to set it down, in regard
+    I would not take knowledge of any personal acquaintance with you,
+    especially at your own house, not knowing how far you were to be
+    touched for your life, and therefore would not add unto your
+    danger. But now that it appears by your confession and trial in
+    the country that you stand at the King's mercy for greater matters
+    than your acquaintance with a Priest, I hope you will not be loath
+    I should publish that which cannot hurt you, and may help myself
+    in a matter of such importance. And as I know you could never like
+    to stoop to so base and unworthy a humour as to flatter or
+    dissemble with any man, so much less can I fear that now (being in
+    the case you are in) you can ever think it fit to dissemble with
+    God, or not to utter your every knowledge, being required as from
+    Him, and in the behalf of truth. Therefore I desire you will bear
+    witness of the truth which followeth (if it be true that I affirm
+    of my demand to you, growing upon my ignorance in the matter then
+    in hand) as you expect truth and mercy at God's hand hereafter.
+
+    "First, I desire you to bear witness whether, coming to your house
+    upon All Souls' Day last, before dinner, with intention and hope
+    to celebrate there, and finding all things hid out of the way and
+    many of your household gone, you did not perceive me to be
+    astonished at it, as a thing much contrary to my expectation.
+    Whereupon I asked you what was become of them. And when you told
+    me you had sent them into Warwickshire, and your hounds also, and
+    yourself were going presently after, about a hunting match which
+    you had made, though I seemed satisfied for the present because a
+    stranger was there with you, yet whether I did not soon after
+    (when I had compared many particulars together which seemed
+    strange unto me) draw you into a chamber apart, and there urge you
+    to tell me what was the reason both of that sudden alteration in
+    your house and of divers other things which I had observed before,
+    but did not until then reflect upon them so much, as, for example,
+    the number of horses that you had not long before in your stable,
+    the sums of money which I had been told you had made of your stock
+    and grounds, which (said I) in one of your judgment and provident
+    care of your estate, are not likely to be done without some great
+    cause, and seemed to think you had something in hand for the
+    Catholic cause. Your answer was, 'No, there was nothing in hand
+    that you knew of, or could tell me of.' And when I replied that I
+    had some fear of it by those signs, considering you would not hurt
+    your estate so much in likelihood without some cause equivalent
+    (for I knew very well you meant to pay the statute, and so stood
+    not in fear of losing your stock), and therefore willed you to
+    look well that you followed counsel in your proceedings, or else
+    you might hurt both yourself and the cause, your answer was (which
+    I have remembered often since), 'That you respected the Catholic
+    cause much more than your own commodity, as it should well appear
+    whensoever you undertook anything.' I asked you once again
+    whether, then, there were anything to be done, and whether you
+    expected any help by foreign power, whereunto you answered,
+    holding up the end of your finger, that you would not adventure so
+    much in hope thereof. Then I said, 'I pray God you follow counsel
+    in your doings. If there be any matter in hand, doth Mr. Walley
+    know of it?' You answered, 'In truth, I think he doth not.' Then I
+    said further, 'In truth, Sir Everard Digby, if there should be
+    anything in hand, and that you retire yourself and company into
+    Warwickshire, as into a place of most safety, I should think you
+    did not perform the part of a friend to some of your neighbours
+    not far off, and persons that, as you know, deserve every respect,
+    and to whom you have professed much friendship, that they are left
+    behind, and have not any warning to make so much provision for
+    their own safety as were needful in such a time, but to defend
+    themselves from rogues.' Your answer was (as I will be sworn), 'I
+    warrant you it shall not need.' And so you gave me assurance that,
+    if there had been anything needful for them or me to know, you
+    would assuredly have told me. So I rested satisfied and parted
+    from you, and after that I never saw you nor any of the
+    conspirators. These were my questions unto you. And thus clear I
+    was from the knowledge of that Plot against the Parliament House,
+    whereof, notwithstanding, I am accused and proclaimed to be a
+    practiser with the principal conspirators. But I refer me to God
+    and your conscience, who are able to clear me, and I challenge the
+    conscience of any one that certainly expecteth death, and desireth
+    to die in the fear of God and with hope of his salvation, to
+    accuse me of it if he can. God, of His mercy, grant unto us all
+    grace to see and do His will, and to live and die His servants,
+    for they only are and shall be happy for ever.
+
+    "Your companion in tribulation though not in the cause,
+
+    "JOHN GERARD."
+
+    _Postcript_--"I hope you will also witness with me that you have
+    ever seen me much averted from such violent courses, and hopeful
+    rather of help by favour than by force. And, indeed, if I had not
+    now been satisfied by your assurance that there was nothing in
+    hand, it should presently have appeared how much I had misliked
+    any forcible attempts, the counsel of Christ and the commandment
+    of our superiors requiring the contrary, and that in patience we
+    should possess our souls."
+
+    _Addressed_--"To Sir Everard Digby, prisoner in the Tower."
+
+    _Endorsed in Cecil's hand_--"Gerard the Priest to Sir Everard
+    Digby."
+
+
+From Father Bartoli(217) we take a letter written from Rome, twenty-five
+years after the Powder Plot, addressed by Father Gerard to Dr. Smith,
+Bishop of Chalcedon, and Vicar Apostolic of England. The translation from
+Bartoli's Italian version is a very old one; the date of the letter is
+September 1, 1630.
+
+
+    "My Lord,--Not long since I received information that a manuscript
+    dissertation, with the title of _Brevis Inquisitio, &c._, had been
+    circulated in your parts; in the course of which it is pretended
+    that a certain person continues to glory, to the present day, that
+    by working under ground in the mine of Mr. Catesby and other
+    conspirators, by excavating and carrying out the soil with his own
+    hands, he has often found his shirt wet through and dripping with
+    sweat as copiously as if it had been dragged through a river; and
+    that this person is no other than myself, according to the opinion
+    expressed in the letter. I despised such an idle tale as
+    undeserving of an answer, knowing it, as most others must know it,
+    to be not only most false, but, moreover, most remote, from
+    probability. I only begged of a good Priest, who was setting out
+    for England, to make known to your lordship what I had heard
+    concerning such a deed laid to my charge, so contrary to all truth
+    and justice; and that I hoped you would not give credit to it, but
+    rather on hearing it mentioned by any one, would show the
+    falsehood as it is. But in the meantime, while the Priest is yet
+    on his journey, I have learned from good authority that the book
+    has been printed and published, curtailed indeed of that story,
+    which is, however, circulated in manuscript through the hands of
+    many, with every circumstance and embellishment; whence has arisen
+    the general opinion that I am the person there spoken of, the
+    testimony of a Priest being alleged, who says that he has heard me
+    boast of it. Truly I cannot sufficiently express my astonishment
+    on perceiving that there can be found a Catholic, and if a Priest
+    so much the worse, who has so shameless a conscience as to dare
+    assert what he must necessarily know to be false, and injurious to
+    one who never did him any harm or injury whatever. This I can
+    affirm of myself with respect to every Priest in England, to many
+    of whom I have often afforded assistance, but, to my knowledge,
+    have never offended one. Your lordship, moreover, must be aware
+    how very improbable it is that I should boast of a crime so false,
+    so horrible. Now, with all due reverence, I call God to witness
+    that I had no more knowledge of the conspiracy than a new-born
+    infant might have; that I never heard any one mention it; that I
+    had not even a suspicion of the provision of gunpowder for the
+    mine, excepting only when the Plot was detected, made public, and
+    known to every one, and when the conspirators appeared openly in
+    arms in the county of Warwick; then only did I hear of it for the
+    first time, by a message brought to the place where I resided; and
+    this place was so ill provided that of itself it proved I could
+    have no knowledge of the conspiracy, either from the expressions
+    of others or from my own suspicions; there being in that place
+    neither men nor arms sufficient to defend us from the marauders,
+    who on every occasion of similar commotions issue forth and unite
+    in bodies for plunder. Neither did this happen for want of
+    sufficient means to furnish and reinforce the house with men and
+    arms, but solely because we had no suspicion of a commotion, much
+    less any knowledge of a conspiracy. Besides this, the accomplices
+    in the Plot were subjected to the most rigorous examination, and
+    questioned concerning me; and although some of them under the
+    torture named one or others of those who were privy to the
+    conspiracy, nevertheless all constantly denied it of me. Sir
+    Everard Digby, who of all the others, for many reasons, was most
+    suspected of having possibly revealed the secret to me, protested
+    in open court and declared that he had often been instigated to
+    say I knew something of the Plot, but that he had always answered
+    in the negative, alleging the reason why he had never dared to
+    disclose it to me, because, he said, he feared lest I should
+    dissuade him from it. Therefore the greater part of the Privy
+    Councillors considered my innocence established, it being proved
+    by the concurrent testimony of so many, and by a letter in which I
+    defended and cleared myself from such a groundless suspicion. In
+    that letter, besides the reasons therein produced in proof of my
+    innocence, I protested before Heaven and earth that, so far from
+    being engaged in the conspiracy, I was as ignorant of it as man
+    could be. Being at that time in imminent danger of falling into
+    the hands of the Privy Councillors, who with the most refined
+    diligence sent in every direction in quest of me, I had thoughts
+    of surrendering myself up to every torment imaginable, and what is
+    more to be regarded, to the terrible and disgraceful charge of
+    perjury, if having me in their power they could convict me, by
+    legal proof, of being privy to the conspiracy. There was a time,
+    when under Elizabeth they held me prisoner for something more than
+    three years, during which period, many times and in as many ways
+    as they chose, did they examine me, to discover in general if I
+    had ever meddled in affairs of State. I challenged them to produce
+    in proof a single character in my hand, a single word, or anything
+    else sufficient to show it, and then to punish me when convicted
+    with the most cruel death that could be inflicted. There never was
+    brought forward the smallest trace or shadow of a proof. How much
+    more improbable is it that I should consent to a Plot so inhuman,
+    I who, from the natural disposition of my soul, independently of
+    supernatural motives, hold in abhorrence everything that has the
+    smallest appearance of cruelty. This I can affirm with truth, that
+    from the time I first embraced the profession of life in which I
+    am engaged, down to the present moment, I have never, by God's
+    mercy, desired the grievous harm, much less the death, of any man
+    in the world, although he may have been my most inveterate enemy:
+    how could I then have had any hand or part in the sudden,
+    unexpected, and on that account tremendous death of so many
+    personages of such high quality, for whom I have ever borne the
+    greatest respect. A person was employed to scatter copies of my
+    forementioned letter through various streets of London, and one in
+    particular was delivered to the Earl of Northampton, and by him
+    laid before the King, on whom my reasons so far prevailed to his
+    satisfaction that he would have desisted from the rigorous search
+    made after me, had not Cecil, for his own private ends, rendered
+    him more violent than ever. For being persuaded that some of the
+    conspirators had plotted against his life in particular, and
+    knowing that most of them were my friends, he hoped if he could
+    once lay hold of me, to find out from me how many and who were the
+    conspirators. For this sole reason he never rested until he had
+    again persuaded the King, as a thing evidently known to him and
+    clearly demonstrated, that I was not only an accomplice but the
+    ringleader in the Plot, and therefore to be the first named in the
+    proclamation; which was so done. Perceiving from this that the
+    persecution was not likely to abate, and that I might be
+    discovered and arrested, I took the advice to withdraw myself for
+    a time, and to 'give place to wrath,' and, after so many years of
+    hard labour in England, with the Apostles 'to come apart into a
+    desert place and rest a little:' nor was there any other principal
+    motive of my leaving the kingdom. In fine, this is the simple
+    naked truth; I was totally ignorant of the provision of gunpowder
+    and of the mine; I was and I am as innocent of this and of every
+    other conspiracy as your lordship or any other man living; and
+    this I affirm and swear upon my soul, without any equivocation
+    whatsoever; in such sort, that if the facts do not correspond
+    truly to the meaning of the words, or if I had any information of
+    the forementioned Plot before it was made public to the whole
+    world, as I have before said, I own myself guilty of perjury
+    before God and men; and as far as it is true that I had no
+    knowledge of it, so far and no more do I ask mercy at the throne
+    of God: and it is very probable that it will not be long before I
+    must appear at the divine tribunal, considering my age and the
+    present contagion in the neighbourhood; for if it should reach us
+    it is hardly possible I can escape, on account of the assistance
+    which it is my duty to render to this Community, whose souls are
+    committed to my care.(218) Therefore I am induced to hope that
+    your lordship will not consider me so careless and prodigal of my
+    eternal salvation, after having spent so many years in no other
+    employment than that of seeking to know and to accomplish the will
+    of God, and of teaching the same to others, as to be now willing
+    to burthen my conscience and risk the salvation of my soul by a
+    protestation so solemn and spontaneous, if my conscience were not
+    pure, my cause evident, and my words true in all sincerity. Now,
+    as I doubt not that God, the Supreme Judge, Who sees and knows all
+    things, will pass sentence on my cause according to its merits, so
+    I hope that your lordship, now knowing me to be innocent, will not
+    wish me to appear guilty, by permitting to stand against me
+    without contradiction an accusation so false and of such enormous
+    infamy. Since this accusation derives its greatest force from the
+    authority of your lordship, who, it is publicly said, gives credit
+    and support to it, I beseech you, by that love which you have for
+    charity and justice, to oppose the falsity of the calumny by the
+    truth of this my justification. With respect to the Priest,
+    whoever he may be, by whose false allegation your lordship appears
+    to have been deceived, I desire with all my heart he may meet with
+    true repentance before he dies, so that we may all live together
+    and love God in a blessed eternity."
+
+
+Next, we find, in Father Henry More's _History of the English Province
+S.J._,(219) a letter from Father Thomas Fitzherbert, Rector of the English
+College at Rome, of which house Father Gerard was then Confessor. It is
+not necessary for us to translate it from his Latin version, as it exists
+in English amongst the Stonyhurst MSS.(220) It is dated some months later
+than the foregoing letter of Father Gerard, and was sent by Mutius
+Vitelleschi, General of the Society, to the Bishop of Chalcedon, by the
+hands of Fathers Henry Floyd and Thomas Bapthorpe, who were at the same
+time bearers of a second letter from Father Gerard to Bishop Smith,
+extracts from which we subjoin, translated from Bartoli.(221)
+
+
+    "Right Rev. and my honorable good Lord,--Having understood that one
+    of our Society hath been of late traduced, _tacito nomine_, in a
+    printed book as to have bragged that he had sweat in working in
+    the Powder Plot, and that your lordship have named him, and as it
+    seemeth, dost believe him to be Father John Gerard, I think myself
+    obliged to represent to your lordship's consideration some things
+    concerning him, and that matter, as well in respect of the common
+    bond of our religion and his great merits, as also for that he is
+    at this present under my charge (albeit I acknowledge myself
+    unworthy to have such a subject), and lastly for the knowledge I
+    have had many years of his innocency in that point ever since that
+    slanderous calumny was first raised by the heretics against him,
+    at which time I myself and many other of his friends and kinsmen
+    did very diligently and curiously inform ourselves of the truth
+    thereof, and found that he was fully cleared of it even by the
+    public and solemn testimony of the delinquents themselves, namely
+    of Sir Everard Digby (with whom he was known to be most familiar
+    and confident), who publicly protested at his arraignment that he
+    did never acquaint him with their design, being assured that he
+    would not like of it, but dissuade him from it; and of this I can
+    show good testimony by letters from London written hither at the
+    same time, bearing date the 29th of January, in the year 1606.
+    Therefore, to the end that your lordship may the better believe
+    it, I have thought good to shew the same to some very credible
+    persons, who are shortly to depart from hence, and do mean to
+    present themselves to your lordship, of whom you may (if it please
+    you) understand the truth of it. Besides that for your better
+    satisfaction, I have also by our right reverend Father General's
+    express order and commission commanded him in their presence upon
+    obedience (which commandment we hold by our Rule and Institute to
+    bind, under pain of mortal sin) to declare the truth whether he
+    had any knowledge of that Powder Plot or no, and he hath in their
+    presence protested upon his salvation, that he had never any
+    knowledge of it, either by Sir Everard Digby, or any other, until
+    it was discovered, and that he came to know it by common fame;
+    besides that alleged many pregnant proofs of his innocency therein
+    which I omit to write, because he himself doth represent them to
+    your lordship by a letter of his own; and of this also the
+    witnesses aforesaid may inform your lordship if you be not
+    otherways satisfied. In the meantime, I have only thought it my
+    part to give this my testimony of his solemn protestation and
+    oath, and withal to send to your lordship the enclosed copies of
+    two clauses of letters from England and Flanders touching this
+    matter, not doubting but that your lordship's charity will move
+    you to admit the same as sufficient to clear him of that calumny,
+    seeing there was never any proof produced against him, nor yet any
+    ground of that slander but the malicious conceit and suspicion of
+    heretics, by reason of his acquaintance with some of the
+    delinquents, in which case a solemn protestation and oath, as he
+    hath freely and voluntarily made, may suffice both in conscience
+    and law for a canonical purgation to clear him from all suspicion
+    as well of that fact as of all collusion or double dealing in this
+    his protestation, especially seeing he hath always been not only
+    _integerrimae famae_, but also of singular estimation in England for
+    his many years' most zealous and fruitful labours there, and his
+    constant suffering of imprisonment and torments for the Catholic
+    faith. Besides that, he hath been ever since a worthily esteemed
+    and principal member of our Society, and given sufficient proof of
+    a most religious and sincere conscience, to the edification of us
+    all. This being considered, I cannot but hope that your lordship
+    will rest satisfied of his innocency in this point, and out of
+    your charity procure also to satisfy others who may have, by any
+    speech of your lordship's, conceived worse of him than he hath
+    deserved; for so your lordship shall provide as well for the
+    reparation of his fame as for the discharge of your own
+    conscience, being bound both by justice and charity to restitution
+    in this case, as I make no doubt but that your lordship would
+    judge if it were another man's case; yea, and exact also of others
+    if the like wrong had been done either to yourself, or to any
+    kinsman, dear friend, or subject of yours, all which he is to me;
+    and, therefore, I am the bolder, I will not say to expect this at
+    your lordship's hands (because it doth not become me), but humbly
+    to crave it of you as a thing which I shall take for a favour, no
+    less to myself than to the Society; and so this to no other end, I
+    humbly take my leave, wishing to your lordship all true felicity,
+    this 15th of March, 1631.
+
+    "Your lordship's humble servant,
+
+    "THOMAS FITZHERBERT."
+
+    "Ex literis P. AEgidii Schondonchii Seminarii Audomarensis Rectoris
+    1 Martii 1606:
+
+    " 'Dum has scribo accepi literas recentissime datas a viro claro
+    quibus significavit Dominum Everardum Digbaeum, dum a Judicibus
+    pronuntiaretur in eum mortis sententia, coram eisdem protestatum
+    esse nullum penitus in Anglia Jesuitam hujus rei fuisse conscium,
+    Nam, inquit, familiaris Patri Gerardo si quis alius, neque unquam
+    ausus fui indicare tantillum, veritus ne conaretur frangere
+    nostros conatus. Itaque sancte asseruit se id solo ex puro
+    Catholicae ac Romanae Ecclesiae zelo neque ullo alio humano respectu
+    suscepisse.'
+
+    "Out of the letter of Father Michael Walpole written to Father
+    Persons, the 29th of January, 1606:
+
+    " 'Touching Gerard's letter which I have seen, I can only say this
+    much, that it seemeth to me to be so effectual, as nothing can be
+    more, so that I am fully persuaded that the King's Majestie
+    himself and the whole Council remain satisfied of him [in] their
+    own hearts, and his Majesty is reported for certain to have
+    declared so much in words upon the sight of his letter.'
+
+    "In the end, after his name, he writeth as followeth:
+
+    " 'This letter is confirmed since by Sir Everard Digby's speech at
+    his arraignment, in which he cleared all Jesuits and Priests (to
+    his knowledge) upon his salvation. And in particular, that though
+    he was particularly acquainted with Gerard, yet he never durst
+    mention this matter, being fully assured that he would be wholly
+    against it, to which my Lord of Salisbury replied, affirming the
+    contrary, and that he knew him to be guilty.' "
+
+
+The first extract of the letter enclosed from Father Gerard runs thus:
+
+
+    "It is known to all how those of any blood have loved and served
+    King James. My father knew it to his cost, for he was twice
+    imprisoned for attempting to set free the glorious Queen Mary, the
+    King's mother, and to secure the succession to her children: which
+    intent of his own was so clear to the Ministers of State, that
+    besides imprisonment, to purchase his life of them cost him some
+    thousands of crowns, especially the first time when there were but
+    three accused and he one of them, and of the other two, one lost
+    his life. Of all which King James was mindful when he came from
+    Scotland to be crowned King of England, and my brother at York
+    offered him his service and that of all his house. 'I am
+    particularly bound,' said he, 'to love your blood, on account of
+    the persecution that you have borne for me, and of that his love
+    he there gave him the first pledge by making him a Knight.' "(222)
+
+
+The remaining extract concludes our series of exculpatory letters:
+
+
+    "I send your lordship a copy of the three letters that I wrote to
+    three Councillors of State, that you may see in them how I trusted
+    to my innocence, when I offered to put it to the proof in the two
+    ways which I there proposed to them. Further than this, though the
+    conspirators had been put to death, and I saw that the course
+    proposed by me to the Councillors was not accepted, while the
+    matter was fresh, and I yet in London, I requested of our Fathers
+    that I might present myself in person to the Council of State,
+    which I would have done had they but given me leave; and if the
+    Council would have proceeded against me, not on the score of
+    religion, but for the conspiracy only, which alone was in
+    question, and for which, if they had found me guilty of it, they
+    might have done to me their very worst. This request I can swear
+    that I made and renewed several times to our Fathers, and there
+    are some yet alive who can bear witness to it; but it did not seem
+    good to them to consent to it."
+
+
+The matter does not seem to have rested here, unless there is some mistake
+in a date, for Dr. Lingard(223) quotes from a MS. copy, dated April 17,
+1631, an affidavit made by Anthony Smith, a Secular Priest, before the
+Bishop of Chalcedon, "that in his hearing, Gerard had said in the
+Novitiate at Liege, that he worked in the mine with the lay conspirators
+till his clothes were as wet with perspiration as if they had been dipped
+in water; and that the general condemnation of the Plot was chiefly owing
+to its bad success, as had often happened to the attempts of unfortunate
+generals in war." It would seem as if this were a repetition of the
+original accusation, in answer to which the letters given above were
+written. Of the attack on Father Gerard, Dr. Lingard says, "For my own
+part, upon having read what he wrote in his own vindication, I cannot
+doubt his innocence, and suspect that Smith unintentionally attributed to
+him what he had heard him say of some other person."(224)
+
+
+
+
+XXXIV.
+
+
+It remains for us only to give an account of the manuscripts that have
+been used as well in the Narrative of the Powder Plot as in the
+Autobiography of its author.
+
+Father Christopher Grene, who was English Penitentiary at St. Peter's,
+died in Rome in 1697.(225) This Father was a most diligent collector of
+all the documents that related to the history of the persecutions of
+Catholics in England.(226) He copied volumes of such documents, several of
+which are still extant. In one which is preserved at Stonyhurst, entitled
+by him, _Miscellanea de Martyribus et Persecutione in Anglia signanda
+lit._ M. ... _incept. anno 1690_, he informs us that there were various
+books called _Collectanea_ in the Archives of the English College at Rome,
+distinguished by the letters of the alphabet, of the contents of which he
+gives us an account. At folio 51 we have: "Ex libro Collectaneorum in
+folio signato lita _C_ in Archo Colli Angl. hoc die 24 Jan. 1689. A
+relation of ye Gunpowder Treason and of Father Garnett's araignmt and
+martyrdome, &c., written by Father John Gerard: 'tis ye the original
+written soon after ye sayd martyrdome. It contains 85 sheetes of paper,
+and is an excellent work, and should be printed." After a short analysis
+of the book, the pages quoted agreeing with the Stonyhurst MS. of the
+Narrative, we have, "A p. 176 in eod. libro Collectan. _C_ una relatione
+del P. Filippo Bemondo(227) della sua Missione in Inghilta," &c. The last
+page of the Stonyhurst MS., bearing the endorsement, "A Relation of ye
+Gunpowder Treason, ye execution, &c. Also of F. Garnett's arrayment," is
+numbered 176. The first page bears in Father Grene's handwriting the
+inscription, "Of the Gunpowder Treason, written by F. John Gerard, _alias_
+Tomson, it is the originall." We are thus enabled to recognize our
+manuscript as the commencement of Father Grene's volume _C_. The
+subsequent history of the MS. is related in the two following letters,
+which Dr. Oliver appended to the copy that he made of the Narrative. It is
+only necessary to add that the Rev. Marmaduke Stone, to whom the second
+letter is addressed, transferred the Academy of Liege (as it was called
+after the suppression of the Society), of which he was made President in
+1790, to Stonyhurst, in 1794. In 1803 he was appointed Provincial in
+England by the General of the Society in Russia. In all probability,
+therefore, the MS. was given by Father Thorpe to Father Stone, at Liege,
+and by him was brought to Stonyhurst, where it now is.
+
+                  -------------------------------------
+
+The following extract is taken from a letter addressed by the Rev. John
+Thorpe from Rome, August 12, 1789, to Henry, eighth Lord Arundell.
+
+
+    "The collection of ancient papers at the English College here
+    consisted of two sorts. The first belonged to the Stuart family,
+    and was deposited there only after the old Chevalier retired into
+    Italy. Neither Rector nor any other person in the College knew
+    anything of the contents, which were locked up in a strong
+    chamber, of which the keys were kept in the Palace of SS.
+    Apostoli, and everything was carefully removed to that palace
+    several months before the oppression of the Society. The other
+    collection related to ecclesiastical matters, from the time of
+    Henry VIII. to the beginning of the present century; it had been a
+    repository of all papers and letters of many indefatigable men in
+    preserving a faithful remembrance of whatever was interesting to
+    religion during that period. But different removals of these
+    papers, which were very many, had thrown them into disorder.
+    Father Booth can tell in what state he left them. I have before
+    mentioned to your lordship a MS. relating to our British saints,
+    written in the manner of a calendar, in which many curious
+    passages of history frequently occurred. I do not think it had
+    been seen either by Father Alford (who wrote the annals of our
+    British Church up to the year 1180) or by Mr. Wilson, who digested
+    the English Martyrology that was daily read at St. Omer. Other
+    MSS. of this kind were also in the same place, while I lived in
+    the College. Afterwards, when the storm began to blacken over us,
+    divers attempts were made to put these papers into a place of
+    security; but every means miscarried. They never belonged to the
+    College, and among what are the College archives many very
+    interesting papers remain belonging to the Jesuits. The papers
+    above mentioned were finally destroyed by one accident or another,
+    to prevent further fears of molestation in those days of arbitrary
+    persecution. If anciently there had been any valuable MSS. in the
+    old hospital, they were supposed to have been removed when it was
+    converted to the purpose of a College, because scarce anything
+    more than accounts of pilgrims, house expenses, and like articles,
+    remained under that date, and even these in no regular order. Thus
+    I apprehend that no material intelligence of remote historical
+    facts can be gathered from hence.
+
+    "I will now venture to tell your lordship of a curious MS. that a
+    very unforeseen accident brought into my hands, at a considerable
+    distance of time from the oppression of the Society, and from the
+    total removal of the Jesuits from the College. It is a long
+    account of the Gunpowder Plot, from beginning to the end in the
+    original handwriting of Father John Gerard. It is a folio volume
+    of about 300 pages, composed with an extensive knowledge of the
+    persons concerned, and of whom several curious anecdotes are
+    recounted. Father John Gerard suffered much on occasion of that
+    Plot, wherein the prosecutors tried every means to involve him in
+    one manner or another. During the plundering and ransacking of the
+    Houses at the oppression, such an account was reported to have
+    been found in the Novitiate by the notorious Alfani, and it
+    immediately was sought for by our countrymen, and instructions
+    were said to have come from our Court at London for obtaining it
+    at any price. But on further examination that account contained no
+    more than relations of the religious lives and edifying death of
+    those Jesuits who suffered on that occasion. I have never heard
+    what became of those papers, but suppose them to have been
+    destroyed, with very many others of no less edification. I must
+    find some good place wherein to deposit the relation above
+    mentioned; it is very curious, though it contains no new
+    intelligence of the fact described in it. It is written with a
+    singular candour that distinguishes the good religious man, and
+    with a politeness that marks the gentleman. Your lordship may
+    signify all this with my best respects to Mr. More" [the last
+    English Provincial before the suppression], "desiring his counsel
+    on the manner of disposing of this valuable MS., every line of
+    which may be esteemed a relic for the eminent sanctity of the
+    writer."
+
+
+Lastly, we have an extract from a letter written from Rome, March 26,
+1791, by the Rev. John Thorpe to the Rev. Marmaduke Stone, President of
+the English Academy at Liege.
+
+
+    "Among other things with me is one very singular piece, which I
+    look upon as a kind of property of your House, at least in the
+    light wherein it stood twenty years ago. It is an original folio
+    MS. all in the handwriting of venerable Father John Gerard,
+    wherein he gives an ample relation of the Gunpowder Plot; and it
+    is, I believe, the only relation extant that was written by a
+    person accused of being in any manner acquainted of it. This
+    article demands your secrecy, and it is earnestly recommended to
+    it; but your counsel is also asked, where and how this rare
+    _depositum_ should be placed. Religion has nothing to fear from
+    it. A summary of its contents was sent some time ago to England,
+    and was in the hands of Lord Arundell. At the time of the
+    Society's suppression here, a commission came hither from England
+    (supposed to be given by the Court) for purchasing at any rate, if
+    any such relation should be found among the Jesuits' archives. A
+    long Latin account of Father Garnett's sufferings was triumphantly
+    seized among the papers of the Novitiate, and occasioned the
+    vulgar mistake of what was sought being really found; but the
+    contents, when understood, notoriously demonstrated the contrary.
+    This is written in English, in that easy devout style for which
+    everything of the writer is remarkable. It is a valuable relic."
+
+
+Though we cannot exactly determine the date of the MS., we can approximate
+to it pretty nearly. First of all, it is clear from the mention of Sir
+Thomas Gerard's knighthood at p. 27, that the book was written before the
+creation of baronets in 1611. At page 282, Father Southwell's martyrdom is
+said to have happened eleven years before. As he died in 1595, and Father
+Gerard escaped from England in May, 1606, the Narrative would seem to have
+been written in the latter part of that year. We have, besides, Father
+Grene's statement that it was "written soon after the martyrdom" of Father
+Garnett, and Father Gerard's own assertion in his Autobiography: "I
+myself, when I came from England to Rome, was ordered to put in writing an
+account of the whole affair, and did so as well as I could."
+
+The original MS. of the Autobiography no longer exists. Father Grene had
+seen it; for an analysis of it, _transcript. ex autographo ipsius_, in his
+hand is in the second volume of the MSS. kept at Stonyhurst under the name
+of _Collectanea_, which we have quoted under the letter _P_. The MS. we
+have used,(228) which belongs to Stonyhurst, bears the title, "Narratio
+Patris Joannis Gerardi de rebus a se in Anglia gestis." It purports to be
+a copy from an original at the Novitiate of St. Andrew, in the hands of
+Father Francis Sacchini, the historian. We have no means of knowing
+whether it is the same copy as that which existed, according to Father
+Grene,(229) in the volume of the _Collectanea_ called _D_, in the English
+College at Rome. He mentions it under the title of "Narratio P. Joannis
+Gerardi de tota vita sua. Copia." The Autobiography was composed in 1609,
+as is plain from the mention of Robert Drury's martyrdom, which our author
+says happened two years before the time when he was writing. This good
+Priest suffered at Tyburn, Feb. 26, 1607.
+
+We now leave Father John Gerard in the hands of the reader, parting from
+him with sincere respect, and sharing good old Father Grene's affection
+for him, who in some notes, written in preparation, apparently, for an
+English Menology, has set down as applicable to Father Gerard the phrases,
+"Non ipse martyrio, sed ipsi martyrium defuit," and, again, the Church's
+antiphon for St. Martin, "O beatum virum, qui totis visceribus diligebat
+Christum! O sanctissima anima, quam etsi gladius persecutoris non
+abstulit, palmam tamen martyrii non amisit."
+
+
+
+
+Additional Notes.
+
+
+P. x. and p. 26.--Elizabeth, the mother of John Gerard, was the eldest of
+the three daughters and co-heiresses of Sir John Port, and at her father's
+death, June 6, 1557, Etwall became the property of Sir Thomas Gerard. This
+is the "dwelling-house within two miles of" Tutbury "Castle where" Mary
+Queen of Scots "was kept," where Father Gerard lived when a child for
+three years. Sir John's second daughter, Dorothy, took Dale Abbey in
+Derbyshire to her husband, George Hastings fourth Earl of Huntingdon; and
+Margaret, the third daughter, by her marriage conveyed Cubley in the same
+county to Sir Thomas Stanhope, grandfather of the first Earl of
+Chesterfield.
+
+Father Gerard had three sisters, Mary, wife of John Jenison; Dorothy, wife
+of Edmund Peckham; and Martha, wife of Michael Jenison. In the British
+Museum (Harl. MSS. 6998, f. 197) there is a report, dated June 16, 1595,
+from Edward Cokayne, evidently a Derbyshire magistrate, of assistance
+given by him to William Newall, "one of the messengers of Her Majesty's
+Chamber," in searches in that county. The following paragraph relates to
+one of Father Gerard's sisters: "The first house that we searched
+according to his direction was the house of one Mr. Jenison, that married
+one of my Lady Gerard's daughters, she being a great recusant, and not her
+husband: howsoever, it is reported that there is great resort of
+strangers, but what they be, we cannot learn, neither at this time did we
+find any there, but pictures in the chambers according to their
+profession. Only one West that was a messenger between the seminaries was
+fled six weeks before we came, and whither he is gone, as yet we cannot
+learn."
+
+P. xii.--It is not easy to reconcile the dates at this period of Father
+Gerard's life. He could not have been nineteen when he went to France, for
+he lived at Rhemes three years, one at Clermont, and about a year in
+England before he was committed to the Marshalsea; he was a full year in
+that prison, and after his discharge his recognizances were renewed for
+perhaps another year before leaving England for Rome, and he was in the
+College about seventeen months before he was ordained Priest towards the
+close of 1587, when he yet wanted several months of the canonical age for
+the Priesthood, that is, twenty-five. From this we should gather that when
+he first went to Rhemes he was under seventeen, which would have been in
+1580.
+
+On the other hand, it is equally difficult to understand the date given in
+the Douay Diary, August or September, 1577, which would make him fourteen.
+Perhaps this was a visit to the continent before going to Oxford, which he
+says was when he was fifteen, spending a year there and two years
+afterwards with Mr. Leutner as a tutor. The Douay Diary has the following
+entry. "1577. Aug. 29 die, advenerunt ex Anglia Mr. Paschallus vir
+nobilis, et quidam Aldrigius mercator: eodem etiam tempore adventavit Mr.
+Gerrardus D. Tho. Gerrardi Equitis Aurati filius."
+
+P. xv.--The following is the entry respecting Father John Gerard in the
+_Liber Annalium_ of the English College at Rome: "Joannes Gerardus Anglus
+dioecesis Lichfeldiensis annum agens 23m, aptus ad theologiam positivam,
+receptus fuit in hoc Anglorum Collegium inter alumnos SSmi. D. N. Sixti V.
+a P. Gulielmo Holto hujus Collegii Rectore de mandato Illmi. Hippoliti
+Cardis. Aldobrandini Viceprotectoris sub die 5o Aprilis Anno Dni. 1587,
+cum fuisset antea Convictor per septem menses.
+
+"Anno Dni. 1587 mense ... accepit ordines minores, et mense Augusto
+Subdiaconatum, et Diaconatum 9o mense die 16."
+
+His name appears in the Pilgrims' Register of the English College, as
+having been there received Aug. 5, 1586 (Stonyhurst MSS., Father Grene's
+_Miscell. de Coll. Angl._, p. 19).
+
+P. xvi.--The Douay Diary gives us the dates of Father Gerard's arrival at
+Rhemes and his departure thence, together with the names of his
+fellow-travellers. It is clear that if they left Rhemes on the 26th of
+September, and remained at Eu until they could receive an answer from
+Rome, they could not possibly have landed in England so soon as the end of
+October. "1588. Sept. 21 die, Roma ad nos venerunt D. Rodolphus Buckland,
+D. Joannes Gerard filius D. Thomae Gerard Equitis Aurati, D. Arthurus
+Stratford" [whom Gifford, the spy, called Shefford], "D. Edouardus Oldcorn
+presbyteri. Die 26 Angliam ituri discesserunt D. Jo. Gerard, D. Rodolphus
+Buckland, D. Arthurus Stratford et D. Edouardus Oldcorn."
+
+P. xxx.--In the Public Record Office (_Domestic, Eliz._, vol. 244, n. 7)
+are two forms of indictment of Richard Jackson, Priest, for saying Mass,
+and of various members of the Wiseman family for being present at Mass, on
+the 25th August and the 8th September, 34 Eliz., 1592. The endorsement is
+"Masse-mongers."
+
+P. xxxviii.--Line 22, for "Worcestershire" read "Warwickshire." See p. 282.
+
+Pp. xlv., lxx.--In his examination Brother Emerson frankly acknowledged
+himself to be a Jesuit Lay-brother, and "sometime Campion's boy." A copy
+of his examination is in the British Museum (Harleian MSS., 6998, f. 65).
+It is dated April 17, 1593, and bears the marginal note "Ley Jesuite."
+"Ralph Emerson of the bishopric of Durham, scholar, of the age of
+forty-two years or thereabouts, examined before Sir Owen Hopton, Knight,
+Mr. Doctor Goodman, Dean of Westminster, Mr. Dale, Mr. Fuller, and Mr.
+Young, who refuseth to be sworn, but saith first that he hath [been] in
+prison these nine years--namely, three years and a quarter in the Counter
+in the Poultry, and the rest of that time hath been in the Clink--committed
+by Mr. Young for bringing over of books, called my Lord of Leicester's
+books as he saith, and hath been examined before Sir Francis Walsingham,
+and before Mr. Young, and before others divers times, and was never
+indicted to his knowledge.
+
+"Item, he confesseth that he is a Lay Jesuit, and took that degree at Rome
+fourteen years since, and was sometime Campion's boy, and sayeth when he
+took that Order he did vow chastity, poverty, and obedience to the
+Superior of their House, and if he sent him to the Turk he must go.
+
+"Item, being urged to take the oath of allegiance to Her Majesty, refuseth
+the same, and saith he may not take any oath.
+
+"Item, he saith he hath neither lands, goods, nor other living, but will
+not set down by whom he is maintained and now relieved.
+
+"Item, he refuseth to be reformed, and to come to Church, affirming that
+he will live and die in his faith.
+
+"Item, being demanded whether if the Pope should send an army into this
+realm, to establish that which he calleth the Catholic Romish religion, he
+would in the like case fight for the Queen's Majesty on her side against
+the said army, or on the army's side, saith that he will never fight
+against Her Majesty, nor against the religion which he professeth.
+
+"Concordat cum originali.--H. Fermor."
+
+P. xlvi.--Father Tesimond, in the Italian narrative already mentioned (p.
+ccxlviii) as forming part of Father Grene's volume _C_ (fol. 185), says
+that, when he came to England in 1597, Father Garnett was living in a
+house called Morecroftes, at Uxbridge, twelve or thirteen miles from
+London. There may have been a friendly house at Brentford, for this was
+their place of meeting on one occasion when they had suddenly to leave
+Uxbridge on account of a search.
+
+P. liii.--Dominam ipsam domus in suo cubiculo cum puellis suis clauserunt
+(MS.) More probably "with her daughters" than "with her maids." William
+and Jane Wiseman had three children, Jane, Dorothea, and Winifred. John
+who married Mary, daughter of Sir Rowland Rydgeley, had two daughters,
+Lucy and Elizabeth, and an only son, Aurelius Piercy Wiseman, who was
+killed in a duel in London in 1680. The following inscription on his
+grave, in Wimbish Church, is given by Wright (_History of Essex_, vol.
+ii., p. 134): "Here rest the sad remains of Aurelius Piercy Wiseman, of
+Broad Oak, in this parish, Esq., the last of the name of that place, and
+head and chief of that right worshipful and ancient family, who was
+unfortunately killed in the flower of his age, December 11, 1680."
+
+P. lvii.--From the _Life of Anne Countess of Arundel_, published in 1857 by
+the Duke of Norfolk (p. 308), we learn that, during the Earl's
+imprisonment, "she hired a little house at Acton, Middlesex, six miles
+distant from London."
+
+P. cxl.--Father Tesimond relates a search some two years earlier than this,
+in which Father Joseph Pollen escaped capture (Stonyhurst MSS., C, fol.
+184).
+
+Pp. clxvi. and cciii.--Sir Oliver Manners wrote the following letter in
+Italian to Father Aquaviva, General of the Society, from Turin, April 17,
+1612, shortly before his eldest brother's death (Stonyhurst MSS., _Angl.
+A._, vol. vi.). "I cannot tell you what comfort I received from the
+letters of your Paternity. The troubles I then had will tell it better
+than I can, for, when I was seriously ill, my brother the Earl sent to say
+that I was to expect no more help from England, as the King has entrusted
+my houses and estates to him, and would not permit him to send me a penny.
+Precisely at that moment the letters of your Paternity reached me, and
+seemed to me sent by the Lord to make me touch with my hand how His Divine
+Majesty never abandons those who hope in Him and suffer for His love; and
+as at that time I had a great desire of suffering more and more, if so it
+should please our Lord, so my strength returned to me far more rapidly
+than I could have expected, and thus I assured myself that it was the
+Divine will that I should reach my intended goal, there to do something
+for His service, _sive per vitam sive per mortem_. And so I undertook my
+journey, and have already reached Turin. To-morrow I start for Lyons. In
+England I cannot expect anything better than that which has befallen the
+Baron" [Vaux], "my companion, who is in prison by the King's express
+orders, and expects to lose all he has; for his mother is already
+condemned to the punishment called _praemunire_, that is, the loss of all
+temporalities and perpetual imprisonment, for refusing the oath of
+allegiance, as they call it. The grace I ask from God is so to bear myself
+that I may always show myself grateful for the many favours of your
+Paternity, as becomes a disciple of the Society, and for this intention
+with all humility I asked to be armed with your blessing, and I beg to be
+partaker of the Holy Sacrifices and prayers of your Paternity and of all
+the Society. In conclusion with all reverence I kiss your hand."
+
+P. clxxxiv.--The following is the confidential report made to the General
+respecting Father Gerard, previous to his profession. By a singular chance
+the paper in which it is contained is the only one of similar reports that
+has come to our hands. It is amongst the Stonyhurst MSS. (_Angl. A._, vol.
+vi.). Father Gerard's name is the ninth on the paper. We translate from
+the Latin: "Father John Gerard, English, forty-five years old, nineteen in
+the Society, twenty-one on the English mission." [The writer was not aware
+of the true date of his admission into the Society.] "He studied at Rome
+in the English College controversy and cases of conscience for four
+years." [These four years must include his three years residence at
+Rhemes.] "He was admitted in England, where he made his noviceship. He is
+a very spiritual man; he is endowed with an admirable power of gaining
+souls; he has also more than middling talent for preaching; and he is held
+to be not unfit for government. If these talents can supply the defect of
+learning, taking also into account all that he has suffered for the
+Catholic faith, then he is proposed for the four vows. It would be a
+consolation both to himself and to the many Catholics of note, by whom he
+is held in high esteem. But if not, then he is proposed for profession of
+the three vows."
+
+P. cxc.--Among the papers of Sir Edward Phelips, preserved at Montacute
+House, Somersetshire, of which a copy has been deposited in the Public
+Record Office by the Historical MSS. Commission, we have the examinations
+of two of Mrs. Vaux' servants, one of whom is the "Ric. the butler" of
+whom Lady Markham speaks.
+
+"The examination of Francis Swetnam, servant to Mrs. Elizabeth Vaux, and
+served her in the bakehouse, taken the third of December, 1605. Saith that
+he hath been a recusant these two years, but will now come to the Church,
+for that he had rather adventure his own soul than loosen his five
+children, but cannot give any reason why he should adventure his soul by
+coming to Church. Saith that he was taken in his mistress' house and
+brought up with her to London, but denieth that he was ever at any Mass,
+or that he knoweth any Priest, and cannot deliver any other material thing
+to be set down. The mark of Francis Swetnam, Jul. Caesar, Rog.r Wilbraham,
+E. Phelipps, Jo. Croke, George More, Walter Cope, Fr. Bacon, John
+Doddridge" (f. 25).
+
+"The examination of Richard Richardson, butler to Mrs. Vaux. He saith he
+hath served his mistress about six years, and hath not come to Church
+since he was eleven year old. Saith that since Midsummer last Catesby was
+at Harwardds [Harrowden] only one time, which was about St. Luke's Day;
+and Sir Everard Digby was there only twice, the former time about the 6th
+of August and the later time about St. Luke's Day; and that Francis
+Tresham was not there this twelvemonth; Mr. Rookwood these three years;
+and that Winter, Grant, Percy, Morgan, were never there during his
+service. And for matter of faith or revealing of Priests or Masses, he
+desireth to be spared, because it concerneth his soul. Richard Richardson,
+Jul. Caesar, Rog.r Wilbraham, Jo. Croke, John Doddridge, Walter Cope,
+George More, Fr. Bacon." _Endorsed_--"6 deg. December, 1605" (f. 32).
+
+These papers (f. 58 et seq.) likewise contain Serjeant Phelips' Brief for
+the prosecution of Sir John Yorke for complicity with the Powder Plot,
+about 1612. The first three of "five general heads" of accusation are: "1.
+That Gerard was received by Sir John Yorke both before and after the
+Powder Treason. 2. That secret passages and places were made for Gerard at
+Golthwaite. 3. That a private diet was provided for him." A few specimens
+of the evidence will show that, whoever it was who frequented Sir John
+Yorke's house, at all events it was not Father Gerard, who never set foot
+in England after May, 1606. Francis Brown: "He hath seen Gerard the Jesuit
+at Sir John Yorke's house called Golthwaite both before and after the
+Powder Treason. He hath seen Gerard the Jesuit within this seven years at
+least twenty times. The last time was at Audebroughe in Christmas last
+[1610], when Gerard lay secret in the house all the Christmas. And once he
+went up into the chamber where Gerard was sitting by the fire. And resteth
+assured that Sir John Yorke knows where Gerard is. That there was no half
+year passed since the Powder Treason but he saw him at one of Sir John
+Yorke's houses, and mentioneth four particular times." The marginal note
+is, "The servants to Sir John Yorke all deny the conveying of Gerard or
+the knowledge of him, whereof Johnson was put to torture and denied it."
+William Browne the elder "names the place where he met him in North Wales,
+soon after the Powder Treason and before the Proclamation." William Browne
+the younger: "On Martinmas Day was two years, in a Close called Burnings,
+near Sir John Yorke's house, near a ford, he met Johnson on foot, and a
+man like to the person described by the Proclamation to be Gerard on a
+mare of Sir John Yorke's called White Friar." Robert Joye: "As he was
+working in the hall at Golthwaite in the summer before the Powder Treason,
+about the later Lady Day in harvest, Marmaduke Lupton, the steward to Sir
+John Yorke, came to him and told him it was my lady's pleasure he should
+remove out of the hall and work in the buttery. Whereupon he removed into
+the buttery, and Lupton put the door to. Whereat he marvelling pulled open
+the door a little, and saw Lupton bring in a reasonable broad man. And the
+Lady Yorke came out of the parlour and met him in the entry that goeth to
+the kitchen, and up the stairs to the garret she said, 'Welcome, Mr.
+Gerard,' which this examinate perfectly heard, for there was but an inch
+board between. Mr. Gerard was carried up to the garret chamber, and
+remained there a month, not coming openly down. Heard Lupton, Grange, and
+Almond many times severally ask the cook secretly whether Mr. Gerard's
+meat were ready." Sampson Baines: "The Lady Yorke did use to appoint what
+meat he should dress for dinner, and what for the chamber, which was
+commonly two dishes and no more." The margin here has, Margaret Almond:
+"She carried no meat at any time to any strangers, saving such as were her
+master's and lady's friends. She made shift to carry up meat, though she
+go with a crutch and have but one leg."
+
+P. cxciii.--From the following letter it appears plain that the names of
+the Ambassadors are wrongly given. And a witness named Parsons, examined
+Dec. 12, 1605, says that a "Priest named Tempest went over with the
+Spanish Ambassador about Bartholomew-tide last" (Montacute Papers, f. 46).
+So the Conde de Villa Mediana left England in the latter part of August,
+1605.
+
+
+    Father Baldwin from Brussels to Father Persons at Rome, May 20,
+    1606. "Since my last, five days ago, arrived at --5 (St. Omers),
+    469 (Father Gerard), where also is one" [Richard Fulwood] "whom
+    456 (H. Garnett) was wont to use in all his chief business of
+    passage, receiving and retaining of all things. I take it he be
+    229 (Jesuit) also. They are yet 627 (secret), and so it is
+    requisite for a time, especially in that the 194 225 (Marquis
+    Ambassador) brought them, and by his dexterous and courteous
+    manner had great care of them. The Marquis of St. Germain came
+    hither two days ago, and both he and D. Blasco de Arragon came as
+    well informed of our English matters as I could wish. They have
+    made relation accordingly to the Nuncio, and this morning to me,
+    who have been with them a long while. They praise the courage and
+    constancy of Catholics marvellously, and have an apprehension of
+    the daily increase of them, as also that the better sort in
+    England are inclined Catholicly and such in profession. They speak
+    much of the zeal of the Lady of Shrewsbury and of the indignation
+    of the King, who, hearing of the manner of Father Ouldcorne's
+    death and requesting all Catholics to pray for him and say _De
+    profundis_, there were found so many to say that aloud, as they
+    were esteemed a great part of the number, and so many by signs and
+    voices to have given show of Catholic profession, as all were
+    amazed. Thus they report; and also that Father Garnett was to be
+    executed the day which they came away, in Paul's Churchyard,
+    although another writing from St. Omers says that it was deferred
+    the day following, for that the day first appointed was May Day,
+    and Father Garnett, being advertised of his death, should answer,
+    'What then, will you make a May-game of me?' Howsoever, it is held
+    for certain that he is dead, and that Marquis told the Nuncio that
+    therefore he departed the sooner, as unwilling to be present at
+    such a tragedy.... I think Father Gerard may live in these
+    countries after that Mr. Owen is delivered (of whom the Archduke
+    mindeth to have great care), yet he who is said to have had
+    correspondence with him, one Philips the decipherer, is now
+    committed to the Tower. And it were very necessary one of ours
+    remain in Paris, for which place Father Keynes might serve for a
+    time, at least in that he is not a man noted, and hath the French
+    tongue, as having lived there. Father Schondonch is of my opinion,
+    and Father Gerard will do well in his place after some month or
+    two, if things alter not much, for he can hardly be in any other
+    place in regard of his indisposition, if it be as I have heard. I
+    shall soon know more thereof. Father Lee were good in England in
+    my opinion, for the consolation of many of ours, and Father
+    Gerard's friends, all which I remit to your consideration."
+
+    The same to the same, July 3, 1606. "I have not as yet received
+    from England from any of our Fathers; only John Powell, the
+    interpreter of the Spanish Ambassador, relateth what passed at the
+    execution of Father Garnett, upon the 13th May Stylo Novo and the
+    3rd Stylo Vetere. He hath given exceeding satisfaction to all
+    sorts, and much confounded our enemies of the one sort and other.
+    He was drawn according to the usual manner to Paul's Churchyard
+    upon a hurdle and straw; his arms were not bound neither when he
+    was executed. Such concourse of people as hath not been seen....
+    The Spanish Ambassador would not remain in London that day; he
+    hath got his shirt, and some of his blood is sent to Spain, which
+    I have seen here, also his apparel is gotten, as I hear. Here now
+    is Richard Fulwood, who telleth me that Father Gerard is very sick
+    at St. Omers; that said you would have him come to Rome. I fear me
+    that journey will kill him."
+
+
+Father Gerard quickly rallied from his sickness, for in less than a
+fortnight after this he wrote from Brussels to Father Persons, under the
+pseudonym of Fr. Harrison. The letter is so characteristic of the man
+that, though long, we give it in full, from the original at Stonyhurst
+(_Angl. A._, vol. vi).
+
+
+    "July 15, 1606.
+
+    "Jesus. Maria.
+
+    "Pax C.ti.
+
+    "Most dear and respected Father,
+
+    "I have received your letters of the ---- last, wherein you show
+    your fatherly care and undeserved love unto me, as were sufficient
+    to bind unto you any grateful heart, although he were not tied
+    with former obligations. But I am so much and so many ways bound
+    unto you before by favours of the highest kind, that these do only
+    tie me unto you with new knots, though I was before so wholly
+    yours and so firmly tied that sincerely I had rather not to be
+    than be untied. I beseech you, sir, that you will be pleased to
+    present my humble duty unto Father General, in whose favour though
+    your good word do procure me that place which I can no ways
+    deserve, yet this I hope you may promise for me, that I will now
+    begin to do my best endeavours, that I may be framed in all things
+    as is fit for a child of that most holy family whereof he hath the
+    care, that both by my voice and hands he may acknowledge me for
+    his child, the better to deserve the blessing of so great and good
+    a father. I would now acknowledge my duty by letters, but that I
+    am ashamed of my Latin, and loath to trouble with so rude lines,
+    unless there were further occasion or that you thought it needful.
+    But I hope to come and do my duty in person so soon that it will
+    not be necessary to signify it by letters. I will stay as you
+    appoint until I have your letters for my coming forward, and in
+    the meantime will not be solicitous one whit, having no desire in
+    the world whereof I would not most willingly leave the whole care
+    unto you, and indeed desiring to have no other desires but yours
+    so far as I may be able to discern them, after that I have
+    expressed my reasons as I know you would have me to do, and after
+    that you know me better and my many great wants, which, that they
+    may be more exactly known unto you, makes me so desirous to be
+    with you for some time, howsoever it may please you to dispose of
+    me afterwards. And if the chief cause why you think it best for me
+    to stay awhile in these parts be for that you would have me secret
+    as yet, and especially not to be seen with you there whilst the
+    appellants are negotiating their uncharitable accusations of their
+    brethren, then I suppose you will think I may be fully as secret
+    there as here, if I be first wary in my coming into the town and
+    then be your prisoner for some time (which I most desire), and
+    then go to St. Andrew's, without visiting any holy places and
+    being seen in the town until you think it convenient. And because,
+    in my second and third letters, I expressed my earnest desire of
+    this private course at my first coming, I suppose I shall hear
+    from you in your next letter or the next but one, that you think
+    best I come forward, unless you wish my stay for some other
+    reasons than the desire of my being secret. I grant I might
+    perform my desire of some time of recollection either in Louvain
+    or in the new House if it go forwards, under Father Talbot; but I
+    have many reasons why I desire first to be with you for some time,
+    which I think you would allow of if you knew them. And I would be
+    glad also if it might be to begin in St. Andrew's, to draw there
+    some lively water out of the chiefest fountain, and this rather in
+    the winter than to come the next spring, because I much fear my
+    health if I be there in the heats. But after I have been there for
+    some time, for so long time as you shall think it convenient that
+    I stay in that school, I shall be glad to be Father Talbot's
+    Minister here, or to have some office of action under him, if my
+    health do require any exercise of body. I hear there is one
+    prepared for Minister that is very fit, but I could have care of
+    the Church, and then perhaps should get some stuff to furnish it
+    from some friends of mine in England; or I could have care of the
+    garden, for I am excellent at that (if you will permit me to
+    praise myself), for that was much of my recreation in England, and
+    I hope my brother will witness with me that he hath seen a good
+    many plants of my setting and tasted the fruit of some of them.
+    But indeed, dear Father, if it may stand with your liking, I would
+    be very glad to see you and be with you for some days before I
+    settle anywhere, how private soever my abode there be, either at
+    the first or for the whole time of my stay, as yourself shall see
+    it best. As for the settling of any with my friends, I have done
+    it before my departure, leaving my old companion and dear friend,
+    Father Percy, in the place where I was, who is so much esteemed
+    and desired by them as none can be likely to be more profitable.
+    Most of my other special friends I commended partly to Father
+    Antony [Hoskins], and partly to him, both which are most grateful
+    to all my friends and acquaintance, and indeed I know not any two
+    there that, in my simple opinion, better deserve it. As concerning
+    Father Roger Lee's going into England, if you please that I write
+    justly that I think, there be divers reasons for which I think it,
+    at this time, very inconvenient. First, in that he is so
+    profitable where he is, that it will not be easy to find another
+    will do so much good in that place; and, in one word to express my
+    opinion, for ought I see, the most good of the House, both for
+    external discipline and for progress in spirit, dependeth upon his
+    care and effectual industry, wherein I should think it more
+    needful to provide him more helpers of like desires and practical
+    endeavours (who would conspire with him and have talents to effect
+    both with the good Rector and with the scholars, that which they
+    should together find to be most expedient). The Fathers which be
+    there do very well, but all are not of like apprehensions and
+    proceedings, and I suppose if yourself did see all particulars,
+    you would think Father Roger to be a strong helper to the good of
+    that House, and that it would nourish much if it had some others
+    of his like. I know not where to name one upon the sudden, unless
+    it be Father Henry Flud [Floyd], whose zeal and practical
+    proceedings I think would be very profitable for that House, if he
+    may be spared, and truly in my opinion upon the good of that House
+    dependeth much the good and quiet of the other Colleges, besides
+    much edification to many, both friends and enemies, unto whom this
+    is a continual spectacle.
+
+    "But besides this reason (which alone I take to be sufficient) I
+    wish Father Roger's stay for the good he may hereafter do in
+    England, which I do hope will be great, and therefore great pity
+    it should now be lost before the fruit of so likely a tree can
+    come to ripeness. For, sir, yourself can better judge that none
+    can be much profitable in England until he have gotten
+    acquaintance there, and until his acquaintance by their trial of
+    him have gotten a great opinion and estimation of him, which then
+    they will spread from one to another, and every one will bring his
+    friend, who upon hearing will be desirous to try, but after trial
+    will say unto the friend that brought him, '_Jam non propter
+    sermonem tuum credimus sed ipsi_,' &c. By this means one shall
+    have, after some continuance, more acquaintances and devoted
+    friends than he can satisfy, and more business in that kind than
+    he can turn his hands unto; but this is supposing he may at the
+    first go up and down to get this acquaintance, and to be so known
+    unto many; and until he have means so to do, if he have never so
+    good talents, yet he shall not do so much good as a meaner person
+    that is better acquainted. Now in this time I do verily think, if
+    the laws be put in execution, there will be no means at all to get
+    acquaintance, but the best acquainted shall have difficulty to
+    help his known friends, and to be helped by them with safe places
+    of abode as [I have declared at] large in my last letters, and
+    they must lie much still and private and do [good part of] their
+    [work by means of le]tters. Therefore, although I know Father
+    Roger would be as much esteemed of my special friends as any that
+    could be sent (unless my brother [probably Sir Oliver Manners]
+    "had served his apprenticeship and were made a journeyman, for of
+    his skill and workmanship in framing the best wedding garment
+    there is great and general hope conceived) yet, things staying as
+    they do in England, and Father Roger so well acquainted now with
+    the place where he is, and thereby also more profitable there than
+    a stranger could be, although as fit for the place as himself
+    (which truly I think will be hard to find) my friends also being
+    already furnished in England: these reasons move me to think it
+    neither needful nor best that Father Roger go thither as yet:
+    which yet in a more quiet time I shall be bold to beg for, if I
+    see the College where he is so furnished that without great loss
+    it might want him. I find Father Roger desirous of England if it
+    were thought best, but wholly desirous to do that which yourself
+    do think most convenient, but when I urge him to speak his very
+    thoughts whether he do not think the College would be at want, he
+    cannot deny but that the College hath need rather of more than
+    less help, and surely I think if it were another's case of whom he
+    might with humility acknowledge how profitable he is, I do think
+    he would absolutely do his best to hinder it as I do."
+
+    "For the answer to your questions, though in my last long letters
+    I did in part answer to most of them before I received yours, yet
+    now I will briefly again set down my opinion to the several
+    points, Father Baldwin having written of them in his last, I being
+    at St. Omers; but now I am come to him, being advised by the
+    physician there to go to the Spa for the drying up of my rheum,
+    which here I shall take further counsel of, how far it is needful,
+    and whether the great rains have not made the waters of less
+    force. I am here private, and more private than I could be at St.
+    Omers whilst the banished Priests are passing by. I think I shall
+    hear within two or three posts your further pleasure; if not, I
+    will return and then begin to talk with the youths there, or do
+    any service I can as you appointed in your last. In the meantime,
+    with many humble thanks for your many undeserved favours, I rest
+    this 15th of July.
+
+    "Your Rev. son and servant wholly to command,
+
+    "FR. HARRISON."
+
+    Address--"Al molto Rev. in Christo Padre, il Padre Roberto
+    Parsonio, Rettore del Collegio delli Inglesi, Roma."
+
+
+To these we must add an extract from a letter of Father Persons dated
+December 29, 1606, and evidently written while Father Gerard was at Tivoli
+(Stonyhurst MSS., _P._, vol. ii., f. 447). "The man you name, to wit,
+Ger[ard] passed this way some months gone, but made little or no abode,
+lest offence might be taken thereat, only I can say that during the few
+days which he remained he gave great edification for his behaviour and
+sundry great testimonies of his rare virtue, but most of all of his
+innocency concerning that crime whereof he was imputed in the
+proclamation, about which himself procured that his General should
+judicially examine in presence of divers witnesses, commanding him _in
+virtute sanctae obedientiae_ to utter the truth therein to his Superior,
+whereupon he swore and protested that he was wholly innocent therein,
+which the rest of his behaviour doth easily make probable. I shall cause
+him to be advertised by the first commodity of the note you write about
+his friends."
+
+P. ccviii.--As Father Gerard certainly left Belgium in 1622, and therefore
+could not have been in the Tertianship at Ghent in 1624, there must be a
+mistake in the name of the Father who reconciled to the Church James, Lord
+Maltravers, in the July of that year, as related in the _Life of Anne
+Countess of Arundel_ (p. 232). It is there said that "before his death he
+was so fortunate as to be visited by Father John Gerard, a Priest of the
+Society, who, together with others, lived there" [at Ghent] "in the house
+which his grandmother a little before had erected.... By that Father he
+was in fine reconciled to the Holy Church."
+
+P. 240.--James Garney, servant to Sir Everard Digby, "confesseth the
+journey to St. Winifred's Well and the particular places where they lay,
+and that Darcy [Father Garnett] and Fisher [Father Percy] were with them,
+and the whole company thirty horse" (Montacute Papers, f. 52).
+
+Pp. 240 and 254.--Father Ouldcorne in his letter to the Privy Council (P.
+R. O., _Gunpowder Plot Book_, n. 214) says respecting the verse of the
+hymn of All Saints: "Also he [Father Garnett] told me they charged him
+with a prayer that he should pen or make against the beginning of this
+Parliament: but he said that he denied that ever he penned or made any
+such. 'Perhaps' (said he), 'they have heard that sometimes this summer I
+have wished Catholics to pray, for that we had cause to fear there would
+be more severe laws made against us this Parliament than had been as yet.
+Or else they have heard how sometimes upon occasions I have told how
+Cardinal Allen had got an indulgence of Gregory XIII. for all those that
+did devoutly for the conversion of England say that verse which is in the
+hymn of All-Hallow Day, _Gentem auferte perfidam_, &c., and the Psalm
+lxxviii., _Deus venerunt gentes_.' "
+
+P. 306.--Father Garnett to Anne Vaux from the Tower (P. R. O., _Gunpowder
+Plot Book_, n. 245). "Mr. Hall [Father Ouldcorne] dreamed that Father
+General would have him and me professed. He said that I was professed
+already. 'Yea,' quoth he, 'but I will have him professed of ten or eleven
+vows more.' And there were provided two fair tabernacles or seats for us.
+And so he awaked, and falling asleep again, had the same dream." Anne Vaux
+to Father Garnett (_ibid._, n. 246). "Mr. Hall his dream had been a great
+comfort, if at the foot of the throne there had been a place for me. God
+and you know my unworthiness. I beseech you help me with your prayers."
+
+
+
+
+
+A NARRATIVE OF THE GUNPOWDER PLOT.
+
+
+
+
+Jesus Maria. The Preface.
+
+
+The blessed Apostle, Master, and Teacher of us Gentiles, instructing the
+Romans in the cause and means of their salvation, affirmeth, that God hath
+ordained we must be conformed to the image of His Son, our Lord and
+Saviour Jesus, "Et quos praescivit (saith he) et praedestinavit conformes
+fieri imaginis filii sui."(230) Upon which place St. Jerome and other
+Doctors do teach that it is the will of God, both in this life and in the
+next, to frame and fashion us both in grace and glory unto that most
+perfect pattern.
+
+So that if we will reign with Christ, we must expect to suffer with Him in
+the way unto His Kingdom, "si compatimur et conglorificabimur: si
+commortui sumus et convivemus; si sustinebimus et conregnabimus."(231)
+Yea, with that condition we are accepted, and in that measure we must look
+to be rewarded, ut "sicut socii passionum sumus, sic simus et
+consolationis."(232)
+
+This, therefore, hath been the course and manner of proceeding of Almighty
+God with His elected servants; even from the beginning, and will continue
+unto the end of the world. So when there were but two men born upon the
+earth, and those brethren, yet one did persecute the other, the wicked did
+kill the innocent. The Patriarchs had all their several probations, and
+lived but as pilgrims in the world; the Prophets sustained many
+persecutions, and sundry of them were put to cruel deaths for avouching
+the truth. The best and chosen part of God's servants towards the end of
+the Old Testament were proved and purged with many tribulations, they were
+diversely tormented and slaughtered in such manner as that saying of the
+Prophet David was justly applied unto them, "Carnes sanctorum tuorum et
+sanguinem ipsorum effuderunt in circuitu Jerusalem, et non erat qui
+sepeliret."(233) And St. Paul doth reckon up in few words the many
+pressures both of those and other Saints of the Old Testament, saying,
+"Lapidati sunt, secti sunt, in occisione gladii mortui sunt, circuierunt
+in melotis," etc.(234)
+
+So that this being the case and condition of the servants and Saints of
+God even before the law of grace, much more may we expect, and it will be
+expected at our hands, that seeing now our King and Captain, Christ Jesus,
+doth go before us with a Cross, we should all, and each of us in
+particular, both willingly and joyfully take up our crosses and follow
+Him: seeing Truth Himself came down from Heaven to lead us by Himself this
+way unto life everlasting, good reason we should follow Him in the same
+path, "quia nemo venit ad Patrem nisi per eum."(235) If Christ did confirm
+it by many scriptures, "quod oportebat Christum pati, et sic intrare in
+gloriam suam,"(236) much more must we contend to enter in at the same
+gate, although it be narrow and strait, especially seeing we enter not
+into our own but into His glory. And it were a monstrous thing that the
+head should go in at one door, and the parts of the body in at another;
+neither can it be so, unless the parts be divided from the head, and
+consequently not quickened with the same spirit that giveth life to the
+body, than which nothing in this world should be so dreadful.
+
+This made the Apostles willingly to accept of that portion which Christ
+did leave them, as it were, for an inheritance in this world, when he
+said, "In mundo pressuram habebitis," and again, "plorabitis et flebitis
+vos, mundus autem gaudebit, vos autem contristabimini;"(237) that knowing
+well, that His promise was most assured, and that their sorrow should be
+turned in gladness, "et hoc gaudium nemo tolleret ab eis."(238)
+
+The same lesson have all the Saints of God learned and in all ages have
+practised. The vineyard of Christ was watered for 300 years together with
+continual showers of blood running abundantly out of the holy veins of
+slaughtered martyrs, from whence, although there did rise a plentiful
+harvest of famous conversions and gain of souls, and at the last succeeded
+the peace and propagation of the Church, in so much that crowns and
+sceptres of Kings and Emperors were submitted unto it, yet did not Peter's
+ship sail long with a prosperous gale, though Christ were in the ship, Who
+would not suffer it to sink; for He did sleep again, and suffer the bark
+to be tossed with many furious storms by Arians and other succeeding
+heretics who rising in several ages did impugn the verity of our Christian
+faith, as before the heathens had fought against the divinity of the
+Father, so then the Arians against the divinity and equality of the Son,
+and others in their times and turns against the several articles of the
+Creed, until the Grecians raised war also against the third principal part
+thereof, denying the procession of the Holy Ghost from the Son; and
+lastly, now, towards the end of the world, the heretics of our age, Luther
+and his progeny, do perfect that imperfect work, and fight against God's
+truth in the last articles of the Creed with all their force. Wherein,
+although the fury of their raging waves do beat in vain against the ship
+of Christ, against which "nec portae inferi praevalebunt,"(239) yet is the
+ship in the meantime in the midst of the storm, "motus autem magnus factus
+est in mari et navicula operitur fluctibus."(240) And this much more in
+our afflicted country of England for the present than in any other, which
+now may justly be said to be that "stagnum in quod descendit procella
+venti ita ut compleatur navis nostra fluctibus et periclitamur."(241) So
+that no marvel though His disciples be there troubled, though yet we
+should not be terrified, having Him ever present with us, "qui imperat
+ventis et mari et obediunt ei," and of Whom it is truly said, "Ego dormio,
+et cor meum vigilat."(242) For although He seem to wink for the time, and
+to dissemble the injuries that are done unto His servants, yet is His
+Heart awake, and His will doth both watch to defend and ward us from evil
+in the meantime, and He will in time, when He seeth it fit and best for
+us, impose silence to our adversaries, and give peace to His tried
+servants.
+
+This is then the state of this present age, and this the course which God
+hath ever continued from the first, to purge and perfect His Church by
+oppositions, by tribulations and afflictions; that He may hew the stones
+here hard by the quarry, which must afterwards be placed in their due
+order and ranks in His heavenly temple, where no blows with the hatchet
+must once be given, no sound of the hammer must be heard, that may hinder
+the happiness or disturb the harmony of that heavenly city. Here in this
+vale of misery all are beforehand fitted and prepared (as the Church doth
+sing in a holy hymn speaking of the like matter)--
+
+
+    Tunsionibus, pressuris,
+      Expoliti lapides,
+    Suis coaptantur locis
+      Per manus artificis,
+    Disponuntur permansuri
+      Sacris aedificiis.(243)
+
+
+And this being so, and so much to the advantage of those who are so
+exercised and perfected by the same, so prepared by crosses to receive
+crowns of everlasting glory, we may gather thereby both what mind they
+should be of, that are in the battle, and what their thoughts and actions
+that are lookers-on.
+
+For the first, no doubt but remembering Whose cause it is we do sustain,
+Whom we have for our King and Captain in the combat, and Who it is that
+hath promised to assist us in our sufferings, and to reward and crown us
+for our labours sustained and victories obtained in this spiritual battle.
+[As(244) before hath been touched,] there(245) is no doubt but we should
+think it most just and requisite to sustain all difficulties in the cause
+of so great and good a Lord, most honourable to follow such a Captain, and
+most comfortable and commodious to serve and suffer for such a
+[Master](246) and so true and liberal a [rewarder]; and therefore grant
+that we are bound by many titles with ready will and earnest desire, yea,
+with true contentment and assured confidence to bear the poise of this
+persecution.
+
+But it is no less apparent what in the meantime should be conceived of our
+case, and what should be performed by those that are not in the present
+labours which we poor men are forced to sustain, nor under the
+[scourge](247) which God for the time doth suffer to be laid upon us. No
+doubt but they also should humble themselves under the mighty hand of God,
+considering that their time of temptation and trial may also come (as it
+is an easy matter when one house is on fire for the next neighbours'
+houses to [take the same fire](248)), and withal that they are to conceive
+worthily and honourably of their brethren, whom they now see to be tried
+and purified in the furnace of many tribulations by the heavenly
+goldsmith, thereby the better to beat and fashion the metal of their
+eternal crowns; with whom in the meantime they should concur and cooperate
+by their charitable assistance in prayers and other helps.
+
+This may well be thought to be their part, and so they may expect to be
+partakers with us also in the retribution, which we expect at the hands of
+God. So doth the Apostle counsel the Corinthians, touching corporal
+assistance to their absent and afflicted brethren. Having praised the
+Macedonians for the like, he saith, "Non enim ut aliis sit remissio, vobis
+autem tribulatio, sed ex aequalitate. In praesenti tempore vestra abundantia
+illorum inopiam suppleat, ut et illorum abundantia vestrae inopiae sit
+supplementum," etc.(249) In like manner may we desire and expect help from
+our neighbours, that they out of the abundance of their present peace and
+power to do us good, will help in what they can, every one in that wherein
+he most aboundeth: Princes with their power and authority, in being
+mediators for us to our King for some mitigation of our afflictions;
+courtiers, in often soliciting for this help at their Princes' hands; the
+Clergy, by often offering the Divine Sacrifice, and holding up their hands
+with Moses unto God for us, that we may not faint in the battle;
+preachers, by often commending our case unto the people; the Religious, by
+applying their prayers and merit for the continuance and increase of our
+constancy; and secular persons, in such several manners as they are best
+able to perform; the wise, in commending and justifying our cause; the
+rich, in opening their purse unto our present needs, and maintaining of
+such scholars as are preparing in our seminaries to be workmen for the
+harvest. Yea, the poorest and meanest sort of our Christian Catholic
+brethren [abroad] may assist us much by their good wishes and good words
+when occasion is offered; and all by their daily prayers both to God and
+His Saints for us, "ut possimus accipere armaturam Dei, et resistere in
+die malo, et in omnibus perfecti stare," etc.(250) And so by this means
+assisting us about our tents and provision, either in furnishing or in
+guarding the same, although they be not present with us in the battle, yet
+will our just David give them their share and part in our victory and
+spoils, every one according to the measure of his aid and assistance.
+
+But here, if any do seem to complain of our want of constancy and patience
+in suffering--and some perhaps be rather ready to blame than to pity us, in
+regard of a late attempt of some Catholic [gentlemen](251) in our country,
+most worthy indeed to be blamed and misliked [for the rashness and
+temerity thereof]--we expect notwithstanding more equity and charity at
+their hands than to condemn the whole number for the error of a few, or to
+deem that action the effect of all our desires, or fruit of our
+endeavours; [whereas](252) the contrary is most true, and so testified by
+the chief of the [conspirators themselves](253), and proved by the process
+of all examinations and proceedings in law against the [said] delinquents,
+as shall after appear.
+
+(M1) Yea, the [dealers](254) in that tragical device had so little hope of
+help from other Catholics, either spiritual or temporal, towards their
+designments in that plot, that they neither did nor durst impart the same
+even to their nearest and dearest friends, in whom otherwise they had all
+confidence and trial both for secrecy and fidelity in other matters, as
+the chiefest and wisest amongst them all did testify at the bar in public
+audience. Neither did any Priest once dream of the matter, or so much as
+know of it by way of confession [or otherwise] until the [whole plot
+was](255) contrived, and had been [by all likelihood] put in execution if
+the Parliament had gone forward on the first or second days in which it
+was appointed. But when the said session was prorogued the third time, and
+some of the conspirators in long delays, [besides the general light which
+they presumed to have drawn by certain obscure questions which to that end
+they had proposed, though their purpose was not understood by them that
+gave the answers,] were desirous to have some [more particular] advice of
+some one or two of the most learned and virtuous they could find, they
+opened the matter in confession unto one of the Society, and by him in
+like manner unto his Superior, with most strict charge unto both of all
+secrecy, according to the privilege and seal of that holy Sacrament. At
+which time the Superior did not only charge the other to dissuade and
+forbid that unlawful and inhuman action, but did likewise by all lawful
+means himself seek to hinder it, as shall appear in the sequel of [the
+ensuing narration](256).
+
+If then they had neither help nor heartening, neither counsel nor
+encouragement from any Catholic [man and much less Priests, but rather to
+the contrary from](257) those few that by chance, and in that most secret
+manner, came to know of it much against their will, how can it then be
+laid unto the rest? How can others be blamed for it where all were
+ignorant of the matter [except only the said](258) two persons, and those
+did seek to hinder it with all their power? Doth equity or charity permit
+to lay the fault on those that were not guilty? or to attribute part of
+the blame to those that were noways partakers in the crime? Yea, doth not
+charity rather move the minds of just men to take pity and compassion of
+those few that were offenders [rather than] to be stirred with indignation
+against them, and for their sakes against others that are innocent? "Vera
+justitia (saith St. Gregory) compassionem habet, falsa vero
+dedignationem."(259) And doth not St. Bernard counsel us to excuse the
+fact if we can; if not (as in this present matter where it is so apparent
+to be evil), yet to excuse the intention; and in the hardest and plainest
+case that may be, at least to search out what motives and incentives they
+might have urging them to such an error.
+
+Truly, if we [may](260) judge of their minds by the words that came from
+them even when they had no hope of life, or by all the signs that were to
+be seen either in those that died in the field, or those that were put to
+public justice, [at the very last instant of their lives,] we should
+rather be moved to think that [not so much](261) impatience [as] zeal
+(although "non secundum scientiam") did stir them up to that strange and
+[violent](262) attempt, for so they all deeply and seriously protested at
+their death. Assuming belike the Machabees for their example, who seeing
+numbers of their brethren to suffer patiently the unjust oppressions of
+their adversaries, answering only in words unto them and saying, "Moriamur
+omnes in simplicitate nostra et testes erunt super nos coelum et terra quod
+injuste perditis nos."(263) They would not follow the example of their
+[said] brethren therein; [but being of more intolerant heat and fervour
+than the rest, said one to another](264), "Si omnes fecerimus sicut
+fratres nostri fecerunt et non pugnaverimus pro animabus nostris et
+justificationibus nostris, nunc citius disperdent nos a terra." This, [I
+say, seemed to have been in their minds and apprehensions](265) if we may
+judge of them by their carriage in their greatest extremities, with which
+also they opened unto the world other motives [both at their arraignment
+and death], which they thought to be of no small moment; as the many and
+great calamities they had long endured; the promises of toleration
+received from the King, now contradicted both in word and action; all
+hopes cut off of help from other Princes either by force or favour, seeing
+many of them would not so much as believe the persecution to be great, but
+rather give credit to their persecutors' tales, seeking by all subtle
+means and many instruments sent abroad for the purpose to have the
+contrary believed in foreign countries; which, with the general peace
+concluded [with all Catholic Princes round about], and no peace granted to
+Catholics, but their penalties increased, and like so to continue by the
+likelihood of continuance of that flourishing issue with which God hath
+blessed our King (which they thought did alter the state of their
+sufferings very much from that it was in Queen Elizabeth's time). These
+things did seem to move them much, and as they thought necessarily to seek
+a remedy, if not for themselves, yet for the relief of others, which they
+being but a few, and out of hope of any help from the most and best of the
+Catholics of England, could not possibly effect, [as erroneously they
+conceived,] but by some such stratagem, wherein the chiefest strength
+should be resolution and secrecy, both which in the chosen number of so
+few persons they thought abundantly provided for. They took not indeed the
+course of the Machabees, which they deemed in their case to be merely
+impossible. But they affirmed their end to be same, and their cause and
+reasons much more important. So Catesby protested at his death in the
+field, and Digby at the bar, that not for themselves but for the cause of
+Christ; not for their wives and children, but for the Church, the Spouse
+of Christ, and saving so many thousand souls, the children of God, from
+eternal flames, they attempted with fire to cut off the chiefest heads and
+only causes of that greater ruin. "Yea," said Digby [ready now to die],
+"in respect of this cause, I little regard, or rather I could be well
+content, both to offer my life and fortune and also to have my posterity
+rooted out for ever." So that if we shall judge of these men by their
+zeal, or their zeal by all the signs by which men's minds are judged
+(especially in cases of extremity where human respects give little cause
+to move dissimulation), we may the better follow St. Bernard's rule and
+interpret charitably [with compassion] their [final] intention, although
+[their immediate motives were unlawful, and therefore] the action for many
+and great respects neither was nor is to be allowed.
+
+And if St. Bernard did think this manner of interpretation of others'
+actions to be requisite in the lovers of charity, I hope then I may much
+more require that at least others will support with patience that act of
+impatience in that small number of our brethren and [not impute it to the
+whole number of Catholics; no, nor beyond the rule of charity to condemn
+the delinquents themselves by extreme exclamations and maledictions, as
+some do, but rather according to the Apostle's rule in lenity of spirit to
+have pity of them, and reproving their fact, esteem of their persons and
+other parts, as otherwise they depend, of whom myself and many others can
+testify that, setting aside this unfortunate evil action, by all good men
+deplored, they were known and held, before they fell into the same, to
+have been as wise, temperate, circumspect, and devout gentlemen as
+commonly England had, and such as would not have committed a voluntary
+injury against any man for a world](266).
+
+Thus we disclaim from all participation of this [fact] intended by a few
+in their deceived zeal. Yet we follow not the example of those that will
+not follow the rule of charity in their judgments. And much more we do and
+may stand upon the justice of our cause, and prove that it is altogether
+against the rules of reason, justice, and charity, to lay the fault of a
+few upon the whole number of Catholics in that country; who neither did
+nor would have concurred, nor were partakers either by work or will in so
+barbarous a cruelty intended: no, nor so much as imagined there could
+enter such a thought into the hearts of any of their company.
+
+The verity whereof with the innocency of all Catholics in that respect
+will plainly appear by the narration following of the whole matter how it
+passed, which at the earnest request of some principal friends on that
+side the sea I am moved to set down. And although I know myself much less
+able than they imagine to pen it in such manner as the greatness of the
+matter and rareness of such an event deserveth, yet I hope to satisfy
+their desire for the matter itself, if not their expectation for the
+manner of handling, promising to [set down] the story truly as it passed,
+without partiality to the one or other side; and to conceal no
+circumstance (whereof I could have sufficient information) which may truly
+explain the intentions, actions, and events of the whole matter, wherein I
+had perhaps more helps to know both many and true particulars than others
+could easily procure.
+
+The whole I intend and offer to God's glory and the good of souls:
+desiring only this of the pious reader, that as I will perform my part in
+truth and fidelity in the whole narration, so he will not be wanting of
+his part to perform the rules of equity and charity both towards me and
+the matter I write of; especially towards those that in so honourable a
+manner do daily and hourly sustain the cause and quarrel of Christ, not
+only "in(267) sole et pulvere," but "in sanguine," also "et vulneribus
+multis." And so "alter alterius onera portantes adimplebimus legem
+Christi."(268)
+
+
+    Or thus it may end:--
+
+    And so we suffering for the cause and they assisting in the cause
+    "alter alterius onera portantes" (according to the counsel of the
+    Apostle) "adimplebimus legem Christi." And being with charity
+    joined in the works of grace we shall by the author of charity be
+    conjoined in the rewards of glory, "quae praeparavit Deus
+    diligentibus se."
+
+
+
+
+Chapter II. [I.] The State Of Persecuted Catholics At The Queen's Death
+And The King's Entry, With Their Hopes Of Relaxation By Him, Whereof They
+Failed.
+
+
+I was desirous by the former chapter to make known unto you the state of
+things how they passed in England until the end of Queen Elizabeth's
+reign; wherein though I was more long than I had thought to be, yet little
+methinks is said in comparison of that feeling which we must needs have
+that live here, and see daily before our eyes "abominationem desolationis
+stantem in loco sancto;"(269) that have so many causes to put us often in
+mind of the glory and splendour of the Church robbed and spoiled by the
+first schism under King Henry, overthrown and defaced by heresy, beginning
+to prevail under King Edward; and wholly trodden upon and cruelly
+persecuted during all the long reign of Queen Elizabeth, in which all
+means were used that policy could invent, or power perform, to root out
+all Catholics and Catholic religion out of England.
+
+To which effect they continually devised and imposed all kinds of
+penalties upon such as would profess the Roman Faith. They made sundry and
+most severe statutes (as may appear in the end of this book) against all
+practice of Catholic religion. They made it death to receive the
+absolution of a Priest; yea, death to harbour a Priest in house, or to
+give him a cup of drink, or any assistance in his need; death to persuade
+any to the Catholic religion. They laid the premunire, which is a
+punishment worse than death, for keeping an Agnus Dei, or hallowed grains,
+or such like comforts of soul, that come from Rome. Finally, whatsoever
+the wit or malice of the least pitiful hearts could find out, all that was
+inflicted and laid upon our backs. For commonly they were such that were
+put in authority, either in searches, or examinations, or executions--such
+were authorized, such were countenanced, and borne out whatsoever
+insolencies they committed against us, of which infinite examples might be
+alleged. As for death itself, though it was the ordinary pain of the law
+against Catholics for practice of their Faith (acts of religion being now
+made acts of treason), and so came often in practice; yet was it not so
+heavy a load as we felt by the other laws, and the outrageous execution of
+them, in far worse sort than yet the laws permitted or had devised against
+us. True it is they put to cruel death many and worthy persons. One famous
+and religious Queen, mother to this King who now reigneth--an act not oft
+recorded in other persecutions, though never so severe. One also of the
+ancient Earls they put to death in like manner by the sword; two or three
+others of the chiefest whilst they were in prison. Other noblemen died in
+banishment; and many persons of great families and estimation were at
+several times put to death under pretence of treason, which also was their
+cloak to cover their cruelties against such Priests and Religious as were
+sent into England by authority from His Holiness to teach and preach the
+Faith of Christ and to minister the Sacraments. But he that would
+endeavour those things in this time was not "amicus Caesaris,"(270) and as
+such, both the Priest himself must be condemned and he that would show him
+any favour.
+
+Of this kind the number was great that suffered (our difficulty considered
+in preparing them, and penury of so fit workmen), but their worth was much
+greater than this short treatise can or may contain: it is worthily
+reserved for a more full discourse, and indeed it will require a just
+volume by itself. It shall suffice us here to know, that as all were holy
+and full of spirit, fit for men that are sent in such an Apostolical
+mission, so many of them excelled in rare gifts, and for such were known
+and esteemed highly by Catholics before their apprehension. There was of
+them a Campian, so eloquent, and so much overmatching the heretics in
+public disputation (although they came fully armed and provided against a
+prisoner after tortures, preparing himself to die), that a courtier went
+from the disputation presently to the Queen, and said if that man were
+suffered to live he were enough to pervert the whole realm. Convert, they
+would have said, but that heresy would not permit their tongue to tell the
+truth. There died with him a most valiant Sherwin, full of St. Laurence
+his fervent spirit, and ten other Priests, redoubted servants of Christ,
+each one singular in their kind. Amongst whom one other was of the
+Society, called Brian; a man of such devotion to the Passion of Christ,
+that when he was extremely racked before his martyrdom, his mind being
+fixed in the meditation of Christ His Passion, he felt not their torments,
+nor any pain but only a little in one hand, upon a lively impression he
+then had of the pain our Lord suffered when His holy hands were pierced.
+What should I reckon up a Cornelius, so famous in preaching that all
+Catholics followed him as children do their nurse when they long for milk,
+and the man so full of the Apostle's charity, that with one fervent speech
+in imitation of the offer which St. Paul made to be "anathema pro
+fratribus,"(271) he expelled a devil out of a person whom he was
+exorcising. I know the time and place where it was performed; and where
+another wicked spirit confessed in a possessed person that his fellow was
+cast out by Cornelius his charity. This good Father was the third of the
+Society which suffered death by public justice for profession of the
+Catholic Roman Faith.
+
+What a famous man, and how much beloved was Father Southwell! whose
+excellent parts England cannot forget; and if it would be so ungrateful,
+yet his works there extant, so full of spirit and eloquence both in prose
+and verse, would suffice abundantly to make the cruelty of his persecutors
+much accused, and his life so shortened much lamented, who living would
+have been so profitable and pleasing to all sorts. His value and high
+merit before God was much to be seen, in that he was delivered over by
+God's ordinance to encounter hand to hand the cruelest tyrant of all
+England, Topliffe, a man most infamous and hateful to all the realm for
+his bloody and butcherly mind; and this man had Father Southwell many
+weeks together in his house alone to use him at his pleasure, where he
+kept him in his boots as he was taken, with bolts of iron upon his arms,
+and in a chamber without any bed or straw to lie upon, where he was to
+turn himself upon his side, and lie upon the floor like a dog when he list
+to sleep, as full of lice as he might hold. There also he put him nine
+times most cruelly upon the torture, which Father Southwell at his
+arraignment professed was more grievous to him than nine deaths could or
+would have been. About that time also suffered at York another famous
+Priest of the Society called Father Henry Walpole, whom first they had
+tortured fourteen times in the Tower, and that in very extreme manner.
+This gentleman was known to be of excellent parts before his going over to
+take that happy course of Religious life, in so much that with his sweet
+conversation and devout carriage he won divers to be Catholics even then
+before he was Priest, and it was expected he would have proved an
+excellent workman in that harvest, if the cruelty of heresy had not cut
+him off. But his merits were such as God would defer his crown no longer,
+and so at his first landing he was apprehended in the north, and therefore
+carried thither again to be executed, after they had in vain made trial at
+London to make him confess by torments something against the state of
+Catholics and their profession or practice. When he came to die all men
+admired his patience, and religious humility, and mortification, wherein
+he very much excelled.
+
+It were too long, and not for this place to reckon up the great number of
+rare men both Religious and Secular Priests that suffered in Queen
+Elizabeth's times, "quibus dignus non erat mundus."(272) But yet this
+persecution by death, though it were cruel to them that suffered, and most
+injurious to the Catholics that were by that means bereaved of their most
+beloved Fathers, yet were the persecutions in other respects more grievous
+to be borne and much more intolerable. Their torturing of men when they
+were taken to make them confess their acquaintance and relievers, was more
+terrible than death by much, as Bl. Father Southwell professed at the bar;
+and this the rather both because the pain continued longer and was often
+iterated, and chiefly for that it was not an end of their probation in
+this world, but many after such torments are forced to walk on their
+voyage towards Heaven for many years, being uncertain of their
+perseverance in that estate of fervent love to God with which they offered
+themselves for Him to torments, and would more gladly have done it unto
+death, if such had been His pleasure at that time.
+
+Besides the spoiling and robbing laymen of their livings and goods, with
+which they should maintain their families, is to many more grievous than
+death would be, when those that have lived in good estate and countenance
+in their country shall see before them their whole life to be led in
+misery, and not only themselves, but their wives and children to go
+a-begging. And some, in like manner, that lose not all at once, but have
+somewhat left, are worse than the rest, for they have not so much as is
+proportionable to their charge, and yet being known to have something, can
+have no colour to live on alms, as others do (even some of very worshipful
+families), and live much better than diverse of these that have this
+little left them.
+
+And to these the continual and cruel searches, which I have found to be
+more terrible than taking itself. The insolencies and abuses offered in
+them, and in the seizures of goods, the continual awe and fear that men
+are kept in by the daily expectance of these things, sith every malicious
+man (of which heresy can want no plenty) is made an officer in these
+affairs, and every officer a King, as it were, to command and insult upon
+Catholics at their pleasure. These, and the like aggrievances, Catholics
+having now sustained during the whole reign of Queen Elizabeth, was it not
+now time for them to hope that God would say unto them, "Levate capita
+vestra quia ecce appropinquat redemptio vestra?"(273) We had now suffered
+more than the full number of years, not days, of this deluge of
+persecution pouring down upon us. Was it not now time for us to look out
+and to long that the earth would begin to dry and afford us some quiet
+habitation upon it? Were we not now to expect that some gracious bird
+would bring us an olive branch in sign of peace, which we had looked for
+so long and desired so much? True it is that most Catholics had great hope
+and expectation of this King James, then King of Scotland only. And this
+hope, as a human help of no small force, did join with God's grace and
+bring some comfort with it, amidst the many discomforts sustained under
+the long-continued reign of Queen Elizabeth.
+
+First, they did, and might, expect that the son of such a mother (who not
+only lived a Catholic in her kingdom and in prison, but died also because
+she was a Catholic) would himself also be a friend to Catholics at least,
+if he would not be a follower of Catholic religion. St. Monica, by her
+tears and prayers, did win her son, St. Augustin; the hope was also in
+England that "filius tantorum meritorum perire non poterat."(274) And who
+could think that the son would join in friendship and confidence with
+them, and with only them that had betrayed and slain both his father and
+mother, and who had kept himself so long like a ward in his own kingdom.
+Besides they could see no cause why King James should follow the course
+that Queen Elizabeth had done. For she in the beginning of her reign was
+persuaded by her Council that for reason of State it was needful she
+should break with the See Apostolic and maintain the new religion, that
+might depend upon her supremacy and supreme authority expressed by the
+laws of Parliament. This they pretended to be needful, first, in respect
+of her nativity, which they knew was not esteemed legitimate by the See of
+Rome. Again, in regard of the particular favour which it was known the
+same See did bear unto Queen Mary, then Dowager of France and Queen of
+Scotland, living and reigning there in all prosperity; who therefore was
+much envied and feared by Queen Elizabeth and her Council at that time.
+Unto which also was added the well-known affection of all Catholics in
+England unto the said Queen Mary, in respect of her true descent from King
+Henry VII. and her constant love and profession of the Catholic faith:
+these seemed great motives to Queen Elizabeth, and sufficient to lead her
+into the labyrinth of an heretical course. But these could not be objected
+unto our King James, who was the true and hopeful issue of his so worthy
+mother and the same so glorious a martyr. Neither could he fear the favour
+or furtherance of the See Apostolic, which favoured him much and assisted
+him many ways whilst yet he was but King of Scotland and professed a
+contrary faith. What might he then have expected if he had offered himself
+and his realm of England unto the obedience of the Church, if he had
+trodden that path which all his ancestors had walked, and wherein both
+they and the kingdom of England did so much flourish. Yea, what applause,
+what congratulation, what assurance of friendship and assistance against
+all his enemies might he have expected as most certain, both from His
+Holiness, and the like from all Christian Princes? Yea, truly, this seemed
+so strong a reason to induce His Majesty to that happy course, that many
+Catholics, knowing his wisdom and learning, could not persuade themselves
+how it could be possible that he would be drawn to any other manner of
+proceeding, especially seeing that as on the one side all peace with the
+Christian world was sure to be knit in firmest league of friendship; on
+the other side, they could not see how he could expect any long or assured
+peace with the pillars of God's Church, if he should begin to persecute
+the same afresh, as the late Queen had done before him. For it were in
+vain to begin that war against the Church, if he meant not to do his best
+endeavours to root out the same out of the world, if he could; because he
+might be sure the more he proceeded therein the more he would exasperate
+both God and all good men against him. This mind Catholics could not
+expect in a Prince of so great judgment and so many good parts, as they
+had cause to think him to be of. These hopes also were much strengthened
+by his own words, published unto the world in that fatherly and princely
+gift of his unto his son, wherein amongst many other grave and wise
+documents unto the young Prince, one is, that he do cherish and make much
+of those servants whom he hath known to be faithful unto his parents, of
+which his counsel he first giveth divers true and judicial reasons, and
+afterwards confirmeth the same with his own experience, affirming in plain
+words he found those most true and trusty to himself who had been faithful
+followers of hers, and so on the contrary side in like manner. To this
+effect His Majesty delivered his mind unto his son, and therewith great
+and comfortable hopes unto all Catholics, that they who had been true
+lovers and followers of his mother should find favour, and that such as
+had either done or suffered greatly in her service should find an
+answerable requital and advancement.
+
+These hopeful signs of future favour were yet much in particular confirmed
+by the constant report and asseveration of divers, who in the said Queen
+Elizabeth's reign had lived under His Majesty in Scotland, as well English
+as of the Scottish nation, who did everywhere affirm and divulge both at
+home and abroad, and in all Princes' Courts of the world (as it is well
+known to the said Princes), the great and singular hope and expectation
+that was to be conceived of this King for his good nature and rare parts,
+as mansuetude, compassion, equanimity, high esteem of his said mother and
+of all those that had faithfully loved and served her. And albeit that for
+his religion he could be no other than as he had been brought up and
+instructed, yet was he averse from all severity of persecution against
+such as were of different religion, especially the Catholic; granting it
+to be the ancient mother religion of all the rest, though in some things
+now amiss in his opinion. And that out of his own reading he had observed
+that all his ancestors, Kings and Queens both of England and Scotland,
+without exception had been of the Catholic Roman faith and religion, and
+that himself was the first among them all that ever professed a different
+religion from them. These reports were spread by many and in many places.
+But some others more particular and assured are said to have been sent by
+particular embassagies and letters from His Majesty unto other Princes,
+giving hope at least of toleration to Catholics in England, of which
+letters divers were translated this year into French and came so into
+England, as divers affirmed that had seen them. Yea, and further than
+this, I am well assured that immediately upon Queen Elizabeth's sickness
+and death, divers Catholics of note and fame, Priests also, did ride post
+into Scotland, as well to carry the assurance of dutiful affection from
+all Catholics unto His Majesty as also to obtain his gracious favour for
+them and his royal word for confirmation of the same. At that time, and to
+those persons, it is certain he did promise that Catholics should not only
+be quiet from any molestations, but should also enjoy such liberty in
+their houses privately as themselves would desire, and have both Priests
+and Sacraments with full toleration and desired quiet. Both the Priests
+that did kneel before him when he gave this promise (binding it with the
+word of a Prince, which he said was never yet broken), did protest so much
+unto divers from whom I have it. And divers others, persons of great
+worth, have assured me the same upon the like promise received from His
+Majesty, both for the common state of Catholics and their own particular.
+
+Now, more than this I think could not be, to give assured hope unto
+Catholics of some present relaxation by his gracious help from the many
+miseries and afflictions they had so long endured, being as much as they
+could expect or he perform until his settling. How ready Catholics were in
+all countries to receive him for their King, how forward to proclaim him,
+yea, how joyful to entertain and welcome him with all care and cost that
+might be, all the realm is witness. Insomuch that some set vessels of wine
+in the streets for all comers to drink, in show of their gladness; other
+Catholic noblemen at London cast store of money about the streets in sign
+of their universal joy. What cost all sorts of Catholics bestowed upon
+such furniture as was fit to welcome and meet both King and Queen, with
+the Prince who came at several times! All was done with such applause and
+jubilee as did well witness the joy and hopes they had conceived.
+
+But now what shall we think to have been the state of all Catholic minds
+when all these hopes did vanish away; and as a flash of lightning, giving
+for the time a pale light unto those that sit in darkness, doth afterwards
+leave them in more desolation? What grief may we imagine they felt
+generally, when not only no one of these hopes did bring forth the hoped
+fruit, nor any promise was performed, but when, on the contrary side, His
+Majesty did suffer himself to be guided and as it were governed by those
+that had so long time inured their hands and hardened their hearts with so
+violent a persecution; yea, when he did not only confirm the former laws
+with which we were afflicted, but permitted new and more grievous
+vexations to fall upon us than before we had felt, and prepared yet more
+and more heavy whips wherewith to scourge us? Truly the event proved
+contrary to all our hopes. For, first, it was observed that some weeks
+after his being in England, he began to use far different speech of and
+against Catholics than was expected from the son of such a mother. And
+when soon afterward there ensued his first Parliament, he made a bitter
+speech (now extant in print) against them all; but especially, to our
+greater increase of grief and despair of comfort, against the See
+Apostolic, much different from that was expected, where so great favours
+and tokens of love had been received.
+
+Now, whereas Catholics expected his published and promised honour to his
+mother and rewards unto her servants, it grieved them much when they saw
+no memory at all made of so memorable a mother either in word or work; she
+lying until this day obscurely in that place where her enemies cast her
+after cutting off her head: nor any man gratefully looked on or respected
+that belonged unto her or that made mention of her. As for those that did
+or suffered anything in her cause and quarrel, there is not any advanced
+nor yet recompensed for the great losses which some of them sustained in
+her behalf. Not long after the said Queen's imprisonment in England, there
+were three, two knights and one gentleman, that intended her deliverance
+and assistance to her settling again in her kingdom of Scotland [one of
+the three was Sir Thomas Stanley, next brother to the Earl of Derby, who
+had much land and many friends in that country where she was prisoner; the
+second was Sir Thomas Gerard, whose dwelling-house was within two miles of
+the castle where she was kept, and at that time had means sufficient to do
+good service in that behalf; the third was one Mr. Roulston, an esquire of
+good worth in the same country, and a very devout Catholic man and a stout
+gentleman].(275) The meanest of which three had a son, being then a
+pensioner in the Court, who betrayed the whole matter and caused them all
+to be clapt in the Tower, where they were kept a long time in strait
+prison, and Mr. Roulston was condemned to die, against whom they were able
+it is likely to prove more particulars of the secret (by his son's means),
+than against the others. But it cost the others large sums of money and
+sale of land before they could be freed.
+
+After this, about twenty years ago, there was another matter intended by
+fourteen gentlemen, Mr. Babington, Mr. Salesberie, and others of the
+choice of England, for the said Queen's deliverance and restoring to her
+right; wherein, though they were ensnared and entrapped by some politic
+heads that sought both their overthrow and thereby a seeming justifiable
+pretence to cut off the said Queen also, yet it was apparent by their
+examinations and executions, taking their death in so devout and resolute
+manner, that they intended sincerely the Queen's delivery for the
+advancement of the Catholic cause. At the same time, also, one of the
+foresaid knights(276) was again committed to the Tower for the same cause,
+and kept there at least two years, though he had been so wary of his trust
+that they could not prove anything against him to put him to death with
+the rest; but it cost him much this time again, as that prison is ever
+wont to do to those that live in it, but especially to those that get out.
+Nor these nor any others of like deserts in other kind have been rewarded.
+True it is that the elder son of the knight,(277) going to meet the King
+at his coming into England, His Majesty told him before divers (from whom
+I had it), "That he must love his blood, for that he and his had suffered
+persecution for him." These were his words, showing indeed in His Majesty
+a good consideration of his servants and inclination to do for them; but
+it is likely that others overrule the matter, for,(278) though he made
+that gentleman knight at that time, yet that was to him no advancement
+whose ancestors had been so for sixteen or seventeen descents together;
+but since he hath had no preferment at all, but rather kept back, as being
+known that his house hath ever been Catholic, though himself having long
+time followed the Court do not profess it as he should.
+
+Another(279) worthy gentleman also, one Mr. Abington, was in the Tower for
+the same cause when the fourteen gentlemen were there prisoners. And this
+gentleman, having lately some Priests taken in his house, was condemned to
+die; and though his life be spared for a time (they say, in respect of his
+former suffering; but, indeed, obtained by the Lord Mounteagle, whose
+sister he hath married), yet is his house taken from him, one of the
+fairest in all the country, and all his lands and goods forfeited: which
+is much more grievous than death to a man of his devotion and resolution.
+These and many such examples are seen and noted in the realm, and not any
+seen to be advanced nor regarded that truly served or suffered for his
+mother: yea, rather the contrary; that His Majesty was so prevented and
+preoccupated with divers that pursued and both sought and wrought the ruin
+of his mother, that he seemed to give himself wholly into their hands, and
+not only himself but Catholics also, to be afflicted by them at their
+pleasure.
+
+All this, we say, moved great exasperation and exulceration of minds,
+mixed with grief and despair, foreseeing that all would pass worse for
+Catholics under his reign than in Queen Elizabeth's time; when those that
+did persecute under her were doubtful what side might prevail or bear sway
+after her death, and therefore would be more sparing, and divers would
+seek to make the principal Catholics their friends against those times of
+uncertain event, which could not be far off in respect of the great age of
+Queen Elizabeth and her want of issue; whereas now no such fear is thought
+needful nor any such caution in policy requisite, the King being young and
+his issue like to continue and to uphold their proceedings: so that they
+may more freely and without fear persecute at their pleasure. Besides unto
+this general fear, which all Catholics had in seeing these former hopes of
+theirs to fail them, was added a full experience that neither hopes were
+to be by them expected nor promises by others to be performed. For whereas
+His Majesty, out of his gracious disposition, had promised much favour
+towards Catholics, both to other Princes and to divers particular
+Catholics that went unto him before his coming in, now the contrary was so
+much practised and all these promised favours so plainly denied, that they
+might not be so much as once spoken of or remembered that ever any such
+had been.
+
+For, first, when at the end of the first Parliament the Puritans packed
+together therein, as well against His Majesty and his desires in the
+matter of union of the two kingdoms as also against the Catholics, and
+urged many new laws to their prejudice and for their greater affliction,
+His Majesty, that with one word might have staid their fury by saying (as
+it is accustomed in such cases when a Prince will show favour) that he
+would deliberate and consider of the matter, he confirmed first all the
+most sharp and rigorous laws and statutes which the late Queen or her
+father or brother had made against Catholics for afflicting them or
+shedding their blood. And, secondly, he adjoined new statutes of his own
+that augmented greatly the grievances of the former (which afterwards
+shall be set down), so as every sort of men, but especially the Puritans
+(that by all means desired to make the King odious unto Catholics),
+applied unto them presently those words of the young King Roboam to his
+aggrieved people--"My father pressed you with a grievous yoke; but I will
+aggravate the same yet more. My father beat you with whips; but I will
+scourge you with scorpions." So that it is easy to guess with what terror
+and affliction the Catholics remained at that time. By all which we may
+plainly see, that not only all hopes were failed whereupon Catholics did
+build their comforts, but that it was also seriously endeavoured by some
+to give now all assurance of the contrary opinion, and so to drive men to
+despair, presuming perhaps that some amongst so many thousands would not
+be so patient as to bear it long, but that despair would urge them to some
+desperate attempt, whereby the chief causers of this persecution might
+give the better pretence of the cruelty they intended against them for the
+satisfaction of foreign Princes, that they might suppose these laws to be
+afterwards devised and not before determined or practised. And it is no
+marvel though divers Princes have been long in this error, knowing not the
+state of things with us; yea, rather being possessed of a contrary opinion
+to the truth of our sufferings by instruments employed of purpose, as also
+their whole estates were in like manner by the ordinary news, which were
+written in the gazettes to the end to be divulged. But Catholics that felt
+the smart before, had cause to believe the contrary, and that they
+received(280) one blow upon the face with the fist, to make them fetch
+another against the wall. Yea, it is verily thought by many of the wiser
+sort, that these very things, with others that followed, were the spurs
+that set those gentlemen upon that furious and fiery course which they
+afterwards fell into; and being otherwise too forward of themselves, and
+not apt in those things to be retained with the bridle, did urge them to
+take the bit in their teeth and run headlong (being thus filled with
+despair of any good from this King's government) to that desperate course
+of cutting off the same to set up one of his younger children--a thing very
+much lamented by all the body of Catholics in England, whose thoughts were
+only bent how to possess their souls in patience, notwithstanding all the
+causes of grief and despair of remedy which I have alleged, and more that
+I must allege in the chapter following.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter III. [II.] The Increase Of Persecution And All Kind Of
+Molestations Unto Catholics, With Their Failing Of All Hopes, Procured By
+The Puritan Faction.
+
+
+Such as be acquainted with the state of affairs in England cannot be
+ignorant that there be many at this time of the Puritan faction put in
+authority and place of government, especially concerning the persecution
+of Catholics. All which, as they be further gone in heresy than the
+ordinary sort of moral Protestants be, so are they more violent enemies
+against all Catholics and Catholic proceedings. And this not only in
+respect of that spirit of heresy, which doth in greater measure possess
+them, but for reason of policy also they hold it very requisite. For
+although the Protestants are at this time the chief in Government, and
+their laws and ordinances preferred both in ecclesiastical and secular
+causes, yet are not the Puritans out of hope (if the Catholic party were
+taken away) to prevail against them in time, either by force or friendly
+means procured from their complices in other countries, in which kind they
+are much stronger than the Protestants, or else by force of argument and
+the Word, wherein they persuade themselves to have great power. And true
+it is, that under the pretence of more pure profession of Calvin's
+doctrine and a greater outward show of a more formal religion, they do win
+daily some or other new-fangled heads unto their sect from the
+Protestants, whose grounds are more uncertain to themselves, and nothing
+certain unto them but the following of the will and pleasure of those that
+guide the State, whatsoever they hold or ordain to be professed or
+practised. But as for the Catholics, they are holden and tried by the
+Puritans and the other also to be inflexible for matter of their faith, as
+having most sure and infallible grounds to rest upon, alleging for the
+same all kind of authority, showing antiquity with universal consent of
+all nations; and remaining now, as others of their side have done before
+them, in perfect union amongst themselves in all points of their belief.
+So that the Puritans having no hope at all that ever their private spirit
+shall be able to prevail against such an army of impregnable proofs by
+force of reason or argument they seek therefore, by all means they can
+devise, the overthrow of Catholics much more earnestly than the
+Protestants do, who are in themselves commonly less violent; and being
+placed at the helm in the chief seats for commodity and honour, are
+content to rest when they are well, and are not so busy and stirring as
+the Puritans are, whose rising spirit cannot be at rest until they be in
+possession of that which the others enjoy and they desire. Hereupon it
+followeth that the Puritans are most forward continually to incense the
+King against us; most violent also to execute all laws, and lay all kind
+of molestations and afflictions upon us, and besides most desirous of all
+occasions whereby to put us utterly in despair of help or favour, and so
+to force some or other to unfit courses, that the rest may be punished for
+their sake. And truly, as they were the men that did frame the Bills
+against us in the first Parliament after the King's entry, and did follow
+the matter most hotly to have both the former cruel laws remain in force
+and new penalties imposed upon Catholics, so when His Majesty had granted
+and confirmed all their desires against us, it is strange to see with what
+fury they sought in all places to execute the same cruelties--yea, much
+further in most places than the laws themselves did allow or would permit.
+And it is to be noted, that although the Puritans are not generally put in
+authority or used for the government of the Commonwealth (as men known to
+bear but hollow hearts unto the King, and to be much disgusted with his
+proceedings), yet are they ordinarily employed in the punishing and
+executing all kind of rigour against Catholics, as being tried by
+experience to be most vigilant in finding them out, most violent in
+afflicting them and most pitiless in their pains. So that in every shire,
+those Justices which be known to be most forward in the Puritan faction,
+though otherways they be little employed in matters of the country or
+esteemed of by the State, yet they are the men that are put in commission
+against Catholics--they are the searchers, they are the informers, they are
+the Judges, and they are made, as it were, the kings of Catholics.
+
+(M2) From hence it came that the pressures of Catholics were much
+increased after the first Parliament and before that rash attempt of those
+gentlemen who were urged to that conspiracy (as most men think in those
+parts that know how things passed) by extremities which they saw to
+increase so fast, and their despair of helps in vain expected. For then
+presently, the execution of all laws against Catholics, both old and new,
+being committed for the most part to the Chief Justice, who is known to be
+hot and vehement in the Puritan faction and a bloody enemy to the said
+Catholics; and he, by direction of others and his own desire, having
+picked out men in every shire of the same humour to execute the same laws
+with all the rigour and despite they could devise. Then followed afresh
+the exaction of 20_l._(281) a month, which was imposed by Queen Elizabeth
+upon every Catholic that would not go unto their service, although for a
+time after the King's coming there was hope given both by King and Council
+that it should not be exacted: but then the whole was urged together with
+the arrearages. Yea, and not contented with twelve months in the year (as
+Nature hath appointed by course of the sun), they would have the payment
+for thirteen months in the year, after the account of four weeks in the
+month, contrary to the rule of ancient law affirming that _Poenae non sunt
+ampliandae_. But if Catholics could enjoy for this payment any reasonable
+quiet, they would think themselves in great ease. But there is a law for
+the poorer sort of Catholics, that they shall forfeit two parts of their
+lands and leases, and all their goods and chattels whatsoever that can be
+found; upon which law (being executed as the Puritans use to do) many and
+great molestations do further ensue; for by this means they are not only
+indicted and cast into jails and prisons and their lands seized, as the
+statute alloweth, but also their goods embezzled and their cattle driven
+away. And if they find no cattle which they are assured to be the
+recusants', but that his fields be rented and stocked by other men, they
+drive that cattle also and put them to prove whose they were; and thereby
+terrify all men from hiring their said lands, wherein they also add
+diverse other particular afflictions that exasperate greatly the sufferer.
+These matters being committed for the most part to their handling, that
+care not how much or how far they strain poor Catholics, whereof no marvel
+if it come to pass according to the proverb--_Qui nimium emungit elicit
+sanguinem_--"He that scrapeth or rubbeth too much, draweth blood at last."
+
+It hath been also a matter of no small grief and complaint, that whereas
+there be now in England certain hungry and ravenous people that importuned
+the King for relief, having no rents or revenues in the land and yet
+living at a high rate and great charges many ways, His Majesty to give
+them content hath willed them to seek out Popish recusants which he might
+bestow upon them; wherein they then become diligent to inquire them out
+and restless in prosecuting them to the uttermost, and think all they can
+get too little: as it is indeed too little to satisfy their needs; which
+was a thing foreseen and foretold by some who yet are no prophets nor sons
+of prophets, but Protestants of the wiser sort, who, as it is said, when
+it was consulted of amongst all the Peers of the realm, before the King's
+coming, concerning his admission to the crown, some amongst them alleged
+that it might well be feared that the lean and hungry oxen which Pharao
+saw in his dream would devour all the fat and goodly oxen which their
+English fertile ground had fed so well before, and that these ravenous
+beasts would eat them up and yet seem to be nothing satisfied. Thus they.
+
+And truly the meaner sort of these to whom Catholics were thus given, were
+not satisfied with the Catholics they could find out, but they also
+procured divers to be presented and indicted for recusants who were but
+well-wishers unto Catholics and went to church themselves; and yet some of
+them could not be delivered except they would publicly abjure their faith
+at the Assizes and Sessions, whereof sundry rueful examples might be
+given. In all which, the case seemeth to divers both grievous and odious,
+that true and freeborn subjects of good quality should be given as it were
+in prey to others. And for that the sequel of this matter appertaineth to
+many, the exasperation also rising thereof must needs be very general.
+
+(M3) Now if we should stand upon the particular enumeration of the
+calamities which fall upon Catholics by private persons, and especially
+Puritans put in authority over them, the many insolences and molestations
+which are offered in the searches which are used in most odious manner,
+and so have been ever since this first Parliament, it would much afflict
+the hearts of the pious readers. And it is to be thought that many
+particulars thereof are not known to His Majesty, though all exercised and
+executed in his name and under his authority. What a thing is it for a
+Catholic gentleman to have his house suddenly beset on all sides with a
+number of men in arms both horse and foot, and not only his house and
+gardens and such inclosed places all beset, but all highways laid for some
+miles near unto him, that none shall pass but they shall be examined! Then
+are these searchers ofttimes so rude and barbarous that, if the doors be
+not opened in the instant when they would enter, they break open the doors
+with all violence, as if they were to sack a town of enemies won by the
+sword, which is a strange proceeding, and proper only to our persecuted
+state at this time, for it is not used elsewhere, but with us so common
+that no man can have assurance of one hour's quiet or safety within the
+walls of his own habitation, which yet in just and peaceable commonwealths
+should be his fortress and castle. Whereupon it seemed so strange to the
+Scottish gentlemen that came into England with His Majesty, that divers of
+them said--"If we in Scotland should be thus used, or that any should enter
+our house by force and against our will, we should presently have killed
+them." If they said this for this forcible entry only, what may be said
+for their manner of proceeding being entered? Which I will therefore set
+down more in particular, that by this the reader may judge of our usage in
+other things.
+
+The searchers being thus entered, it hath been usual with pursuivants to
+run up the stairs and into the chambers with their drawn swords, enough to
+drive the weaker sort of women and children out of their wits. Then they
+begin to break off locks and open all the doors of the house presently,
+that they may at one time search in many places. Then if they find no
+Priest nor suspected persons for Priests in any of the chambers or
+closets, they go presently to search for secret places, and this they do
+most cunningly and strictly, sounding the floors and walls to see if they
+can find any hollow places. They do also measure the walls of the house
+and go round about the house on the outside to see if one part do answer
+to another, in hope to find some void part left hollow, wherein a man may
+be hid. Sometimes, if the walls be not made of stone, but of wainscot or
+other weak matter, they will thrust through it with their swords in many
+places, hoping that in some place or other they may light upon a Priest,
+and this they do also in the roof of the house, upon suspicion there may
+be some conveyance, though they cannot find the entry into it, as, indeed,
+the doors of the secret places are commonly made with such art as it is
+hard to find them or espy them, otherwise it were not possible to keep
+Priests so long as some Catholics do and have done. But the searchers, if
+they find any likely cause of suspicion, not contented with that dangerous
+manner of trial with their swords (in which cases some Priests have
+escaped very hardly of being wounded or slain), they then break down the
+walls wholly and enter themselves to search with candles and torches in
+all such dark places and in housetops, where sometimes nothing but mice or
+birds have come of many years. This we hope will be a means to prevent the
+diligent search of God's judgments wherein he saith--"Scrutabor Jerusalem
+in lucernis."(282) But if this be permitted by God's judgment to be done
+to His servants in this life, what shall be done to the doers of this in
+the next? "Si in viridi ligno haec faciunt, in arido quid fiet?"(283)
+"Incipit judicium (saith St. Peter) a domo Dei. Si autem primum a nobis,
+quis finis eorum qui non credunt Evangelio?"(284) But to return unto our
+narration.
+
+When the searchers find not any Priest for all this cruel diligence they
+have used, they will not yet give over, but supposing there is or may be
+some so secretly hidden that yet he is there for all that they have done,
+then they appoint a watch about the house and every part thereof of fifty
+or sixty men, and sometimes more, and these with guns and bills, &c.; and
+this they keep for many days together (intending to starve him out),
+sometimes for six, yea, ten and twelve days' continuance. Sometimes, also,
+they place watchmen in the chambers of the house within, both to keep that
+no Catholic shall stir to relieve the Priest (though commonly they make
+them sure for that by locking them up all in one part of the house
+together, which they mean least to search as being least suspected); and
+besides that they may hearken if any little stirring be behind a wall,
+yea, but the breathing or coughing of a Priest (which was the means indeed
+by which Fr. Cornelius before mentioned was found out and apprehended), to
+which end also they do sometimes cunningly speak aloud, one to another,
+that they will begone away because they can find nothing, and seem to make
+a noise as though they did depart; then will they go softly into the
+chambers a little after and seem to be of the house, and knock softly at
+every wall, willing the good man to come forth, for now the searchers are
+gone, thanks be to God. This subtlety is usual to these men--"Sed deficient
+scrutantes scrutinio et exaltabitur Dominus et sagittae parvulorum sicut
+plagae eorum."(285) And truly sometimes the protection of God is wonderful
+in these cases, that men do escape their hands, when by human means one
+would think it were wholly impossible, of which I have known many
+examples.
+
+But the searchers, in the meantime, when they can find no Priest, whom
+they chiefly desire to take in any man's house, because then his lands and
+goods and life also are all forfeited:--but if that will not be, then they
+rifle every little corner for church stuff, for copes and vestments,
+chalices, pixes, and such. For these they break open chests and trunks;
+then to cabinets and little boxes for letters, hoping to find some
+spiritual advice in them (though not to follow it, God knows), but thereby
+to infer that they are Priests' letters with whom they have acquaintance;
+or if they find any Agnus Deis, or beads or medals that they can prove are
+hallowed, then also all the lands and goods of the parties are seized and
+themselves condemned to perpetual prison, which was the case of Mr.
+Tregian, a worthy gentleman of great estate. Many examples of all these
+particulars might be alleged, but it were too long for the reader, and not
+safe for the parties of whom the stories must be told, especially if they
+be truly set down in such barbarous manner as they were performed, which
+is sometimes so uncivil that they will search the very beds where man and
+wife do lie at their first breaking into the house, when they come in the
+night, as in London, it is most commonly, yea, sometimes into the beds
+where women lie in childbed. Yea, they will not spare grave ancient
+matrons and women of great place. One ancient lady, lying in Holborn, in
+London, was in this sort so rudely handled by them that she fell sick upon
+it and lived not long after--a grave lady, and a woman of great virtue.
+
+Briefly, their insolences are so many and so outrageous, and thereby the
+miseries and afflictions of Catholics were so much increased and
+multiplied, that it seemed to many very intolerable to be long endured.
+The only hope might be that which at those times Priests did labour to
+persuade, and divers of the graver Catholics were yet content to believe,
+might be possible (as in darkness, the least glimpse of light, though but
+far off, doth bring some comfort, in hope it may come nearer), and that
+was the memory of His Majesty's faithful promises, which, being given on
+the word of a Prince, they thought could not be violated, unless they
+should hear himself to speak the contrary. This only hope did yet live in
+some, though many apparent proofs to the contrary did continually weaken
+it. But this little spark of light also was soon after clean put out, no
+doubt by the industry and malicitious procurement of the Puritans, whose
+custom it is to incense the King against Catholics by some false
+information, and thereby to draw from His Majesty certain bitter speeches
+and invectives against Catholics, which then themselves are forward to
+publish, thereby to put Catholics the more in despair, and by despair into
+some cause giving of further afflictions, like him that will beat a child
+to make him cry, and then beat him because he crieth.
+
+But first, that which did seem to extinguish wholly all hopes of help from
+His Majesty was, that whereas, in the beginning of the year 1605, it
+pleased him to call a conference between the Protestant Bishops and the
+chief of the Puritan side, in which conference or disputation the King, as
+head of the Church of England in ecclesiastical matters (which the
+Puritans acknowledge not), sat as chief moderator or judge in all
+things--though I say it was his pleasure to give unto the Puritans a day of
+hearing, yea, three days together full audience of all that they could say
+or allege for themselves and for their novelties and newly coined
+heretical inventions, yet would he not once admit the Catholics to be
+heard or any for them, notwithstanding their prescription and
+long-continued possession in their religion, and that they hold no other
+faith than that which was warranted from erring by Christ Himself,
+received from the seat of the Apostle St. Peter, commended for universal
+by St. Paul, planted in our own country with miracles, watered with the
+blood of acknowledged martyrs, strengthened with the authority of all the
+ancient Doctors, practised and delivered unto us by known and granted
+Saints, honoured and professed by all his ancestors, approved, commended,
+and commanded by all the ancient Parliaments and laws of the realm;
+notwithstanding all these and many other titles unto truth of doctrine
+which we can allege, prove, and convince to be on our side, and only to
+stand for us, yet we were put to silence, our mouth was shut, yea, and
+stopped also (at the instance of the Puritans), least we should be heard
+to cry that might not be suffered to speak. Which, that you may the better
+see to be most true, you shall understand that when His Majesty, having
+heard the Puritans at full, and knowing them to be a restless and
+imperious company if they should be approved in their opinions, and
+dangerous to his person and State (as he had often trial in Scotland) if
+they should be permitted to grow to greater strength--for this cause he and
+his Council thought it needful to define all matters in controversy
+between the Protestants and them wholly in every point against the
+Puritans, but then, being willing to give them satisfaction in some
+things, "Et nesciens quomodo aliter placeret eis, nisi in capitibus
+nostris,"(286) he first, in the whole conference, uttered divers things
+that were very afflictive to Catholics, proceeding from the mouth of their
+King, whom they had so much honoured and in whom they had hoped. Then,
+drawing towards the end of the said conference, he urged the Bishops very
+much to a diligent inquiry and punishment of the said Catholics (which
+needed not, I wis, in respect of their known malice and vigilancy against
+them). At which time His Majesty said he observed and discovered three
+degrees of recusant Papists, as he called them; one that refused to go to
+the communion but not to the service or sermons, the other refused to go
+to communion or service but not to sermons, the third refused all three,
+in which distinction His Majesty did comprehend those also whom we count
+schismatics and well-wishers only, we esteeming, indeed, none for
+Catholics, nor admitting any unto the Sacraments of the Church, but those
+which refuse all communion with heretics in any of the three.
+
+But all these kinds His Majesty said were carefully to be sought out and
+prosecuted, &c. And when the Chancellor there present, and ready to devise
+new afflictions unto Catholics for the satisfaction of the Puritans and
+his credit with the King, proposed for a greater and sharper galling of
+them, that ordinary processes _de excommunicato capiendo_ might be
+exercised upon them, saying that no other punishment would vex them so
+much; for that by force of this they should be barred from making
+testaments; they should also be holden as outlaws and used accordingly; no
+man needed to pay them any debts, nor any tenant their rents, unless they
+list; and what injury soever they then receive, they can have no remedy.
+This huge and universal affliction the Chancellor had no scruple to
+entreat for us, and that he might have license to give out commandment for
+the same, and that all under officers might be punished that any way
+failed thereof. Whereunto, saith the book wherein all this conference is
+printed at large, His Majesty yielded and gave consent. By which one
+consent you may imagine how great a sea of molestations he did let forth
+upon the said Catholics, and no less also by his consent to the 104 Canons
+at that time set down and agreed on, all which were devised and planted by
+the said Bishops to beat and batter the said Catholics withal. By this it
+is easy to judge what cause all Catholics had by this time of extreme
+diffidence of help from thence where it was most expected. And that
+Catholics might know the better what to trust unto concerning all their
+former hopes conceived or promises received, the contrary was afterwards
+more plainly made known unto them by divers persons in authority, and that
+in serious and public manner, of which I will only allege two examples, by
+which you may guess at the rest; both which are published in print by
+themselves in a book intituled _The late Commotion in Herefordshire_, &c.,
+printed by J. Charlton and F. Burton. One is that upon the 5th of August,
+in the year 1605, the then named Bishop of London, now of Canterbury,
+preaching at Paul's Cross, did utter a certain protestation of His
+Majesty, made, as he saith, before God and His Angels, that he was so
+constant and firm for the maintenance of the English religion which now he
+professed, as that he would not only spend his own dearest blood in
+defence thereof together with all his kingdoms if he had ten times so many
+as he hath; but moreover desired of God, that if He saw any of his
+children would be of other mind after him, He should take them away in his
+lifetime, that he might see them brought to their grave before him, to the
+end that their shame might be buried in his lifetime.
+
+(M4) All which words of the King's related by the Bishop, the author of
+the book doth avow were spoken by His Majesty principally against Papists
+and their hope of toleration or mitigation of their pressures, which he
+saith to be a vain hope, &c. The other example is the Lord Chancellor his
+speech in the Star Chamber some days before this, to wit, Thursday, the
+20th of June in the same year, where, speaking unto the Judges before they
+went their circuit, and to the Justices of Peace, gentlemen and others,
+that were to return into their countries after the Term ended and relate
+what they had heard in London, he delivered in vehement sort a large and
+sharp speech as from His Majesty's sense, words and commandment against
+all sorts of Catholics, but especially Priests, Jesuits, and recusants,
+and such as did acknowledge the authority of the Pope of Rome, ordaining
+and charging in His Majesty's name that all Judges in their circuits, all
+Justices of Peace in their districts, all gentlemen in their countries,
+and other people in the places where they should abide, should inquire
+after them, pursue and seek them out, that they might be punished, adding
+thereunto a certain new rigour of punishment not before in use, but
+designed now by His Majesty, as he said, to wit, that every Justice of
+Peace, though himself were no Papist, yet if he were thought to favour or
+tolerate Papists, or if his wife, children, or servants were Papists, they
+should lose their offices and be removed out of the Commission of Peace,
+as unfit members to hold that place (which could be for no other reason,
+but lest by some means or other some little favour might happen to some
+Catholic by their means, as a town that is very strictly besieged is
+commonly barred from all relief both by sea and land). Finally, he
+concluded with that in effect which the Bishop spake at Paul's Cross
+concerning the vain hopes of Catholics for any toleration or alleviation
+of their afflictions; hereunto adding a speech (saith the book) of His
+Majesty's concerning the folly of Papists, how they were besotted, yea and
+more than bewitched to suppose any such matter of toleration, wondering
+whereupon they should build their false hopes, adding also that His
+Majesty had vowed unto his Privy Council, that if he did know that any of
+his children after him would go back from this, he would lay his curse
+upon him.
+
+These and the like speeches do our chiefest enemies, the Puritans, use to
+draw from His Majesty, and afterwards cause to be divulged also to no
+small prejudice of the mutual love and goodwill, reverence, and respect,
+which ought to be between the Prince and his subjects, as between the
+father and his children: they being not ignorant what effect such speeches
+do work, and that any injury is more easily borne at a Prince's hand than
+contumely against a multitude.
+
+Whereupon they have further procured that ordinarily when His Majesty
+cometh to dinner or supper, some one shall be ready to give occasion of
+hard speeches against the Catholics; and this is commonly the office of
+Mr. Mountague, dean of his chapel, who was in profession so earnest a
+Puritan that he would not wear the cap or surplice (which Protestants
+admit) before the King's coming for any persuasion; but since, in respect
+of the deanery in that place of credit, he is content to dispense with his
+conscience, though his mother, the Lady Mountague, have given him her
+curse for his labour, and saith she will not acknowledge him for her son
+in respect of that dissimulation, as she calleth it. But howsoever it be,
+his partners, the Puritans, make evil use of his place, being such as may
+so often and so easily have the King's ear, whereunto he is so ready,
+that, besides other tricks, he hath this now and then, to bring some
+Catholic book in his bosom, with the leaf turned into some place or other
+where the author doth speak any thing that may offend His Majesty, as,
+namely, of the Bishop of Rome, especially when it toucheth his spiritual
+authority over Princes; which His Majesty reading or hearing read, and
+growing thereby into heat of disputation, refutation, or reprehension,
+uttereth oftentimes words which these men and their adherents do no less
+odiously urge and divulge afterward, than craftily and maliciously they
+procured before. As for example, that His Majesty doth hold all Catholics
+that esteem of the Pope's authority for traitors, and especially recusants
+that will not in respect of their religion communicate with Protestants in
+their service and sacraments, and finally that none can hold all points of
+Catholic religion and be a true subject; with divers other such speeches
+which gall and grieve the hearts of Catholics above measure, all which are
+afterward avouched by the standers-by in His Majesty's name, by citing his
+authority for it. Whereof we could allege too many examples, which we
+pretermit, for that it is likely that His Majesty had not so grievous
+meaning therein against his Catholic subjects, as the words do sound or as
+by such seditious people is wont to be inferred or urged, the sooner to
+put men into despair.
+
+(M5) And yet we must confess that one circumstance hath greatly increased
+the fear of all Catholics touching His Majesty's meaning in this most
+deeply touching point, which is, that his Attorney-General (a man not
+lightly esteemed in his profession of the common laws of our country)
+having made a book whereby he would fain prove Catholic recusants to be
+traitors, wresting and enforcing the common laws of the realm to that same
+purpose; and presenting the said book unto the King, it was not only
+gratefully received by His Majesty, but highly commended also, and the
+doctrine allowed, so far forth that the King affirmed the same by oath and
+said, "By my sall, I do hold them all for traitors indeed, and it is here
+very sufficiently and truly proved." And this was spoken publicly at His
+Majesty's table, divers noblemen standing by, and some that were not
+ill-affected to Catholics and knew their minds and deserts unto His
+Majesty to be much contrary to this construction.
+
+This therefore being known to Catholics, it is easy to be seen how first
+their hopes were turned into fears and then their fears into full
+knowledge that all the contrary to that they hoped was intended and
+prepared for them. It being well known that this book was made by the
+Attorney according to the direction of the Council, to prepare the mind of
+His Majesty and the other Peers of the realm against the ensuing
+Parliament then to make laws against Catholics of such nature and force as
+are fit and usual to be made against traitors; and therefore cunningly
+they caused it first to be delivered to His Majesty in public place,
+presuming that when the King had approved the book, and showed himself of
+the same opinion, no subject durst seem to think the contrary, and
+therefore that none would be slack in giving assent to any laws intended,
+how cruel soever. And this is thought to have been a great cause of
+hastening the impatience and temerity of those gentlemen who (as we find
+now by their examinations) about these times conspired to work their
+designment against the Parliament, as thinking by like, that sith they
+were condemned for traitors and to be used for such at the Parliament,
+they had no way to defend their life but by seeking to hinder the
+Parliament, and that also, by so doing, they should be no more esteemed
+traitors than they were already, nor their brethren neither, being all
+esteemed and condemned beforehand for such. So that if they failed of
+their purpose, they should not increase any evils to themselves or others;
+and if their desires took effect, then they should free both (which
+otherwise they thought impossible), besides the delivery of infinite souls
+from schism and heresy, from sin and damnation, which they all protested
+at their death was their principal intention.
+
+But howsoever their intention was for the cause of their enterprise (which
+I leave to the judgment of God), sure we are the thing intended was most
+unfit, and a thing that I suppose hath brought more grief to the hearts of
+Catholics generally in England than ever anything did in all this time of
+their sufferings. But by this we may see how rash and temerarious attempts
+extremity doth sometimes suggest, and that the counsel was wise which
+Abner gave to Joab, when he did prosecute his victory with too great
+violence. "An ignoras," saith he, "quod periculosa sit desperatio?"(287)
+As if he should say, Art thou so skilful a captain and art ignorant that
+despair doth often drive those that fly to turn head again with new and
+redoubled forces? especially when the despair of escaping by flight is so
+great that they see rather increase of hope than of danger by fighting,
+which hope of theirs men will then seek to strengthen with their uttermost
+forces; whereof the event is often such as it turns the danger on the
+contrary side, of which kind many examples are daily seen. And that not
+only in men, that by natural reason are led to choose the less danger, but
+in the poorest and most fearful creatures also that be, which of their own
+natures are so timorous that they fly at the very sight of man, as we see
+in many silly beasts both in house and fields; yet when they are so
+pursued and pressed, as they are put in desperation of their life, they
+turn again and leap in a man's face itself. So that this course of giving
+too much cause of despair is holden dangerous by all wise men, and as such
+is carefully foreseen and prevented in most commonwealths. But our rulers
+had been so long acquainted with our patience, and made trial thereof by
+so many and so urging cruelties, that they thought themselves sure the
+Catholics would never attempt anything in their own defence that might
+offend the State, howsoever they were used. And surely so it had continued
+still, as it hath long done, if this enterprise had been in their power to
+prevent. But it was carried with that secrecy and with such manner of
+proceeding as it was not possible for others to hinder it, nor seemed
+probable that any did intend it; as now it will appear more plainly in the
+chapters following.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter III. How Upon These And The Like Motives Divers Gentlemen Did
+Conspire And Conclude Upon Some Violent Remedy.
+
+
+By that which hath been set down in the former chapter, every prudent man
+will easily conceive what was like to be the sense and feeling of all
+Catholics in this so great increase of their long-endured afflictions, in
+this utter despair of any help from His Majesty (in whose promised
+clemency all their hopes were placed), and in a certain expectation of
+other most cruel and newly-invented laws to be further imposed upon them
+at the next Parliament as against traitors not worthy to live in a
+commonwealth, and as such already published in books framed and printed by
+authority, and so censured and pronounced by the King himself. In what
+other state could they be but a general and most afflicting desolation,
+and as the Prophet Esay saith, "Omne caput languidum et omne cor
+moerens"(288) from the highest to the lowest.
+
+But the cogitations of men, as they were all much afflicted in such an
+inundation of evils upon them without hope of ease or end, so yet no doubt
+they were very different according to the divers states of minds in plenty
+or penury of grace, and partly also according to their different natures
+and dispositions, some more able and apt than others to bear injuries with
+patience. We know right well, and all England will witness with us, that
+the greatest part by much did follow the example and exhortation of the
+Religious and Priests that were their guides, moving them and leading them
+by their own practice to make their refuge unto God in so great
+extremities, "Qui nunquam deserit sperantes in se;"(289) "Nec patietur nos
+tentari supra id quod possumus, sed faciet cum tentatione proventum ut
+possimus sustinere."(290) "Immo modicum passos ipse proficiet,
+confirmabit, solidabitque."(291) This we found to be believed practically
+by most, and followed as faithfully, preparing themselves by more often
+frequentation of the Sacraments, by more fervent prayer, and by perfect
+resignation of their will to God, against the cloud that was like to cover
+them, and the shower that might be expected would pour down upon them
+after the Parliament, unto which all the chief Puritans of the land were
+called, and only they or their friends selected out of every shire to be
+the framers of the laws, which thereby we might easily know were chiefly
+intended and prepared against us. But in so great a multitude all are not
+so perfect, some few fainted in courage, and, as St. Cyprian noteth of his
+times, did offer themselves unto the persecutors before they felt the
+chief force of the blow that was to be expected.
+
+Others again (as since it hath appeared) were much different from these,
+and ran headlong into a contrary error. For being resolved never to yield
+or forsake their faith, they had not patience and longanimity to expect
+the Providence of God, "qui attingit a fine usque ad finem fortiter et
+disponit omnia suaviter."(292) They would not endure to see their brethren
+so trodden upon by every Puritan, so made a prey to every needy follower
+of the Court or servant to a Councillor, so presented and pursued by every
+churchwarden and minister, so hauled to every sessions when the Justices
+list to meet, so wronged on every side by the process of excommunication
+or outlawry, and forced to seek for their own by law, and then also to be
+denied law, because they were Papists; finally both themselves and all
+others to be denounced traitors, and designed to the slaughter. These
+things they would not endure now to begin afresh after so long endurance,
+and therefore began amongst themselves to consult what remedy they might
+apply to all these evils (and few greater than these by the daily
+destruction of innumerable souls, as they alleged at their death), so that
+it seems they did not so much respect what the remedy were, or how it
+might be procured, as that it might be sure and speedy, to wit, to take
+effect before the end of the Parliament from whence they seemed to expect
+their greatest harm.
+
+And this I do guess to have been the likeliest motive, to make that
+stratagem of the Parliament House to come into their head, unless perhaps
+they did think it was impossible for them to prevail any other way. Now
+peace being concluded by other Princes, they could not expect any
+sufficient aid from them. And they saw that other Princes were willing
+with the peace in regard of their own affairs (which might be cause
+sufficient), although there the peace of Catholics was not included; yea
+presently upon the concluding of that, they saw and felt that the
+persecution began afresh and in far worse manner than before (as in the
+precedent chapters hath been related), yet they found that their case
+would not be understood in many Princes' Courts, but rather the
+Ambassadors and other instruments employed by their persecutors believed,
+than their case credited when it was laid down by witnesses of unstained
+integrity. And seeing for these causes no hope of help from others, they
+knew well that of themselves by open rising in field they were not able to
+resist and repel the force of the whole State, both because all Catholics
+would not join in those courses, and because both Protestants and Puritans
+would then join together against them; therefore this public course being
+not probable to take effect, it is like they fell to search out what
+private way might be within their power and yet might be effectual. And
+then, as it seems by their confessions (made after to the Council), Mr.
+Catesby proposed that fatal and final course of overthrowing the
+Parliament House, alleging for his reason that which before I gathered to
+be his mind out of his own words: that so, said he, we may deliver our
+country from the servitude she is in, and at one instant deliver us from
+all our bonds, and although we can have no foreign help, yet so may we
+plant again the Catholic religion in our country. Thus you may see how
+good desires may be followed by unfit means, and how much a man may be
+deceived when he doth follow but his own ways, how good or great soever
+the motives be or the wished effect of that he goeth about, for "non est
+faciendum malum ut inde eveniat bonum."(293)
+
+And when one of his companions, called Mr. Winter, proposed that the
+matter was so great and imported so many that it would be well considered
+of, Mr. Catesby answered, "The nature of the disease was such that it
+required so sharp a remedy, and that the Parliament was the place where
+all the laws had been made against Catholics, and therefore the fittest
+for the makers of those laws there to receive their punishment, especially
+there being then chosen all the Puritans of the realm, of purpose to make
+much more cruel laws than before; so that at one blow they should cut off
+all the greatest enemies of God's Church, and the greatest persecutors
+both of their souls and bodies, which they could not do by any other
+possible means; and not doing that, they would never prevail nor save the
+whole country from destruction of their souls, nor their brethren and
+themselves from slaughter of their bodies." Thus he. This, therefore,
+seeming probable and pious to their deceived judgments, they fell upon
+that conclusion, that they would prepare for it as soon as they could, but
+in such secret manner that no living creature for no cause should
+understand of their designments but themselves that then consulted, who
+were but five in number, and they would take an oath of secrecy upon a
+Primer to that effect. Only some months after, when they found some more
+help was needful for them, they concluded that three of the five, whereof
+Mr. Catesby and another of the chiefest to be two, might impart it to some
+other chosen person to draw him into the action. So great care they had,
+that it might not be so much as suspected by other Catholics, and
+especially they meant to keep it from their ghostly Fathers and all kind
+of Religious men or Priests, knowing well they should never have their
+assent to an action of that nature. And besides, for that they had no
+doubt at that time or any scruple in the matter for the causes before
+alleged, gathered out of Mr. Catesby his words, though afterwards when the
+matter depended much longer than they expected, upon some occasion or
+other that belike was offered, they began to doubt of one circumstance,
+and then sought resolution, but in such cunning and close manner, as shall
+afterwards appear in the process of the story. And thirdly, for that they
+feared their ghostly Fathers would assuredly draw them out of that course
+if they should have understanding of it, which to be a principal cause of
+their keeping the matter so secret from them, may appear by the speeches
+which Sir Everard Digby used afterwards at the time of his arraignment.
+
+The five that concluded first upon this preposterous Plot of Powder were
+these, Mr. Robert Catesby, Mr. Thomas Percy, Mr. Thomas Winter, Mr. John
+Wright, and Mr. Guy Fawks, as appeareth by the confession of the said Mr.
+Thomas Winter: ¶(294) out of whose examinations with the others that were
+made in the time of their imprisonment, I must gather and set down all
+that is to be said or collected of their purposes and proceedings in this
+heady enterprise. For that as I have said, they kept it so wholly secret
+from all men, that until their flight and apprehension it was not known to
+any that such a matter was in hand, and then there could none have access
+unto them to learn the particulars. But we must be contented with that
+which some of those that lived to be examined, did therein deliver. Only
+for that some of their servants that were up in arms with them in the
+country did afterwards escape, somewhat might be learned by them of their
+carriage in their last extremities, and some such words as they then
+uttered, whereby their mind in the whole matter is something the more
+opened, and all as I have heard then I will faithfully relate.
+
+But first that these first conspirators may be the better known, together
+with the matter and manner of their conspiracy, it shall be good to let
+you see in particular what the persons were.
+
+Mr. Catesby (who as it seems by many circumstances was the first inventor
+and the chiefest furtherer of the Plot) was a gentleman of an ancient and
+great family in England, whose chief estate and dwelling was in
+Warwickshire, though his ancestors had much living in other shires also.
+Some of his ancestors had borne great sway in England. But commonly the
+greatest men are not the best. Some others have been of great esteem for
+virtue, as namely one knight of his house (I take it some four or five
+descents ago) was commonly known and called in all the country, "good Sir
+William Catesby," of whom this memorable thing is recorded; that when he
+had lived long in the fear of God and works of charity, one time as he was
+walking in the fields, his good Angel appeared and showed him the anatomy
+of a dead man and willed him to prepare him, for he should die by such a
+time. The good knight presently accepting of the message willingly,
+recommended himself with a fervent prayer unto our Blessed Lady in that
+place and then went home and settled all his business both towards God and
+the world, and died at his time appointed. This story is painted upon a
+wall in the church of Ashby, where that knight and other of Mr. Catesby's
+ancestors lie buried. Myself have both seen the pictures and read the
+prayer in that place.
+
+Mr. Catesby his estate in his father's time was great, above 3,000_l._ a
+year, which now were worth much more; but Sir William Catesby, his father,
+being a Catholic and often in prison for his faith, suffered many losses
+and much impaired his estate. This son of his when he came to the living
+was very wild, and as he kept company with the best noblemen of the land,
+so he spent much above his rate and so wasted also good part of his
+living. Some four or five years before Queen Elizabeth died, he was
+reclaimed from his wild courses and became a Catholic, unto which he had
+always been inclined in opinion, though not in practice. But after this
+time he left his swearing and excess of play and apparel and all wild
+company and began to use daily practices of religion instead of them,
+insomuch that his former companions did marvel to see him so changed; for
+he concealed his being a Catholic a long time. After that, about three
+years before the Queen's death, when the Earl of Essex did intend and
+attempt by force to put down some of those that ruled the State and meant
+(as it is thought) to have brought in His Majesty that now is into the
+realm at that time, and to that end combined many noblemen and gentlemen
+together in the enterprise, then was Mr. Catesby a principal man in the
+action, having first received a faithful promise from the Earl of
+toleration at least for all Catholics: yea and to that end he procured
+some other Catholics to join also.
+
+In that business, though it was weakly performed by those that had the
+chief carriage, especially that Earl of Essex, yet did Mr. Catesby show
+such valour and fought so long and stoutly, as divers afterwards of those
+swordsmen did exceedingly esteem him and follow him in regard thereof, and
+only commended Sir Christopher Blunt and him, both which were often
+compared together, as well for their performance, as for the hurts they
+received; though Mr. Catesby kept his very secret in prison, being in hope
+to escape with a ransom, as he did, paying 2,000_l._, but it cost him
+3,000_l._ before he got out. All which I therefore relate, as a chief
+means of his getting aid and followers in the other enterprise following,
+in which although he and his complices did us as great a wrong as might
+be, and took themselves a most wrong course in their deceived zeal; yet I
+will not wrong them with false reports in anything, nor wrong the reader
+so much, as not to let him plainly know what kind of men they were, and to
+that end do relate both their good and their evil.
+
+When Mr. Catesby was cured of his hurts and had paid his ransom and
+procured his liberty, he was so much esteemed and respected in all
+companies of such as are counted there swordsmen or men of action, that
+few were in the opinions of most men preferred before him, and he
+increased much his acquaintance and friends. Upon which occasion he then
+began to labour to win many to the Catholic faith, which he performed, and
+brought many to be Catholics of the better sort, and was a continual means
+of helping others to often frequentation of the Sacraments, to which end
+he kept and maintained Priests in several places. And for himself he duly
+received the Blessed Sacrament every Sunday and Festival-day, and grew to
+such a composition of manners and carriage, to such a care in his speech
+(that it might never be hurtful to others, but taking all occasions of
+doing good), to such a zealous course of life, both for the cause in
+general and every particular person whom he could help in God's service,
+as that he grew to be very much respected by most of the better and graver
+sort of Catholics, and of Priests, and Religious also, whom he did much
+satisfy in the care of his conscience; so that it might plainly appear he
+had the fear of God joined with an earnest desire to serve Him. And so no
+marvel though many Priests did know him and were often in his company. He
+was moreover very wise and of great judgment, though his utterance not so
+good. Besides he was so liberal and apt to help all sorts, as it got him
+much love. He was of person above two yards high and, though slender, yet
+as well proportioned to his height as any man one should see. His age (I
+take it) at his death was about thirty-five, or thereabouts. And to do him
+right, if he had not fallen into this foul action and followed his own
+judgment in it (to the hurt and scandal of many), asking no advice but of
+his own reasons deceived and blinded under the shadow of zeal; if, I say,
+it had not been for this, he had truly been a man worthy to be highly
+esteemed and prized in any commonwealth.
+
+Mr. Thomas Percy was of the name and kindred of one of the ancientest and
+greatest Earls in England, though I think he was not very near in blood,
+although they called him cousin. His estate was not great, depending most
+upon the same Earl that now is of the house of Percies, under whom he had
+the keeping of a castle and the receiving of his rents, with the
+overlooking and command of his tenants in those parts. For the most part
+of his youth he had been very wild more than ordinary, and much given to
+fighting, so much that it was noted in him and in Mr. John Wright (whose
+sister he afterwards married) that if they had heard of any man in the
+country to be esteemed more valiant and resolute than others, one or the
+other of them would surely have picked some quarrel against him and fought
+with him to have made trial of his valour. This Mr. Percy was for most of
+his time affected to Catholics and a friend unto them, and did labour and
+was the means to get some out of prison; but himself far from professing
+the same, or following their counsel or example, until within five or six
+years before his death, and I think about the time of my Lord of Essex his
+enterprise he became Catholic; for he was also one in the action and a
+very forward man, hoping that some ease at least would have come to
+Catholics by the means. After that he was much more reclaimed, and grew in
+time, by keeping Catholics' company, and often frequentation of the
+Sacraments, to leave all his old customs, and to live a very staid and
+sober life, and for a year or two before his death kept a Priest
+continually in the country to do good unto his family and neighbours,
+though himself came thither but at times, living for the most part in
+London, where he was made one of the Gentlemen Pensioners in Ordinary, and
+so continued till his death. He had a great wit and a very good delivery
+of his mind, and so was able to speak as well as most in the things
+wherein he had experience. He was tall, and of a very comely face and
+fashion; of age near fifty, as I take it, for his head and beard was much
+changed white.
+
+Mr. Thomas Winter was a younger brother of the house of Huddington, in the
+county of Worcester, whose eldest brother and another younger than himself
+were also brought after into the action by his means. This gentleman had
+spent his youth well as it seemed by the parts he had, for he was a
+reasonable good scholar, and able to talk in many matters of learning, but
+especially in philosophy or histories very well and judicially. He could
+speak both Latin, Italian, Spanish, and French. He had been a soldier both
+in Flanders, France, and, I think, against the Turk, and could discourse
+exceeding well of those matters. And was of such a wit, and so fine
+carriage, that he was of so pleasing conversation, desired much of the
+better sort, but an inseparable friend to Mr. Robert Catesby. He was of
+mean stature, but strong and comely and very valiant, about thirty-three
+years old or somewhat more. His means were not great, but he lived in good
+sort, and with the best. He was very devout and zealous in his faith, and
+careful to come often to the Sacraments, and of very grave and discreet
+carriage, offensive to no man, and fit for any employment. I wish
+therefore he had been employed in some better business.
+
+Mr. John Wright was a gentleman of Yorkshire, not born to any great
+fortune, but lived always in place and company of the better sort. In his
+youth and for the most of his time very wild and disposed to fighting and
+trial of his manhood, as I touched before. He became Catholic about the
+time of my Lord of Essex his attempt, in which he was; and after that time
+kept much with Mr. Catesby and some other gentlemen of his friends and
+acquaintance. He grew to be staid and of good sober carriage after he was
+Catholic, and kept house in Lincolnshire, where he had Priests come often,
+both for his spiritual comfort and their own in corporal helps. He was
+about forty years old, a strong and a stout man, and of a very good wit,
+though slow of speech; much loved by Mr. Catesby for his valour and
+secrecy in carriage of any business, which, I suppose, was the cause why
+he was one of the first acquainted with this unfortunate enterprise.
+
+Mr. Guido Faulks spent most of his time in the wars of Flanders, which is
+the cause that he was less known here in England, but those that have
+known him do affirm that as he did bear office in the camp under the
+English coronell on the Catholic side, so he was a man every way deserving
+it whilst he stayed there, both for devotion more than is ordinarily found
+in soldiers, and especially for his skill in martial affairs and great
+valour, for which he was there much esteemed. And that was the cause, as
+it may be thought, why Mr. Catesby and the rest of the conspirators cast
+their eyes upon him before others, when they desired one out of Flanders
+to be their assistant.
+
+But would to God these gentlemen had used their talents better and
+employed them to the service of God and their country, for which they were
+given, and not to the offence of the one and destruction of the other, as
+we find now to our great increase of grief amidst the rest of our many
+calamities and heavy burthen of persecution, of which the memory of this
+matter is not the least. Undoubtedly they were men of able parts to
+perform much in God's service, and so it is like they would have continued
+as they had begun if they would have feared sufficiently their own
+fancies, and followed the grave example and advice of those from whom they
+sought for help in all other matters that concerned their soul. And yet at
+length they began to doubt in some points of this also, as shall appear in
+the chapter following.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter IV. How After They Had Begun Their Enterprise, They Fell Into Some
+Scruple, And Went About To Satisfy Their Conscience By Asking Questions
+Afar Off, Of Learned Men, Without Opening The Case.
+
+
+It appeareth by the confession which Mr. Thomas Winter made unto the Lords
+of the Council, being published in print by order from the said Council,
+that these gentlemen having concluded upon this course of violent remedy
+(because they resolved to undertake it as their last refuge and remedy of
+all the evils they sought to prevent), Mr. Catesby, who first proposed
+this fatal blow to be given to the Parliament House, did also first
+propose unto them the last trial which he thought likely to prevail for
+redress of those evils by quiet means; and to use his own words, there
+related by Mr. Winter, "First (said he to Mr. Thomas Winter) because we
+will leave no peaceable and quiet way untried, you shall go over and
+inform the Constable (who was then upon his coming in) of the state of the
+Catholics here in England, entreating him to solicit His Majesty at his
+coming hither, that the Penal Laws may be recalled, and we admitted into
+the rank of his other subjects." Mr. Winter went over and delivered his
+message unto the Constable as in the name of all the Catholics of England,
+whose answer was, that he had strict command from His Majesty of Spain to
+do all good offices for the Catholics; and for his own part, he thought
+himself bound in conscience so to do, and that no good occasion should be
+omitted. Thus much the Constable promised at that time, and no doubt
+performed it both wisely and charitably in what he could. But it is an
+easy matter to satisfy with hopes of future favours, when he that receives
+the promises shall not be present to see the performance.
+
+So soon as the peace was concluded, and the Constable [of Spain] departed,
+the stream of persecution began to run more violently than before.
+Searches were more frequent, the seizure of goods more ordinary and
+violent, the payment of 20_l._ a month with the arrearages also were
+enacted, and (which terrified most) the Puritans, who were the chief men
+selected and summoned for the Parliament, were so full of their
+designments against Catholics, that they could not choose but [cast out
+great threats](295) against them in every place where they came; some
+affirming they would now set up their rest and have their will of
+Catholics; some that they would leave no Catholics in England after a
+while; others that they hoped to see them all hanged ere it were long.
+Yea, I know a town myself whither some Puritans came to seize some goods
+of Catholics long before the Parliament, where the party whose goods were
+taken, complaining of the rigour in the manner of proceeding, the officers
+answered, "They hoped to see all the Catholics' throats cut shortly,
+therefore this was nothing." Things therefore standing in these terms with
+Catholics, these gentlemen resolved to expect no further trials, but, as I
+said, concluded upon their intended stratagem, bound each other by oath to
+the highest degree of secrecy, and so it seems they went about their
+business, never fearing any fault in the thing itself, nor fall that might
+come to Catholics by their error; and thus it continued for a good space
+with them.
+
+They hired a house by the water side (as may appear in Mr. Winter's
+confession) where they might first land their powder when they had bought
+it, and from whence they might easily transport it by boat also unto the
+place appointed, which was a house close by the Parliament House, hired by
+Mr. Thomas Percy, as a fit residence for himself near the Court, being
+Pensioner, and to wait daily in his quarters. And Mr. Faulks went as his
+man to keep the house. In this house, to prevent occasions of often going
+out, because they would not seem to be many in the house, they bought
+baked meats and made provision at once for a long time. They began to work
+underground at such times as they could least be heard, and wrought the
+mine until they came to the wall of the Parliament House, which finding to
+be hard stone, they were long about a little progress, and were to be more
+wary than before in respect of the noise. Whilst they were thus together,
+and proceeding daily as they might, they had leisure, saith Mr. Winter, to
+fashion all their business, and to discourse of all things that were to be
+done in the matter, whereby it may seem their first resolution of the
+thing itself was sudden, and such as young heads and forward minds do
+often bring forth, without due consideration of circumstances and likely
+events, which would not have been if they had asked counsel in the cause;
+but rather, if the matter had been of that quality that it had been fit to
+have proceeded in it (as this was most unfit of all others), then would
+all the circumstance of importance have been foreseen beforehand, and all
+likely events forecast, and according to them the resolution left off or
+undertaken. But these gentlemen, as it seems then, with that leisure and
+opportunity of being so much in private together, began to fashion their
+business, after they had begun the enterprise. Then they began to think
+how they should get into their hands the next heir, whom they might set up
+and strengthen against the meaner sort of Puritans that would be left; so
+that his authority being used in his nonage, the Catholic religion might
+be erected, and he so brought up, as that he would at his full years be a
+patron of the same. And Mr. Percy undertook that charge, being one that
+might best be seen in the Court, in regard of his place. Then they
+discoursed what foreign Princes they should acquaint with the business, in
+respect of their help after against the heretics, if they did stand out
+long. And they resolved to acquaint none; first, because they could not
+oblige them by oath to secrecy, so as they might be sufficiently assured
+thereof, which they esteemed the most necessary point of all others, and
+the strength of the whole business; secondly, for that it seemed they were
+doubtful the matter would be misliked by other Princes, as indeed they had
+cause to think it, not likely only, but certain; and so no doubt they
+would have found it, if it had been imparted to any, especially if the
+least notice had come unto His Holiness, who had ever showed a special
+care of our King, and had great hope that in time he would do well both
+for himself and his country. Then also they began to think what Lords they
+should save out of the Parliament. And first they resolved they would save
+as many as they could. Then they descended more into particulars, to
+consider whom they might draw out of the danger, without danger of
+discovering unto them the cause why, or so that they might have the least
+suspicion of the matter intended.
+
+And here, belike, finding it would be very hard to save so many as they
+desired, and yet withal to save the secrecy of their enterprise (in which
+consisted the safety of themselves and of the cause), here it is very
+likely they began to have that scruple in which afterwards they sought to
+satisfy their conscience, but not in right and plain matter as they
+should, by explaining the case of which they demanded, but afar off, as a
+thing by chance coming into their mind, and concerning rather a point of
+warlike affairs in general, than any particular intention of theirs at
+that time to be put in practice. For whilst they were in the middle of
+their discourses (saith Mr. Winter), understanding that the Parliament
+should be anew adjourned, they left off their work for that time, and went
+to keep Christmas in several places, which was always their custom, to
+avoid suspicion. Then the chiefest of them took the present commodity
+offered by meeting with learned Priests that holy time, and meant to
+inform themselves of such doubts as were risen concerning the lawfulness
+of the business they had in hand. And, having a great opinion both of the
+learning and virtue of the Fathers of the Society, Mr. Catesby desired to
+get, by cunning means, the judgment of their Superior, so as he should
+never perceive to what end the question were asked. Therefore coming to
+Father Garnett, after much ordinary talk, and some time passed over after
+his arrival, one time he took occasion (upon some speech proposed about
+the wars in the Low Countries or such like) to ask how far it might be
+lawful for the party that hath the just quarrel to proceed in sacking or
+destroying a town of the enemy's or fortress when it is holden against
+them by strong hands. The Father answered that in a just war it was lawful
+for those that had right to wage battle against the enemies of their
+commonwealth, to authorize their captains or soldiers, as their officers,
+to annoy or destroy any town that is unjustly holden against them, and
+that such is the common doctrine of all Divines: in respect that every
+commonwealth must by the Law of Nature be sufficient for itself, and
+therefore as well able to repel injuries as to provide necessaries; and
+that, as a private person may _vim vi repellere_, so may the commonwealth
+do the like with so much more right as the whole is of more importance
+than a part; which, if it were not true, it should follow that Nature had
+provided better for beasts than for men, furnishing them with natural
+weapons as well to offend as to defend themselves, which we see also they
+have a natural instinct to use, when the offence of the invader is
+necessary for their own defence. And therefore that it is not fit to think
+that God, Who by natural reason, doth provide in a more universal and more
+noble manner for men than by natural instinct for beasts, hath left any
+particular person, and much less a commonwealth, without sufficient means
+to defend and conserve itself; and therefore not without power to provide
+and use likely means to repel present injuries, and to repress known and
+hurtful enemies. And that, in all these, the head of the commonwealth may
+judge what is expedient and needful for the body thereof. Unto which Mr.
+Catesby answering that all this seemed to be plain in common reason, and
+the same also practised by all well-governed commonwealths that ever have
+been, were they never so pious or devout. But, said he, some put the
+greatest difficulty in the sackage of towns and overthrowing or drowning
+up of forts, which, in the Low Countries, and in all wars is endeavoured,
+when the fort cannot otherwise be surprised, and the same of great
+importance to be taken. How then those who have right to make the war may
+justify that destruction of the town or fort, wherein there be many
+innocents and young children, and some perhaps unchristened, which must
+needs perish withal? Unto this the Father answered, that indeed therein
+was the greatest difficulty; and that it was a thing could never be lawful
+in itself, to kill an innocent, for that the reason ceaseth in them for
+which the pain of death may be inflicted by authority, seeing the cause
+why a malefactor and enemy to the commonwealth may be put to death is in
+respect of the common good, which is to be preferred before his private
+(for otherwise, considering the thing only in itself, it were not lawful
+to put any man to death); and so because the malefactor doth _in re gravi_
+hinder the common good, therefore by the authority of the magistrate that
+impediment may be removed. But now, as for the innocent and good, their
+life is a help and furtherance to the common good, and therefore in no
+sort it can be lawful to kill or destroy an innocent. But, said Mr.
+Catesby, that is done ordinarily in the destruction of these forts I spake
+of. It is true, said the Father, it is there permitted, because it cannot
+be avoided; but is done as _per accidens_, and not as a thing intended by
+or for itself, and so it is not unlawful. As if we were shot into the arm
+with a poisoned bullet, so that we could not escape with life unless we
+cut off our arm; then _per accidens_ we cut off our hand and fingers also
+which were sound, and yet being, at that time of danger, inseparably
+joined to the arm, lawful to be cut off, which it were not lawful
+otherwise to do without mortal sin. And such was the case of the town of
+Gabaa, and the other towns of the tribe of Benjamin, wherein many were
+destroyed that had not offended. With which Mr. Catesby seeming fully
+satisfied, brake presently into other talk, the Father at that time little
+imagining whereat he aimed, though afterwards, when the matter was known,
+he told some friends what had passed between by Mr. Catesby and him about
+this matter, and that he little suspected then he would so have applied
+the general doctrine of Divines to the practice of a private and so
+perilous a case, without expressing all particulars, which course may give
+occasion of great errors, as we see it did in this.
+
+Now Mr. Catesby having found as much as he thought was needful for his
+purpose, related the same unto the rest of the conspirators, and all were
+animated in their proceedings without any further scruple for a long time,
+but applied all by their own divinity unto their own case, persuading
+themselves belike, that they had all the conditions of a lawful war with
+the Puritans and Protestant parties. First, a just cause, in defence of
+their goods, lives, and liberty, both of themselves and their brethren,
+and especially for the delivery and safety of so many thousand souls
+inthralled by sin and heresy; secondly, they thought they found in
+themselves a right intention to suppress evil and erect and strengthen
+that which was good and needful; thirdly, about authority to commence the
+same, I suppose they had most difficulty, and do not see how they could
+satisfy their own reason (much less the rules that are required in
+schools) in that behalf, seeing they did know so well, and had been so
+often told by the said Father Garnett and others of their spiritual
+guides, that His Holiness had given strict charge there should be nothing
+attempted against His Majesty [and the State], but that all Catholics
+should seek in patience to possess their souls, and thereby, and not by
+force, to plead for favour. I know not therefore from what ground they
+could imagine themselves to have authority, although in a far less matter.
+For it is not likely that they should think of the opinion of some that
+hold "quod defensio manualis cum sit de Jure Naturali non potest auferri
+per Superiorem vel contrarium praecipi."(296) And besides, that is to be
+understood _in ipso conflictu_, and not _longe ante_, as in this case of
+the Parliament.
+
+But it is an easy matter for an earnest desire to draw a man's opinion
+after it, and so their great and unadvised zeal to remedy the wrongs done
+to Catholics both in soul and body, might perhaps make them think that
+this opportunity of the Parliament being omitted, they should never again
+have power or opportunity to defend the Catholic party. And that there was
+not sufficient access to inform Superiors of the case of Catholics,
+neither that their extremities were believed, and that if they were truly
+known, they neither would nor could be tolerated when remedy might be
+applied, in which they thought themselves as it were the officers and
+hands of the commonwealth, in whose hands and power it was then to perform
+it as they thought, but would not be so if they should ask counsel or
+leave of others, because so great a secret could not be kept in the mouths
+of many, and those not in like manner or measure affected to the business.
+Thus we may see how oftentimes it happens that a greedy affection and
+desire of the prey doth not let the bird consider or see the danger of the
+net which hangeth between the prey and it. And so as it is in too earnest
+pursuit of riches, that "qui volunt divites fieri incidunt in tentationem
+et in laqueum diaboli,"(297) so in this case, their vehement desire of
+their prefixed end, did make them oversee a number of inconveniences and
+perils both of soul and body, that did hang upon this lamentable
+enterprise, which they did afterwards find, and as I hope repented: and
+others for their fault have felt more at leisure since this matter
+happened.
+
+But we that be innocent in the case, and were no ways accessary to the
+cause giving, must not repine at God's judgments, if He suffer us to be
+beaten for the error by others committed: Et si in vincula conjiciamur
+quasi mala operantes et ante reges et praesides ducamur quasi non
+existentes amici Caesaris,(298) yet we must be comforted in the testimony
+of our own conscience, that we do hate all treason against our Prince as
+much as those that punish us for traitors, and would no ways have joined
+in this if we had known it, but our earnest endeavours against it should
+have given sufficient testimony of a contrary mind in us, as may and will
+appear in the chapter following was done by Father Garnett when he began
+to fear they had something in hand, although he could never guess or
+suspect so strange a practice as they were then in plotting or rather in
+perfecting to be performed.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter V. How Father Garnett Beginning To Suspect Somewhat By Certain
+Generalities He Understood Of The Gentlemen, Wrote Divers Letters To Rome
+For Prevention Of Rebellion.
+
+
+When Mr. Catesby had thus satisfied his particular doubts out of this
+general doctrine, both he and his company went forward in their former
+purposes and after Christmas met again and began to labour afresh in the
+mine, to work through the wall of the Parliament House which they found to
+be difficult and long in doing. Whereupon by mutual consent they took in
+another assistant who was Mr. Christopher Wright, younger brother to John
+Wright before described in the third chapter, by whom also this other may
+be known without new description. For though he were not like him in face,
+as being fatter and a lighter coloured hair and taller of person, yet was
+he very like to the other in conditions and qualities, and both esteemed
+and tried to be as stout a man as England had and withal a zealous
+Catholic and trusty and secret in any business as could be wished: in
+respect whereof they esteemed him very fit to be of their company and so
+caused him to take the oath of secrecy and he received the Blessed
+Sacrament thereupon (as they had also done) and so admitted him. Not long
+after they admitted also another, which was Mr. Robert Winter, the eldest
+brother to Thomas Winter before spoken of.
+
+This Robert Winter was a gentleman of good estate in Worcestershire, about
+one thousand marks a year, and had matched with the daughter of Mr. John
+Talbot, an ancient Catholic and one of the greatest men in the whole shire
+for blood, for living, and for power. Mr. Robert Winter was also an
+earnest Catholic, though not as yet generally known to be so. He was a
+wise man and of grave and sober carriage and very stout, as all of that
+name have been esteemed. This gentleman then with like ceremonies and
+obligation to secrecy was joined to their number and made them up seven;
+who all laboured hard in the mine to get through the foundation of the
+house, which was a hard stone wall of three yards thick. And so they
+continued working until near Easter, at which time finding that a cellar
+under the side of their house (which was until that time in the possession
+of others) was then to be let for rent, Mr. Percy presently took the same,
+as if it were to lay in fuel for his house and they found it so commodious
+for their purpose, that they left off their other laborious work in the
+mine; and in the cellar placed all their powder and covered the same with
+billets, in such sort as it could not be suspected: intending to store it
+better with powder and other necessaries nearer to the time of the
+Parliament which then was adjourned.
+
+In the meantime Father Garnett understanding by some friends that Mr.
+Catesby was much missing from the places where he was wont continually to
+resort for spiritual helps; and hearing also, that he and other gentlemen
+of his forward humour did keep much together and had many secret meetings,
+he began to suspect they had something in hand that might tend to some
+commotion and that they did labour to get adherents for some attempt to be
+performed in forcible manner. Whereupon he wrote presently to his
+Superiors at Rome, that by their means there might be procured from His
+Holiness a prohibition to be sent unto Catholics from attempting anything
+by way of force, and of this kind he wrote divers letters which myself
+have seen since that time. And having had good commodity to see the copies
+of them lately in a place where they are safely kept, I will set down his
+own words written in several letters, that the reader may see his wise and
+quiet proceeding and the mild spirit of the man, much different from the
+calumnious reports his enemies have given of him concerning this action
+and directly contrary to the turbulent spirit of those that have been
+professed teachers of heresy both in those and other countries.
+
+And first he wrote one letter to his Superiors in the year 1604, dated on
+the 29 of August, whilst the peace was yet in treaty and some hope yet
+living in Catholics that their peace would also be included, in which he
+hath these words (showing how difficult a matter it was for Catholics to
+be heard in their own cause even by some of those that were to plead for
+them). "Some," saith he, "are so jealous of their peace that whosoever
+dealt earnestly with them to further religion, they sticked not to say
+that they were seditious and statesmen. 'Nunquid pax est perniciosa
+religioni?'(299) said one of them. But no wise men misliked the peace and
+we hope for good of religion, which Catholics do patiently expect." These
+are his words: and truly if all that had to do in the matter had dealt as
+effectually for us in that kind as the Constable did in the small time of
+his stay there, perhaps things might have gone better with us than they
+did; but as he received promises which were not performed after his
+departure; so others were with like policy made believe that things did
+not go so hard with us as indeed we felt them: although it be true that
+the hardest of all began after the peace was fully concluded. In the same
+letter of Father Garnett's one may see also what difficulty he had on the
+other side with some Catholics to keep them quiet if some mitigation
+should not be obtained for them after so long expectance, wherein he meant
+belike Mr. Catesby and some such whom he most feared, about which he wrote
+these words following in cypher: "If the affair of toleration go not well,
+Catholics will no more be quiet. What shall we do? Jesuits cannot hinder
+it. Let Pope forbid all Catholics to stir." These are his words, which
+sufficiently declare both his desires and endeavours to further peace and
+to hinder the contrary.
+
+About a month after he wrote another letter in answer of one he had
+received from his Superiors not long before (as I perceive by the party
+that hath the keeping of these letters), wherein they did require to be
+informed whether himself or any of the Society in England were against the
+peace, or did favour or further unquiet proceedings in any respect; for
+that such an information had been sent to Padua out of England, but not
+known by whom, unto which he answered as followeth: "That which was
+written to Padua, that the King is much moved against Catholics through
+the fervour of some Jesuits, is known to be false here by all, as well
+enemies as friends. For they were the setters on of the suit for peace,
+and the Agent always used their counsel, and without their credit and
+friends he had never gone so forward. Besides, an Earl of great account
+commended publicly the Jesuits in the Parliament House, as persons wise,
+learned, and of sincere conscience, and great setters forwards of peace.
+In Watson's business it is well known how many had been entangled, and
+what danger would have followed if they had not hindered. For although
+they cannot hinder what every tumultuous head intendeth, yet can they
+carry with them to peaceable courses the best and most Catholics. Finally,
+our enemies see our courses and stick not to say that we flatter the
+Council, whose good opinion we have gotten. Thus humbly saluting yourself
+and all our friends, I cease this 21 of September." Thus the good Father,
+in whose words we may see how, with truth and sincere dealing, he was
+able, and had need to defend himself and his Company from virulent
+surmises and false informations on both sides; some informing they did
+bend to the one extremity, and some thinking they did lean unto the other;
+but virtue is in the mean, in which path both he and his did walk.
+
+And as for that matter of Watson's, thus much I can say upon my knowledge,
+that when the Plot was revealed unto Father Gerard to have his counsel and
+furtherance therein, he first refused absolutely to meddle in the matter,
+and wished the other party to desist himself and to dissuade others from
+it, as a thing absolutely unlawful and many ways hurtful. Then presently,
+for better prevention thereof, he sent to London of purpose, both to
+inform his own Superior, Father Garnett, and the Archpriest, Mr.
+Blackwell, wishing they would presently forbid all their acquaintance from
+entering into the cause, and to stay it what they could; by which course
+he thought he had done sufficient to hinder the proceeding of the matter,
+not knowing then that any others were interested therein but those few
+Catholics from whom and of whom he had heard it. But afterwards,
+understanding again that the intention did go on, and that they were to be
+at London at Midsummer to effect their intent (which was to apprehend the
+King's person as he should be hunting in a park); and seeing that
+Midsummer was then at hand, and the time so short, that he feared much no
+warning to the parties themselves would be sufficient to stay them, he
+then, to be more sure of the safety of His Majesty's person, made known
+the whole intention unto one of His Majesty's servants, a Scottish
+gentleman and a Catholic, and as such well known unto His Majesty, who
+presently made haste unto the Court to open the matter unto the King
+himself; but found it was known the day before he came, and so spake
+nothing of it, being not then needful, nor he willing without cause to be
+acknowen of his acquaintance with Father Gerard: for which cause also I do
+here suppress his name; but if occasion were, I doubt not but he would be
+willing to bear witness with what care and fidelity the said Father Gerard
+did seek to prevent the danger to His Majesty. All which having heard from
+Father Gerard himself upon his protestation to be true in every point as I
+have here related, I do the rather set it down, because he was one of the
+three afterwards most wrongfully accused of this other much greater and
+more pernicious conspiracy, whereof he had not so much as the least
+knowledge, as will afterwards more plainly appear.
+
+But to return to the letters of Father Garnett. When once he began to
+suspect that the gentlemen aforesaid had something in their heads, and
+perceived by divers words and signs, that they were the more strange with
+the Society; and as it were offended that the Society were still so
+earnest to persuade all men to expect the Providence of God, and the help
+that might be procured by the mediation of other Princes, wherein also
+they assured all Catholics that His Holiness would effectually procure
+them to do their best. These gentlemen were impatient to hear of any
+longer stay upon unlikely hopes, and therein esteemed the Society
+hinderers of their good, as may appear by a letter of Father Garnett,
+written in the 8 of May, 1605, wherein he hath these words set down all in
+cypher: "All are desperate, divers Catholics are offended with Jesuits;
+they say that Jesuits do impugn and hinder all forcible enterprises. I
+dare not inform myself of their affairs, because of the prohibition of
+Father General for meddling in such affairs." Then out of cypher
+followeth: "And so I cannot give you exact account; this I know by mere
+chance." Thus much Father Garnett, whereby may appear both what
+commandment he had received from his Superiors and how carefully he
+performed it, even to the offence of these forward-minded Catholics, who
+were then well forward in their cruel enterprise. For this was after they
+had left the mine, and hired the cellar, as I said in the last chapter, as
+more commodious for their purpose. But of all that Father Garnett had not
+then the least imagination, only so much as he gathered by generalities,
+he informed his Superiors that they might hinder. Whereupon, having soon
+after received answer of these from Father Persons, with strict charge in
+the name of His Holiness, with Father General's letters also to the same
+effect, that he and his should continue, by all means possible, to hinder
+any insurrection or undutiful proceedings against His Majesty or the
+State. Unto those letters Father Garnett made this answer following, dated
+the 24 of July, the same year 1605.
+
+
+    "Magnifice Domine,
+
+    Accepimus Dominationis vestrae litteras, quas, ea qua par est
+    reverentia erga suam Sanctitatem et vestram Paternitatem
+    amplectimur. Et quidem pro mea parte quater hactenus tumultum
+    impedivi. Nec dubium est quin publicos omnes armorum apparatus
+    prohibere possimus; cum certum sit multos Catholicos absque nostro
+    consensu nihil ejusmodi (nisi urgente necessitate) attentare
+    velle. Duo tamen sunt quae nos valde solicitos tenent. Primum ne
+    alii fortassis in una aliqua Provincia ad arma convolent, unde
+    alios ipsa necessitas ad similia studia compellat. Sunt enim non
+    pauci qui nuda suae Sanctitatis jussione cohiberi non possunt. Ausi
+    sunt enim, vivo Papa Clemente, interrogare, num posset Papa illos
+    prohibere, quominus vitam suam defendant? Dicunt insuper, suorum
+    secretorum Presbyterum nullum fore conscium, nominatim vero de
+    nobis conqueruntur etiam amici nonnulli nos illorum molitionibus
+    obicem ponere. Atque ut hos aliquo modo leniremus et saltem tempus
+    lucraremur, ut dilatione aliqua adhiberi possint congrua remedia,
+    hortati sumus ut communi consilio aliquem ad Sanctissimum
+    mitterent, quod factum est, eumque ad Illustrissimum Nuncium in
+    Flandriam direxi, ut ab ipso suae Sanctitati commendetur; scriptis
+    etiam litteris, quibus eorum sententiam exposui, et rationes pro
+    utraque parte. Hae litterae fuse scriptae ac plenius fuere, tutissime
+    enim transferentur. Atque haec de primo periculo. Alterum est
+    aliquanto deterius, quia periculum est ne privatim aliqua proditio
+    aut vis Regi offeratur, et hoc pacto omnes Catholici ad arma
+    compellantur. Quare, meo quidem judicio duo necessaria sunt;
+    primum ut sua Sanctitas praescribat quid quoquo in casu agendum
+    sit; deinde ut sub censuris omnem armorum vim Catholicis
+    prohibeat, idque Brevi publice edito, cujus occasio obtendi potest
+    nuper excitatus in Wallia tumultus qui demum in nihilum recidit.
+    Restat ut (cum in pejus omnia quotidie prolabantur) oremus S.
+    Sanctitatem his tantis periculis ut brevi necessarium aliquod
+    remedium adhibeat, cujus sicut et Rdae. Ptis. vrae benedictionem
+    imploramus.(300)
+
+    "Londini, 24 Julii, 1605.
+
+    "Magcae. Dnis. Vae. Servus
+    "HENRICUS G."
+
+
+By these we may see that Father Garnett having now great suspicion that
+these gentlemen had something in hand against the State, or perhaps
+perceiving by some general signs there was some such matter, he sought
+presently to apply the surest remedy from His Holiness. And true it is, as
+will appear after in Father Garnett's arraignment, that Mr. Catesby
+offered sometimes to tell him that they would not endure to be so long so
+much abused, but would take some course to right themselves, sith others
+would not respect them or could not relieve them; unto which general
+speeches Father Garnett would give no ear, nor durst not enter to inquire
+further of the matter, in respect of a prohibition from his Superiors,
+which he touched in the former letters. But yet upon this general
+knowledge, you see how earnestly he wrote for an authentical instrument of
+prohibition from such authority as he knew they would not resist, although
+perhaps his own words, in a matter of so great weight, would not suffice
+for all, though for the most and best it would, as before he also touched.
+
+And it seemed soon after, as he thought that he had done some good with
+those gentlemen also, whom he feared most, or else that they had promised
+him to lay aside all thought of those matters, until they had answer from
+the gentleman whose sending, as you see, he had proposed to defer their
+hot desires until a cooling card might be sent from Rome, in answer of
+this his letter. For soon after, he wrote other letters of the 28 of
+August, wherein (having first declared how both his houses were discovered
+unto the Council, and he thereby utterly unfurnished of a safe place, and
+thereupon resolved to spend most of the summer in travel to visit a holy
+well of St. Winifred, which is a great pilgrimage in England, and to do
+what good he could at friends' houses by the way, both going and coming,
+until a fit house could be provided for him, wherein he might settle for
+the winter); this declared, he wrote as followeth: "And for anything we
+can see, Catholics are quiet, and likely to continue their old patience,
+and to trust to the King or his son for to remedy all in time. The
+increase of Catholics is great, and I hope in this journey (which I
+undertake to-morrow, both for health and want of a house) I shall have
+occasion of much good. I leave for substitute," &c. And so he proceedeth
+to show whom he left to dispatch his London business in his absence. But
+where Father Garnett said in this letter that for ought he could see
+Catholics were quiet, his meaning was, no doubt, quiet from any attempts,
+as he supposed. For as for other quietness, or repose from persecution,
+you shall see what quiet there was by another letter of his written in
+October following, towards the end of his journey; which, being the true
+relation of the present state of things to be seen in such a man's letter,
+I think best to set it down verbatim: "My very loving Sir, we are to go
+within few days nearer London, yet are we unprovided of a house, nor can
+find any convenient for any long time. But we must be fain to borrow some
+private house for a time, and live more privately until this storm be
+overblown. For most strict inquiries are practised, wherein if my hostess
+be not quite undone, she speedeth better than many of her neighbours. The
+courses taken are more severe than in Queen Elizabeth's time. Every six
+weeks is a several court; juries appointed to indict, present, find the
+goods of Catholics, prize them, yea in many places to drive away
+whatsoever they find 'contra ordinem juris,' and put the owners, if
+perhaps Protestants, to prove that they be theirs, and not of recusants
+with whom they deal. The Commissioners, in all countries, are the most
+earnest and base Puritans, whom otherwise the King discountenanceth. The
+prisoners at Wisbich are almost famished; they are very close, and can
+have no help from abroad; but the King allowing a mark a week for each
+one, the keeper maketh his gains, and giveth them meat but three days a
+week. If any recusant buy his goods again, they inquire diligently if the
+money be his own, otherwise they would have that too. In fine, if these
+courses hold, every man must be fain to redeem once in six months the very
+bed he lieth on. And hereof (that is of twice redeeming) besides other
+precedents, I find one in this lodging of ----, where now I am." (In his
+letter it is described, but here not fit to set down.) "The judges now
+openly protest that the King now will have blood, and hath taken blood in
+Yorkshire; that the King hath hitherto stroked Papists, but now will
+strike. And this is without any least desert of Catholics. The execution
+of two in the North is certain, and whereas it was done upon cold blood,
+that is, with so great stay after their condemnation, it argueth a
+deliberate resolution of what we may expect. So that there is no hope that
+[Pope] Paul [V.] can do anything; and whatsover men give out there, of
+easy proceedings with Catholics, is mere fabulous. And yet I am assured,
+notwithstanding, that the best sort of Catholics will bear all their
+losses with patience. But how these tyrannical proceedings of such base
+officers may drive particular men to desperate attempts, that I cannot
+answer for. The King's wisdom will foresee. In my journey," &c. So he
+proceedeth to relate some particular occurrents that happened in his
+journey not needful here to be set down, yet towards the end of the letter
+he setteth down this: "I have a letter from Field in Ireland who telleth
+me that of late there was a very severe proclamation against all
+Ecclesiastical persons, and a general command for going to the church,
+with a solemn protestation that the King never promised nor meant to give
+toleration." All these are Father Garnett's words truly and sincerely set
+down as they lie in his letter written by his own hand, dated the 4th of
+October, 1605,(301) which I am the more glad I lit on, because it doth
+agree so just with my former relation of the state of England touching
+persecution of Catholics before the time of this late conspiracy; whereby
+some may see, by the plain words of so grave a witness as Father Garnett
+was, how much they are deceived, when they think that the persecution was
+caused by the conspiracy, and not, _e contra_, the conspiracy intended and
+attempted by those gentlemen out of impatience to bear so great abuses,
+and that from so base and cruel enemies as the Puritans are, who were
+everywhere made princes over Catholics, though otherwise not thought
+worthy to be esteemed or countenanced.
+
+All these, I say, be Father Garnett his letters, whereof I have seen the
+copies and have truly set down his own words as they are in the same (as I
+assure the reader upon my conscience), and the letters themselves, as I
+understand for certain, are as yet to be seen in Rome under his own hand,
+if occasion require. And by all these it is most apparent that Father
+Garnett was as careful as a man could be, to observe the strict
+commandment he had received both from His Holiness and from Father General
+and Father Persons his Superiors not to assent to any tumult, but to use
+all means he could to keep Catholics in quiet and in their former long
+combined patience, which he performed of his part with all sorts, and
+therein prevailed with the most and the best, as himself noteth. And how
+effectual his persuasions were, may also appear in that, when the
+gentlemen were up in arms, no Catholic of account would come to assist
+them, no, not those that were hard by the place; and men of great power,
+much greater than those that were risen: yea and some of them near of
+kindred, some nearly allied unto them; and yet they would neither go, nor
+send them any assistance; yea they shut their gates against them, when
+others came to demand it. Such was their resolution to obey the order they
+had received and to keep themselves quiet, according to the commandment
+they had from His Holiness, by the means of Father Garnett made known unto
+them. And whereas, Father Garnett did fear at the first, and afterwards
+find, that he could not rule some others so well, them he persuaded to
+defer at the least all such practices, until they had sent to know His
+Holiness' will: he, in the mean time, labouring, as you have seen, to have
+an effectual prohibition by a public instrument from the same authority.
+So that, it is most apparent, he was not only innocent from any
+furtherance or approbation of the treason itself; but also, an earnest
+hinderer of all kind of undutiful courses and violent attempts: and
+therein a most diligent and religious observer of his Superiors' will and
+commandment. Yet all this would not serve to work sufficient patience, or
+any longer expectance in the minds of these foresaid gentlemen, who,
+although they bare Father Garnett in hand that they would expect answer,
+this, as it seems, was but a show of expectance in them, and continued
+only until they saw the Parliament was almost at hand, and that it was too
+late for him to send further notice to his Superiors, and receive their
+answer. And they, in the mean time, proceeded, as afterwards Father
+Garnett also chanced to know, very much against his will, as will appear
+in that which followeth.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VI. How In The Mean Space, The Conspirators Proceeded In Their
+Purpose, And Drew In More Complices, And What They Were.
+
+
+Whilst the great persecution before recited did reign so much, and brought
+with it so many and so great afflictions upon all sorts of Catholics, as
+before you have read, and whilst Father Garnett did verily persuade
+himself that notwithstanding all those great difficulties, all was and
+would be borne with patience, until further order could be taken, and the
+same patient toleration publicly commanded which he had privately
+counselled; these foresaid gentlemen who had commenced a course before
+that time which Father Garnett did little dream of, although they did bear
+him in hand whom they saw resolute for quiet courses, that they would
+expect until order came from authority, after their messenger had been
+heard, whom they had sent to explain their griefs according to his
+counsel, yet they, persuading themselves (as they afterwards affirmed to
+some that were with them, when they were in arms in the country, but were
+not taken with them) that if contrary order to their designments should
+come from higher authority (as they feared in likelihood it would, and
+therefore were loth to expect so long) that the same was only upon
+mistaking of their case or upon some hope perhaps His Holiness might have
+that things would be better with Catholics after a time, and that favour
+would be procured by fair means; and this hope grounded upon promises from
+those that had deceived many with the like and never kept any yet that
+they made in that kind. They therefore, thinking themselves to have had so
+long trial hereof, would not be staid, as it seems, from their present
+purpose by future expectations, but proceeded in what way they had begun,
+and provided still more powder to such a quantity as made up in all
+thirty-six barrels, some bigger and some less; all which they placed so in
+the cellar under the Parliament House, as must needs have overthrown the
+same and some other buildings also that had been near unto it, if it had
+been set on fire as was intended; especially having placed thereon many
+billets of wood to cover the same powder and some bars of iron also of
+purpose: all which being blown up with the powder, would have made sure to
+tear and rend the Parliament House in pieces.
+
+Thus having disposed all things in the cellar as they would have them,
+they absented themselves much from thence; because they would give no
+cause of note over that place more than others, whereof they were ever
+very careful. And so they had good cause, being men as likely to be noted
+by the State for men of action and performance, as any in the realm; and
+then, being withal known to be resolute Catholics, their often meetings or
+haunting much to one place, especially near the Court, would not have been
+free from suspect. For the same cause also, during all the time they
+wrought in the mine or cellar, they would have but small company, and were
+but seven acquainted with the matter, all which I named before. Only one
+man of meaner condition they admitted there into the secret, to help them
+in making provision of their powder, and that was one Bates, a servant of
+Mr. Robert Catesby's, whom he had great opinion of for his long tried
+fidelity towards him, which the poor fellow continued even until he saw
+his master dead; and then, it is like, his heart was dead withal, for he
+showed some fear after, when he was taken, which gave others occasion to
+work upon his weakness and to give some beginning of colour towards the
+accusation of divers that were not guilty in the matter, as shall
+afterwards appear. But these foresaid gentlemen having left the cellar, as
+they desired to find it, were then to seek for further helps wherewith to
+effect their designments when that act should be performed. For then their
+purpose was (saith Mr. Winter in his printed confession) to seize upon the
+person of the young Prince, if he were not in the Parliament House, which
+they much desired. But if he were, then upon the young Duke Charles, who
+then should be the next heir, and him they would erect, and with him and
+by his authority, the Catholic religion. If that did also fail them, then
+had they a resolution to take the Lady Elizabeth, who was in the keeping
+of the Lord Harrington in Warwickshire; and so by one means or other, they
+would be certain to settle in the crown one of the true heirs unto the
+same. But to perform this part of their exploit required more hands and
+help than as yet they had at command. Wherefore they bethought themselves
+what help they might adjoin unto them in that great secret, without likely
+danger and yet with the assistance which they wanted, which partly
+required some more men of strength both in mind and body; but chiefly for
+supply of money, which if they had in readiness, and that placed in those
+countries where they meant to gather to a head, and where, for the most
+part, all sorts are either Catholic or affected to Catholics, they thought
+then they could want neither men nor any needful provision.
+
+To this effect they first acquainted Mr. Ambrose Rookewood with the
+business, a gentleman of good worth in the county of Suffolk and of a very
+ancient family and himself the heir of the eldest house. This gentleman
+was brought up in Catholic religion from his infancy and was ever very
+devout. His parents also were very virtuous and suffered much persecution
+for their Faith, both in payment of money and loss of their goods and many
+other molestations; yet was their house a continual receptacle for
+Priests, and a place wherein many other Catholics did often find great
+spiritual comfort, the house being a very fair great house and his living
+very sufficient. But that which moved them specially to make choice of Mr.
+Rookewood was, I suppose, not so much to have his help by his living as by
+his person, and some provision of horses, of which he had divers of the
+best: but for himself, he was known to be of great virtue and no less
+valour and very secret. He was also of very good parts otherwise as for
+wit and learning, having spent of his youth in study. He was at this time,
+as I take it, not past twenty-six or twenty-seven years old and had
+married a gentlewoman of a great family, a virtuous Catholic also, by whom
+he had divers young children. Yet it seemed all those did little move him
+nor any respect to his living or fortune, though he had enjoyed them but a
+little time; whereby I do gather, they made a great account of this
+business, in respect whereof, it seems, they made account of nothing.
+
+Next unto him was a Warwickshire gentleman, one Mr. John Grant, a man of
+sufficient estate for his own charge, and lived well in his country; but
+of no great ability to help in the business, otherwise than by his
+acquaintance (being well beloved and allied in that country where they
+were chiefly to need help). But for his own person he was as fierce as a
+lion, of a very undaunted courage as could be found in a country: which
+mind of his he had often showed unto pursuivants and prowling companions,
+when they would come to his house to search and ransack the same, as they
+did to divers of his neighbours. But he paid them so well for their labour
+not with crowns of gold but with cracked crowns sometimes, and with dry
+blows instead of drink and other good cheer, that they durst not visit him
+any more, unless they brought great store of help with them. Truth is, his
+mettle and manner of proceeding was so well known unto them, that it kept
+them very much in awe and himself in much quiet which he did the rather
+use, that he might with more safety keep a Priest in his house, which he
+did with great fruit unto his neighbours and comfort to himself. This
+gentleman therefore they adjoined to their company, as they had done Mr.
+Rookewood, giving to them both the oath of secrecy, according to their
+custom.
+
+Then they called in one Mr. Robert Keyes, a grave and sober man, and of
+great wit and sufficiency, as I have heard divers say, that were well
+acquainted with him. His virtue and valour were the chiefest things
+wherein they could expect assistance from him; for otherwise, his means
+were not great, but in those two, by report, he had great measure. More
+was the pity that such men, so worthy to be esteemed, should lose
+themselves in such a labyrinth of erring courses.
+
+But of all others, he that was most pitied and generally most commended of
+all men, was the next whom Mr. Catesby thought fit to acquaint with the
+matter, therein to have his help and assistance in all kinds, both for
+counsel and forces and provision of money, of horses and armour and men
+and followers; in all which, put them all together and there was not such
+a man amongst them. And this was Sir Everard Digby, a Knight of great
+living and great account in his country. He was of an ancient and great
+family, whose ancestors were a great help to the suppressing of Richard
+III. the tyrant, and the bringing and setting up of King Henry VII. from
+whom our King James is lineally descended: whereupon King Henry did make
+Knights in the field seven brothers of his house at one time, from whom
+descended divers houses of that name, which live all in good reputation in
+their several countries. But this Sir Everard Digby was the heir of the
+eldest and chiefest house, and one of the chiefest men in Rutlandshire
+where he dwelt, as his ancestors had done before him, though he had also
+much living in Leicestershire and other shires adjoining. His estate was
+not fully come into his hands, for his mother lived, who had above seven
+or eight hundred pounds a year; but he had in his hands above 2,000 marks
+a year. This gentleman was always Catholicly affected, and heir unto the
+piety of his parents, as well as to their living: for they were ever the
+most noted and known Catholics in that country. And although this
+gentleman being left a ward by his Father's untimely death, was not
+brought up Catholicly in his youth, but at the University by his
+guardians, as other young gentlemen use to be; yet when he came to be of
+riper years, and had the guiding of himself and his own estate, he
+affected most the company of Catholics and finding by them the necessity
+not only of believing but of practising also and professing that religion,
+he presently made election rather to suffer with Catholic religion, and to
+bear with Catholics the cross of persecution than to rise with heresy and
+to be advanced in the Court, which until then he had followed, and was as
+likely to be raised as any there, if he would have followed the time. For
+indeed to do him right, he was as complete a man in all things that
+deserved estimation or might win affection, as one should see in a
+kingdom. He was of stature about two yards high, very little lower than
+Mr. Catesby but of stronger making; of countenance so comely and manlike,
+that when he was taken and brought up to the Court (not in the best case
+to make show of himself as you may imagine), yet some of the chiefest in
+the Court seeing him out of a window brought in that manner, lamented him
+much, and said he was the goodliest man in the whole Court. He was skilful
+in all things that belonged unto a gentleman, very cunning at his weapon,
+much practised and expert in riding of great horses, of which he kept
+divers in his stable continually with a skilful rider for them. For other
+sports of hunting or hawking, which gentlemen in England so much use and
+delight in, he had the best of both kinds in the country round about,
+insomuch that he made that the colour of his going into Warwickshire at
+this time, and of drawing company together of his friends, as it were to a
+match of hunting which he had made. For all manner of games which are also
+usual for gentlemen in foul weather, when they are forced to keep house,
+he was not only able therein to keep company with the best; but was so
+cunning in them all, that those who knew him well, had rather take his
+part than be against him. He was a good musician and kept divers good
+musicians in his house; and himself also could play well of divers
+instruments. But those who were well acquainted with him do affirm that in
+gifts of mind he excelled much more than in his natural parts; although in
+those also it were hard to find so many in one man in such a measure. But
+of wisdom he had an extraordinary talent, such a judicial wit and so well
+able to discern and discourse of any matter, as truly I have heard many
+say they have not seen the like of a young man, and that his carriage and
+manner of discourse were more like to a grave Councillor of State, than to
+a gallant of the Court as he was, and a man but of twenty-six years old
+(which I think was his age or thereabouts). And though his behaviour were
+courteous to all, and offensive to none, yet was he a man of great courage
+and of noted valour, which at his end he showed plainly to the world, all
+men seeing and affirming that he made no account at all of death. He was
+so studious a follower of virtue, after he became Catholic, that he gave
+great comfort to those that had the guiding of his soul (as I have heard
+them seriously affirm more than once or twice), he used his prayers daily
+both mental and vocal, and daily and diligent examination of his
+conscience: the Sacraments he frequented devoutly every week, and to that
+end kept a Priest in his house continually, who for virtue and learning
+hath not many his betters in England. Briefly I have heard it reported of
+this Knight by those that knew him well, and that were often in his
+company, that they did note in him a special care of avoiding all
+occasions of sin and of furthering acts of virtue in what he could; to
+which end he was not only studious to bring as many to be Catholics as he
+could (studying books of purpose to enable himself in that kind), and
+brought in divers of that sort and some of great account and place. Not
+only in this highest kind, wherein he took very great joy and comfort, but
+also in ordinary talk, when he had observed that the speech did tend to
+any evil, as detraction or other kind of evil words which sometimes will
+happen in company, his custom was presently to take some occasion to alter
+the talk, and cunningly to bring in some other good matter or profitable
+subject to talk of. And this, when the matter was not very grossly evil,
+or spoken to the dishonour of God or disgrace of His servants; for then,
+his zeal and courage were such, that he could not bear it, but would
+publicly and stoutly contradict it, whereof I could give divers instances
+worth relating, but am loth to hold the reader longer; having written thus
+much of him, that it may appear what was the cause why he was so much and
+so generally lamented, and is so much esteemed and praised by all sorts in
+England, both Catholics and others, although neither side do or can
+approve this last outrageous and exorbitant attempt against our King and
+country, wherein a man otherwise so worthy, was so unworthily lost and
+cast away to the great grief of all that knew him and especially of all
+that loved him. And truly it was hard to do the one and not the other.
+
+The last of all that was called to be partaker in this treacherous plot
+was Mr. Francis Tresham, a gentleman of Northamptonshire of great estate,
+esteemed then worth 3,000_l._ a year. His parents had been long time
+Catholic and his father often in prison for his conscience, although he
+paid the statute duly besides of 20_l._ a month for his refusing to go to
+Church with heretics. This gentleman had been wild in his youth, and even
+till his end was not known to be of so good example as the rest, though,
+towards his later years, much reclaimed and good hope conceived of him by
+divers of good judgment. I think Mr. Catesby (who was his near kinsman)
+did chiefly acquaint him with the matter in regard of his help by
+provision of money which Mr. Tresham was as well able to do as the best,
+and thought to be as likely to be both faithful and forward as any, having
+been, before, a companion with them in that action of the Earl of Essex in
+Queen Elizabeth's time, and both then and since, continually discontented
+with the proceedings of the State. But it is thought by most, that Mr.
+Tresham had not that zeal for the advancement of the Catholics' cause in
+respect of itself, as the others had. And it seems by Mr. Winter's
+confession, they also repented afterwards that they had made him of their
+council, fearing him to be the man who had opened the matter and so
+defeated them of their purpose; whereof I must treat in the next chapter.
+
+But these gentlemen being thus added to the number of the conspirators,
+they then began to conclude amongst themselves how everything should be
+acted, as saith Mr. Winter. They designed Mr. Faulkes to be the man that
+should strike that first and fatal stroke and attend upon the powder ready
+prepared in the cellar, to set it on fire with a match, when the hour
+appointed should be come, which should be the first day of the Parliament,
+because then the King would certainly be there, and all the Lords also
+(but those whom they meant to keep from thence by some means or other),
+likewise all their Bishops and most of the chiefest Puritans of the land.
+
+Mr. Percy his office should be (with a certain company ready to assist
+him) presently after that first blow to enter the place where the young
+Prince or the Duke Charles were kept, to seize upon his person, who being
+safely placed in the custody of Catholics, presently they would have
+proclaimed him King. Sir Everard Digby was in Warwickshire at the time
+appointed, as it was agreed amongst them, where, under pretence of a
+hunting match (having brought his hawks and hounds to Dunsmore Heath for
+the purpose, and hunted there two or three days before), he gathered many
+of his friends together, and had himself great store of men, and many fair
+and goodly horses. He had also made great provision of armour and shot,
+which he sent before him in a cart with some trusty servants, and had made
+ready above 1,000_l._ in ready coin, as his servants since have averred
+that did escape, and one of them delivered up great part of the money to
+the King's officers so soon as he saw his master fallen into the lapse.
+
+Their intention was that if they failed of the Prince or Duke about
+London, which was not unlike they should, then would some of them hasten
+down to Sir Everard Digby after the blow were given, others stopping the
+ways that no news might pass but by their permission; and then should Sir
+Everard Digby have made sure, with his forces and friends, to have taken
+the Lady Elizabeth out of the Lord Harrington his hands, whom then they
+would presently have proclaimed heir-apparent to the Crown. Then had they
+(as is expressed in their confessions) a proclamation ready penned,
+wherein they would have commanded all sorts of men, by authority of the
+Prince or Princess, who would have been in their custody, to assist the
+quiet settling of the young King or Queen in their seat. They would have
+offered freedom from all taxes and impositions, and payments of subsidies,
+and such like; and for religion, they would have left it as yet free for
+all sorts to follow their own conscience without compulsion, which
+afterwards they meant (saith the printed confession) to have set better in
+order. And so indeed the Catholics are able to perform it, if they might
+have freedom, by many means more effectual than force of arms, in such an
+unsettled State as that must needs have been for a time; and by many means
+more effectual than heretics have, who therefore only use the sword. For,
+if the truth might freely be preached, if the lives and examples of
+Catholics, and especially of Religious Orders, might be seen and suffered
+in public, if those that be followers of the Apostles, and expert in their
+trade of fishing for men, might be freely permitted to use and show their
+skill in gaining of souls, no doubt then but the sun shining so bright, as
+it would be seen to do in the doctrine of Truth, would disperse the clouds
+of error; no doubt but the candle set upon the candlestick would give
+light unto many minds that now are groping in the Egyptian darkness of
+heresy. And no question but many and great fishes would be taken, when the
+night being past, our Lord would both license and direct His servants to
+cast their net on the right hand, and that such a net as would not break,
+the net of Peter that is entire and undivided, although it be able to
+catch at one draught a hundred, fifty and three great fishes, wherein is
+designed by a great and certain number an uncertain and not to be numbered
+gain of souls, that the Apostles and Apostolic men should gain to Christ.
+And this these gentlemen hoped had been the time. But God, in Whose only
+hands and disposition are the moments of time, and Who hath placed bounds
+and limits unto the sea, and saith unto it, "Usque huc venies et non
+procedes amplius et hic confringes tumentes fluctus tuos:"(302) He Who is
+the Master must be also the Measurer of time, and He will not easily make
+men of His council when their afflictions shall end and how far they shall
+proceed; especially such men as themselves will not follow counsel, but
+run headlong upon such a course as this, which no wise man could or would
+have counselled. No, on the contrary side, that was verified in this
+practice which Christ foretold unto St. Peter, when upon zeal he drew his
+sword in defence of his Master,
+
+"Omnes qui acceperint gladium, gladio peribunt,"(303) said our Lord,
+forewarning all men, that howsoever they may receive the sword or use it,
+when it is given them by authority (as it is to all lawful governors and
+officers in commonwealths), yet to take the sword (which noteth a private
+will or power not authorized) is not without a fault, nor shall be without
+a fall. And so it happened to these conspirators, as the sequent chapter
+will declare.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VII. How, The Parliament Drawing Near, The Whole Plot Was
+Discovered, And That Which Ensued Thereupon.
+
+
+The mercies of God are great, and His patient expectance of us, granting
+time and occasions and motives to repent, is most gracious and full of
+longanimity. The foresaid conspirators had intended and prepared, as you
+have heard, the utter destruction and overthrow both of the King with the
+chiefest of his family, of the Council also, with most of the nobility,
+and with their clergy, and others that belonged to both the Houses of
+Parliament. But the mercies of God were such, that He would not permit so
+great and universal a ruin to light upon so many, and amongst them so many
+worthy persons, amongst whom, it is to be hoped, His infinite wisdom hath
+foreseen many upon whom His goodness will bestow His grace hereafter, and
+so make them vessels of election, who now perhaps, in ignorant zeal, do
+persecute the servants of Christ and Christ in them.
+
+And if there were any there who finally will prove but cockle in the
+field, yet the Father of the family would not have them so digged out as
+His unskilful servants desired, "ne forte eradicantibus illis zizania,
+eradicatum fuisset simul et triticum."(304) We hope and pray for much good
+unto many of those, who should have been present at that eruption of fire,
+if it had succeeded according to their intent, which God forbid. And God
+did forbid it, for no doubt it was His will it should be discovered, which
+happened in this manner. About ten days before the Parliament should have
+begun the Lord Mounteagle (whose affection to Catholics hath long time
+been known unto divers) being at his own house and at supper, a man came
+to his page in the street and delivered him a letter wishing him to
+deliver the same unto his Lord's own hands, which the page performed, but
+made no stay of the bringer thereof, who presently departed. The Lord
+Mounteagle not knowing the hand, and seeing no name subscribed, caused one
+of his men to read it unto him, and it was of this tenour.
+
+(M6) "My Lord, out of the love I bear to some of your friends, I have a
+care of your preservation, therefore I would advise you, as you tender
+your life, to devise some excuse to shift off your attendance at this
+Parliament, for God and man have concurred to punish the wickedness of
+this time. And think not slightly of this advertisement, but retire
+yourself into your country, where you may expect the event in safety. For
+though there be no appearance of any stir, yet, I say, they shall receive
+a terrible blow this Parliament, and yet they shall not see who hurts
+them. This counsel is not to be contemned, because it may do you good, and
+can do you no harm, for the danger is past so soon as you have burnt the
+letter. And I hope God will give you the grace to make use of it, to Whose
+holy protection I commend you."
+
+This was the letter which the Lord Mounteagle having considered, and
+seeing so dangerous matter contained in it, he presently went to the Lord
+of Salisbury, who is Chief Secretary to His Majesty, and delivered the
+letter unto him, with relation of all circumstances in the receipt and
+reading of the letter. The Lord of Salisbury seemed not at the first to
+make any great account of it, yet said he would acquaint some other Lords
+of the Council with the same, and commended the Lord Mounteagle for his
+fidelity and care of His Majesty's safety, and of the State, and presently
+showed the letter to the Lord Chamberlain, and then both of them thought
+the letter might have some relation with other informations the Lord of
+Salisbury had received from beyond seas, concerning some business intended
+by the Papists; and they seemed to think there might be some perilous
+attempt intended. And therefore they two concluded to join with them three
+other of the Council, to wit, the Lord Admiral, the Earl of Worcester and
+Northampton, to be acquainted with this matter; who having all of them
+concurred together to the examination of the contents of the said letter,
+they did conclude (saith the book written of the discovery of this
+treason) that how slight soever a matter it might at the first appear, yet
+was it not absolutely to be contemned, in respect of the care which it
+behoved them to have of the preservation of His Majesty's person. Yet they
+resolved, for two reasons, first to acquaint the King himself with the
+same, before they proceeded to any further inquisition in the matter, as
+well (saith the book) for the expectation and experience they had of His
+Majesty's fortunate judgment in clearing and solving of obscure riddles
+and doubtful mysteries, as also because the more time would in the
+meanwhile be given for the practice to ripen (if any was) whereby the
+discovery might be the more clear and evident, and the ground of
+proceeding thereupon more safe, just, and easy. And so according to their
+determination the said Earl of Salisbury did repair to the King upon the
+Friday after, being All-Hallow-day, which was the day after His Majesty's
+arrival from Royston, where he had been at his hunting exercise, and was
+come up to London to be present at the beginning of the Parliament. The
+Earl therefore finding the King alone in his gallery, without any other
+speech or judgment giving of the letter, but only relating simply the form
+of the delivery thereof, he presented it to His Highness. The King no
+sooner read the letter, but after a little pause, and then reading it over
+again, he delivered his judgment of it in such sort, as he thought it was
+not to be contemned; for that the style of it seemed to be more quick and
+pithy than is usual to be in any pasquil or libel, the superfluities of
+idle brains. But the Earl of Salisbury perceiving the King to apprehend it
+deeplier than he looked for, knowing his nature, told him that he thought
+by one sentence in it, that it was like to be written by some fool or
+madman, reading to him that sentence in it, "For the danger is past as
+soon as you have burnt the letter," which he said was likely to be the
+saying of a fool; for if the danger was past so soon as the letter was
+burnt, then the warning behoved to be of little avail, when the burning of
+the letter might make the danger to be eschewed. But the King by the
+contrary, considering the former sentence in the letter, "That they should
+receive a terrible blow at this Parliament, and yet should not see who
+hurt them;" joining it to the sentence immediately following already
+alleged, did thereupon conjecture that the danger mentioned should be some
+sudden danger by blowing up of powder. For no other insurrection,
+rebellion, or whatsoever other private and desperate attempt could be
+committed or attempted in time of Parliament and the authors thereof
+unseen except only if it were by a blowing up of powder, which might be
+performed by one base knave in a dark corner: whereupon he was moved to
+interpret and construe the later sentence in the letter (alleged by the
+Earl of Salisbury against all ordinary sense and construction in grammar)
+as if by these words, "For the danger is past as soon as you have burned
+the letter," should be closely understood the suddenty and quickness of
+the danger, which should be as quickly performed and at an end, as that
+paper should be of blazing up in the fire, turning the word of "as soon"
+to the sense of "as quickly;" and therefore His Majesty wished that before
+his going to the Parliament, the under rooms to the Parliament House might
+be well and narrowly searched. The Earl of Salisbury wondering at this His
+Majesty's commentary, which he knew to be so far contrary to his ordinary
+and natural disposition, who did rather ever sin upon the other side, in
+not apprehending nor trusting the advertisements of practices and perils
+when he was freely informed of them, and interpreting rightly this
+extraordinary caution at this time to proceed from the vigilant care he
+had of the whole State more than of his own person, yet he thought good to
+dissemble still unto the King, that there was any just cause of such
+apprehension, and ended the present talk with some merry jest as his
+custom is. But though he seemed to neglect it to His Majesty, yet he could
+not be at rest till with the Lord Chamberlain he came again unto His
+Majesty, at which time it was agreed that the said Lord Chamberlain should
+according to his custom and office view all the Parliament Houses both
+above and below, and consider what likelihood or appearance of any such
+danger might be gathered: but yet this was deferred until the afternoon
+before the sitting down of the Parliament, which was upon the Monday
+following: at what time, he according to this conclusion went to the
+Parliament House accompanied with the Lord Mounteagle, where having viewed
+all the lower rooms, he found in the vault under the Upper House great
+store and provision of billets, faggots, and coals: and inquiring of
+Whyneyard, keeper of the wardrobe, to what use he had put the lower rooms
+and cellars, he told him that Mr. Thomas Percy had hired both the house
+and part of the cellar or vault under the same and that the wood and coal
+therein was the said gentleman's own provision. Whereupon the Lord
+Chamberlain looking into the room perceived a fellow standing in a corner,
+who called himself the said Percy his man, and keeper of that house for
+him, but indeed was Guido Faulks, the man that should have acted that
+monstrous tragedy.
+
+The Lord Chamberlain looking upon all things with a heedful eye, though in
+outward show he seemed careless, presently addressed himself to the King,
+and in the presence of the Lord Treasurer, the Lord Admiral, the Earls of
+Worcester, Northampton, and Salisbury, he made his report what he had seen
+and observed there, affirming that he did wonder not a little at the
+extraordinary great provision of wood and coal in that house where Thomas
+Percy had so seldom occasion to remain, as likewise it gave him in his
+mind, that his man looked like a very tall and desperate fellow. This
+could not but increase the King's former apprehension, whereupon he willed
+that those billets and coals should be searched to the bottom: and of the
+same opinion were the Lords there present, although they thought it fit to
+have it done in the night, and by a Justice of Peace only under pretence
+of searching for some of the King's stuff that was missing; and this for
+two reasons; one was lest if nothing were found, it should seem the King
+and State were too suspicious of every light toy; also for that they said
+it would lay an ill-favoured imputation upon the Earl of Northumberland,
+one of His Majesty's greatest subjects and Councillors: this Thomas Percy
+being his kinsman and most confident familiar.
+
+Thus far the book of the discovery of this treason discourseth of the
+manner how the same did come to light. And because the same was set forth
+by authority, with desire that men all should conceive this to be the
+manner how it came to light, it may be thought that so it was. Yet there
+want not many others of great judgment, that think His Majesty and divers
+of those Councillors also, who had the scanning of the letter, to be well
+able in shorter time and with fewer doubts to decipher a darker riddle and
+find out a greater secret than that matter was, after so plain a letter
+was delivered, importing in so plain terms an intended punishment both by
+God and man, and so terrible a blow to be given at that very time and yet
+the actors invisible. And those that be of this opinion do persuade
+themselves the matter came out by some other means, and that this letter
+was but framed and sent of purpose to give another show of casual
+discovery both to hide the true means and to make the especial
+preservation of the King and State to be better discerned to come from God
+Himself. Unto which opinion they were the rather inclined by the
+circumstance of the matter. First, in that the Lord Mounteagle did that
+night wherein the letter was to be delivered, appoint a supper to be made
+for him at his own house a mile or two out of London, where he had not
+supped or lain of a twelve-month and more before that time, and therefore
+strange that party should seek him there. Then the manner of delivery
+seemed strange, to be so weakly handled by any that had judgment as to be
+delivered to a page and to be read by his Lord in the time of supper, when
+he could not with safety have concealed the matter, if he would. Again it
+was so written, as that my Lord of Salisbury might well say it was like to
+be the writing of a fool or a madman. For no other assuredly would have
+committed so great a secret to ink and paper in so plain manner and that
+so long before the time; especially there being many other means likely
+enough to be effectual for the staying of my Lord Mounteagle from the
+Parliament that one day, and that without his danger of concealing any
+practice against the State. For if some special friend had seemed to be in
+extremity and sent for him in the instant, he would not have failed him.
+Besides many sudden occasions would have sufficed, as a certain and
+present opportunity of some commodious bargain for provision of money or
+jewels or such like, which courtiers often have want of, if another, time
+would not have served, would have been more likely to call him that very
+morning than this letter so delivered to stay him ten days before.
+
+But although many were of opinion that this was not the first means of
+this discovery, yet none that ever I could hear of, was able to give a
+certain judgment, which way indeed it was discovered. It seems the
+gentlemen themselves did most fear Mr. Francis Tresham to be the man that
+should send this letter unto the Lord Mounteagle, which Lord had married
+Mr. Tresham his sister. But that was nothing likely, for he was very
+witty; and surely the sending of such a letter in such a manner was
+nothing wittingly contrived, if it were done _bona fide_; neither would
+Mr. Tresham have adventured his life and estate (which was great) for his
+brother-in-law, if he had not thought him worthy of further trust. For if
+he did not think the letter would persuade, why should he write it so
+plainly to the overthrow of the business and so also of himself, which if
+the Lord followed not his counsel, must needs follow. And if he did
+believe it would persuade, why did he not rather do it by word of mouth
+the very morning it should have been done, which for divers reasons had
+been most likely to be effectual; whereas on the other side he might well
+think the Lord Mounteagle could not discern by the letter, whether it came
+from friend or foe, being without name and in an unknown hand: and from a
+friend he could not think it being sent in so simple and yet so public
+manner. If from a foe, he were undone, if he did conceal it. No, Mr.
+Tresham had too much wit to deal so sillily in a thing of such importance.
+More did doubt want of fidelity than of wit in Mr. Tresham, and therefore
+it was rather supposed, by most that doubted him to be the man, that he
+first opened the matter unto the Council, as thinking thereby to be raised
+to some place of credit, which then he might think himself with wit and
+living able to bear out with the best. This opinion was the rather
+believed afterwards, when it was evident that none of the rest had done
+it, who were privy unto the matter; but that every one of them either died
+in the field because they would not be taken, or being taken were all
+executed and so left not the least suspicion of having opened the matter.
+Again, this opinion was increased when the matter being discovered, all
+the gentlemen fled into Warwickshire and then according to their former
+designments, rose in arms, thinking to have made a head. But Mr. Tresham
+staid still in London and never stirred foot, though as far in as the
+best. And thirdly, the opinion was yet more confirmed when afterwards Mr.
+Tresham was also taken and kept close prisoner, at which time the general
+bruit was, that he confessed all he knew; but none of his confessions were
+published, neither did himself ever come to light afterwards, but died in
+the Tower; so that it is not known what he had discovered first or last,
+or what he would have confirmed, or repented, if he had come unto his
+trial and execution as the rest did.
+
+But whosoever was the discoverer of this matter or by what means soever it
+came to light, we are much to thank God that it was discovered, from whom
+we must acknowledge the benefit received as from the chief cause, "a quo
+omne donum optimum et omne bonum procedit,"(305) and these especially
+which most concern the public good.
+
+The letter therefore being so understood as before I declared, and the
+place itself being viewed by the Lord Chamberlain giving such cause of
+suspicion, as is already noted, that night following being Monday night
+(when the Parliament should have begun _and ended also_ the next day) Sir
+Thomas Knevet, a gentleman of His Majesty's Privy Chamber, was sent to
+search the place at midnight under pretence of looking for some other
+things as was before devised. When he came to the Parliament House before
+his entry into Mr. Percy his lodging, he found the foresaid man that had
+the keeping of the house for Mr. Percy standing without the house and
+seeing him with his clothes on and booted at so dead a time of the night,
+the Justice apprehended him: and after went forward to the searching of
+the house, where after he had caused to be overturned some of the billets
+and coals, he first found one of the small barrels of powder, and after,
+all the rest, to the number of thirty-six barrels great and small. And
+thereafter searching the fellow whom he had taken, found three matches and
+all other instruments fit for blowing up of the powder ready upon him:
+which made him instantly to confess what his intent was, affirming withal
+that if he had happened to have been within the house when he was taken,
+as he was immediately before at the ending of his work, he would not have
+failed to have blown up the Justice, house and all, belike imagining that
+some part of the danger might have lit upon the Court and done some harm
+to those, to whom he most desired it. For otherwise I know not what
+meaning he should have, unless by his own sudden death also, which would
+have followed, he meant to escape the extremity of torture which he might
+well expect: but this we did not hear that he attempted afterwards to
+himself nor seemed to desire it.
+
+This done, the prisoner was carried fast bound unto the Court and the news
+of all particulars presently carried unto the King by those of the Council
+who lay in the house, although it were but four hours after midnight.
+Afterwards all the rest of the Council being sent for into the town, they
+examined the prisoner, who both to the Council and to all the rest that
+spake with him that day, appeared so constant and settled upon his
+grounds, as all the Council said they thought they had found another
+Mutius Scaevola born in England. For notwithstanding the horror of the
+fact, his sudden surprising, the terror which might have been stricken
+into him by coming into such a presence and the restless and confused
+questions that every man all that day did vex him with, yet was his
+countenance so far from being dejected, as he often smiled in scornful
+manner, not only avowing the fact, but repenting only with the said
+Scaevola his failing in the execution thereof, whereof, he said, the devil
+and not God was the discoverer: answering quickly to every man's
+objection, scoffing at many idle questions that were propounded unto him
+and jesting with such as he thought had no authority to examine him. All
+that day the Council could get nothing out of him concerning his
+complices, refusing to answer to any such questions which he thought might
+discover the plot and laying all the blame upon himself, whereunto he said
+he was moved only for religion and conscience sake, denying the King to be
+his lawful sovereign or the anointed of God, in respect he was an heretic;
+and would acknowledge no other name to himself but John Johnson, servant
+to Thomas Percy. But after he had been three or four days in the Tower and
+was threatened the rack only, as the printed book saith (though the common
+voice was, that he was extremely racked the first days), then, whether to
+avoid torments, or for that he might understand that the gentlemen had
+discovered themselves by rising up in arms in the country, he _then_ named
+some of his complices, with his own name also, and how the matter was
+broken unto him, and how begun and prosecuted, as I have before declared;
+yet I cannot find by his confession which is published in print, that he
+named above six of those who had wrought in the mine and provision of the
+powder and who then were all known to be up in arms. And here we must
+leave this prisoner, who now was known to be Guido Faulks, close kept in
+the Tower; and will let you see what course the rest of the conspirators
+took, when they understood the matter was plainly discovered.
+
+First, upon the knowledge that such a letter was delivered to the Lord
+Mounteagle ten days before, they grew very doubtful of the matter, and
+fearing only Mr. Tresham in that kind, had divers meetings with him to
+examine and try him how far he had proceeded. But he forswearing all and
+that he knew nothing how it came about, they had divers consultations what
+were best to do; but (as Mr. Thomas Winter saith in his confession) first
+that Mr. Catesby resolved, he would not fly his country, he would see
+further yet. And then they sent Mr. Faulks to see if all were well in the
+cellar, who adventured to go notwithstanding the doubt and returned to
+them at night and told them all was yet well, which it seems gave them
+some hope, yet afterwards when they heard what conference had passed
+between my Lord of Salisbury and His Majesty about the letter, they gave
+it lost the second time, and then Mr. Catesby would not go until Mr. Percy
+were come up, who came the next day and he would needs abide the uttermost
+trial. But upon Tuesday morning (which was the day appointed for the fact)
+Mr. Faulks being taken in the search that night as is declared, they heard
+and saw so many and so plain circumstances, that they must needs know the
+whole matter was discovered and no hope at all that way to be left them.
+Then they, being all excellently well horsed, rode into the country
+keeping the highway; but so fast a pace and with such a resolution, that
+it was very hard to overtake them and would not have been easy to have
+stayed them. They rode two and three together; and they did ride that day
+notwithstanding the foulness of the winter ways to Dunchurch (which I take
+it, is almost eighty(306) miles), where Sir Everard Digby stayed in
+readiness to have surprised the person of the King's daughter in case they
+had brought other news. But they bringing such news as was little expected
+and less welcome, as it may well be supposed, they all entered into
+consultation what was best to be done, and it was much marvelled at by
+divers of Sir Everard Digby his friends, who were there with him in
+company for his match of hunting, to see so many gallant gentlemen come in
+of sudden so late in the evening and so well appointed. And seeing them
+enter into serious consultation in a chamber apart, they knew not what to
+make of it; but soon after they might perceive, when they all came out, as
+men resolved upon some enterprise. And Sir Everard caused all his men and
+horses presently to be ready and departed with them. Mr. Catesby also and
+other of the gentlemen had prepared their horses and furniture ready in
+that place beforehand, although they thought they should have used it with
+more advantage. For now when the matter was known and bruited in the
+country, that such an act should have been performed in London, which had
+failed and that all was safe there, and that it was apparent these were
+the conspirators by the course they took, none would come to assist
+them;(307) nor had they any with them, but such servants and followers as
+themselves had provided beforehand under other pretences, which therefore
+for danger of giving suspicion could not be many. Neither do I think they
+were ever above eighty in the whole company, although the fame in other
+countries went first that they were 150, then 300, and some said they were
+1,000 strong. But if that had been so, it is like the matter had not been
+so soon ended, as it proved to be.(308) But these conspirators, as it
+seems, hoped the matter would prove otherwise than it did, and that many
+would have joined with them, when once they saw them gathered to a head.
+And to make their rising the more bruited and withal to furnish themselves
+of some horses for the great saddle, they went presently to Warwick and
+there out of a house which is adjoining to the Castle, they seized upon
+certain great horse belonging to some noblemen and gentlemen which were
+kept there by a rider to be taught. From thence they went and took all my
+Lord Winsor's armour, which by report was able to furnish a much greater
+company then ever they had with them. From thence they went forward
+through Worcestershire towards Staffordshire, offering no violence or hurt
+to any.(309)
+
+The country in the meantime began to rise on every side, yet none did as
+yet set upon them, nor until Friday following;(310) and on Thursday night
+they came to one Mr. Stephen Littleton's house in Staffordshire, who had
+adjoined himself unto them. And being there it pleased God to send them
+such a fortune as seemed very much to alter their resolutions, and made
+them resolve neither to fight nor fly, but to give up themselves willingly
+unto death. For in the morning early when some were gone abroad to
+discover what companies were coming, and others were preparing their shot
+and powder in a readiness, because there was some of the powder that they
+thought to be somewhat dankish which they set before the fire and were
+busy about it, whilst behold, a spark falling out of the fire took hold of
+the powder, and that blowing up, hurt divers of them, especially Mr.
+Catesby, Mr. Rookewood, but most of all Mr. Grant, whose face was much
+disfigured, and his eyes almost burnt out. This loe(311) made them see it
+was not best for them to proceed in their commenced course; and, as it
+seems, they took it for a sign of God's will that He would not have them
+prepare to resist, but rather to prepare themselves to suffer, which they
+did. For, as Mr. Thomas Winter said in his confession, when himself (with
+Mr. Littleton being abroad in the fields to discover) had understood of
+this heavy chance, and the matter being told him by his man in worse sort
+than indeed it was (to wit, that Mr. Catesby, Mr. Rookewood, and Mr. Grant
+were burnt up with powder, and the rest of the company dispersed upon
+sight thereof), he resolving not to fly, as Mr. Littleton advised him, but
+first to see and bury the body of his friend Mr. Catesby, so returned back
+to the house, and there found the gentlemen reasonable well in respect of
+what he had heard, and asked them what they resolved to do. They answered,
+"We mean here to die." Then said Mr. Thomas Winter, "I will take such part
+as you do." Then they all fell earnestly to their prayers, the Litanies
+and such like (as since some of the company affirmed that escaped taking,
+being none of the conspirators, but such as joined with them in the
+country); they also spent an hour in meditation, and divers of their
+company departed to shift for themselves, the house being not yet beset.
+
+About an hour before mid-day the High Sheriff came with the forces of the
+country and beset the house. Mr. Thomas Winter going into the court of the
+house was shot into the shoulder with which he lost the use of his arm.
+The next shot was the elder Wright, who was stricken dead. After him the
+younger Wright, and fourthly Mr. Rookewood, but he was only wounded in
+four or five places, and so taken and afterwards put to death at London.
+So were also Mr. Thomas Winter and Mr. Grant and all the rest but Mr.
+Catesby and Mr. Percy, who resolved they would not be taken, but rather
+suffer death at that time in the field. Wherefore Mr. Catesby took from
+his neck a cross of gold which he always used to wear about him, and
+blessing himself with it and kissing it, showed it unto the people,
+protesting there solemnly before them all, it was only for the honour of
+the Cross, and the exaltation of that Faith which honoured the Cross, and
+for the saving of their souls in the same Faith, that had moved him to
+undertake the business; and sith he saw it was not God's will it should
+succeed in that manner they intended or at that time, he was willing and
+ready to give his life for the same cause, only he would not be taken by
+any, and against that only he would defend himself with his sword.(312)
+This done, Mr. Catesby and Mr. Percy turned back to back, resolving to
+yield themselves to no man, but to death as to the messenger of God. None
+of their adversaries did come near them; but one fellow standing behind a
+tree with a musket shot them both with one bullet, and Mr. Catesby was
+shot almost dead, the other lived three or four days.(313) Mr. Catesby
+being fallen to the ground, as they say, went upon his knees into the
+house, and there got a picture of our Blessed Lady in his arms (unto whom
+he was accustomed to be very devout), and so embracing and kissing the
+same he died.
+
+Some of the chiefest of them did think to have escaped, as Sir Everard
+Digby, Mr. Robert Winter, and Mr. Stephen Littleton; and these two last
+knowing the country better than the other, did indeed escape for the
+time.(314) Sir Everard Digby thinking also to take that course, offered
+all his servants that they might take their horses and money and shift for
+themselves. But his page and one other said they would never leave him but
+against their will. Therefore being well mounted, they three went
+together, but they found the country so up on every side, and all drawing
+towards the place where the voice was the conspirators were beset, that it
+was not possible for them to pass or go unknown, especially Sir Everard
+Digby, being so noted a man for his stature and personage, and withal so
+well appointed as he was. Whereupon he did rather choose (after he had
+gained a little ground) to strike into a wood, and thought there in a dry
+pit to have staid with his horses until the company had been passed. But
+they tracked his horses unto the very pit side, and then cried out, "Here
+he is, here he is." Sir Everard being altogether undaunted, answered,
+"Here he is indeed, what then?" and advanced his horse in the manner of
+curvetting (which he was expert in) and thought to have borne them over,
+and so to break from them, esteeming them to be but ten or twelve persons,
+whom he saw about the pit, and though he made them easily give way, yet
+then he saw above a hundred people hard by and coming upon him: so that
+seeing it in vain to resist, he willingly yielded himself to the likeliest
+man of the company, upon a desire he had to have some time before his
+death for his better preparation, and withal out of a desire (as it
+afterwards appeared) to have done some service to the Catholic cause by
+word, sith he saw he could not do it by the sword. For being then taken
+and carried up to London prisoner and to the Court, he made earnest
+request to have spoken with His Majesty if it might have been admitted,
+intending to lay down the causes so plainly which had moved them to this
+attempt, and withal how dangerous it was for His Majesty to take the
+course he did, as that he hoped to persuade at least some mitigation, if
+not toleration, for Catholics.
+
+But the Council knowing well how judicial a man he was, and how well able
+to work his intent with sound reasons, would not assent unto his desire,
+but sent him presently prisoner unto the Tower, where also all the rest of
+the conspirators that were taken at Mr. Littleton's in Staffordshire were
+presently lodged upon their bringing up, which was as soon as their hurts
+would give them leave to travel. So that only four were slain in the
+country, Mr. Robert Catesby, Mr. Thomas Percy, Mr. John Wright, and his
+brother, Christopher Wright. The rest were all put into the Tower for
+further trial according to law, which were these: Sir Everard Digby, Mr.
+Ambrose Rookewood, Mr. Thomas Winter, Mr. John Grant, Mr. Robert Keyes,
+Mr. Francis Tresham, and Mr. Guido Faulks, who were there before; unto
+them also were adjoined afterwards, Mr. Robert Winter and Mr. Stephen
+Littleton, who being discovered(315) in one place where they had been at
+least a month, they went into a house of the Widow Littleton's a woman of
+great estate, and there were kept in a chamber by Humphrey Littleton, her
+alliance, she being then at London; but their being in that house was
+found out by the cook of the house, in the provision of meal, and so by
+him they were discovered, and taken by the next Justices and so carried up
+to London and laid with the rest in the Tower. All(316) these prisoners
+were divers times examined, but only two of their examinations published
+in print, which were of Mr. Guido Faulks and Mr. Thomas Winter, both which
+agreed in one, only Mr. Winter's was the larger, and contained much of the
+matter which I have before expressed, concerning their first intention,
+the names and number of the conspirators, the course they took to keep it
+secret, their manner of proceeding in the whole, and their intention
+afterwards to set up one of the King's children, and with them the
+Catholic religion. And both in all their examinations and the whole
+process of the matter it appeared plainly they were all and the only
+conspirators. The rest of the Catholics were free, as shall more appear in
+the chapter following.(317)
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VIII. How Upon Examination Of The Prisoners It Was Apparent That
+No Other Catholics Could Be Touched With The Conspiracy. The Same Also
+Confirmed By His Majesty's Own Words, To The Great Comfort Of Catholics.
+
+
+When all these conspirators were brought to the Tower (which is the
+ordinary prison for such as are found guilty or suspected of high treason,
+and especially for persons of account, or in causes of great moment), they
+were all severally and several times examined by the Lords of the Council,
+and then it was in vain for them either to hide the matter, which was
+apparently known in the great preparation of powder which had been found,
+or to conceal the persons or qualities of the conspirators, who had all
+published themselves in prosecuting their first intended treason with a
+second attempt of public rebellion. Therefore all did acknowledge the
+fact, though none would directly yield it to be an offence to God, though
+they said it was so unto their Prince and the present State of the
+country. Their examinations did all agree in all material points, and
+therefore two only were published in print, containing the substance of
+the rest. And indeed the sum of that which I have been able to say in this
+narration touching either their first intentions or the names or number of
+the conspirators, or concerning the course they took to keep the matter so
+absolutely secret, or, finally, touching the manner of their beginning and
+proceeding in the whole matter; for that (as I noted before) it being kept
+as such a vowed secret in the heads and hearts of so few, and those also
+afterwards apprehended before they could have means to declare the
+particulars in any private manner, therefore no more can be known of the
+matter or manner of this tragedy than is found or gathered out of their
+examinations. The effect whereof I have set down before, in prosecution of
+the story, and shall not need here to repeat.
+
+But this they all agreed in, that no other Catholics were to be touched
+with the matter, nor had any ways assisted them therein, but those who
+were now well known to the whole realm by their public rising in arms, of
+which also the greatest part did but join with them in the second, and had
+not any knowledge at all of the first attempt. Hereupon it followed, that
+whereas at the first breaking out of this monstrous Plot most men
+according to their humour and aversion from Catholics and their religion,
+would give their censure, that sure many Papists would be touched with
+this matter, and especially the Priests no doubt were the devisers and
+incentors of this intended fiery treason. Now after all these prisoners
+had been often and seriously examined, their general voice was turned and
+their conceit changed, and it was as general a report both in London and
+through England, that not one Priest could be touched with the Plot, nor
+any other Catholics but those that were already taken, and some few others
+that were well known by their public rebellion, and were in chace in the
+country and much watch laid for them everywhere, with public proclamation
+and description of their persons, as is usual in such cases. This, you
+must think, was a great comfort unto Catholics in so great a distress; and
+this comfort was much increased also, when Catholics did see that His
+Majesty did free most of his Catholic subjects from imputation of this
+crime in his proclamation about this matter, dated the 7th of November,
+which was after the examination and confessions of Faulks; wherein naming
+eight principal heads or contrivers of this conspiracy, who had published
+themselves in the country.
+
+For in that proclamation, though at the beginning out of his persuasion of
+a contrary religion, he do say that they were persons known to be so
+utterly corrupted with the superstition of the Romish religion, as seduced
+with the blindness thereof; yet afterwards in the body of the same
+proclamation he doth prudently and more equally distinguish between them
+and other Catholics, affirming that by good experience he was so well
+persuaded of the loyalty of divers of his said Catholic subjects, that he
+held himself assured they do as much abhor this detestable conspiracy as
+himself, and would be ready to do their best endeavours (though with
+expense of their blood) to suppress all attempts against his safety and
+the quiet of his State, and to discover whomsoever they should suspect to
+be of rebellious and traitorous disposition, &c. Which equanimity of His
+Majesty distinguishing between the guilty and the guiltless, did much
+edify and content all wise and grave men of what religion soever, who
+cannot but greatly detest and condemn the attempt, under what pretence,
+cause or intention soever, it were conceived.
+
+And as the whole multitude of Catholics were free from all consent or
+knowledge thereof, and could not in justice be touched therewith, so much
+less the religion which they profess, which in her doctrine doth no ways
+allow or avow any such attempt, whatsoever the enemies thereof, and namely
+the Puritans, may persuade His Majesty to the contrary; as it appeared
+they began not long after to labour His Highness upon this occasion, to be
+so conceited of Catholics (if they were perfect Catholics indeed) and so
+much more of their religion; seeming to think it more likely in them that
+were better grounded and more exact professors of the same religion. To
+which effect were His Majesty's words in his public speech in the
+Parliament House not long after, in the hearing of all the Puritans,(318)
+seeming desirous to give contentment to all parties. For first after all
+the conspirators had been thoroughly tried and examined in the Tower (as I
+have declared), and that it was now apparent by all the success of the
+matter, and by all their examinations, that not only the multitude of
+Catholics were clear, but also that there were no more to be touched than
+were already discovered, insomuch that the general voice and opinion of
+all men was changed, as is said before, then did His Majesty in his public
+speech confirm again his good opinion of his Catholic subjects in that
+behalf; but withal seemed to believe the Puritans further in their
+malicious reports of us and our minds, than upon due trial His Majesty
+will find to be true. For in the said speech after he had first given due
+thanks to God for his happy delivery from so great a danger, then he
+declared whom he took to be the practisers and plotters of this treason,
+and seeming to point as it were to the conspirators already discovered,
+those he showed to be men unto which he had not given any cause of
+disgust. "If, (saith he) these conspirators had only been bankrupt
+persons, or discontented upon occasion of any disgrace done unto them,
+this might have seemed to be but a work of revenge. But for my own part,
+as I scarcely ever knew any of them, so cannot they allege so much as a
+pretended cause of grief.(319) And the wretch himself in hands doth
+confess that there was no cause moving him or them but merely and only
+religion." Where by the way we may observe both out of the reason which
+His Majesty allegeth, and out of their own protestations, wherein they all
+agreed, that no particular grudge or respect to themselves was their
+motive to this action, but their zeal to the common cause, though not
+"secundum scientiam."
+
+Then His Majesty proceedeth in his speech, admiring "that Christian men
+and Englishmen, and one of them his sworn servant in an honourable place,
+should enter into such a practice, wherein, saith he, their following
+obstinacy is so joined to their former malice, as the fellow himself that
+is in hand cannot be moved to discover any signs or notes of repentance,
+except only that he doth not yet stand to avow that he repents for not
+being able to perform his intent" A great testimony being spoken by the
+King himself, both of the man's great courage, which could not be brought
+down with so great torments as he had then sustained, and besides of the
+great opinion he had in his deceived conscience that the thing was lawful,
+sith he would not even then repent that he had intended it, but only
+seemed no more to desire the thing itself, which he might also see God
+would not have go forward. And truly this testimony of His Majesty's words
+doth make me the rather to believe that of him which was reported by
+divers of credit, to wit, that at his apprehension he had a shirt of hair
+found upon his back when he was first searched.
+
+(M7) It followeth then in the King's speech (after the rehearsing more at
+large the wonderful manner of his deliverance by his strange
+interpretation of the letter, as I set down before), then he cometh to
+declare that he doth not condemn his other Catholic subjects for the fault
+of those few, and laboureth to restrain the Puritans from that conceit;
+whereby it appears they had laboured also to put that opinion into His
+Majesty's head and heart against all Catholics, if his wisdom and upright
+judgment had not been the greater. "It resteth now (saith he) that I
+should shortly inform you what is to be done hereafter upon the occasion
+of this horrible and strange accident. As for your part that are my
+faithful and loving subjects of all degrees, I know that your hearts are
+so burnt up with zeal in this errant, and your tongues so ready to utter
+your dutiful affections, and your hands and feet so bent to concur in the
+execution thereof (for which, as I need not to spur you, so can I not but
+praise you for the same), as it may very well be possible that the zeal of
+your hearts shall make some of you in your speeches rashly to blame such
+as may be innocent of this attempt; but upon the other part I wish you to
+consider, that I would be sorry that any being innocent of this practice,
+either domestical or foreign, should receive blame or harm for the same.
+For although it cannot be denied, that it was the only blind superstition
+of their errors in religion that led them to this desperate device; yet
+doth it not follow that all professing that Romish religion were guilty of
+the same. For as it is true that no other sect of heretics, not excepting
+Turk, Jew, nor Pagan, no not even those of Calicut (who adore the devil),
+did ever maintain by the grounds of their religion that it was lawful or
+rather meritorious, as the Romish Catholic call it, to murder Princes or
+people, for quarrel of religion, &c.; yet it is true on the other side,
+that many honest men blinded peradventure with some opinions of Popery (as
+if they be not sound in the questions of the Real Presence, or in the
+number of the Sacraments, or some such School question), yet do they
+either not know, or at least not believe all the true grounds of Popery,
+which is indeed the Mystery of Iniquity. And therefore do we justly
+confess that many Papists, especially our forefathers, laying their only
+trust upon Christ His merits at their last breath, may be and oftentimes
+are saved; detesting in that point and thinking the cruelty of Puritans
+worthy of fire, that will admit no salvation to any Papist. I therefore
+thus do conclude this point, that as upon the one part many honest men
+seduced with some errors of Popery may yet remain good and faithful
+subjects; so upon the other part, none of those that truly know and
+believe the whole grounds and School conclusions of their doctrine, can
+ever prove either good Christians or good subjects," &c.
+
+(M8) These be the words of His Majesty's speech in Parliament,(320)
+wherein we may observe two things. First, that the Puritans had laboured
+and in some sort prevailed with His Majesty to make him believe, that it
+is holden by the doctrine of Catholics lawful to kill and murder Princes,
+&c, wherein that they might the better persuade and work His Highness'
+mind to their opinion, or rather his opinion to their desire, they did set
+forth two pestilent books full of subtle falsehood, one of the which I had
+occasion before to write of, which was directed to that unlawful end to
+prove all Catholics traitors by the laws of the realm. The other was yet a
+more impudent and malicious book, entitled _The Popish Positions_, wherein
+by a number of Canons and sayings of Popes and Doctors, falsely alleged
+and sophistically inferred, the Puritans labour to prove that it is by the
+Catholic doctrine holden and approved for lawful to kill and murder
+Princes, &c., and therefore not possible they should be good subjects but
+traitors, and so to be esteemed and used. In which case I leave it to the
+reader's judgment what was the mark they shot at. But I may not leave him
+in that error (if by chance he be one that know not our opinions) that we
+either hold or teach so erroneous and wicked doctrine, as they would infer
+out of many places which themselves understand not, and others which they
+falsely allege. I will not stand to answer any particular of the book,
+which is not for this place, and shall be no doubt much better and more at
+large performed by others. But this I desire the reader to remember, that
+out of this very story, wherein yet there is a sorer proof against us in
+this point, so far as concerneth the only practice of a few, than can be
+equalled in the examples of many ages; yet doth it plainly appear that
+Catholics do hold and teach the very contrary, as if it please him to turn
+back unto the answer which Father Garnett gave unto Mr. Catesby in
+questions of the like kind but of far less moment, he shall plainly see.
+For although he was not demanded any such barbarous question as whether it
+were lawful to murder Kings (unto which his answer would have been quick
+and sharp no doubt, as becometh a Religious man, whose ears must be hedged
+about with thorns against any such traitorous tongues), but the demand
+being only this: "For whom it was lawful to make war and how far to
+proceed therein," he showed that no war was lawful without authority, nor
+any authority able to give leave but from those that had the government of
+the commonwealth. His answer therefore was much contrary to this malicious
+inference of his untrue reporting enemies, although he then spoke unto a
+confident friend, where he feared no rehearsal of the matter; and to one
+also that he feared to be too forward in those causes, and therefore if he
+had been desirous to set him more forward in that mind, and had been of
+that opinion himself, or that opinion true and lawful to be practised,
+which our enemies slander us withal, surely he would then have delivered
+his mind plainly to that effect. But the truth is so far on the contrary
+side, that all Catholics received strict commandment from the See
+Apostolic, that in no case they should stir or attempt anything against
+His Majesty or the State, and this both from Pope Clement VIII. of pious
+memory, and from Paulus Vtus. that now sitteth in the Chair, who both
+before and since his assumption to that supreme dignity of governing the
+Church of Christ, hath showed himself most earnest to procure the quiet,
+safety, and security of our Sovereign, both by liking and allowing of the
+leagues that other Catholic Princes have made with him, as also by often
+intimation and signification into England both by letters and message,
+that no Catholic people should go about to interrupt or trouble the same
+by their impatient proceedings. This likewise was the commandment sent
+from the General of the Society and Father Persons to Father Garnett, as
+hath been showed before. This was also Father Garnett his practice and
+earnest endeavour, as may plainly be seen in his own letters before set
+down; and may be seen also in the proof and sequel of this business, sith
+it may plainly appear he prevailed much with all the best sort of
+Catholics in England, as his letters do also import that he hoped he
+should, whereas these conspirators rising in arms, and with protestation
+that they rise only for cause of religion, unto the which they were well
+known to be fervently addicted, and no light-headed or hare-brained
+persons, but men known to be full of valour and of wit, and esteemed also
+before this action by all that knew them well, to be full of virtue. Yea,
+although divers of them were much befriended and allied in those countries
+where they took arms, and the countries also very well stored with many
+Catholics of worth, yet for all this, so far had Father Garnett prevailed
+with them, or rather the commandment of His Holiness delivered by him,
+that none would or did come to help them, or offer to stand for the cause
+in that kind or course of forcible attempt. No, neither friends to their
+persons nor friends to their religion would either by themselves or their
+forces give them any help at all. And yet they sought it earnestly,
+insomuch that they sent Mr. Thomas Winter to one Catholic gentleman of a
+noble house and great account, and whose daughter also his brother, Mr.
+Robert Winter, had married, and yet this gentleman being a known and
+constant Catholic, and a man otherwise very stout and withal of great
+power in those parts, he was so far from helping or assisting them in any
+sort, that he would not so much as hear Mr. Winter speak, but caused his
+gates to be shut against him. And yet the said noble gentleman was
+afterwards in great trouble and had like to have lost all his estate,
+which is very great, upon presumption that he did bear some good will unto
+them. So that hereby it is most apparent, how contrary the doctrine and
+practice also both of Superiors and subjects in Catholic religion is from
+that which the Puritans did labour by their books to persuade, and it
+seems His Majesty was in part wrought to believe.
+
+But whatsoever the Catholics do herein, it is well known that the Puritans
+do both hold it for sound doctrine, and are not ashamed to teach it as
+lawful and necessary, and to practise it also (not as these few Catholics
+did, out of their own opinion ill-applied, and blamed for it by all of
+their own side), but as proceeding out of their doctrine, yea and
+warranted by the same, or rather urged upon the people by the preachers of
+the said doctrine, for which they say they bring the Word in great plenty.
+
+I will not here cite Luther and Calvin, who are very copious in this kind,
+and will be fittest for those to bring that answer the foresaid books. It
+sufficeth here to consider our home examples and that of the chief
+apostles and pillars of the religion now professed under His Majesty's
+name and authority in Scotland, to wit, John Knox, the first broacher and
+preacher thereof, and Buchanan's chief assistant therein, and master also
+and bringer up of His Majesty's person. Both which in their public
+writings do not only place the restraint, coaction, punishment,
+arraignment, condemnation, deposition, yea and execution also of Princes
+in the people's hands when they govern not well (according to their
+judgment), but further also do wish that public rewards should be
+appointed by the same people for such as kill tyrants, as commonly there
+are, say they, for those that kill wolves or bears or take their whelps.
+So they. Whereunto if we add these authors' own inference in the same
+places here quoted, which is, that when the people are negligent in
+punishing evil Princes, their particular ministers may cite them; yea, and
+by excommunication cast them into hell, and make them unworthy to enjoy
+life upon earth, as their own words are. By this doctrine, and by their
+practice according to the same (whereof His Majesty is best able to bear
+witness out of his own trial), the reader may judge how different the
+state of Princes' safety is under the one and the other doctrine and
+discipline, and from the one and the other sort of subjects. And by this I
+leave him to discern whether the Catholics or the Puritans deserve better
+to be compared with Turk, Jew, or Pagan, or the inhabitants of Calicut, in
+respect of cruelty or disobedience growing out of their doctrine.
+
+And surely His Majesty was not ignorant of the mind and doctrine and
+manner of proceeding of the Puritans in this point; but out of his wisdom,
+he thought it best rather to please them for the time in seeming to
+believe what they had written of us than to rehearse their own doctrine,
+whereof he had tasted too much, knowing right well that their patience was
+not able to bear to be rubbed upon the back, which indeed was much galled
+in that kind of doctrine about government. So that herein we may think it
+pleased His Highness to practise(321) that in this his grave and princely
+speech in the Parliament House, which sometimes before he had used to say
+in mirth, when he would show the difference between the Papists and
+Puritans, in matter of patient sufferance. For His Majesty would often
+affirm that he had in his realm two asses, an old ass and a young ass. The
+old ass, which was the Papist, would willingly and patiently bear what
+loads soever he laid upon his back; but the young ass, which was the
+Puritan, was so unruly, that if he laid the least burden upon his back, he
+would never leave wincing and flinging until he had gotten it off, and
+perhaps would do much harm in the meantime with his heels. And we must for
+this time bear with so much the more patience this imputation as a
+punishment for the ill desert of these few gentlemen, although it be most
+apparent that our doctrine and our general practice deserve much the
+contrary, which also His Majesty in the same speech doth seem to allow as
+true in the minds and manners of most of his Catholic subjects; and in
+that regard doth wisely and graciously restrain the too great forwardness
+and fury of the Puritans, which, he saith, he counteth worthy of fire,
+allowing the Catholics neither for saved souls in Heaven, nor good
+subjects in earth.
+
+(M9) But yet whereas His Majesty doth distinguish between the learned and
+unlearned Papists, and seemeth to think those which know the less, and
+believe and follow the fewer of our grounds and points of doctrine, to be
+the better sort of Catholics, and more likely to be the better subjects
+and more obedient both to God in Heaven and to their Kings and Princes on
+earth: this is the second point I touched before, which I must grant I do
+not well understand. For being granted that some of our religion be good,
+and God's servants, and go to heaven, I do not see how it is possible that
+those who know and practise more of that with which the others were good,
+can thereby become the worse.
+
+For as it is most assured, that none can have grace in this life, nor
+glory in the next without faith--"sine qua impossible est placere
+Deo:"(322) so no faith but the true faith which Christ delivered to His
+Church, and the Apostles planted in His Church, can be this necessary
+foundation to this good estate of a soul either in grace or glory.
+"Fundamentum enim aliud nemo potest ponere praeter id quod positum
+est."(323) Therefore these simpler Catholics being saved must needs both
+have had faith, and that the true faith of Christ. Now I suppose the true
+faith of Christ can teach none to be disloyal. Again this faith of Christ,
+being but one (as there is but one Lord and one baptism), cannot be
+divided, or in part believed and followed and in part refused, "quam nisi
+quisque fideliter firmiterque crediderit, salvus esse non poterit, eamque
+nisi quis integram inviolatamque servaverit, absque dubio in aeternum
+peribit."(324) So that the most simple Catholics both do and must believe
+and profess the same faith in all points which the learned do, although
+they are not bound explicite to know all particulars more than the
+articles of their Creed and the Sacraments and other needful helps to
+salvation which they are to use; for the rest it sufficeth they believe
+the Church in all things as being "Columna et firmamentum veritatis,"(325)
+and the same also one article of their Creed, which all are bound both to
+believe and know; and so consequently the simpler sort believe implicite
+and virtually all that is generally taught and believed by School Doctors
+for matter of faith: and so their faith and the grounds of their faith
+being all one, can work no different effect. And if there should be any
+difference, methinks the better lot should not light to the share of the
+more simple, for then it would be good to be unskilful in the law and in
+the grounds of faith, contrary to that which God saith by His Prophet,
+"Conticuit populus meus, eo quod non habuerit scientiam: quia tu scientiam
+repulisti, repellam et ego,"(326) &c. And this was the ordinary cavil
+against us in the late alteration of religion (though unjustly imposed),
+as though we had willingly kept the people in ignorance, and therefore
+would not permit them the Scriptures in English. But as reason did then,
+so since experience hath proved that was not the cause; but as nurses that
+feed their children, as St. Paul did his, first with milk and then with
+solid meat, so we. And this to prevent their danger, which since we see
+hath followed, that rule being neglected under pretence, forsooth, of
+remedying the ignorance which Papists were kept in. But if then the case
+of the ignorant had been the better, we had the more wrong to be blamed
+for doing the best. Finally, this faith which may and often hath saved
+some of the ignorant Papists; as it is but one, and must be entirely
+believed and professed, so it is also holy, as being the faith of Christ
+(as before I proved), and the foundation of that Church which is "una et
+sancta," &c.: and being holy it cannot follow that the greater measure
+should hurt, where the less doth good; for as we see, if a little fire
+give warmth, a greater will give a greater heat, and the sun which giveth
+light being under a cloud, will shine more brightly when it is fully seen:
+so that the more virtue is in the agent, and the more the same is applied,
+the more is the same effect brought forth in the patient, unless it be
+"propter debilitatem organi," as in our eye against the light of the sun
+when we gaze upon it, which defect is not in our soul, the same being made
+for God Himself as for the final end of man, and therefore capable still
+of more and more increase of grace, as we see in the Apostles, &c.; and as
+God saith by His Prophet, "Dilata os tuum et implebo illud."(327)
+Therefore it must needs follow that the more and more perfectly and
+exactly the rules and grounds of this holy faith are known, the more holy
+it doth make the knowers and believers and followers of the same. Neither
+can it possibly be otherwise; for as our Lord Himself saith, "Non potest
+arbor bona fructus malos facere."
+
+Well may it happen, and doth often (as His Majesty did wisely and truly
+note), that "particular men of all professions and religions have been,
+some thieves, some murderers, some traitors," &c., but this then is
+contrary to their doctrine, if their doctrine be that good Tree of which
+our Saviour speaketh, and which He planted in His Church. For that being
+"Arbor bona non potest malos fructus facere," where we must understand,
+"quatenus talis arbor." The best tree that is hath some fruit that doth
+miscarry. Some are blasted in the bud, some shaken off with the wind, some
+pecked with birds, some with one mischance and some with another
+miscarrieth before it come to ripeness or perfection; but by these we
+never measure the goodness of the tree. But if we see an apple or apricock
+hang upon the tree of perfect colour, of just bigness and shape, so that
+we may see it is come to that perfection which the tree can naturally
+bring it unto, then according to the taste of the fruit, we judge the
+goodness of the tree. If then the fruit be sour, we call the tree a
+crab-tree; if bitter, so we also term the tree and say it is nought; and
+justly, being warranted by Him that made them, "Quia non potest arbor bona
+fructus malos facere, nec arbor mala fructus bonos facere."(328) So that
+here is the difference: an evil tree cannot bring forth good fruit, that
+is, neither grace nor glory can grow into a man's soul out of evil
+doctrine, and so that soul not possible to be saved, unless his branch be
+cut from his own root and grafted into the stock of the good tree to
+receive the juice and sap of the same, as St. Paul saith we Gentiles were
+into the trunk of the Jews' fruitful olive. On the contrary part, a good
+tree may have some miscarry, but then it is not long of the tree, but of
+other mischances. And so the Catholic doctrine being holy, and in this
+very point of obedience holy, as teaching that all subjects are bound to
+obey, not as Luther teacheth, for policy only, making all men equal and to
+have no superior but Christ; nor as I showed before out of Knox and
+Buchanan; but as the truth is, and as St. Paul teacheth, that there is
+distinction of degrees and the subjects bound to obey, and that not _ad
+libitum_, or outwardly only, "ad oculum servientes,"(329) but in
+conscience and of necessity, "et tanquam Domino," and as to our Lord
+Himself, to Whom we serve in obeying our superiors according to His
+commandment. This is the doctrine of the Holy Catholic Faith in this
+point, wherein although some may miscarry and take wrong courses, as these
+few of late did, following their own conceits and desires against the
+direction and wills of those who delivered the contrary doctrine (as hath
+been declared), yet this is no impeachment to the Tree, nor to the rest of
+the fruit. This act of theirs cannot be laid upon the doctrine which is
+holy and bringeth forth no disobedient fruit, but the contrary in great
+measure, and that so much the more in those that know more and are the
+more perfect in the grounds thereof, as being the fruit which this "Arbor
+bona" hath brought to best perfection.
+
+And this clearness and innocency touching this late attempt is not only
+thus apparently proved to be in the whole body of Catholics, but was then
+the general opinion of all, the Puritans excepted, who are ever ready to
+impugn "agnitam veritatem." His Majesty, as you have seen, did partly
+affirm it and granted some other part, out of which you see it is
+convinced.
+
+The prisoners being all at that time often and carefully examined, they
+affirmed constantly and jointly (though severally examined) that there
+were no other conspirators than were taken and publicly known. And as for
+Priests, they did both then and at their death protest there was none in
+the action: whereupon His Majesty in the whole course of his speech did
+only lay the fault upon them that were discovered, and did seem to excuse
+the rest, as you have heard. So that it was as generally, as justly
+believed and voiced through England, that other Catholics were all free,
+and no Priest at all accused or could be touched with the treason, which
+gave no small satisfaction both to Catholics and others. And so in right
+it should have continued. But the Puritans did much grieve and envy that
+those should be free from blame, upon whom they rather wished that all
+might light. And therefore they began to practise and work the contrary
+opinion, first in the King, and afterwards in public show unto the
+country, as shall appear in the next chapter.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter IX. How The Fathers Of The Society Were By Industry Of The
+Heretics Drawn Into This Matter, To Incense The King Against Them, And For
+Them Against The Catholic Religion.
+
+
+The Prophet doth in few words very fully express the desires and
+endeavours of such as are most guided by that spirit of pride, who is a
+professed enemy to God and to all good men. "Superbia eorum (saith he) qui
+te oderunt, ascendit semper."(330) As if he should say to Almighty God,
+not only the apostate Angel himself doth hate Thee, and all those for Thy
+sake whom he seeth Thee to love; but those also, who are full of his
+rising and resisting spirit, do still raise themselves against Thee and
+all Thine, but most against those whom they see Thee most to favour, or
+most to use and employ in Thy service. "Ascendit semper:" their spirit
+still fighteth against those whom at least they think the highest;
+although in this man's judgment often erreth, guessing by outward signs
+and not being able to search the heart of man, as He doth that is
+"Scrutator cordis et renum," is therefore not able to judge, or their
+judgment to be taken for a certain proof, who be most in God's favour. But
+this their practice was plainly proved true in this present matter,
+whereof we have already treated and are as yet further to declare. For
+although we are to presume that His Majesty and the Council did proceed
+without passion in the matter, His Majesty having in many parts of his
+speech showed great equanimity and gracious opinion of his faithful
+Catholic subjects; yea, although His Highness did in the same speech
+correct the malice of Puritans against all Catholics in general, and did
+seek to repress their fury, which he saw so ready by word and action to
+oppress all Catholics upon this occasion offered, and to persecute the
+innocent multitude for the fault of a few: yet all this would not suffice
+to quench or assuage that fire (as the King did wisely observe and so
+express it in his speech) "with which their hearts were burnt up in this
+errant." But as they had before determined, so they never left labouring,
+until they had wrought their will, and found out a device which they hoped
+would serve both to discredit and discourage Catholics; and beginning with
+some of the chiefest (as they thought), to proceed with better colour in
+punishing and persecuting of the rest.
+
+Therefore whereas they did know very well how great esteem Catholics did
+generally make of the Fathers of the Society, and how much they did all
+for the most part (especially the better sort) rely upon their advice,
+reputing them to be men of great learning and judgment, and chiefly to be
+of approved virtue and spirit and both skill and experience in direction
+of souls: at these Fathers therefore did these Puritans resolve to level
+their first poisoned arrows, drawn out of the quiver of malice and shot
+from the bow of open injustice. But you must understand that this is not
+the first time they have aimed at this mark. No; they have been the men
+upon their eye of envy and spite hath ever been fixed since the first
+coming into England of those two famous men, Father Persons and blessed
+Father Campian, whose wisdom and spiritual instructions did so settle the
+hearts of Catholics in profession of their faith and whose exhortations
+both private and public did so kindle the zeal of devotion in all their
+minds, that the heretics might see another face of things in the
+persecuted state of the English Church, unto which afterwards being added
+the frequent and learned books of the one, and the challenged and
+performed disputation of the other (with all which they were convinced and
+confounded), these were motives sufficient to set malice on fire against
+them, and their Society for their sake, although they had found no like
+causes in their followers. But when they saw the like course to be
+continued; of exemplary virtue in Father Edmonds,(331) of wise direction
+for progress in devotion in blessed Father Garnett, and of learned and
+spiritual books in blessed Father Southwell; also when they had tried the
+constancy of blessed Father Walpole and others to be inflexible and not to
+be drawn either by force or favour to their will, either against God's
+honour or the good of their neighbours; when they found that no one of the
+Society that were sent into England could ever be wrought by them neither
+by torments to yield in infirmity, nor yet by their subtle examinations to
+be overreached so far, no not so much as out of simplicity to accuse the
+least Catholic of his acquaintance, or so that any did come in trouble by
+any undiscreet answer of theirs.
+
+This long and sufficient trial hath made them so much malign the men of
+that Society, that they have never ceased labouring by one means or other
+to practise all hostility against them, as against their chief enemies.
+From hence hath proceeded the many slanders they have sought to publish of
+them: from hence the many false and foul reports in several kinds, which
+they by themselves have published in books and procured the like to be
+done by all others whom they could work unto their will, as namely those
+of Mr. Watson's writing, which he so much repented at his death, asking
+humble pardon both of God and of the Society for the many falsehoods and
+slanders fathered upon them in the same. From hence also did proceed the
+disobedience of some scholars against the Fathers in the Seminaries,
+secretly wrought in their minds by some instruments which the chief of
+these Puritans had employed to that end and purpose. Finally, from hence
+as from a troubled fountain have flowed all the streams of disgraces and
+disturbance and persecutions both against the Fathers themselves, and
+against the places where they have been presumed to be; yea, against all
+those who have been conceived to be favourers or well-willers to them:
+insomuch that in hatred of the Fathers, they would often show favour to
+the places where other Priests were taken. But if the Priest were a
+Jesuit, or but a friend of theirs, and one that were known to love them
+and to follow some of their spiritual courses, of which number I
+acknowledge myself to be; then should they and their receivers be sure to
+drink of the whip and to have _summum jus_ instead of mercy. And as they
+at the first, when Seminary Priests did come in apace and did much good,
+made severe laws against them, punishing with pain of death the receivers
+of them, in all which they exempted the old Queen Mary Priests, because
+they saw the others, with their apostolical zeal and fervour, to work much
+greater effect in the minds of men; so now in the practice of those laws,
+they made a plain distinction between all Priests and Jesuits, whom they
+esteemed the greatest enemies to the proceeding and increase of heresy.
+And, but howsoever that is, would to God there were a divorce between them
+and heresy (unto which as yet their minds are so much wedded) undoubtedly
+they should then find they had no friends in the world more faithful, nor
+any that would be more ready to serve them in the service of God, than
+those whom now they hate and persecute so much, upon a contrary supposed
+ground, and the same most contrary to all truth and justice.
+
+But their minds being in this manner settled upon their courses, and so
+grounded in opinion of chief resistance in the Fathers of the Society and
+by their means, they resolved absolutely by one means or other to effect
+that which they had so much desired and so many ways laboured for. And
+having this opportunity of colour offered, of this late attempt of the
+foresaid gentlemen, and knowing the same to be so odious not only to His
+Majesty and the Council, but in like manner to all the graver and better
+sort of Catholics both in England and elsewhere, they did imagine that if
+they could with any little show of pretence but father this matter upon
+those Fathers, they should by that means either have all, or at least some
+of their desires performed against them. For if they could not convince
+them to be guilty, yet because the matter was so hateful, they hoped
+either in the meantime whilst the matter were in handling and not fully
+cleared, to procure that they might be called out of England (which hath
+long time been a chief part of their desires) or at least to make many
+Catholics both shy of them and fearful to deal with them; whilst they by
+extraordinary and exquisite searching might apprehend the most of them. Or
+at the least, if none of these took effect (as thanks be to God, the
+contrary through God's providence was proved true), yet they might
+hereupon ground the pretence of just occasion to enact those severe laws
+against Catholics, which they had determined and prepared long before, as
+I showed in the former chapters.
+
+Now therefore they began with all diligence to seek out likely pretences
+for their purpose: and it was no hard matter to find a staff to beat these
+dogs prepared by Christ, the Chief Shepherd, against the wolves that seek
+to devour His flock. For although they could not find in all the several
+examinations and confessions of the conspirators now in prison any little
+proof that they were in the Plot, but the contrary to be averred by them
+all with solemn protestation, yet they would have it suffice for a
+likelihood, that divers of these gentlemen were known unto divers of the
+Fathers and did sometimes come unto them for helps in the Sacraments. But
+so did many hundreds besides those gentlemen: and the Fathers dispense
+faithfully those divine mysteries to all, without exception of any, if
+they find them desirous and prepared, and without suspicion of any to bear
+undutiful minds.(332) And if all the acquaintance, yea, or the familiar
+and inward friends unto these gentlemen should have been called in
+suspicion, not only many other Catholics in England, who neither are nor
+can be appeached of any such matter, should be convented, but as well,
+many of their own side, even some of those that sat as judges of them in
+the Parliament. Briefly, a bad excuse must stand for good, where no better
+can be found, and where the matter is resolved, and the parties condemned,
+before the proof can be found or the witnesses produced. But behold one
+single and he but a seeming witness was found, or rather was supposed to
+be found; for he also failed them, as I shall after declare.
+
+There was one Bates a servant to Mr. Robert Catesby, of whom I made
+mention before; and this man having been employed by his master in the
+whole action for provision of powder, &c., and seeing himself so far in
+danger as the best, and yet not stored with so much grace and generous
+mind as was needful, nor perhaps entering the action with so seeming good
+motives as those gentlemen, who protested they did it merely for service
+to God and exaltation of religion; which it may be feared was not the
+motive to this fellow,(333) being but a serving-man and never of any
+extraordinary capacity or devotion, but only trusty to his master, and
+belike, in respect of that employed. Therefore now when he saw his master
+gone, and all hopes by him failed, it may well be this wind would make his
+house to shake, if it were so built upon the sand; and when he saw
+likewise the likely storm coming of death which he was to expect, and of
+torments also in likelihood, if he did not seek to please: these loe were
+great temptations to the poor fellow and sufficient to toss and bend that
+reed which way the wind would blow; especially those fears being seconded
+with hopes of favour; which were also promised, as shall afterwards appear
+in his words, when he repented his frailty before his death. And so
+this(334) fellow being earnestly urged by persons of great authority to
+confess some proofs or likelihood that the Jesuits were in this action,
+the poor man, of frailty and desire of life (as afterwards himself
+affirmed), told them that his master and another of those gentlemen had
+been not past a fortnight before the action broke out, at a nobleman's
+house where three Jesuits were, to wit, Father Henry Garnett, Father
+Osmund Tesimond, and Father John Gerard. He affirmed also that himself was
+sent with a letter by his master after they were up in arms, to a house in
+Warwickshire, where two of the said Jesuits were, _vidlt._, Father Garnett
+and Father Tesimond: and that Father Tesimond then went with him to his
+master, who was at Mr. Winter's with the rest of the company; but that the
+said Father Tesimond staid not with them, but rode presently away; yet did
+the poor fellow in his weakness yield so far as to say, that he thought
+Father Tesimond did know of the Plot, which yet he affirmed not of the
+other two.
+
+This was the ground and the only foundation upon which they built that
+great and slanderous calumniation against all the Jesuits in England;
+whereas this was no proof at all, but only the single conceit of one
+simple man, and that only set down as a mere thought of his own head, and
+but of one of the three. For as for the seeing of them all three at my
+Lord Vaux's, it is certain that was not true. For I have inquired of the
+matter since, and so have found it, as I say, to be false; besides, Father
+Gerard in his letters sent unto the Council in his own purgation, did
+protest he had not seen that Bates of at least a twelve-month before, and
+these letters were so sent, as they were received by the Council, whilst
+Bates was living and in their hands. But Bates perhaps might think it true
+that he was there at that time, that being the place which was generally
+supposed to be his chief abode, and so esteemed by the Council themselves,
+as appeared by the several searches had been made there for him, before as
+well as after this false suspicion. Besides if he would be there at any
+time, Bates might think it likely he would not be absent at that time,
+when two aunts of the Lord Vaux that now is, were come thither in their
+return from a long journey, who had not been there together of many years
+before; especially because Bates did suppose that Father Garnett, who was
+the Superior of all the Society in England, did continue with those two
+sisters, and was then come with them unto the same house, as Bates did
+imagine, and that Father Tesimond also did meet him there. All which might
+be very likely, if Father Garnett did go along in that journey with those
+devout gentlewomen; for it might well be supposed Father Gerard would not
+then be missing, but would rather be there of purpose to give his Superior
+the best entertainment he could procure, and this, if it were so, was
+cause sufficient, without any thought of the other cause of meeting, which
+I have heard Father Gerard himself protest, he did not so much as imagine
+before the thing itself was known to all men. And as for Mr. Catesby his
+being there, he was near cousin both unto the same Lord Vaux, and his
+mother who kept the house, and to those two gentlewomen whom he met there
+at that time, as he had done in many other places, both before and since
+this conspiracy was dreamt of. And as for Sir Everard Digby, there was
+more occasion of his being there, and there at that time (as I have since
+learned), for that he was a near neighbour and a great and tried friend
+unto the same Lord Vaux and his mother, as it was very well known unto
+divers of the Council, and the same also allowed of and well liked by
+them, with whom he had dealt concerning the said Lord and his mother about
+a match that should have been between the Lord Chamberlain(335) his
+daughter and the young Lord Vaux.
+
+So that Sir Everard Digby had many serious occasions to come to my Lord
+Vaux's; and then in particular, as I have learned since, being come from
+his ancient house and chief living which lay in Rutlandshire, from whence
+he could not go unto the house(336) where his wife and family lay, but he
+must pass by the door of my Lord Vaux his house, which also made him there
+an ordinary guest.
+
+So that all this supposal had been nothing if it had been true; and as
+Bates neither did nor could affirm it to be true that the three Jesuits
+were there, but only that the two gentlewomen were there, taking their
+sister's house in their way at their return, and his master also, and Sir
+Everard Digby met them, of which one also came merely by chance; what the
+other did I know not. And whereas I say that Bates did not affirm this of
+the Jesuits, no, nor of their only being in the house, so absolutely as he
+did affirm that he afterwards saw Father Garnett and Father Tesimond in
+Warwickshire, shall appear in his own words, when I set down his letter,
+whereof I have the true copy.
+
+But yet this doubtful and uncertain affirmation of his, which, if it had
+been most true and certain, had been also certain to be no proof at all or
+just cause of presumption, where there were so many other causes
+concurring which would have required the being of Father Gerard in that
+house at that time (if that were the place of his most residence), yet was
+this no cause made cause sufficient of great trouble to that noble family.
+For presently there was commission granted out for a most severe search to
+be made in that house of my Lord Vaux's, and also in another house of the
+said Lord's three miles off, lest perhaps Father Gerard might be kept
+there in that troublesome time. The commission was directed to the most
+forward Puritans of the country, with strict charge not only to search
+narrowly for the said Father, but whether they found him or not, to keep
+possession of the house and the keys of the rooms, until the Commissioners
+should have further order from the Council. All this and much more was
+performed in so strict manner as might be. For although the Lord Vaux and
+his mother were very much beloved and respected in all the country, he
+being the most ancient Baron and first in place of all the shire, and so
+linked to most houses of worth within the shire that it was hard to find
+any man of account therein that was not either akin or allied or a dear
+friend unto their house; yet all this notwithstanding, the search was most
+severe, as I have been credibly informed by those that were present. The
+house was beset with at least a hundred men, and those well appointed. The
+young Lord made no resistance, as having no cause to fear, but brought the
+Commissioners presently in to his mother, who delivered unto them all the
+keys of her house, and willed them to use their pleasure. They searched
+for two or three days continually, and searched with candles in cellars
+and several dark corners. They searched every cabinet and box in her own
+closet for letters, in hope to find some little scroll that might show
+Father Gerard had been an actor in this treason, or that she or her son
+had received some knowledge of it. But they found not with all this
+diligence the least tittle of advantage in the matter, insomuch that the
+chief man in commission for this search (though an earnest Puritan) yet
+sent a very full information unto the Council that he had found the house
+most clear, the young Lord and his mother very respective unto authority,
+admitting any kind of search or inquiry that he could desire and yet very
+confident in their own innocency; and that he found not any preparation in
+the house for war, or any show at all that they had the least knowledge of
+any such attempt intended.
+
+Notwithstanding, this information sent after full trial made by search,
+the Council sent for the young Lord and his mother up to London presently,
+where they were both examined; the young Lord by my Lord Salisbury alone,
+who cleared himself so by his answer that he was no further restrained,
+but only commanded to stay in the city of London. His mother was examined
+before the whole Council, where she did clear herself fully from all cause
+of suspicion in that treason, and affirmed constantly, that although she
+were a firm Catholic, and so would live and die by the grace of God, yet
+that fact she did as much mislike and condemn as themselves; and that so
+she had been taught by those that had care of her soul. They urged her
+that she knew Father Gerard, and had received him many times into her
+house. She answered she hoped none could justly accuse her that she had
+received either him or any other Priest, and that she would not accuse
+herself, the same being a Penal Law. They insisted she was bound to tell
+of him, for that he was known to be a traitor and a chief plotter of this
+action. She answered with serious protestation, that she had never the
+least cause to think so of him (if she did know him, as they presupposed);
+and said that she had heard so much good of the man (though she did not
+know him) that she would pawn her whole estate, yea, and her life also,
+that he was not guilty of that Plot, nor justly to be touched with it.
+Then the Council produced a letter which she had written unto the Sheriff
+of Warwickshire, her cousin, for the delivery of two Priests, who were
+taken passing through the country after the stirs were begun, which letter
+the sheriff had sent unto the Council (more like a Puritan as he is, than
+a kinsman as he should be). This letter, said the Lords of the Council,
+being written for the delivery of Strange, the Jesuit (now in the Tower,
+and since very sore tortured, as I shall afterwards declare), and for
+another Priest, one of Blackwell the Archpriest his assistants, and the
+same also written in so earnest and effectual manner, doth convince you to
+be guilty of treason in that Statute of aiding Priests.(337) She answered
+that she wrote for them indeed, and that she desired much to set them
+free, but she knew them not to be Priests, but took them for Catholic
+gentlemen that came sometimes to her house as others did, and looked
+nothing like Priests. Then finally, some of the Council said, that whereas
+she was now in the King's mercy to live or die, she should have her life
+and lose nothing of her estate, if she would tell where Gerard the Jesuit
+was to be found. She answered, she knew not; but if she did know she would
+not tell it them to save her life and many lives. "Why then," said they,
+"Lady, you must die." "Why then, I will die, my Lords," said she, "for I
+will never do the other." So they sent her away to prison, not to an
+ordinary gaol, but to a rich Alderman's house in London, where she was
+well respected, and yet kept so close that not her own son might come to
+see her, only she had a gentlewoman of her own to attend her. There were
+also divers of her servants committed to several prisons, and often and
+strictly examined with many menacings if they would not confess Father
+Gerard to have been at the Lord Vaux his house, but nothing could be wrung
+out of them. The house in the country was all this while watched within
+and without for nine or ten days together, that if Father Gerard were
+still in the house hid in any secret place, he either might be starved to
+death, or by famine forced to come out. And for two or three miles round
+about the house there was watch kept in the country, and all passengers
+examined in desire to find the said Father, but all in vain; for where God
+will protect, man's forces or policies are frustrate, "et deficient
+scrutantes scrutinio."(338)
+
+Soon after this search was past, Father Gerard lying secretly in another
+country, and understanding how that house had been severely searched for
+him as for one of this conspiracy, he thought it fit and needful to show
+his innocency in the matter by a public letter, which he performed
+presently, and I have read the letter. It contained, first, some reasons
+why he did seek to clear himself, and that by the way of protestation, the
+matter being true and just and _in re gravi_. Then he did solemnly and
+seriously protest before God and all the Court of Heaven, that he was
+never privy to the matter, nor had heard so much as one word of that Plot
+of Powder before the thing itself was discovered and the knowledge thereof
+brought unto him by public fame; and that his meaning was, he had not
+known of it either in secret or otherwise, no, not so much as in
+confession. Also he did exclude all equivocation so far forth, that if he
+did in any sort equivocate in this protestation, he did yield himself as
+guilty of the whole both in the sight of God and men. Further he alleged
+divers reasons why it was not likely he should know thereof, as in respect
+of the badness of the matter, which he utterly disliked and condemned, no
+man more. In respect of his estate and the prohibition he had received
+from his Superiors, not to meddle with any State matters at all; and much
+less with any such outrageous attempt. Also, that the Council had tried
+him sufficiently in those matters in the time of Queen Elizabeth's reign,
+when they had him in their hands from three years and more, often
+labouring to have found him guilty, or to have him confess he had dealt in
+State matters; but he was ever found clear, insomuch that they could not
+produce the least word of his writing or witness against him in all that
+time of his imprisonment, nor find him guilty in the least point, although
+they put him to the uttermost trials to see whether force or favour would
+sooner prevail with him. Then further in this letter he alleged, that if
+in Queen Elizabeth's time it could not be proved he had meddled in any
+matters of State, much more it was to be presumed he would be far from
+dealing in this highest kind of treason, and that against this King, for
+whom it was well known his father had suffered and lost much, whereof it
+pleased His Majesty to take knowledge unto his brother at his first coming
+to the Crown. And lastly, he said he was so far from ever consenting or
+knowing of any such matter, that he offered freely, if either before his
+taking or after,(339) it could be proved, that ever he had any kind of
+knowledge of that Plot of Powder, that then he would freely give them
+leave, whensoever it should please God to deliver him into their hands, to
+put him to all the torments could be imagined, and pull one piece of him
+from another, and withal that all men of what side or sect soever should
+then repute him as a perjured creature, and to have neither faith to God
+nor man. This was the effect of his letter in brief, the letter itself
+containing a sheet or two of paper, which letter being published in
+London, did give great satisfaction not only to Catholics (who could not
+easily believe such reports of him before) but even to the Protestants
+themselves. Yea, it was showed unto the King himself by an Earl in great
+favour with His Majesty, and His Highness for that time was very well
+satisfied therewith.
+
+But notwithstanding this and the general opinion which most men conceived
+of his innocency, and although there were no proof at all or sufficient
+grounds to proceed against any of the rest, yet such was the settled
+resolution of some to bring them into the suspicion and slander of this
+treason, that they proposed it unto His Majesty as a thing very requisite,
+to have a public proclamation sent forth against the Jesuits, and first to
+begin with these three, meaning to bring in the rest also by degrees. The
+King referred the matter unto the Council, as his manner is. The cause was
+therefore discussed at the council-table, and being proposed by those that
+were of great authority in that place, it was not much gainsaid, at least
+for two of the three. But for the third, which was Father Gerard, it was
+answered by some, that there was no reason he should be put in the number;
+and one Earl at the table, being of great account both for wisdom and
+learning, said that sith Gerard had so fully cleared himself by so ample a
+protestation and was a gentleman, he thought it was very hard to lay so
+severe a punishment upon him, upon the single accusation of one witness,
+and he but a base fellow and in fear of his life. For it was then supposed
+that Bates did accuse all these three, and perhaps so proposed also to
+make the matter seem more justly grounded. But it was not so, as will
+appear in the words of Bates his letter hereafter. But neither this pious
+answer, nor truth itself, which I doubt not answered for all the three in
+the conscience of those that most furthered this cruel course, could
+anything at all prevail against the course which was before intended,
+insomuch that it was there resolved a proclamation should presently be
+sent forth against those three before named. Yea, and Father Gerard was
+put in the first place, as if he had been the principal person of the
+three, which though some do think to have been done only by the penner of
+the proclamation in respect of his blood or kindred in the world, which
+they (looking only with fleshly eyes) make more account of than of
+spiritual dignities; yet sure it was done of purpose, to make him the more
+odious thereby, and to hide the want of proof which they had against him:
+that when all men did see him set before the other two, whereof one was
+his Superior, and the other his ancient every way, they might the rather
+think there was some great matter found out against him. And so all men
+might be incensed the more to betray him or apprehend him, for that was
+the chief intention of the proclamation against all the three. And to that
+end in the proclamation, first the names of the persons and the nature of
+their supposed offence was set down; then a subtle inducement joined with
+a serious commandment unto all men to discover them and to help to
+apprehend them, unto which also was annexed large promises to those that
+should be found the particular instruments of their apprehension; and
+lastly, a severe protestation that whosoever should presume to be a
+harbourer, maintainer, or concealer of any of them, or should not do their
+best for their discovery or apprehension, that they should hope for no
+mercy, but that the laws should be most severely executed upon them, as
+upon persons no less pernicious than the actors and concealers of the main
+treason itself. In the end of all the three persons were described, that
+they might the better be known, by their stature, their colour, and
+countenance. By all which it may appear how violent a desire of their
+apprehension those had who procured the proclamation, as the most forcible
+and likely means to that effect. I pray God avert the violence of His
+justice from their souls, and send them to find mercy, when this forcible
+proceeding of theirs doth come to be examined. For otherwise a dreadful
+doom must be expected, "quia potentes potenter tormenta patientur:
+horrende et cito apparebit eis,"(340) saith the wise man. I pray God they
+may prevent it, before it light upon them; otherwise this blow will hurt
+and wound the strikers much more than them against whom it was
+intended.(341)
+
+This proclamation being published in London, it was presently carried into
+all the market-towns of England (as the custom is) to be there proclaimed,
+to the end that all men taking notice of the names and the description of
+the persons of these three supposed traitors, it might be unpossible in
+any short time for any of them to pass safely through any town, but that
+they would be descried, discovered, and apprehended. So that they were now
+to be esteemed in all human likelihood, "tanquam oves occisionis," like
+sheep designed to the slaughter. "Sed ira viri justitiam Dei non
+operatur;"(342) and whom God will protect "nemo potest rapere de manu
+illius."(343) God provided for them such friends as knew their innocency
+well, and did most willingly adventure with them, not regarding the
+threats nor respecting the promises in the proclamation of a straw. Yea, I
+know where some of them refused the earnest entreaties of some persons of
+great worth instantly desiring to have had them in their houses. But they
+were well and safely provided for, for insomuch that until this day two of
+them were never in danger to fall into their enemies' hands, "sed liberati
+sunt de manu Herodis et de omni expectatione plebis Judaeorum."(344) And
+the third was provided for sufficiently in a house of great safety, and
+where he might have continued long enough without danger, if he had not
+been by God's permission betrayed into their hands as his Master was; "sed
+advenerat hora ejus."(345) And he that betrayed him for "Quid vultis mihi
+dare?"(346) had a halter for his pains, as Judas had, though he died not
+desperate, as Judas did, but very penitent for his fact, as the sequent
+chapters shall declare.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter X. How Father Garnett, The Superior, Was Discovered And Taken In
+Worcestershire And Brought Up To London: And Of His First Entreaty And
+Examination.
+
+
+When all England was filled with this new rumour by means of this
+proclamation, that now the Jesuits were also found to be in the Plot of
+Powder, and especially those three, who therefore were named and described
+and publicly proclaimed, though Catholics did generally believe the
+contrary of them, many being witnesses of their innocency, and of their
+often and earnest persuasions to peace and quietness, and to patience in
+this time of persecution. And though many wise men did say in their
+hearts, "Quam accusationem affertis adversus homines istos?"(347) because
+they saw them traduced by the proclamation in general words as heinous
+traitors and contrivers of the whole Plot, and as men so proved to be by
+the several examinations of the prisoners in the Tower. But when they
+looked for these proofs in the examinations, even those which were chosen
+out amongst the rest to be published in print, as the chiefest and most
+fit for the full discovery of the whole Plot and the plotters of the same;
+and finding there no one word of any of them, but the contrary, in that
+the whole course of the matter was there seen to be carried by others
+there mentioned with all particulars of their proceedings. And hearing
+also by many certain reports that the prisoners did all protest there was
+no Priests at all guilty of the conspiracy, or that did any ways assist
+them therein: these and the like reasons did make the wiser and more
+reasonable sort, even of Protestants themselves, to think, as the truth
+was, "quod ex invidia tradidissent eos."(348)
+
+But this was no impediment to the forcible authority of the proclamation,
+which went out under the King's name. And instead of particular
+accusations, it must suffice for the present, "quod si non essent hi
+malefactores, non tradidisset eos potestas regia;"(349) and indeed other
+proofs they could have none at all against all the three neither then nor
+since, although against two of them, to wit, against Fathers Garnett and
+Tesimond,(350) they framed afterwards some pretended matter in particular,
+much like to that whereof their Master was accused, "quod subverteret
+gentem et prohiberet tributum dari Caesari:"(351) "Sed sufficit discipulis
+ut sint sicut Magister eorum."(352) In the meantime Father Garnett thought
+best to retire himself to a house of great safety near unto the place
+where then he was, and there meant to lie private till the heat of this
+persecution were passed, and that it might be more safe travelling towards
+London where he meant to settle as he had been accustomed. The house was
+called Henlip, two miles distant from the city of Worcester, and so large
+and fair a house that it might be seen over great part of the country; and
+indeed it was so fair and commodious a house that it had often caused the
+owner of it much trouble, being an eyesore unto some Puritans of great
+wealth that were neighbours, within some miles, and nothing so well
+seated; who therefore procured often warrants to search that house in hope
+to find some Priest there, for which the house and the whole estate of the
+gentleman might be forfeited to the King, and so begged by them that were
+the causers and actors of such apprehension. But this being often essayed
+was never permitted by God until this time, "quae erat hora illorum et
+potestas tenebrarum."(353)
+
+The proclamation being published containing, besides other persuasions,
+large promises to any that would be discoverers of any of the three; it
+happened that there was a gentleman called Humphrey Littleton, then fallen
+into trouble for receiving and concealing Mr. Robert Winter, one of the
+principal conspirators, and Mr. Stephen Littleton, his kinsman, who had
+joined himself unto the conspirators in rebellion. These two having
+escaped from this Stephen Littleton his house, where the rest of the
+conspirators were, some slain and some taken (as before hath been
+declared), and having escaped taking a month and more in several places
+where they lay hid, did finally come to this Humphrey Littleton for
+harbour: and he received them into his kinswoman's house, where he then
+lay, and kept them in his own chamber, where they were discovered and
+apprehended.(354) Humphrey Littleton therefore being in danger of his life
+for having harboured them, and seeing so large promises of favour and
+rewards to those that would discover any of the three, thought to save
+himself from a temporal punishment by doing that which deserved an eternal
+pain, and sent up word unto the Council, that he had been not long before
+at Mr. Abington his house, called Henlip, before mentioned, where he heard
+a Jesuit preach called Ouldcorne, who did there reside for the most part,
+and where he thought also Garnett was to be found.
+
+Upon this information a warrant was presently despatched into the country
+to Sir Henry Bromley, a Knight, who was the next Justice of account unto
+Mr. Abington's house, and who was best experienced in searching of that
+house, which he had often performed before upon less likelihood of
+speeding than now he carried with him by means of this discovery, and the
+extraordinary authority he had to use his pleasure. He came therefore to
+the house on a Sunday morning very early, accompanied with above a hundred
+men with him, armed and furnished all "cum gladiis et fustibus"(355) and
+with guns, and all kind of weapons, more fit for an army than an orderly
+search. And beginning to beat at the gate with great importunity to be let
+in presently, the Catholics within the house soon perceiving their
+intention, made all the haste possible to hide both the Priests and Church
+stuff, and books, and all such persons and things as belonged to the
+Priests, or might give cause of suspicion. In the meantime sending to the
+gates, as the custom is, to know the cause of their coming, and to keep
+them in talk with messages to and fro, from the master or mistress of the
+house, all to gain time, whilst they within were hiding all things in the
+most safe secret places they had.
+
+But Sir Henry Bromley, impatient of this delay, caused the gates with
+great violence and force of men to be broken down, which yet he could not
+perform in so short a time (by reason they were very strong and answerable
+to the greatness of the house) before they within had made all safe which
+they would hide from this violent invasion. The Knight being entered by
+force, sent presently some principal persons with men enough to assist
+each of them into all the several parts of the house, as well to take
+possession of the same, as to make stay of any persons that were
+suspicious, and to be sure that nothing should then be hidden after his
+entry. Himself showed unto the mistress of the house (Mr. Abington himself
+being not then at home) his large commission to search, and the
+proclamation against those for whom he would search. She yielded to his
+authority, and gave him full power to do his will. He began after the
+accustomed manner, to go through all the rooms of the house, which were
+many and very large; he had with him Argus his eyes, many watchful and
+subtle companions, that would spy out the least advantage or cause of
+suspicion, and yet they searched and sounded every corner in that great
+house till they were all weary, and found no likelihood of finding that
+they came for, though they continued the daily search, and that with
+double diligence, all the whole week following. But upon Saturday two
+laymen that did usually attend upon the two Priests, and were hid in a
+place by themselves, being almost starved to death, came out of their own
+accord. For they had placed the Priests in another secret conveyance where
+there was some provision of victuals laid up for their sustenance a few
+days; but themselves were forced to go into a place on the sudden, which
+though it were safe from finding, yet had no provision at all to eat, and,
+as I have heard, they had but one apple between them in all those six or
+seven days. Whereupon they thought it best to come out; and yet not that
+so much to save themselves from death by famine, as for that they
+perceived the resolution of the searchers to be of staying in the house
+until they had either found or famished those whom they knew to be within.
+Therefore these two virtuous men being in hope that upon their taking, the
+searchers would be satisfied and depart (as either thinking them to be
+Priests, or that if there had been any more to be found, they would also
+have been forced to come out), this hope made them resolve to offer
+themselves to their enemies' hands, to save the lives of those whom they
+loved better than themselves. And their coming out was in such manner as
+could endanger nothing but themselves; one of the two especially, whose
+name was Nicholas Owen, abounding in discretion, which was the man that
+attended on Father Garnett, and is thought by all men to have been a
+Brother of the Society, of whom we shall have occasion to speak
+afterwards, for he suffered many and great torments, and is now a glorious
+martyr.
+
+They therefore perceiving that some of the searchers did continually by
+turns watch and walk up and down in the room where they were hidden, which
+was a long and fair gallery four square, going round about the house, they
+watched their time when the searchers were furthest off, and came out so
+secretly and stilly, and shut the place again so finely, that they were
+not one whit heard or perceived when or where they came out, and so they
+walked in the gallery towards the door, which they thought belike to have
+found open. But the searchers being turned back in their walk, and
+perceiving two strange men to be there, whom they had not seen before,
+presently ran unto them, and asked what they were. They answered they were
+men that were in the house, and would be content to depart if it pleased
+them. The others asked whether they were Priests: they answered they were
+Catholics, and that further they would not answer, being no doubt desirous
+to be taken for such, the better to satisfy the insatiable mind of those
+blood-suckers. Then being asked where they had been all that while, they
+answered they had hid themselves, being Catholics, to avoid taking. And
+being urged to tell or show the place where, they absolutely refused.
+
+But the searchers knowing well that it must needs be in the gallery by all
+circumstances, began afresh to search more violently than ever, and to
+break down the wainscot with which the gallery was lined, and the walls
+also in a number of places. And so they continued with all violence for
+five or six days after, and leaving no place untried in so great leisure
+as they had, it pleased God to end the misery in which they kept those two
+good Fathers by their so long and strait inclosure, and to deliver them
+"in manus quaerentium animam illorum,"(356) by permitting the searchers at
+last to light upon the place itself, where they had been hid so many days,
+"sustentati aqua, angustiae et pane tribulationis."(357) For the Fathers
+were resolved (as since I have been informed) there to have ended their
+days (which could not much longer have continued, the uneasiness of the
+room and their slender provision considered) rather than by coming out to
+have endangered their friends in whose house they had been so charitably
+entreated. But it was God's will to have their great patience and many
+virtues better known by their public sufferance of violent death, than it
+could have been if they had been in that manner privately pined up in a
+corner. The searchers therefore having found and entered the secret place,
+they took out the two Fathers out of their close and painful prison, and
+they seized upon such Church stuff and books as were also laid up in the
+same place, which had made the room more strait and uneasy for the Fathers
+than otherwise it would have been. When the Fathers were taken, they soon
+knew who Father Ouldcorne was, because he had continued in that country
+many years and was well known and highly respected by most of the
+Catholics in all those parts.
+
+He had also been often seen by many heretics of the country, and was once
+in their hands before in Queen Elizabeth's time, taken on the sudden by
+some that came to search the house, as he was walking with another
+gentleman in the garden. But then out of his ready wit he escaped their
+hands; for coming with the searchers to the door, which went of the
+parlour into the garden, and finding it locked (which it is like the
+servants had done after they perceived the search, because they would have
+respite to pull down the altar and to hide the Church stuff and other
+things of peril), Father Ouldcorne, therefore, finding this door shut,
+called the servants hastily, as if he did reprehend them for keeping out
+the Queen's officers, and when they came to open the door he stept in
+first, as if he did continue his speech of finding fault with their long
+stay, and suddenly clapt to the door upon the searchers, leaving them shut
+out and in the garden with the other gentleman; himself presently got into
+a secret place, perhaps the same which now was found, though then they
+could not find neither it nor the man again, though they sought him long
+and with great diligence. And the like strange escapes had happened to
+Father Garnett often, though in other manner.
+
+And so we see, that when God will protect, he can hide a Felix between two
+walls, and make spiders His workmen to cover the entry with their webs.
+And again, when it is His pleasure to deliver up His servants to their
+last conflicts, no secret, no hide, no defence shall serve; but He will
+deliver them like sheep to the devouring of wolves, when He hath ordained
+them to so high an honour, as to suffer for His holy name, "ut simul
+compatiantur in hoc saeculo, qui conregnaturi sunt in futuro."(358) So it
+fell out to these two holy men, who after they had spent so many years in
+the gaining of souls, labouring both faithfully and fruitfully in God's
+vineyard, so that they might say with the blessed Apostle, "Bonum certamen
+certavimus, cursum consummavimus, fidem servavimus:"(359) what was now
+remaining but that they should be called by the just Judge to receive
+"illam coronam justitiae quae reposita erat illis,"(360) and which therefore
+the Apostle doth not only appropriate to himself, but "iis etiam qui
+diligunt adventum Christi," which truly was performed by these two in
+great measure, as both in their life and at their death they showed
+abundantly. Thus therefore Father Garnett and Father Ouldcorne being
+taken, and Father Ouldcorne soon known who he was, they laboured much to
+know whether the other were Father Garnett or no, and though they brought
+divers unto him to see if they did know him, yet they could find none for
+a good while that could and would discover who he was, until at last one
+poor man was brought, who had drunk too much of that cup of contradiction
+with which the craft of heresy hath sought of late to infect the minds of
+some of the weaker sort, thereby to divide, and so to destroy the kingdom
+of faith in our country; and this poor man, I hope rather out of
+simplicity than malice, took knowledge of him, having known him before and
+been beholden to him, and called him both by his own name Garnett, and by
+other names that he had known him to go by, by which he was also described
+in the proclamation. And this silly man did utter it with a kind of
+spleen, as seeming to hope that now the Jesuits would bear less sway than
+he thought they had done. It is thought he hoped for some favour from the
+Council for this his good service unto them (though a Priest, and then a
+prisoner in Worcester); but I cannot hear that he reaped any fruit besides
+a wounded conscience "ex hac delatione et accusatione fratris sui;"(361)
+and Father Garnett's answer unto him was with great mildness and charity,
+according to his custom. Sir Henry Bromley now having what he desired,
+presently despatched posts unto the Council with this news, and kept the
+prisoners at his own house in the meantime until he might receive further
+order.
+
+Unto these foresaid prisoners, Mr. Thomas Abington, the master of the
+house where they were taken, was also now adjoined, who came home to his
+own house two days after the search began, and was presently apprehended,
+that he might be in safety if any of these supposed traitors should chance
+to be taken in his house: because then by the laws he loseth both life and
+living. Sir Henry Bromley soon after receiving order from the Council to
+bring up Father Garnett and Father Ouldcorne with a good guard and
+strength to London, he performed presently their commandment, and went
+towards London attended with a great number of horses for the more safe
+custody of his charge. But the more he conversed with Father Garnett, the
+more he grew in estimation of him, and the more he showed in all things to
+respect him, although the man be otherwise a very earnest Puritan, and one
+of the forwardest that way of all Worcestershire. It happened by the way
+that the Minister who went with Sir Henry Bromley as his chaplain or
+preacher, seeing Father Garnett so modest and to speak so little,
+especially of matters of controversy, thought belike that he had been
+utterly unskilful in them, and desirous to get himself some credit in that
+kind, began to provoke Father Garnett to the combat; but Father Garnett,
+loth to give offence unto any, and esteeming the example of modesty more
+fruitful to a proud heretic than to contend with one so likely to resist
+the known truth, did once or twice put him off with a mild answer, showing
+only what the other should believe in such a case, and forbearing to
+allege any further reasons. Whereupon the heretic grew more insolent (as
+their custom is), and then began in sort to triumph in the hearing of
+others, which Father Garnett perceiving, and then doubting that his good
+meaning would be so easily discerned by his silence as misconstrued,
+without giving further answer to the Minister, he hastened his horse a
+little to overtake Sir Henry Bromley that rode before, and told him how
+his Minister had divers times provoked him to disputation, which he had
+purposely forborne, being loth to give offence unto him in whose custody
+now he was; and partly also, because he knew such disputations to be often
+fruitless where there is no judge of authority to restrain the subdued
+party from entering into terms of blasphemy and such like, which himself
+was not willing to hear, and therefore thought it better in such a case to
+be silent. But that if it pleased Sir Henry to hear the one and restrain
+the other in case it should be offered, he then for his part was very
+ready to give his Minister satisfaction to anything he would or could
+propound. Sir Henry commended very much his wisdom and government in the
+manner of his proceeding, and called the Minister presently, willing him
+to propound all things freely that he would, but yet with modesty. So the
+Minister began to discourse after their diffuse manner, producing many
+things not digested into any good method, nor founded upon any sure
+grounds of faith or learning. Father Garnett suffered him to speak his
+fill, as long as he seemed to continue in one matter, and then desired
+leave to speak. Then he in few words and excellent order related the
+substance of all that the other had said, and then repelled it with so
+substantial grounds, and with such demonstration of learning, and that
+even in those kinds which they most esteem and stand upon, which is the
+Scriptures and Tongues, that it put the Minister to silence and the Knight
+to great admiration, and all the audience were so satisfied both with his
+modesty and profound learning as it was reported presently by them all
+over London, to the great commendation of the good Father. But Sir Henry
+Bromley did seem so greatly to admire and affect him, that he affirmed to
+divers gentlemen of account, when he came to London, that he never in his
+life met the like man to Mr. Garnett either for modesty, wisdom, or
+learning, and that he would kneel before the King to save his life, if he
+were not found guilty of the Powder.
+
+When they were come to London, the two Fathers were first committed close
+prisoners to the Gatehouse, their two servants to other prisons. When
+Father Garnett was carried into the prison, there stood a great number of
+prisoners at the gate expecting to see him as he passed, whom he seeing,
+asked aloud, "Is there any of you that be in for the Catholic faith?" And
+divers Catholics answering, "Yes, yes, we are Catholics, and prisoners for
+our conscience," "Then," said he, "I am your fellow." So he was locked up
+in a chamber.
+
+And it was two days after before he was examined, whereof the reason was
+guessed to be in that the Council, hearing so much fame of his virtue,
+gravity, and learning, and knowing well how much he was respected by many
+great persons, and esteemed also by the Ambassadors of the Catholic
+Princes then residing in London, it made them very wary, and to deliberate
+much how to proceed with him, and would not call him to examination before
+they had informed themselves of as much as they could learn of his words
+and carriage at his taking and bringing up to London, many of which (to
+our great grief and loss) are unknown to us; for that the three that were
+taken and brought up with him are all put to death, and were kept close
+until their death, and the times also have been so troublesome since, that
+we could not have such means as we desire to meet and talk with those that
+were eyewitnesses of many notable accidents, which we hope to do
+hereafter, and to have many things brought to light which will be greatly
+to God's glory and all our comfort.
+
+The third or fourth day after Father Garnett was committed to the
+Gatehouse he was sent for to be examined by five or six of the Privy
+Council, at which time, as ever after, they used him with great respect,
+unusual from meaner Commissioners than the Privy Council when Priests are
+examined, and especially those of the Society, whom, as being more hated
+by them, they are accustomed to revile with many bitter and disgraceful
+terms, whereof traitor is the least. But to Father Garnett the contrary
+was so far used that the Lords themselves would seldom speak unto him but
+they would put off their hat, and sometimes hold it off a good while, and
+they did usually call him Mr. Garnett at every word. Of this his first
+examination we have not the particular; but this only in general, that he
+answered so to all their questions that he gave them great satisfaction,
+and they after his departure gave him great commendation. Yea, one of the
+Council said, "he could not be misliked but for matter of doctrine only.
+As for the Powder he was clear of it." So he was sent back to the
+Gatehouse for the time. But that time was very short, for he was soon
+after lodged in a stronger hold and in a straiter prison, where neither
+any that wished him well could come near him to understand how he was
+used, and where there wanted not instruments full of subtlety and cruel
+hatred against him, who would be sure to use him far otherwise than so
+mild a disposition and so worthy a man deserved.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XI. Of Father Garnett, His Carriage To The Tower And Subtle Usage
+There. Also Of The Usage Of Fr. Ouldcorne And Nicholas Owen, Ralph, And
+John Grisoll In The Same Place.
+
+
+The expectation of this matter touching Father Garnett was great in every
+place, and the conceits of men very diverse and their discourses different
+what would become of so notable a man, being so famous for learning and
+piety and modesty as that his very enemies could speak no other but much
+good of him, unless they would so apparently wrong their judgments by
+judging contrary to the sight of all men. Some thought he should have
+favour, because they saw him used with such respect; some deemed it most
+likely they meant to permit his friends to redeem his life, as not finding
+sufficient pretence to put him to death, and therefore better to gratify
+some courtier with that which would be given for his life; in which hope I
+know one devout gentlewoman who offered 500_l._ as a fee to a courtier,
+that was very likely to obtain it if that had been their intention. Others
+judged this stay that was made of sending him to the Tower was but to give
+such hope to Catholics, and to see who would make suit for him in any
+kind; others, again, that it was done to try his constancy first by fair
+means, meaning afterwards to make trial of him by contrary usage, if that
+would not serve the turn. Briefly, the general report was that he was free
+from the Plot, and not to be touched with this conspiracy, which even
+Protestants affirmed to be most likely, in that he was not accused by any
+of the conspirators, as might be easily seen in their printed
+examinations, for that above all the rest would have been printed, if by
+favour or force or fear it could have been wrung out of them. Now as for
+Catholics, it was generally their opinion that he was innocent, for they
+knew very well he could not be guilty who had so often and so effectually
+laboured to stay them from all attempts or disobedience, though in matters
+of much less moment than this so cruel intention against the Parliament
+House.
+
+But whilst all London and England was full of expectation what issue this
+cause would have, and every man gave his judgment of the matter according
+to his several humour and opinion, that course was taken which was from
+the first intended, and he was delivered up to the Lieutenant of the
+Tower, a fit instrument for such a purpose, as being a man most pliable to
+the will of those that had no will to do Father Garnett good. And the
+man's mind and manner of proceeding may be seen by his first salutation to
+Father Garnett when he was brought into the Tower, for presently he began
+to revile him, saying "he was a plotter of all treasons." But Father
+Garnett gave him no answer, and being demanded why he did not answer to
+those accusing words, he said "he was not moved with his words, for Christ
+his Master had taught him by His own example to bear quietly such
+contumely."
+
+His lodging and first usage there was not evil in exterior things
+(supposing the condition of the place), which doth allow no bed or any
+such provision to any prisoner but such as himself doth provide from his
+friends abroad; which help, until it be procured, a prisoner there may by
+favour have some straw to lie upon, and that was Father Garnett his couch
+until such necessaries could be sent unto him, which in his case could
+hardly be procured without danger to the senders, nor but by divers
+circumstances. First he was to send to some known prisoner or notorious
+Catholic, not as acquainted with him, but as by request in the way of
+charity. Then that party did send unto his friends, and after that it was
+not long in doing, but yet all done with great circumspection, as not
+doubting but all those that brought such things to that Catholic's house
+that must seem to send them, would be watched narrowly, and perhaps dogged
+to their home, which is an ordinary practice in all such cases.
+
+Being now settled in the Tower, the Council came thither to examine him,
+but found him always the same man, both constant in his faith and
+function, and faithful to his friends. For though they pretended they
+would not deal with him in any matter concerning his Priesthood (desiring,
+indeed, to have his case esteemed different from others against whom they
+had formerly proceeded), yet were many questions such as if he had
+answered either weakly or unwisely he must needs have brought many of his
+friends to great trouble; as, where he had lived for a long time, how he
+had been maintained, what places he was at in that last journey, what
+company he had met at the places which they affirmed he did stay in, and
+finally, whom he knew or had had any dealings withal. But he quit himself
+so wisely, and answered so resolutely in them all, as did sufficiently
+declare he neither could lawfully, nor would upon any condition detect
+others, knowing nothing by them but the exercise of Catholic religion and
+practice of virtue. Finally, there was not any whosoever of high or low
+degree that came in trouble by his default or oversight. There were also
+many occasions offered in those several examinations of showing his skill
+and knowledge in matters of learning. In particular for matter of
+equivocation, wherein he was much and often urged, and ever gave them such
+satisfaction as in reason they could wish no more. The particulars of
+divers such-like things we cannot as yet procure, they are kept so close
+(as commonly it is most done where they find least advantage); only that
+matter of equivocation being spoken of again at the bar by Mr.
+Attorney,(362) then he referred to the former full satisfaction he had
+given them in his several examinations, though there again he repeated
+some points thereof briefly, as shall appear when we come to handle his
+arraignment.
+
+The Council, finding that no advantage was to be gotten of him in his
+examinations, either against himself or others in this chief matter, they
+committed the care and charge of proceeding with him in that kind unto the
+Lord Chief Justice and the Attorney-General, to wit, Popham and Coke, both
+professed enemies to Catholics and their religion, who were so forward or
+rather so desirous to undertake the business, that (as it is said) they
+offered, if they might have their full scope to deal with him as they
+thought good, they would undertake to prove him guilty in the Plot of
+Powder. I pray God, that of the Prophet David be not proved against them
+both, "Veloces pedes eorum ad effundendum sanguinem,"(363) when they shall
+be cited to a higher Tribunal, where neither the one shall plead nor the
+other be judge, but both be judged "secundum mensuram qua mensi
+fuerint."(364)
+
+Father Garnett was delivered over to their pleasure,(365) and it pleased
+them to examine him very often. In all which, though they found no
+advantage at all, yet, after three or four examinations, they were so bold
+as to give it out that he had confessed all. But this was for another end.
+For hereupon presently the Attorney spake in the Parliament House to have
+eight Jesuits condemned of this treason by the High Court of Parliament,
+_vidlt._, Garnett, Hall, Greenway, Gerard, Hamon, Westmoreland (there
+being no such of the Society), Cresswell, and Baldwin. But the Parliament
+refused to condemn these men without better proof of their being guilty,
+and therefore willed the Attorney (seeing he had Garnett's examinations)
+to lay down the next day the proofs before them, which he promised to do
+in so clear manner as their lordships should rest satisfied of their
+guiltiness, and that by Garnett's own confession. At the time appointed he
+brings his proofs, which all proved no confession of Father Garnett (as he
+had promised), and indeed nothing else but mere conjectures, imaginations,
+and inferences of his own, and that with so little colour of likely truth
+as no man applauded the motion, although there were very many that were no
+friends to the parties accused (to speak the least), and so Mr. Attorney
+his motion died, and was never after revived. Yea, a nobleman coming from
+the Parliament at that time, said to his friend, that these lawyers were
+so accustomed to lie that they could say truth in no place. But indeed Mr.
+Attorney must be excused for this time, the cause and case being very
+particular and a thing much sought for and long desired; and if it could
+have been thus huddled up without further examination, that so many of the
+Society might have stood convicted by Act of Parliament, it would have
+been (as they well hoped) a stain of record to the whole Society. But it
+pleased God otherwise to afflict and exercise his servants at that time
+"et infatuavit Deus consilium Achitophel."(366) I wish him from my heart a
+better end than Achitophel had, though his device and advice in this
+matter was of like malice. There were also some questions sent unto Father
+Garnett from the Parliament itself, and he answered to all their demands
+by writing in such sort as gave good satisfaction.
+
+The Chief Justice and Attorney, in the meantime, did often visit Father
+Garnett, but not in that manner that they may expect to hear for their
+labour, "In carcere eram et visitastis Me."(367) They did daily vex him
+with subtle examinations and cruel interrogations, but finding they could
+win nothing by these means, they devised, by treacherous stratagems, to
+discover the secrets of his heart, if any were concealed by him of which
+they might take advantage. And to this end caused the keeper that had
+particular charge to keep his prison close and surely locked, and who
+alone was admitted to come unto him and to bring him his meat and other
+necessaries which he wanted. This man was directed to feign himself much
+moved with Father Garnett his behaviour and words (as, indeed, they were
+sufficient to move a better and wiser man than him that had not been
+without grace), and to pretend that he began to be much inclined and
+almost won to the Catholic faith, and, in the meantime, to show himself
+very friendly, and promise to be faithful to Father Garnett in anything
+wherein he might do him service. And the fellow was so cunning in this art
+of cozenage, and set so fair a gilt upon his copper, that the good Father,
+being full of charity, "quae omnia credit et omnia sperat,"(368) did hope
+the best of his mind, though he meant not to trust him so far as might
+greatly endanger either himself or others until he had better trial. But
+yet he made use of his offer so far as to send by him some notes of
+ordinary matters (as the fellow might think); first unto a prisoner in the
+Gatehouse, a virtuous Priest and his kinsman of his own name, unto whom he
+sent a short letter concerning some necessaries that he wanted, which
+letter being written with ordinary ink, he wrote besides in the margent
+and in the free parts of the paper some other things with the juice of
+orange, which could not be seen without holding to the fire, and would not
+have been suspected if the letter had only by casualty come to light. But
+this faithless messenger, opposing his malice to the Father's charity,
+carried the letter presently to be scanned, which imported (besides the
+writing in black) a brief relation of the Father's estate, the effect of
+his examination, and that he was so clear of the Powder that the same
+could not be proved against him. When this letter was thus read by warming
+at the fire, because it could not then be delivered to the Priest, they
+therefore counterfeited the Father's hand and sent it to Mr. Garnett in
+the Gatehouse, to deceive him also and to make him to return answer to the
+Father, that so he might think himself secure, and be emboldened to commit
+yet further trust unto this false messenger.(369)
+
+Then the Father, knowing how great care his friends abroad had of him,
+hoped he might use this man in like manner unto Mrs. Ann Vaux, a noble
+gentlewoman, and aunt unto the Baron I had occasion to speak of in the
+former chapters, who had for a long time showed great devotion and
+charity, serving Christ in His servants, much like, in her intended
+course, to those holy women of Matt. 27. whom the Evangelist speaketh,
+"Quae secutae sunt Jesum a Galilaea ministrantes ei."(370) This gentlewoman,
+out of her great and faithful charity to Father Garnett, followed him,
+indeed, not only when she might with liberty enjoy the comfort of his
+spiritual and fatherly counsel, but also with great constancy and an
+undaunted mind, seeking by all means possible how she might assist him in
+his troubles. She therefore, being most desirous to perform all friendly
+offices to Father Garnett, and, as charity is ever more careful of
+another's want than fearful of their own danger, and more solicitous to
+provide for the one than to prevent the other: understanding that Mr.
+Garnett in the Gatehouse had received a letter safely (as it was thought)
+by the means of this keeper, she procured to speak with the man, and
+finding by all outward signs that he did much affect the good Father (whom
+she well knew to deserve so much affection), she thought she might be bold
+to send unto her good Father by him. And so she did, desiring to know what
+he wanted, and what she might perform to procure him any comfort. So that
+under hope of this safe means there passed divers letters between them by
+this keeper, all which were first delivered by him to those that had
+employed him in that bad office; who procured the letters to be so finely
+counterfeited, that being delivered they were received on both sides for
+the true hands of the first writers. And so their trust was deceived on
+both sides, and their letters sent by so false a messenger were
+continually read, which they thought had passed so safely. By which train
+they afterwards entrapped the gentlewoman and bred her trouble, as I will
+declare in his place.
+
+But in the meantime, finding nothing by all this that might touch Father
+Garnett in that degree which they most desired (there passing nothing in
+those letters but either spiritual comforts from the good Father, or
+relation of his estate and examinations, and how he would have some
+matters disposed of which belonged to his charge, and which he had not
+means before to give order for, in respect of the late great troubles
+which had happened); therefore, this not succeeding as yet to their full
+desire, though they kept this still on foot, yet they invented and put in
+practice another subtle craft, so much further from suspicion as it was
+nearer home, where the Father might to his thinking freely speak unto his
+friend without fear that his words should come to scanning, which letters
+are often subject unto.
+
+(M10) To this end they placed Father Ouldcorne in a chamber near unto
+Father Garnett. And one time this sly companion and cunning or rather
+cozening keeper, making show of great love to Father Garnett, told him
+there was a thing wherein he knew the Father would take great comfort, and
+which he would be willing to grant (as desiring to do him any service),
+but that he durst never as yet tell him of it, least it should be espied
+by others, and then he was undone. And this was, forsooth, that he might
+at some convenient times come to speak with Father Ouldcorne; and that he
+would willingly grant them both this favour, so that Father Garnett would
+promise never to disclose it, and give the like charge unto Father
+Ouldcorne. This being promised, the fellow showed Father Garnett the way
+unto the wall of Father Ouldcorne's chamber, wherein there was a cleft by
+which they might well speak together and hear one the other, if they did
+speak of any loudness. This was accepted by both the Fathers as a great
+courtesy; as indeed it is no small comfort in such a place to men of their
+quality, if this honey had not been stuffed with too much gall. But this
+dogged fellow dogged them so closely, as they could never meet but he
+would be of the council, though unseen by them; for the place was
+purposely so contrived as that the sound of their words must needs be
+carried to another place not far off, where this keeper would stand and
+some other with him, to have a double witness in their double dealing.
+Whereupon it happened not long after that these two Fathers, thinking
+themselves secure in this point, took some fit time (as they thought) to
+have each other's help in the Sacrament of Confession. And after they had
+ended their spiritual business, they began to confer of each other's
+estate, demanding what had been asked and what answered in the times of
+their examinations. Amongst other things, Father Ouldcorne demanding of
+Father Garnett whether Mr. Winter's going into Spain and his negotiation
+there were not laid to his charge, to this the Father answered, "He could
+answer that well enough, for after that time he had the King's general
+pardon at the time of his coming to the crown, that other business with
+Spain being in the reign of Queen Elizabeth." Then Father Ouldcorne also
+demanded whether he were not pressed with this matter of the Powder
+Treason, as being a likely thing they would urge that above all other
+matters against him. Father Garnett answered, that "so they did; but that
+they could prove no such matter against him, and that no man living could
+touch him in that matter, but one." This, lo, was the word that afterwards
+bred him so much trouble, and others of his friends so much grief, until
+by his public answers he had cleared their doubts, and by his death put
+the matter out of doubt, that he was not to be charged with any crime in
+the matter of that treason, but that there was one man alone that could
+accuse him so far forth as might give a likely pretence to their laws to
+proceed against him, especially his enemies being his judges, and they not
+judged or ruled by the law of conscience, in which the Father was clear.
+This word, as the rest also, was overheard by the keeper and another
+easing-dropper, his companion in that listening and cony-catching office.
+Then they thought they had enough. This was carried with all speed unto
+the Council, with no small joy; as it was foretold by Christ should befall
+his followers. "Mundus gaudebit, vos vero contristabimini."(371) But this
+lot is not ever to lie on their side; for He that permits this to His
+servants for a time, hath promised also "quod tristitia vestra vertetur in
+gaudium," and then "gaudium vestrum nemo toilet a vobis." Then shall be
+verified, "Vae vobis qui ridetis nunc, quia flebitis,"(372) and that with
+fruitless and yet everlasting tears. God grant they may see and shun the
+danger, which is far greater and more to be feared than that which did or
+could befall this good Father by this seeming misfortune. But to proceed.
+
+(M11) Then it was resolved presently, that either by fear or force they
+would wring out of him who this person was that only could accuse him, and
+how far he could be accused. Then they resolved also to pull off the
+vizard from the dissembling face of the false keeper, and that he should
+no more show his former readiness to please or pleasure the good Father;
+but only that he should bring the good gentlewoman into the snare, which
+he had before drawn her into by his faithless promising, which he
+performed in this manner. Finding the devout gentlewoman desirous to see
+her good Father at the window of his prison, he promised to satisfy her
+wishes therein, and appointed a time when she should come to the Tower
+privately, and he would carry her to a place where she should at the least
+see him, if not speak with him. She failed not of her time; but coming
+thither found such signs and causes of distrust, that she returned sooner
+than she had intended, and was followed by persons prepared for the
+purpose, to see whither she would go to take her lodging, thereby not only
+to bring her, but her friends also in question. The gentlewoman,
+perceiving herself to be dogged, would not go to her own lodging nor to
+any Catholic house; but wisely intended to have gone into the prison of
+Newgate, where there was great store of Priests and other Catholics, unto
+which many of all sorts had continual access. Thus far they let her pass
+quietly, but when they saw she intended to go no further, they presently
+staid her, and with some rough usage carried her back unto the Tower, from
+whence she came, and there committed her prisoner, which is a very
+unwonted place for women to be committed in. But her extraordinary zeal
+towards her good Father deserved this extraordinary honour of being
+thereby more noted and spoken of, by this confession both of her faith and
+fervour, which was so much the more honourable as the confession was more
+public, and that was so much the more, as the place was more eminent where
+she was imprisoned.
+
+Presently after her imprisonment, there were many false rumours spread and
+slanders raised, according to their custom in such cases (where they
+desire most to obscure the most known virtues and best deserving persons)
+for it was reported in many mouths that Father Garnett was married to this
+gentlewoman, and such like stuff, which forsooth they would have therefore
+the rather believed in that she was forward to adventure for him, and to
+go to see a man in so great danger as he was: not understanding how much
+more force true charity hath than fond affection, but "Animalis homo non
+percipit ea quae Dei sunt."(373) And they measure others by their own
+desires, not feeling any spark of that heat which moved so many good
+Maries to follow Christ and His Apostles, nor tasting any part of their
+comfort, who ministering corporal food unto their spiritual Pastors,
+receive also from God by their ministration that heavenly manna "quod nemo
+novit nisi qui accipit."(374) But those reports soon died, when they saw
+her sober and modest behaviour, giving very good example and as great
+edification by her carriage as she did satisfaction by her answers in all
+the time of her imprisonment, never relenting or repenting the forward
+zeal she had showed to help her good Father in his need; but rather
+contrary, that she should as willingly bestow her life as her labour to do
+God service in that kind. And so my Lord of Salisbury did give her
+testimony at Father Garnett's arraignment.
+
+About this time also was Mr. Garnett, the Priest in the Gatehouse, brought
+into further trouble for the letter he had received by the treacherous
+keeper, although it was signed and so licensed with the Lieutenant his
+hand, who had also, notwithstanding this leave given, seized upon all such
+necessaries as were then sent unto Father Garnett by this good Priest, and
+he was now also called into question about the whole matter, and strictly
+examined, and so removed from the Gatehouse to the Tower, where he
+remained in likely expectation both of torture and death for his charity
+shown to Father Garnett, to whom no man could show any friendship, and be
+withal esteemed "amicus Caesaris."
+
+Then the Council appointed a set time of coming to the Tower to examine
+Father Garnett upon this advantage they had by cunning won of him out of
+his own words. There came thither to that end the Lord of Salisbury, the
+Lord of Suffolk, the Lord Northampton and others. How Father Garnett had
+been used in the meantime for his preparation to this business we cannot
+learn, but we have cause to think it was not so well at this time
+especially, as he out of his modesty was content to affirm of his usage in
+general, being asked the question at his arraignment. For when he was
+brought before the Lords, he was in a very strange plight, so thirsty as
+not able to spit or speak; beer was called for, and he drank two glasses
+before them; withal he was so drowsy, as not able to hold up his head; he
+complaining that he had not slept in five nights before. It was reported
+by divers of good intelligence in London, that he was watched of purpose
+and kept from sleep to make his head light, and himself less able to bear
+that which should be imposed upon him; also that he had some mixtures of
+intoxicating drink given him which should obscure his understanding and
+distemper his body. But in respect that Father Garnett being asked the
+question in public, did not take knowledge of any extraordinary hard usage
+in those kinds, I for my part do rather think it was done, but in such
+manner as himself could not perceive, by mixing his drink or meat with
+such confections as might work both those effects to distemper his body
+and hinder his sleep, and yet the Father not know when or how it was
+procured.
+
+At this time he was so heavy in his head, that being not fit to be
+examined, the Lords permitted him to go sleep an hour, and then being
+awaked, he was brought unto them again, but was little better. Then they
+did examine him of many things concerning the Powder Treason, and
+particularly seemed to take knowledge that one had confessed something of
+him in that kind, and asked seriously whether there were not some one that
+could accuse him therein: which he confidently denied as thinking himself
+as secure from being accused in the knowledge of the matter as he was in
+conscience clear from all consent or approbation of the thing itself. When
+they saw him so absolute in denying this point, they carried him to the
+house of torture and there did torture him for some time; it is thought
+not very long.(375) For then they opened the whole secret, how he had been
+overheard speak at the hole in the wall with Father Ouldcorne, and that he
+said, there was one man that could accuse him, of which words they
+produced two witnesses that said they heard him speak them; and how many
+more were brought in we know not. But Father Garnett then seeing his trust
+deceived and the matter discovered, thought it best for divers reasons not
+to stand in it any longer; but said that "in tanta nube testium,"(376) he
+would utter the matter justly as it was, that being the time wherein he
+might lawfully do it, and before he could not: the knowledge that he had
+being a secret committed to him in confession, which the penitent did only
+license him to utter, to save himself from torture, but not in any other
+case.
+
+Then being taken down from the torture, he was demanded, how far he was of
+counsel or a furtherer of the Plot of Powder. He answered he was never any
+furtherer of it, but did ever both mislike it in his heart, and in what he
+could did hinder it. And being asked how it was, or by whom he might then
+be accused; he answered that he could not be otherwise accused of it, but
+that he had only a simple knowledge of it, and that also in so secret a
+manner as that it was never lawful for him to utter it, being in
+confession. They asked him how it came to be more lawful now to utter it
+than before. He said, in respect that now he had leave granted by the
+penitent, who had licensed him to utter it, rather than endure torture for
+keeping his confession secret. And being urged by some of the Lords, why
+it might be lawful to utter the secret of confession to save himself from
+torture, and not lawful to utter it for the saving of so many great
+persons from death, &c, he answered it was lawful in neither case, but by
+the license of the penitent, who only could "dilatare" or "restringere
+sigillum secreti,"(377) which appertained to himself. Being then required
+to tell who that party was; he answered, they should see, he would deal
+plainly with them in all things, it being now lawful to utter his
+knowledge therein; and said, "the man was Father Oswald Tesimond."
+
+This acknowledgment of Father Garnett's was after censured by many; and
+even by some of his friends and well-wishers esteemed a weakness in him.
+But if the causes that moved him thereunto be well weighed (as they were
+no doubt very well considered by him) the matter will not be found to
+deserve any imputation of fear or imprudence in Father Garnett. For after
+it was once bolted out at the hole in the wall that he was to be accused
+of it (which thing indeed made the overture to all) if he had then
+insisted upon denial, that would neither have saved his life, nor his
+estimation touching that matter; yea rather, it would have left him
+suspected of further practice as a principal plotter of the matter, and
+withal would have made all the rest of his true assertions the more
+distrusted. Whereas by telling the plain truth, that he only heard it in
+confession, he did both show himself and the party from whom he heard it
+to be free from being either principals or parties in the action,
+especially declaring unto them as he did how the matter passed, to wit,
+that Father Tesimond came unto him much troubled about the matter,
+desiring for the ease of his conscience to go to confession, and therein
+declared, that such an intention and practice was opened unto him; wherein
+he might have some doubt whether he had done his duty. For though (as I
+have heard it affirmed by some of credit, that since have spoken with
+Father Tesimond) he did utterly mislike the practice, and refuse to assist
+them any way, either by counsel or otherwise, yet doubts or scruples fit
+for confession might arise in his mind two divers ways. First, on the one
+side he might be doubtful whether he had sufficiently dissuaded them from
+it, and used the best and most effectual reasons to withdraw them from
+proceeding therein, both in respect of the matter itself and of the charge
+he had from his Superiors not to meddle with any matter of State, much
+less of that quality that concerned the life of any, or attempts against
+the Prince. So on the other side, he might have some motions to doubt
+whether in that case(378) God did not intend by them to punish heresy and
+revenge the cause and quarrel of his servants with a temporal affliction
+to some of their chiefest afflictors, which he knew well would be much
+more severely punished in the next world if it be not repented in this.
+Therefore being uncertain of the secret judgments of God, and seeing them
+so resolute in it, and to protest they did it only for the redeeming of
+the Church from persecution in England and like danger in other places, if
+the root of heresy should continue; but especially that they did it to
+save so many souls as daily were cast away, whilst heresy was in that
+strength and power, against which also, they said, no other means was left
+in human likelihood by which they could hope redress of so many evils,
+much greater without comparison than the loss of such as were to perish in
+the action. Remembering therefore the reasons they alleged, though he was
+sure he might not himself be an actor or furtherer thereof in any kind,
+yet perhaps he might doubt how far he was bound to hinder it in others.
+And so the matter on both sides might breed some doubts, and whether he
+feared he had done too much, or too little, in the cause, yet his fear on
+either side might be cause sufficient of confession;(379) and his
+confession a sign that he rather disliked than approved the Plot in any
+sort. For either he must confess that he had hindered it or not. If that
+he had hindered it, then he was no furtherer of it; if that he had not
+hindered it sufficiently, then it was apparent he misliked the Plot, and
+meant to hinder it. But the truth indeed was (as I have heard it) that he
+had sought to hinder it by persuasion; but was doubtful whether in so
+earnest and effectual manner as might be likely to prevail with so
+absolute resolutions.
+
+Father Garnett, therefore, opening the plain truth of the matter according
+to the leave he had of the penitent in that case, did not any way
+prejudice, but rather relieve, both his own and his penitent's case as
+things then stood. But some will say, what needed Father Garnett have
+opened the name of the party, and not rather indefinitely have affirmed
+that some one in confession did open it unto him. But this (if it be well
+considered) would not have served. For, first, if he had named no person,
+he could never have taken away the fear and jealousy of the King and
+State, knowing assuredly that one man yet lived that was privy to the
+matter, and for ought they knew might be still in the same mind, and live
+in place, or be of power, to effect some mischief. Besides, by such
+concealment, he might fear great troubles would follow to many Catholics,
+especially that all the friends of the Society would have been troubled
+with continual examinations, searches, and vexations; and that his
+particular acquaintance should assuredly have been suspected, imprisoned,
+and convented before the Council as traitors under this pretence; and so
+to save one man from trouble he should have been the cause of trouble to
+many, besides his own extremity of torture, which would have been with all
+force and fury laid upon him until he had told the truth. And to name any
+other person living, it was not lawful, because not true; and to name one
+of the gentlemen that were slain would not have been sufficient, he having
+said that one man living might accuse him. And to name in particular
+Father Tesimond did not seem to give any just cause of increase to the
+hard opinion they had of him before, knowing by Mr. Winter of his going
+into Spain with him (though they mistook the cause) and by Bates(380) of
+his going unto the gentlemen in Warwickshire after they were up in arms,
+though there also they misinterpret his intention. But this supposed, and
+he thereby as much laid for and as likely to suffer (if he were taken) by
+their former conceits, as by this one particular, this circumstance of his
+uttering it in confession might rather extenuate than aggravate his peril
+in just reason and the opinion conceived of him. For as I showed before,
+it proved a dislike of the action, or an endeavour against it, or both,
+and this before his confession. Then Father Garnett adding thereunto his
+further charge, that he should do his uttermost to dissuade and divert
+them from their purpose, and he promising to do his best, all these points
+do prove sufficiently that he was neither contriver nor counsellor, nor
+yet consenter to the Plot, of all which he stood then accused in the
+proclamation, so that the knowledge of the truth might seem to help and
+not to hinder him in anything.
+
+(M12) These and many more effectual reasons no doubt were considered by
+Father Garnett, which moved him not to conceal the whole truth of his
+knowledge, and the means how it came unto him; which cannot therefore be
+justly imputed to any frailty or imprudence in him, but rather esteemed as
+an argument of his care to take away jealousies from the King, who could
+not fear any further power or practice in Father Tesimond; to prevent
+troubles from Catholics; to free himself and the other also from opinion
+of any consent unto the Plot; but especially to clear all the rest of the
+Society from so much as the least knowledge that any such thing was
+intended. Which truth may evidently be proved out of Father Garnett's
+words, "That one only could accuse him of his knowledge thereof;" for if
+any more of the Society had known thereof, it is certain they would and
+must have confessed the same to him, if they took it for a fault; if
+otherwise, at least have sought his advice out of confession. So that no
+more imparting the matter to him, it was apparent no more did know of it;
+and therefore very likely to be God's especial providence that Father
+Garnett should be overheard to speak these words unto his confident friend
+in private (whereby it was most apparent he meant not to be heard by
+others), that thereby all others might be cleared; though for the time it
+occasioned his further trouble, which God doth often permit to His elected
+servants, for their further increase of glory in another world.
+
+This, therefore, Father Garnett acknowledged then in his examination
+before the Council, that they might see, as he told them, he dealt truly
+and plainly with them in all things. And they asking him why he did not
+before acknowledge so much, but did protest against it, he answered it was
+not before lawful for him to do it, because he had no leave but in that
+case; and that it was a thing both lawful in all laws, divine and human,
+and ordinary also in their own practice, for men to plead not guilty,
+until they be convicted by witness, which he especially might do in this
+case, this being no sin or crime in him, and was bound to do until this
+time, it being before "sigillum secreti confessionis,"(381) which now was
+released by the penitent's leave.
+
+So they left Father Garnett for the time; but carried with them matter
+enough, as they thought, to convict him of this treason in show of the
+world. To which end it was presently given out through the whole town,
+that he had confessed all, and now they could prove the Jesuits to be
+principal plotters of this treason, and him and Greenway to be chief
+authors and devisers of the same; and it was in most men's mouths that all
+this was under Garnett's hand confessed. And this presently carried unto
+the Ambassadors there residing, that by them it might be divulged in
+others States; and so a falsehood first grounded, might be more hard to be
+removed by sequent information of the truth, and their proceedings against
+Father Garnett might seem more justifiable. This report, although it
+troubled the Catholics of England much until they knew the contrary, yet
+could they not believe it, being so well acquainted with the giving out of
+such things, as the chiefest do desire to have believed, although the
+truth be often found on the contrary side.
+
+In the meantime Father Ouldcorne was also called in further question about
+this conference and about his knowledge of the treason; but they found him
+always like himself, both virtuous and wise and constant in both, and as,
+indeed, he knew nothing thereof, so he ever professed his absolute
+innocency therein and patiently endured the extreme torments they put him
+unto, as I have heard five hours every day, four or five days together,
+which was a greater extremity than one will easily believe that hath not
+tried it.
+
+Likewise one that did attend upon Father Ouldcorne, and did assist him in
+his journeys and many good works when he was at liberty, did now suffer
+with him, as he afterwards died with him. His name was Ralph ------;(382) and
+he was divers times put upon the torture; but the certain number or
+measure of the times I cannot yet learn. But he patiently and constantly
+endured all without revealing any one place or person of his master's
+acquaintance.
+
+But, above all, they were most troubled and tormented that were known most
+to belong unto Father Garnett; of which kind they had first taken one John
+Grissold, an honest faithful man, who had the keeping of a house where the
+foresaid Mrs. Ann Vaux and a kinswoman of hers did use to dwell near unto
+London, and where they imagined Father Garnett did also remain with them.
+This honest man being taken in the beginning of the troubles, was first
+committed close prisoner to the Gatehouse and there lodged in a dungeon
+upon the bare ground, for the keeper (though he were earnestly entreated
+by the other prisoners) would not allow him so much as straw to lie upon,
+pretending that if he had any straw to lie on, he would with that set fire
+on the house. This man did both endure his affliction with great patience
+and answer in all his examinations with great constancy and fidelity. But
+afterwards, when Father Garnett was taken and prisoner in the Tower, the
+Commissioners desiring to get matter against him, removed this man to the
+Tower also, and there put him to the torture with great extremity and very
+often, almost every day for a long time together, as we did confidently
+hear reported; with which and with other bad usage in his diet and
+lodging, he was for a long time after like to die, and it was thought by
+many that he was dead, and doubtless he escaped very hardly.
+
+But the man that was most extremely used and with extremities brought unto
+the last extremity, which is death itself, was one Nicholas Oven, commonly
+called and most known by the name of Little John. By which name he was so
+famous and so much esteemed by all Catholics, especially those of the
+better sort, that few in England, either Priests or others, were of more
+credit. This man did for seventeen or eighteen(383) years continually
+attend upon Father Garnett, and assist him in many occasions. But his
+chief employment was in making of secret places to hide Priests and Church
+stuff in from the fury of searches; in which kind he was so skilful both
+to devise and frame the places in the best manner, and his help therein
+desired in so many places, that I verily think no man can be said to have
+done more good of all those that laboured in the English vineyard. For,
+first, he was the immediate occasion of saving the lives of many hundreds
+of persons, both ecclesiastical and secular, and of the estates also of
+these seculars, which had been lost and forfeited many times over if the
+Priests had been taken in their houses; of which some have escaped, not
+once but many times, in several searches that have come to the same house,
+and sometimes five or six Priests together at the same time. Myself have
+been one of the seven that have escaped that danger at one time in a
+secret place of his making. How many Priests then may we think this man
+did save by his endeavours in the space of seventeen years, having
+laboured in all shires and in the chiefest Catholic houses of England?
+Then for spiritual good, it is to be noted he was partner with them all in
+the gain of souls wherein he did preserve them; and to which end he
+intended directly all his works, labouring in that painful and dangerous
+business to keep them in safety for the saving of souls, which it appeared
+well he respected more than his own body, for he was not ignorant that his
+office was much subject to the danger of spies, and that when he should
+happen to be taken he was sure to be extremely handled to wrest out of him
+the secrets of other men's houses. And so, _de facto_, he did prove it ten
+years before this his last apprehension, at which time being taken with
+Father Gerard, though it were not known directly that he was the man that
+used to make secret places, neither the time as then all out so violent
+(things passing much with us by storms and calms, as in times of former
+persecution), yet was he then put to extreme torture, and used besides
+with all cunning to see if either force or fear would make him to relent.
+But when they found that he was so constant he would not yield in the
+least point, and so discreet withal that they could not take any advantage
+of his answers either against himself or others, having no evidence at all
+nor witness to come in against him, they could do no more but keep him
+still in prison, which they did until Catholics, that could hardly want
+him abroad, with a good round sum of money did purchase his liberty.
+
+One reason that made him so much desired by Catholics of account, who
+might have had other workmen enough to make conveyances in their houses,
+was a known and tried care he had of secrecy, not only from such as would
+of malice be inquisitive, but from all others to whom it belonged not to
+know; in which he was so careful that you should never hear him speak of
+any houses or places where he had made such hides, though sometimes he had
+occasion to discourse of the fashion of them for the making of others.
+Yea, he did much strive to make them of several fashions in several
+places, that one being taken might give no light to the discovery of
+another. Wherein he had no doubt great aid from Almighty God, for his
+places were exceeding fortunate (if so we may term the providence of God),
+and no marvel, for he ever began his work with communicating that day he
+entered upon it, and, as much as his labour would give him leave, did
+continually pray whilst he was working. But the contriving of his works in
+the safest manner were also very much assisted by an extraordinary wit and
+discretion which he had in such measure as I have seldom in my life seen
+the like in a man of his quality, which is also the opinion of most that
+did know him well. But, above all, that which did most commend him both in
+the sight of God and man, was his innocent life and earnest practice of
+solid virtues. For the first it was such, that I think no man can say that
+in all that seventeen or eighteen years they heard him swear by any oath,
+or ever saw him out of charity; yea, I have heard his ghostly Fathers
+affirm very seriously, that in all that time they never knew him to have
+committed mortal sin, nor anything that might be doubted to be such. His
+practice of the chiefest virtues was such that he had gotten great habits
+both in the religious virtues of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and no
+less in humility, patience, and charity, which upon all occasions were
+very plainly seen in his conversation and actions, insomuch that he was as
+a pattern of those virtues in every house where he came. One trial of his
+patience I cannot omit, because it was most apparent and worthy memory.
+
+He was sent on a time to London by his Superior to fetch certain household
+stuff behind him upon a horse that was somewhat resty. He loaded his horse
+in an inn, and afterwards got up in the saddle with great difficulty; but
+then the horse would not forward, whether misliking his load or no, it is
+uncertain; but instead of going forward he rose so high with his forefeet
+that he fell backward and fell upon the man and burst his leg; which sore
+hurt he did bear with so great patience, and in like sort the dressing
+thereof divers times, but especially when being false knit, it was needful
+to have it broken the second which was worse than the first, that they all
+admired him in the inn, where he was forced to lie a long time. And
+whereas his friends were much afraid he would there have been discovered
+in his long abode, yet his patience and virtue got him so much love that
+he received no harm, but was ever after most welcome to the place.
+
+Upon this hurt and the ill-setting of the leg-bone, one leg was a little
+bended and shorter than the other, whereof he had some halt, but so little
+as you could scarcely discern it; wherein, as he was made somewhat like in
+his pace unto blessed Father Ignatius (whose child and scholar he was), so
+did he labour to follow his steps in his Rules and holy Institution,
+whereof he was a most religious observer, and as we generally think a
+Lay-coadjutor of the Society, admitted by Father Garnett some years before
+his death, though his humble and discreet carriage was such as you could
+not discern any liberty of fellowlike conversation that he took thereupon
+with any of the Society, but rather carried himself in all things as a
+servant. And I have some reasons more in particulars to think that he was
+assuredly admitted of the Order, yet those can better tell that are of the
+Society here in England.
+
+Now to come to the manner of his death. It was such as might be expected
+from so innocent and holy a life; yea, such as the enemy did therefore
+much malign and to seek to hide, and that with disgrace in all he might.
+Being taken with Father Garnett, as hath been said, he was first committed
+to the Marshalsea, and not close prisoner of purpose (as it is thought) to
+observe who would come unto him; but he was too wise to give any
+advantage. When Father Garnett was committed to the Tower, he also was
+sent thither, there to be tortured, and that with all extremity, as it was
+before intended when he was first known to be taken; for even then a chief
+Councillor said, "Is he taken that knows all the secret places? I am very
+glad of that. We will have a trick for him." And so indeed they tricked
+him when they had him in the Tower, for they tortured him so long and so
+often that his bowels gushed out together with his life; which when they
+did espy, thinking to cover their own cruelty with his slander, they gave
+it out that he had slain himself with a knife that was lent him to eat his
+meat withal. And to make this report to go for current amongst the common
+people, they set forth a ballad with his picture, ripping out his own
+bowels with a knife as he lay in bed, his keeper being also in the chamber
+busy about some other thing. But this false slander was so improbable that
+even his enemies did not believe it, much less his friends that were so
+well acquainted with his innocent life and long-continued practice in
+virtue, besides his former tried constancy in that kind. For all men did
+see it stood with no likelihood that, after all his torments so patiently
+sustained, he should then of impatience or fear of more torments cast away
+himself; for then he would rather have done it before his torments, or
+after the first time to prevent the next, for he was beforehand well
+assured they meant to use him with all extremity; and yet all the while he
+was in the Marshalsea, or where his carriage might be seen, no sign of
+fear or trouble of mind could be discerned, but an humble and quiet
+settled mind, using great diligence in prayer, as one that prepared
+himself to his last conflict, which he might well expect, especially
+knowing the state of his body, as he did, which I will by-and-bye declare.
+Again, if he would have yielded to sin to save himself from pain, would he
+not rather have yielded to their desires and discovered the secret places
+that he knew, for which he might be well assured not only to escape
+torments, but to be most highly rewarded, as one that could have done them
+more service in that kind than any man in England whosoever, and might
+have brought more Priests into their hands and more gentlemen's and
+noblemen's livings into their possession than any one man could; yea, he
+might have made it almost an impossible thing for Priests to escape,
+knowing the residences of most Priests in England, and of all those of the
+Society, whom he might have taken as partridges in a net, knowing all
+their secret places which himself had made, and the like conveyances in
+most of the chief Catholics' houses in England, and the means and manner
+how all such places were to be found, though made by others. So that as no
+one man did more good than he in assisting the labours of all the Priests
+that were workmen in that vineyard, so no ten men could have done so much
+harm as he alone might if he had been so disposed; by which he well knew
+he might have made himself great in the world, not only by their rewards
+for so great and extraordinary service, but also by the spoil of
+Catholics' goods, being so many and so great, as he might have come to the
+rifling of, and have had no doubt much thereof for his own share,
+especially the Church stuff, which he knew to be very rich in some places,
+and where and how it was laid up. These motives therefore of riches,
+credit, and pleasure, being joined with assurance of life and liberty, had
+been more likely baits for him to have bitten at, if he would have
+swallowed the hook of sin for the avoiding of torment, than by the torment
+of death voluntarily assumed, not to end his torments, as he well knew,
+but to begin a never-ending and that also much more intolerable torment in
+hell-fire. He wanted neither wit nor knowledge in spiritual things to
+discern the great difference between these two; especially seeing on the
+one side with pleasures and riches in the world to be joined a longer
+life, and so a time wherein he might at last hope to do penance and be
+saved. Whereas on the other side he could see nothing but present death
+without comfort, and that but "initium dolorum,"(384) the door, as it
+were, into the house of horror, despair, and everlasting torments.
+
+No; the truth was this: the man had lived a saintly life, and his death
+was answerable, and he a glorious martyr of extraordinary merit. God
+assisted him with so much grace that in all his torments he gave not the
+least sign of relenting, not any sign of impatience, not any one word by
+which the least of his acquaintance either did or might come in any
+trouble, of which three kinds they could not so much as feign any little
+instance to set forth with their forged slander, but set out the bare lie
+without any colour or likelihood at all. Indeed, I think they intended not
+to have killed him by torture, though they meant to give him enough, and
+more than ever any sustained of whom we can find records. For he hung in
+the torture seven hours together, and this divers times, though we cannot
+as yet learn the certain number, but day after day we heard of his being
+carried to torments. Now true it is, and well known to many, that the man
+had a rupture in his belly, taken with excessive pains in his former
+labours; and a man in that case is so unable to abide torments, that the
+civil law doth forbid to torture any man that is broken. He, therefore,
+being not only tortured, but that with so much extremity and so long
+continuance, it could not be otherwise but that his bowels should come
+out; which, when they perceived, and minding as yet to continue that
+course with him, they girded his belly with a plate of iron to keep in his
+bowels, but the extremity of pain (which is most, in that kind of torment,
+about the breast and belly) did force out his guts, and so the iron did
+serve but to cut and wound his body, which, perhaps, did afterwards put
+them in mind to give it out that he had ripped his belly with a knife.
+Which, besides all the former reasons, is in itself improbable, if not
+impossible. For first, in that case, knives are not allowed, but only in
+time of meat, whilst one stands by, and those such as are broad at the
+point, and will only cut towards the midst. And if one be sore tortured
+(though much less than he was), he is not able to handle that knife
+neither for many days, but his keeper must cut his meat for him. But his
+particular case proceeded yet further, for his weakness was such that when
+a kinswoman of his (to whom they sent for some relief for him) desired to
+see by his handwriting what he would have, his keeper answered, "What
+would you have him write? He is not able to put on his own cap: no, not to
+feed himself, but I am forced to feed him." This man was likely, then,
+belike, to do such a deed with a knife which he was not able to grasp. But
+afterwards, the same party, seeking further to know his estate, and coming
+to the keeper to learn, as desirous to help him with anything that was
+needful, he secretly wished her to trouble herself no more, for, said he,
+"The man is dead, he died in our hands." This was known presently to
+divers Catholics, though reported in private, as it was spoken, for fear
+of further examination and trouble. For after they had published that he
+had killed himself, and seeing it was not believed, the only argument they
+had to give it credit was to commit those to prison that spake against it,
+of which there were divers examples to terrify others. "Sed Deus revelabit
+abscondita tenebrarum et manifestabit consilia cordium."(385) And of this
+great and worthy martyr there is no question but many witnesses will one
+day be produced to the glory of God and His servant, and the safety of
+their own souls if ever they come to penance. In the meantime I desire my
+soul may have part with his, and myself may be assisted with his holy
+prayers. About whose life and death I have been the longer, to show how
+much the truth of his virtuous life and glorious death is contrary to the
+published slander. This happy soul suffering all this, only for his
+conscience and constant practice of charity, not being so much as accused
+of any other crime.(386)
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XII. Of The Arraignment, Condemnation, And Execution Of The
+Conspirators, With The Full Clearing Of Some Of The Society Falsely
+Accused In This Arraignment.
+
+
+About(387) this time was discovered unto the Council the place where
+Father Garnett was, insomuch as they gave present order for his
+apprehension, as I will declare in the next chapter; but it could not be
+so soon effected as it was hoped and desired, so that in the meantime,
+although they were most desirous to defer the execution of the
+conspirators as long as might be, coveting to have found matter in Father
+Garnett whereby he might have been joined to them as a party at least, if
+not a principal contriver and author of their plot, yet finding his
+apprehension not to be speedy, and having no proofs and therefore weak
+hopes of proving him guilty, they could not well defer the trial of the
+conspirators so long time. Therefore upon the --(388) of January, they were
+all carried from the Tower to Westminster Hall by water, being nine in
+number: _vidlt._, Sir Everard Digby, Knight, Mr. Robert Winter, Esquire,
+Mr. Ambrose Rokewood, Esquire, Mr. John Grant, Esquire, Mr. Thomas Winter,
+and Mr. John Winter, brothers unto Robert Winter, Mr. Guido Faulks, Mr.
+Robert Keyes, and Thomas Bates, servant to Mr. Robert Catesby, of all
+which mention hath been made in the precedent chapters, sufficient both to
+declare the quality and conditions of each one of them, unto which I remit
+the careful reader, if he be desirous to renew his memory and to join the
+consideration of their life with the inspection of their death.
+
+Being brought to Westminster Hall before the Court was ready to sit, they
+were staid some half-hour in the Star Chamber, where in that little time
+of stay all men did note a great resolution in them, not seeming to fear
+or respect either judgment or death itself; nor showing any sign of sorrow
+for their attempt, in regard of their intention thereby to have pulled
+down heresy and set up the Catholic religion. Their state of mind and
+manner of carriage may in part be discerned by that printed pamphlet,
+which was presently set forth, entitled _A true report of the
+Imprisonment, Arraignment, and Death of the late Traitors_, wherein
+although all their particular words and actions were of set purpose left
+out, which might sound to their commendation, and many words of contumely
+and disgrace heaped upon them and their religion also in the most odious
+manner that could be devised; yet even that which is there set down of
+them did confirm very many in opinion that they thought themselves clear
+from offence to God in the matter, and that they were thereby made the
+more willing to suffer for the same cause. For there it is set down "that
+they spake little but in commendation of their conceited religion; also,
+that they asked no mercy either of God or the King for their offence, but
+seemed as though in their conscience they thought the work to be
+meritorious; also, that some did seem to enforce a stern look, as if they
+would fear death with a frown; also, that they did only pray by the dozens
+upon their beads." Thus they scoff at the iteration of the _Ave Maria_ and
+the set number of them which Catholics use in saying their beads. But by
+all these it appears they were nothing daunted with that which they
+expected, but were well persuaded of their cause, although they knew it
+was and would be condemned by the world. All which I do the rather set
+down, as well for the verity of the story, as that all men may see how
+needful it is even for the best minds to follow counsel, although their
+intentions be never so direct; seeing men of so excellent parts ran into
+so foul an error, and attempted so dangerous an enterprise against the
+whole State, by their own rash and heady courses, against the advice of
+their spiritual guides. For if they would have followed the advice of
+Father Garnett, they had never fallen into this grievous disorder.
+
+When the Court was set, they were all brought into the hall and placed
+upon the scaffold at the bar to answer to their indictments. And, first,
+their indictments were read, wherein, as the manner is, their whole
+designment was laid open, together with the names and number of the
+conspirators, and the beginning and prosecution of the whole Plot, in such
+order as hath been before declared out of their confessions, only now they
+intermixed many untruths devised of their own head against the Jesuits,
+accusing them without any instance of time or place, and without any proof
+or witness at all, not only as parties of the conspiracy, but as principal
+actors, yea, and authors of the whole Plot. And to this end they did name
+those three as principal, whom they had before put in the proclamation,
+_vidlt._, Garnett, Tesimond,(389) and Gerard; yet always adding unto them
+"and other Jesuits," whereby it is apparent they meant by degrees to bring
+in the whole Company, having no proof against any, more than evil will
+suggested. For this was before they came to know that Father Garnett and
+Father Tesimond were acquainted with it in that secret manner that they
+could not reveal it,(390) at which time both they dissuaded it, and by all
+lawful means did labour to hinder it. But here both they and Father Gerard
+by name, and other also without name, were accused of it, who never had
+the least knowledge or imagination of such a matter. And yet to make the
+matter good against them, here they were accused in this indictment, where
+none of them were present to answer for themselves; and were joined with
+the conspirators who were sure to be convicted and condemned of the fact,
+that the Jesuits might also seem to stand convicted and proved guilty with
+them; and this not only as partners, but, as I have said, as principal
+counsellors and causers of the whole treason. To which end they brought in
+in the indictment certain solemn meetings and consultations between the
+aforesaid three Jesuits(391) and the principal of these gentlemen,
+especially Catesby, Winter, Percy, Faulks, and Wright; at which time these
+Jesuits (said the indictment) did persuade those gentlemen that the King
+being an heretic stood excommunicate, and therefore might be deposed, and
+finally persuaded them that there was no better way to effect that and
+restore Catholic religion than to blow up the Parliament House with
+gunpowder. All this was there fathered upon the Jesuits, whereof there was
+no one word true, as hath already and shall hereafter more apparently be
+showed.
+
+And first, the prisoners unto this indictment did all plead not guilty,
+which though it be an ordinary course for all to do, until they have
+answered for themselves what they can, and then be cast by the verdict of
+the jury, yet in their case it was thought strange; they having all
+confessed the fact before in their several examinations. It was asked
+therefore afterwards of Mr. Guido Faulks, how he could plead not guilty,
+being so apparently taken in the place where the powder was laid up, and
+with matches and instruments about him for the purpose he intended, and
+seeing that also he never denied the fact nor the intention; but had
+confessed himself privy to the whole designment and of the most secret
+counsel from the beginning. It was much marvelled, therefore, how he
+amongst all the rest could plead not guilty; unto which he answered that
+he granted all to be true which they now spake of himself; but that he
+pleaded not guilty to the indictment, in regard of the meetings and
+consultations there alleged between the Jesuits and them, of which he said
+he knew nothing nor ever heard of any such counsel or persuasion from
+them. Now unto this his speech, which did so clearly discharge the Jesuits
+from all the imposed crime, what answer, think you, was given? Truly a
+very poor one. Forsooth, that all that was put in for form of law, because
+it must be presupposed.
+
+But must untruths be presupposed in the place of justice, where right and
+truth stand to be tried from faults and falsehood, as gold and brass
+distinguished by the touchstone? And if some consultations must for form
+sake be set down before the acts themselves be said to be concluded of or
+commenced, yet must the innocent needs be thrust into the number and made
+the principals in the parley? Let us suppose the indictment had been drawn
+by some lawyers that had been no good friends to the Chief Justice and
+Attorney and Solicitor there present, and that their three names had been
+put into the indictment instead of the three Jesuits there named, and the
+whole matter laid upon their counsel and persuasion; would this have
+seemed to them to be just dealing and fit for the place of justice, only
+for that such consultations must be presupposed? Well, the time must come
+(and God knoweth how soon) when they and all that were the compilers of
+that indictment shall stand at the bar in a higher court, where their
+indictment will also be read, being already written by themselves in these
+their actions, "Eadem enim mensura, qua mensi fuerint, remetietur
+eis."(392)
+
+(M13) But to proceed in the narration. When the indictment was read, and
+they all pleaded not guilty, then according to the custom in such cases,
+the King's Serjeant-at-Law (whose name was Sir Edward Philips) endeavoured
+to lay open the indictment that the cause of those that stood indicted
+might seem the more odious unto the jury and all the standers-by. After
+him Sir Edward Coke, the King's Attorney-General, began his speech,
+wherein first he laboured to excuse the long stay that had been made of
+that trial and arraignment of the conspirators, which he supposed many did
+marvel to see so long deferred, supposing the grievousness of their fact
+and the apparent evidence that was to be brought against them. For excuse
+whereof he alleged divers reasons which some of the standers-by thought
+very insufficient; as, namely, that Mr. Robert Winter and Mr. Stephen
+Littleton were not long before taken. But what if it had been some months
+after before they had been apprehended (as it might well have been if by
+accident they had not been discovered), should then the execution have
+been deferred until their taking? Also he alleged, that if they had made
+more haste, they might have hanged Johnson instead of Faulks. But that had
+been a small matter, they being sure of the same man, and he of his
+punishment, which would have been neither greater nor less to him if he
+had received it by a wrong name. If Johnson and Faulks had been two
+several men, and then one hanged for the other, such a mistaking of the
+men or matter had been indeed an error, and to be prevented with some
+longer stay. But Mr. Attorney did not allege that which was the chief
+cause of this stay of execution, to wit, an earnest desire to have brought
+the Jesuits upon the stage if they could have been proved guilty, as they
+did their names into the indictment without any proof at all; yea,
+contrary to the published examinations and the now public witness of the
+conspirators themselves, as there it appeared. Secondly, Mr. Attorney did
+seek to excuse himself to foreign Princes in that he was forced to produce
+their names in that odious action, which he said he would not otherwise
+have done, but that he was enforced thereunto by the confessions of the
+conspirators, which he was to urge against them, and said he, the names of
+foreign Princes were so woven into the matter by their confessions, that
+they could not conveniently be left out. In all which I must allow of Mr.
+Attorney his modesty and care not to offend so great persons, who, though
+they were named, yet in no sort accused by any of the conspirators.
+
+(M14) But here in defence of the innocent, we have cause to demand of Mr.
+Attorney why he was not also careful to forbear the offence of a much
+higher Majesty, that is, of God Himself, by accusing His servants
+wrongfully, without any cause at all given by them, or occasion offered by
+the confession of the conspirators, in which they were not so much as
+named? Yet Mr. Attorney would needs enforce those meetings and
+consultations to be true which the indictment had mentioned, and which,
+you heard before, the conspirators disclaimed, and in respect thereof did
+all plead not guilty: although for their own part, they denied not the
+fact, nor the consultations which they had amongst themselves before they
+concluded of the matter. Mr. Attorney, notwithstanding, would needs insist
+in the same disproved falsehood, and added thereunto another most
+egregious untruth, never so much as thought of by the party accused, as he
+hath often and most seriously protested to his private and confident
+friends, and once in my own hearing. The tale is this: that Father Gerard
+did give the oath of secrecy and perseverance in this treason unto the
+conspirators, and then heard their confessions and ministered the Blessed
+Sacrament unto them. Than which a more false and pernicious slander could
+not be raised or reported of any man living, nor more contrary to his very
+natural disposition and known manner of proceeding, as all men will answer
+for him that are much conversant with him.
+
+But I would ask Mr. Attorney upon what ground he did raise and report this
+false surmise? Did any one man ever accuse him of it, or could it be
+justly gathered by any little word or tittle of their confessions? They
+are printed and published, and I have them now by me whilst I write this.
+I have often read them over, and my eyes are not of so quick a sight as to
+discern the least cause of surmise leading to any such matter. But perhaps
+Mr. Attorney had it by revelation. Certainly he neither had nor brought
+any proof at all of so foul an accusation, which had been requisite to a
+man of his place. And it had been well he would have considered for his
+own credit that which all men know, that if there had been any such thing
+confessed by the conspirators, without which he could never know it,
+infallibly it would have been set down in their confessions; which I prove
+apparently by this reason: Mr. Attorney here affirmeth that he was forced
+to speak of other Princes, because their names were so intermixed or woven
+(as he termeth it) into their confessions, that he could not declare the
+one without the other. If then that which he saith he was so unwilling to
+speak of was publicly set down in their printed confessions, because they
+were annexed by the examinates to the discourse of their said confessions,
+how much more would this against a Jesuit have been left in (which here
+they charged him withal)(393) if any such thing had been true, or
+confessed for such by the conspirators? I hope Mr. Attorney will not say
+that he suppressed the matter for good-will unto him, and was more loth to
+have his name spoken of in so odious a cause than the names of those
+Princes which he would so fain have concealed, but that he could not
+unweave their confessions so much, into which they were inserted.
+
+But if you will indeed know the true reason why this absurd fiction was
+not set down in their printed confessions, and yet was here averred by Mr.
+Attorney, you must understand that the author of that first relation and
+discourse of all this treason and of the course and proceeding thereof
+(wherein the treason itself of gunpowder, the discovery thereof, the
+rebellion of the conspirators, their apprehension, and their confessions,
+were all published with all known, due, and true circumstances) was so
+careful of his authority and the credit of his narration, that he would
+not blemish the same with reporting any known untruth. And indeed the
+author was said to be of no less authority than the King himself; as it is
+easy to be gathered out of another book set forth soon after by the Earl
+of Salisbury, entitled _An Answer to certain Scandalous Papers_, in which,
+he saith, speaking of that discourse, "that every line discovered where
+Apelles' hand hath been." Now, on the other side, Mr. Attorney being not
+so sure a friend to truth, nor so careful of his own credit in that point,
+did not stick to allege this dream or device of his own for a true
+narrative, than which there never was a more foul untruth devised, the
+party accused being no more privy unto the giving or taking of any such
+oath, nor to any such plot or purpose in any one of the conspirators than
+the Attorney himself was, or whosoever doth think himself the furthest
+from it. And so it may appear that others of greater authority and
+judgment than Mr. Attorney were persuaded of him. For although when the
+matter first broke out the Council perhaps might have some suspicion that
+he was privy unto the Plot, in respect he was supposed to be acquainted
+with some of the gentlemen that were in the conspiracy, and thereupon his
+name put in the proclamation, yet after the conspirators were taken, and
+had been examined, and no proof at all found against him, or mention made
+of him in any of their confessions, it seems that the wisest, and those
+that had most to deal in the matter, did hold him free; and therefore
+neither the Earl of Salisbury nor of Northampton did produce any such
+accusation against him, although in their several speeches they had often
+occasion to mention that matter of the oath taken by the conspirators
+(which oath, as Mr. Winter directly saith in his confession,(394) was
+taken by themselves being alone and private in a chamber):(395) for these
+be the words of Mr. Winter's confession related in the foresaid discourse
+of the whole treason set forth by His Majesty himself, as before hath been
+declared. "First," saith Mr. Thomas Winter, "Mr. Percy said unto Mr.
+Catesby and myself, 'Shall we always, gentlemen, talk and never do
+anything?' Then Mr. Catesby took him aside and had speech about somewhat
+to be done; so as first we might all take an oath of secrecy, which we
+resolved within two or three days to do. So as there we met, Mr. Catesby,
+Mr. Percy, Mr. John Wright, Mr. Guy Faulks, and myself; and having upon a
+Primer given each other the oath of secrecy in a chamber where no other
+body was, we went after into the next room and heard Mass and received the
+Blessed Sacrament upon the same. Then did Mr. Catesby disclose to Mr.
+Percy, and I together with Jack Wright tell to Mr. Faulks, the business
+for which we took this oath, which they both approved; and then was Mr.
+Percy sent to take the house, where the mine was to be begun," &c.
+
+Here it is most apparent, that in this great business they consulted only
+with themselves; they took the oath by themselves; they imparted the
+matter amongst themselves; and assented unto it of themselves; and did
+admit neither counsel, nor persuasion, nor presence of any other in
+talking of the same. As for their hearing Mass and receiving the Blessed
+Sacrament, who seeth not but that might be done, and the Priest not privy
+to the matter? Whereof they made no scruple at all, as appears by their
+present receiving, but esteemed the case and cause meritorious and not
+belonging to confession. And yet who that Priest was, I have heard Father
+Gerard protest upon his soul and salvation that he doth not know. This
+confession of Mr. Thomas Winter is likewise approved in the confession of
+Mr. Faulks related also in the same discourse of this late intended
+treason, and contradicted by none. But we must pardon Mr. Attorney this
+overlashing in this his discourse, which seemed rather to be intended
+against the Jesuits, than to prove the prisoners guilty that were there
+present before him; for it appeared by his words in divers places, that
+the chief mark he shot at was, like another Aman, to root out the whole
+Order of them, not out of England only, but out of the world, if he could;
+for to that end he compared them with the Order of the Templars, which was
+suppressed by the See Apostolic. To that end it pleased him, out of his
+too great liberty of speech, to accuse them of teaching damned heresies,
+and besides, that they approve for lawful and meritorious the killing of
+Kings. In which last point, to show his good-will as well to the Head as
+to the members, he joined them with the Pope himself, affirming that Pope
+Sixtus Vtus did not only allow of the fact of that Dominican who killed
+the King of France, but did highly commend the same in a public oration in
+his Consistory. No marvel therefore if Mr. Attorney did pass the bounds of
+justice in his reports of those three Jesuits, and had no regard of truth
+in that fiction of his own fathered upon Father Gerard in particular, sith
+he showed so great a malice against the whole Order in general, and was so
+bold as to accuse the Pope himself in that public place, contrary to the
+rule of modesty in his speech, which himself had before acknowledged to be
+needful; and contrary to the counsel that is given in such cases, that at
+least his memory should be good, if his words were not true. But for the
+further convincing of that fiction, and full clearing of Father Gerard, I
+will afterwards briefly set down what course he held, to show his
+innocency both from that and all other participation in this treason.
+
+Now to proceed to Mr. Attorney his speech. He endeavoured to lay open the
+foulness of the treason intended, with all the parts and circumstances
+thereof; and showed how great harm and ruin might have come to the
+commonwealth by their rash and unnatural attempt. Yet for the persons of
+those that were the conspirators, whereof some were slain and most of them
+were present, he said, "though some reported them to be persons of mean
+account, yet," said he, "not to wrong them, they are gentlemen of good
+houses and of excellent parts, howsoever most perniciously seduced,
+corrupted, and Jesuited" (this was his phrase), "of very competent
+fortunes and estates;" besides he named three that were of very noble
+houses. But the most of his speech was directly or indirectly still bent
+against the Jesuits, as the men most maligned by him, and that, in respect
+of their religion and the industry they use to promote the same, for other
+matter he had not there, which he could with any justice or truth allege
+against them.
+
+When it came to the prisoners' turn to answer for themselves, although
+they had pleaded not guilty, as I said before, that was partly in respect
+of those conferences between the Jesuits and them, which were not true and
+therefore by them denied; partly also for that although they acknowledged
+the fact, yet they accounted themselves not guilty of any crime in the
+sight of God, (M15) Whom they sought to serve and please in the action,
+and would not for any other respect have attempted it. To this effect
+answered Mr. Robert Winter and his brother Thomas, the elder of which,
+though he were known to be a man both wise and stout, yet he said but
+little in that place, as it is thought, for that he saw it was in vain to
+justify the action, and yet he would not condemn it, but showed a willing
+mind to suffer for the fact which he confessed. In like manner the younger
+brother, Thomas, though he were a man of very good discourse and had
+delivered his mind at large before the Council about the whole matter, and
+that in so good order and with such resolution that he was much commended
+and pitied by them all, so far that the Earl of Salisbury said if his case
+were any other but for this Powder Treason, he would have saved his life;
+yet now in this place he said little or nothing for himself, rather
+showing a contented, ready mind to suffer: only he asked mercy of the King
+for his brother, who was, as he said, drawn into the action by himself. It
+is not amiss to see what is said of them both by that pamphlet which was
+then by some base person published of their arraignment and execution; for
+that being written in as disgraceful manner of them as could be devised,
+it is the surer witness of anything that may be well interpreted of their
+mind. Of the elder he hath this, that he said little, but had a guilty
+conscience, that he swallowed and concealed his grief and made little show
+of sorrow for that time. Of the younger, he saith that he thought himself
+already half a saint for his whole villainy, that he said little that
+either made show of sorrow or sought mercy, but only made a request to the
+King for his brother, &c. By which relation set down to their disgrace, it
+may appear what opinion they had of the attempt itself and of their
+present state of mind in regard of their intention in the former.
+
+Mr. Rookwood spake more at large, declaring how he had ever been brought
+up in the Catholic religion, and taught to fear God from his infancy; that
+he was the rather induced to attempt this enterprise, as thinking it the
+only likely means to restore the Catholic religion; that his friendship
+also and love to Mr. Catesby was such as moved him the sooner to follow
+his counsel and example: he requested, withal, favour for his wife and
+children. Of him the aforesaid book hath these words, "That he would fain
+have made his bringing up and breeding in idolatry to have been some
+excuse to his villainy; but a fair tale could not help a foul deed." So
+he.
+
+Of Mr. Grant the book hath this. "Grant, stubborn in his idolatry, nothing
+penitent for his villainy, asked little mercy; but, as it were, careless
+of grace, received the doom of his desert." In which words one may
+sufficiently see the state of the man's mind to be answerable to the
+description in the --(396) chapter, though in other language here
+expressed, where the Catholic religion is, as you see, esteemed and called
+idolatry.
+
+The youngest brother of the three Winters did speak little, but only that
+he did not begin nor assist to the Plot of Powder, but was after drawn in
+by the example and persuasion of his brother.
+
+Mr. Faulks did show a mind answerable to his former proceedings, and gave
+that reason for his pleading not guilty which I set down before in this
+chapter: for his own part freely and willingly acknowledging the fact, for
+which he was ready to suffer.
+
+Mr. Keyes did speak but few words, but such as did make show of great
+spirit. He affirmed that the persecution was such before they undertook
+this business, and himself had his goods seized with such violence, that
+to live in such misery seemed worse than death, and therefore to free both
+himself and others, he was glad of this occasion.
+
+Bates, being the last of the eight which were all included in one
+indictment, and being but a serving-man, showed more servile fear both now
+and at his death than any of them all, answerable perhaps to the motives
+that made him first to undertake it, which being most like to be the love
+to his master, or some such human respect, so now he showed most sense in
+foregoing that which it seems before he had most respected.
+
+Last of all was read a particular indictment of Sir Everard Digby, of
+which he stood indicted and convicted already in the country in the county
+of Northampton, where the matter was imparted unto him by Mr. Robert
+Catesby, and where he gave his consent with promise to provide 1,500_l._
+in money, with horses and other furniture fit for assistance and
+prosecution of the enterprise, as he himself had formerly confessed and
+now again acknowledged at the bar. Therefore when his indictment was read
+to this effect, and he required to speak what he would in his own defence,
+he answered that he could not deny the fact nor would defend it, but that
+he must needs defend his intention, which was to please God and profit
+others by the action; that his motives were neither for ambition and
+desire of worldly preferment, nor discontentment of his worldly estate,
+which it was well known he had no cause to mislike, nor yet was he moved
+thereunto by malice or ill-will against any particular person; but that
+his motives were these. First, that which moved him to listen and to trust
+and to conceal the matter being opened unto him, was his love to Mr.
+Catesby, for whose love and friendship he would have adventured his
+estates and fortunes. But another greater reason which moved him indeed to
+enter into the action was the relief of Catholics, for whom he saw no
+other remedy, seeing that the King, he said, had broken his word and
+promise of giving relief unto them, at least by toleration; which promise,
+said he, they received from him by divers messages; and whereof now there
+was no hope at all, but rather that they did all expect and see a
+preparation to make other laws in that Parliament more strict than the
+former, and that they had to that end packed all the Puritans together,
+which was the cause that moved them the rather to attempt that matter
+against the Parliament House. But the chiefest motive he said was the
+cause of religion, which alone, said he, seeing it lay at the stake, in
+that behalf he neglected his estate, his life, his name, his memory, yea,
+and his posterity and all the world and whatsoever the world could afford
+him. These were his words as near as they could be taken, which were noted
+by very many, and he exceedingly pitied even by many of those that were
+enemies to his religion, in which he showed so great a resolution and
+zeal, with so great estimation thereof and contempt of himself in regard
+thereof, which many of the hearers did so generally commend and so
+publicly affirm that they could never forget it, he being known to have
+enjoyed and that he might still have enjoyed as much worldly contentment
+as any man of his estate in England. After this he made some petitions
+unto the King and Council, that whereas his fault against the State had
+passed no further than himself, he neither having drawn others into the
+action nor performed anything to the hurt of others, therefore he desired
+in like manner that his punishment might be extended no further but to
+himself, and so that his wife and children might neither of them sustain
+loss, but the one enjoy her jointure, the other his lands, so far as they
+were entailed upon them in law before this matter was thought of. Also
+that his debts might be discharged out of his estate; and for himself he
+craved no other favour but that, if it pleased the King, he might be
+beheaded instead of hanging. Lastly, whereas he had noted in the
+indictment and in Mr. Attorney his speech, divers of the Fathers of the
+Society to be accused as principal counsellors and persuaders unto this
+enterprise, he there protested that in his conscience he thought them all
+clear. And in particular for Father Gerard he could best testify, being
+best acquainted with him, and therefore was bound in conscience to set
+down his knowledge that "he was wholly innocent and did never so much as
+know of the matter, yea (said he), I never durst tell him of it, for fear
+he would have drawn me out of it." This was his testimony and protestation
+in that public place, being ready to receive the sentence of death; which
+he was likewise beginning to iterate again at the time of his death, but
+that he was interrupted. Now concerning this matter, if it were not for
+staying the reader too long from the story itself, I could here set down
+certain letters sent unto the Council by Father Gerard at this very time,
+which would make it apparent that he never knew of the conspiracy until
+all England knew it. But for that this chapter will grow too long, I will
+only set down the course he took to clear himself and the contents of the
+letters in few words, though I have now the copies by me procured of
+purpose to have been set down in this place.
+
+I made mention before in the --(397) chapter how Father Gerard, before the
+proclamation came out, seeing himself to be searched for as guilty of this
+conspiracy, did write a long letter of protestation that he was wholly
+innocent and had not the least knowledge of the matter. This letter was
+seen to divers and even to the King himself, as hath been said, and gave
+good satisfaction. But notwithstanding this, some heavy friends of his (to
+whom he never gave any cause of offence) procured a proclamation to be set
+forth against him and two others of the Society, as hath been said; which
+when he perceived, and knowing very well that there was no proof at all
+which was or could be brought forth against him, he presently wrote four
+letters and sent them to London, three of which were to three of the
+chiefest of the Council and one to Sir Everard Digby, then prisoner in the
+Tower. The letters to the Council were to the Duke of Lenox, the Earl of
+Northampton, and the Earl of Salisbury; in all which he did humbly and
+instantly require, that whereas he was accused of so great a crime, in
+which he was not partaker in the least degree, nor ever in any sort made
+privy unto it, that it would please them for God's cause and for their
+love to equity, to show him so much justice as to afford him such trial as
+might be made of his innocency; whereof he proposed in those letters, two
+kinds, the one affirmative, the other negative. The one was that the
+letter to Sir Everard Digby, which was sent enclosed in theirs and
+unsealed might be delivered in their presence, and he examined upon the
+points thereof, containing a discourse between him and Father Gerard but
+three days before the Plot of Powder was publicly discovered, by which
+discourse (if any such discourse were then between them) it was most
+apparent that Father Gerard knew nothing in the world of the conspiracy.
+And of the verity of that discourse, the Council might by that letter make
+full trial, in which the time and place and words that passed between them
+were expressly set down, all which, if Sir Everard Digby did not affirm
+and agree with his letter, he would grant they had some proof against him.
+The trial by negatives which he required was this: that it would please
+them to cause all the conspirators at the hour of their death to be
+publicly examined, whether ever any of them had imparted the matter unto
+him, or would but say upon their conscience that he had the least
+knowledge thereof, either by them or any other means. And if they did not
+all of them deny it (being urged, as they would answer the Highest Judge,
+to speak the sincere truth), he would then yield they had some proof
+against him, so that the parties that should so accuse him did it not in
+hope of pardon, but did certainly know they should die and did make show
+to die in the fear of God and hope of their salvation.
+
+These two ways of trial were proposed and most earnestly requested by
+Father Gerard in those his letters, which were as sufficient to try the
+truth of the matter (all circumstances considered) as any could be wished.
+And these letters were sent in such time to London, as that they certainly
+came to the Council's hands that very day of the arraignment of the
+conspirators; so that there was time enough to have had both kinds of
+trial made which he required, and in equity and justice might require.
+
+But neither of them were performed. And it is thought generally that they
+were forborne, because it was sufficiently known beforehand that thereby
+he would be proved clear, whereof the Council were before that persuaded;
+but that they were willing to have the proclamation go forward against
+him, as against the rest, to hinder him thereby from conversion of souls
+and drawing many from them to the Catholic faith, and that of the better
+sort, with whom his conversation and practice was for the most part; which
+made them so desirous to take him by means of the proclamation, even after
+they knew he was not guilty of this treason whereof he was accused.
+
+And see the providence of God. That Sir Everard Digby, knowing nothing at
+all of this Father's demand of trial by his testimony, yet hearing him so
+wrongfully accused in the process against them, he did of his own accord
+there publicly protest his knowledge of the Father's innocency, yea, and
+of his inclination also against such practices, which was more than the
+Father desired in his letters should be demanded. Now, because these
+trials were not made which Father Gerard so earnestly requested, he
+therefore, before his going out of England, did publish these letters to
+some of his friends, that the world might see how clear he was, and what
+equal and full trial he offered to show his innocency.
+
+Now, whereas it was reported that Bates had accused Father Gerard, and
+that, upon his accusation Father Gerard was put in the proclamation with
+the others, that is also apparently disproved by Bates his own letter,
+written a day or two before his arraignment, and sent unto a Priest his
+last ghostly Father, who did help him with the Sacraments after his
+examinations and some weakness showed in them, as may appear also by his
+letter, whereof the original is kept under his own hand, and may be seen
+to be the same handwriting which is annexed unto his examinations
+themselves. The true copy is this:
+
+
+    "Sir, I humbly thank you for your great comfort and pains taken
+    for me. I praise God I find myself more stronger to resist, and do
+    hope shall more and more. Sir, when I was at Hobadge House, where
+    my master was slain, that morning at my going away from him, by
+    reason of the misfortune that fell amongst us by powder, Mr.
+    Christopher Wright flung me out of a window an 100_l._, and
+    desired me, as I was a Catholic, to give unto his wife and his
+    brother's wife 80_l._, and take 20_l._ myself. I took out by guess
+    some 22_l._, as I think, and left it with a friend of mine, and
+    desired him, if I did miscarry in this action, he should bestow it
+    amongst my children. Now, I would entreat you to give my fellow
+    George instructions what to do in it. I refer it to you. Mr.
+    Wright had of me at times, in money and kine, as much as came to
+    some 28_l._, but my master told me he would pay me, but he did
+    not. Now whether my wife may take that money out of that I refer
+    to you. Also, further, I have dealt with my keeper to deal with
+    the Clerk of the Council for my pardon, and have promised an
+    100_l._ if it may be had, which I made account that money should
+    have served that turn; but I am out of all hope for that, unless
+    it be God's will to deliver me. This morning I was sent for down,
+    and there was a fellow ready with a new suit of fustian, and my
+    keeper made me to essay it, and neither said it was for me nor
+    anything, but I know it was provided for me. The meaning I know
+    not. And before that my Lord of Salisbury asked me what I wanted,
+    and caused the keeper to buy me a new gown, and bade him use me
+    extraordinary well. All this makes me full of doubts, for I fear
+    it is but to serve their own turns of me and then to hang me. Is
+    it not best for me, if the clothes be offered me, to refuse them?
+    I pray you resolve me in that, for I have a purpose to tell the
+    keeper, 'I have clothes good enough to serve me as long as I live,
+    I fear, and therefore will none.' I beseech you to send me word
+    what your opinion is in these things being offered me. At my last
+    being before them I told them I thought Mr. Greenway knew of this
+    business, but I did not charge the others with it, but that I saw
+    them all together with my master at my Lord Vaux's, and that after
+    I saw Mr. Walley and Mr. Greenway at Coughton, and it is true. For
+    I was sent thither with a letter, and Mr. Greenway rode with me to
+    Mr. Winter's to my master, and from thence he rode to Mr.
+    Abington's. This I told them and no more. For which I am heartily
+    sorry for, and I trust God will forgive me, for I did it not out
+    of malice but in hope to gain my life by it, which I think now did
+    me no good. Thus desiring your daily prayers I commit you to God."
+
+
+This is the true copy of his letter, by which it appears that a man so
+weak and so ignorant, as here he showeth himself to be, might easily be
+wrought upon, especially by those means that here he expresseth were used
+to him; and that such an one to save his life would strain his conscience
+far, as indeed he did when he saith that he saw those three at my Lord
+Vaux's; for in truth he did not, nor saw Father Gerard of a year or two
+before; but if he had seen him in that place at that time, yet that had
+been no accusation of this treason (as is sufficiently proved in the
+--(398) chapter where the same matter is handled); and as himself directly
+saith in this letter, that he did not accuse him at all, nor Father
+Walley, nor the other neither of knowledge; but only that he thought he
+knew of the business: whereby it appears that it is not true, which was
+afterwards affirmed in Father Garnett's arraignment that Bates had told
+Mr. Greenway of the matter in confession. And this Bates being the only
+one of the conspirators of whom it was reported that he had accused Father
+Gerard, which here in plain words you see himself doth say he did not, it
+remains apparent that never any did accuse him. And this letter under
+Bates his own hand being haply brought to Father Gerard a little before
+his departure out of England,(399) he did annex the true copy of the same
+unto the letters before mentioned, which he had sent unto the Council, and
+sent them unto a friend to be published by him after his departure; and of
+them all there be divers copies taken, of which myself have one, in which
+there is this clause amongst others for his clearing, which methinks doth
+offer enough, if reason may be accepted and the promise there alleged
+performed. After he had offered and humbly desired of the Council two
+sufficient kinds of trial of his cause before specified, seeing that
+neither of them were performed, in his letter wherewith he published those
+offers made, he citeth a sentence out of my Lord of Salisbury his book
+then newly come forth, wherein the Earl declared his mind to be no ways
+bent to seek the blood of any but such as had themselves laboured to seek
+the blood of others, saying that he only desired, "Necis artifices arte
+perire sua."(400) This sentence (worthy indeed the pen and practice of a
+Councillor in so eminent authority(401)) Father Gerard desired should be
+made the rule or square whereby the line of his accusation might be
+straitened; and offered that if it could be duly proved, that ever, either
+in this most unnatural treason or in any other action, he had wrought or
+sought the death of any man, let him then be punished with as cruel a
+death as wit of man could devise, and find no eye nor heart to pity him.
+This was his offer, and then he addeth further: "But if," saith he,
+"neither this can be proved nor any proofs of my innocency (whereof there
+be divers produced for me and none against me) may be in my case admitted,
+but that I must remain, &c., yet I would not the world should think it
+doth or can bereave me of that quiet and contentment of mind, which I have
+in the confident expectation of God's protection and favour;" and so he
+goeth forward, laying down sufficient reasons for both to the full
+satisfaction of the reader, both of his innocency touching this accusation
+and of his willing acceptance of God's blessed will and disposition.
+
+Now to return unto Sir Everard Digby. After he had ended his speech with
+the foresaid protestation,(402) that he thought assuredly all the Fathers
+were innocent of this treason, and that he knew for certain that Father
+Gerard had not so much as any knowledge at all thereof, then the Earl of
+Northampton made a speech, which he chiefly directed to Sir Everard Digby
+in answer of that point, especially where Sir Everard urged the King's
+promise for toleration. And, first, the Earl said that, if he could lament
+any man upon earth in that case, he could pity him in respect of his worth
+many ways, and the good opinion he had formerly conceived of him. He
+witnessed also that Queen Elizabeth esteemed him much, and, to his own
+knowledge, had spoken of Sir Everard with great grace. Then, after a
+sufficient discourse, proving by sound reasons the foulness of this
+treason, his Lordship came to that promise of the King, which there he
+utterly denied, and proved it by Watson his confession before his death,
+who had been a chief man to divulge the same before. And that Watson
+affirmed likewise, he had given out such hopes before contrary to his
+knowledge, only to move Catholics to a willing acceptance of the King. All
+which, though we admit as true, being affirmed by the Earl as spoken to
+himself, yet Catholics are not thereby persuaded that Watson received no
+such hopes from His Majesty when he kneeled before him in Scotland. For
+they think it much more likely that Watson, being in this peril of death
+and in the power of the Council, would misreport his former persuasion of
+mind and the cause thereof, thereby to please the more, and by pleasing to
+obtain favour, which divers of his other words at that time, related also
+in this speech, did plainly show he did both desire and hope for. Whereas,
+when he returned out of Scotland he had no such cause to dissemble, and to
+relate such assured promises to so many Catholics, as it is known he did,
+if himself had been out of hope thereof; yea, and that he did not therein
+dissemble his sequent actions did apparently prove. For he was the first
+man that laboured to persuade Catholics to take arms against His Majesty,
+as hath been declared before (though, thanks be to God, he could prevail
+but with a very few therein), which, happening within the first year, it
+appears he ran that contrary course so soon as he had the contrary
+opinion; which, if he had brought with him out of Scotland (as he affirmed
+to the Earl of Northampton in the time of his imprisonment), then had it
+been more easy for him to have persuaded Catholics there was no hope to be
+had, and so to have kept him out, than after he had assured them the
+contrary, and the King was settled in his throne, then to persuade them
+thereunto, which then was much more difficult and unlikely. And,
+therefore, nothing likely he would first have been so forward to plant
+that tree, which so soon after himself did first endeavour to cut down,
+and that with hazard and loss of his life, unless he had first expected
+other fruit than afterwards he found. But Watson's reports were not the
+greatest grounds that Catholics did build their hopes upon. Divers men,
+his betters much, did affirm the same, whose words were more esteemed than
+either Watson's or Percy's in that cause. It was not the least part of
+needful policy that such a conceit should run for current in the minds of
+Catholics generally, and such hopes to be thought likely at that time by
+whomsoever they were given out, which I will not here dispute; for that
+persuasion, no doubt, did strengthen much the Catholics' mind, which was
+found so ready to receive their King with all peace and comfort. And I
+make no question but if it pleased His Majesty to perform as much as then
+was hoped, it would prove no less profitable in all respects unto the
+stability of peace and happiness than pleasing to the receivers, in regard
+of their ease and mitigation of their afflictions.
+
+Unto the speech of Sir Everard Digby the Earl of Salisbury did likewise
+answer in defence of the King's word, esteeming that Sir Everard did seem
+to tax His Majesty with breach of promise, which many think was not the
+intention of the prisoner, but only to show that, such general hopes being
+conceived upon some likely ground as they presumed, and now seeing all
+hopes to fail, they were the more easily induced to run this other course
+for the redress of their own miseries. And so, against the likelihood of
+these hopes, the Earl's speech did prove fully that the King had always
+professed the contrary religion most earnestly, and that His Majesty was
+so far from giving hope of toleration that he would not endure the least
+motion thereof to be proposed. And yet the Earl in the same speech
+declared how His Majesty had dealt favourably with divers principal
+Catholic gentlemen who were sent for to the Court in the time of Watson
+his treason before mentioned; at which time finding them free from having
+their hands in any treason (said the Earl) they were dismissed with
+encouragement to persist in their dutiful carriage, and that the payments
+for not going to Church should be forgiven them in respect of their so
+much loyalty showed at the King's entry, and for that they had afterwards
+kept themselves so free.(403) In this speech the Earl of Salisbury did
+show great zeal to defend His Majesty from the least touch of breach of
+his promise, and therein to disprove that which he thought would be
+conceived of Sir Everard Digby's words. And though otherwise he
+acknowledged Sir Everard to be his alliance by marriage, yet it is thought
+that in regard chiefly of this his speech, he had not his petition granted
+of being beheaded, but was with all the rest adjudged presently to be
+hanged, drawn, and quartered, according to the ordinary form of judgment
+in case of high treason. So then, having received the sentence of death,
+they were all returned to their prisons until Thursday and Friday
+following, which were the days of their execution; only Mr. John Winter
+(being the youngest of the three brothers) was not then put to death, but
+carried after into the country and suffered at Worcester, as shall
+afterward be declared.
+
+(M16) On Thursday, therefore, being the 30th of January, four of the eight
+were drawn upon sledges and hurdles from the Tower to St. Paul's
+Churchyard, where they were to suffer, _vidlt._, Sir Everard Digby, Mr.
+Robert Winter, Mr. John Graunt, and ---- Bates. And being arrived there,
+first Sir Everard Digby was taken off the hurdle and led up to the
+scaffold, of whom the pamphlet before alleged set forth of their judgment
+and death as much to disgrace them as might be, yet hath these words,
+"First went up Digby, a man of a goodly personage and a manly aspect. He
+enforced himself to speak as stoutly as he could; his speech was not long
+and to little good purpose, only that his belied conscience (being but
+indeed a blinded conceit) had led him into this offence, which, in respect
+of his religion (_alias_ indeed idolatry), he held no offence, but, in
+respect of the law, he held an offence, for which he asked forgiveness;
+and so, with vain and superstitious crossing of himself, betook him to his
+Latin prayers, mumbling to himself, refusing to have any prayers of any
+but of the Romish Catholics, went up the ladder." Thus he. By which
+relation, though set down with much ill-will against him and his religion,
+yet it is easy to see thereby what state of mind he died in. The truth is
+he gave great satisfaction to all the standers-by.(404) When he was first
+brought up to the scaffold, after he had commended himself to God, being
+wished, as the custom is, to acknowledge his treason for which he died, he
+did accordingly acknowledge the fact intended according to his judgment,
+but withal he declared that his motives were no evil will to any, nor any
+love to himself for worldly respects, but the ending of persecution of
+Catholics, the good of souls, and the cause of religion. In which regard
+he could not condemn himself of any offence to God, though he granted he
+had offended the laws of the realm, for which he asked their pardon, and
+was willing to suffer death, and thought nothing too much to suffer for
+those respects which had moved him to that enterprise. The preachers
+standing by, as the fashion is, did move him to pray with them. He
+absolutely refused, and desired the assistance and prayers of all good
+Catholics, himself fell to his prayers with such devotion as much moved
+all the beholders. And when he had done, he stood up and saluted all the
+noblemen and gentlemen that stood upon the scaffold, every one according
+to his estate, to the noblemen with a lower _conge_, to others with more
+show of equality, but to all in so friendly and so cheerful a manner, as
+they afterwards said, he seemed so free from fear of death as that he
+showed no feeling at all of any passion therein, but took his leave of
+them as he was wont to do when he went from the Court or out of the city
+to his own house in the country; yet withal he showed so great devotion of
+mind, so much fervour and humility in his prayers, and so great confidence
+in God, as that very many said(405) they made no doubt but his soul was
+happy, and wished themselves might die in the like state of mind. He was
+no sooner turned off the ladder but very speedily cut down, and that with
+such haste as that he fell upon his face, and so somewhat bruised his
+forehead, yet, though he could not be dead, he made no resistance at the
+block whilst he was in quartering; and after his bowels and heart were
+cast into the fire, and his head cut off, the hangman holding it up as is
+usual to do, it was noted that there was no alteration at all in his
+countenance, but had the same man-like and comely aspect he had before his
+death.
+
+(M17) After him went up Mr. Robert Winter, of whom the foresaid pamphlet
+hath this, "After him went Winter up to the scaffold, where he used few
+words to any good effect; without asking mercy either of God or the King
+for his offence, went up the ladder, and making a few prayers to himself,
+staid not long for his execution." By which words it may appear that Mr.
+Winter died much in the like mind and manner as the other gentleman before
+him. He was esteemed in his life to be one of the wisest and most resolute
+and sufficient gentlemen in Worcestershire, where he dwelt, as formerly
+hath been declared.
+
+After him went up Mr. Graunt, who showed extraordinary zeal, as it may
+appear by the foresaid book, which saith "that he, being abominably
+blinded with his idolatry, though he confessed his offence to be heinous,
+yet would fain have excused it by his conscience and religion. He having
+used a few idle words to ill effect, was, as his fellows before him, led
+the way to the halter, and so, after his crossing of himself, to the last
+part of his tragedy." Whereby it appears he alleged the same reasons and
+died with the same resolution the former had done.
+
+Last of them was Bates, of whom the book saith "that he seemed sorry for
+his offence, and asked forgiveness of God and the King and of the whole
+kingdom, prayed to God for the preservation of them all; and, as he said,
+only for his love to his master (Mr. Robert Catesby) drawn to forget his
+duty to God, his King, and country." These words which Bates spake at his
+death, and the mind he showed, declare sufficiently what hath been said of
+him before; and his motives being but human respects (as here he
+acknowledgeth), no marvel though he had showed less store of grace and
+assistance thereof both before and at his death. But seeing he showed to
+die penitent for his fact, it is to be hoped he found mercy at God's
+hands. Thus ended the execution of this day. And many of the beholders
+returned full of pity and compassion towards so worthy-minded men as the
+first three were, especially Sir Everard Digby, whose fortitude of mind
+they did so much admire, and had so great opinion of his devotion that for
+all that day and some time after they could talk almost of nothing else.
+
+The next day, being Friday, were drawn from the Tower to the Old Palace in
+Westminster over against the Parliament House, Mr. Thomas Winter, the
+second brother of the Winters, Mr. Ambrose Rookwood, Mr. Robert Keyes, and
+Mr. Guy Faulks. By the way, as they were drawn upon the Strand, Mr.
+Rookwood had provided that he should be admonished when he came over
+against the lodging where his wife lay; and being come unto the place, he
+opened his eyes (which before he kept shut to attend better to his
+prayers), and seeing her stand in a window to see him pass by, he raised
+himself as well as he could up from the hurdle, and said aloud unto her:
+"Pray for me, pray for me." She answered him also aloud: "I will; and be
+of good courage and offer thyself wholly to God. I, for my part, do as
+freely restore thee to God as He gave thee unto me."
+
+(M18) Being all come to the place of execution, first Mr. Thomas Winter
+was led to the scaffold, as the principal in the business, who was from
+the first acquainted therewith, and a chief actor therein. Of him the book
+saith that "he seemed after a sort as it were sorry for his offence, and
+yet crossed himself," saith he, "as though those were sufficient wards
+against the devil; that he protested to die a true Catholic, and so went
+up the ladder." Truth is, Mr. Thomas Winter spake not much at his
+execution, seeming more willing to prepare himself for death; whereat some
+of the standers-by marvelling, who knew him to be a wise and well-spoken
+man, seemed desirous to have him speak at large. But he answered he had
+spoken at large unto the Council concerning all their intentions and the
+causes that moved them to that enterprise, and he hoped he had given
+satisfaction in the whole; that this was no time to discourse; he was come
+to die, wherein he desired the prayers and assistance of all good
+Catholics. Only this he said in particular, that whereas divers of the
+Fathers of the Society were accused of counselling and furthering them in
+this treason, he could clear them all, and particularly Father Tesimond,
+from all fault and participation therein. And indeed Mr. Thomas Winter
+might best clear that good Father, with whom he was best acquainted, and
+knew very well how far he was from counselling or plotting that business.
+For himself, having first told the Father of it (as I have heard), long
+after the thing was ready, and that in such secret as he might not utter
+it, but with his leave, unto his Superior only, the Father, both then and
+after, did so earnestly persuade him, and by him the rest, to leave off
+that course (as his duty was), that Mr. Winter might well find himself
+bound in conscience to clear this Father from his wrongful accusation of
+being a counseller and furtherer of the Plot.(406)
+
+(M19) Next him came Mr. Rookwood, who made a speech of some longer time,
+acknowledged and asked forgiveness for his offence to His Majesty and the
+State. He prayed earnestly for the King and Queen and all their children,
+and wished them long life and a happy reign, and last of all (which, the
+foresaid book saith, was to mar all the pottage with one filthy weed) he
+prayed God to make the King a Catholic. And so, desiring favour for his
+wife and children, protesting, saith the book, to die in his idolatry, a
+Romish Catholic, he went up the ladder, and hanging until he was almost
+dead, was drawn to the block, where he gave his last gasp. The devotion
+and resolute mind of this gentleman was very well known to many, and he
+was very much pitied, as he had been much beloved.
+
+After him came Mr. Keyes, of whom the book saith thus: "That he, like a
+desperate villain, used little speech, showed small or no sign of
+repentance, went up the ladder stoutly, where, not staying the hangman's
+turn, turned himself off, and with the swing broke the halter, but after
+his fall was quickly drawn to the block and there divided into four
+parts." But he did not, as here it is said, leap down of himself, but when
+he thought himself ready he showed his ready mind to go off the ladder
+without force, lest the hangman should take him on a sudden, when his mind
+was not actually upon it, and so be cause of some little reluctation.
+
+Last of all Mr. Faulks was led to the scaffold, of whom the book hath
+this: "That his body being weak with torture and sickness he was scarce
+able to go up the ladder; also that he made no long speech, but after a
+sort seeming to be sorry for his offence, asked a kind of forgiveness of
+the King and the State for his bloody intent, and, with his crosses and
+idle ceremonies, made his end upon the gallows and the block." Thus saith
+the author of that pamphlet, and where he said that Mr. Faulks seemed to
+be sorry after a sort, and asked a kind of forgiveness, he maketh it
+apparent that he did as his fellows had done, acknowledge their intended
+action to be displeasing to the King and State, whose favour they desired,
+and therefore in that respect asked them forgiveness; but that they did
+not hold it for an offence to God in respect of their intention to please
+Him and serve Him in the whole, as thinking when they began the action and
+professing when they ended their life that there was no other likely means
+to restore religion in England. And would to God herein they had been as
+well advised as they were absolute to believe and follow their own advice.
+Then had they neither hurt themselves nor others by this rash and heady
+enterprise, most unfit for subjects to undertake against their Prince and
+country, especially all attempts being so forbidden by His Holiness as
+they were, and so often and earnestly dissuaded by the Fathers of the
+Society, as hath been declared. And yet it is strange to see how
+impudently that heretical pamphlet which I have cited before so often of
+their arraignment and death (set forth by one T.W., I know not who), doth
+rail first at the Pope himself and then against all Jesuits and Priests,
+as against the authors and plotters of this business. For he saith: "Thus
+I have ended my discourse of the arraignment and execution of these eight
+traitors." Then a little after he prosecuteth in this manner: "Was there
+ever seen such a hellish Plot since the betraying of the Lord of Heaven?
+If the Pope were not a very devil, and these Jesuits, or rather Jebusites
+and satanical seminaries, very spirits of wickedness, that whisper in the
+ears of Evahs to bring a world of Adams to destruction, how could nature
+be senseless or reason so graceless," &c. So he proceedeth, inveighing
+against His Holiness and religion, and all that he imagined did favour or
+further the same religion in any great measure.
+
+But silence is the best answer to such witless and wilful assertions,
+uttered against the truth so many ways manifestly proved. But this fellow,
+and such as he is, will rather "impugnare agnitam veritatem"(407) than
+omit any opportunity to revile against the Pope and those that most do
+stand for his authority; which is no news for poor Catholics in England to
+hear of daily to their grief, long before this act was commenced or
+thought of by these few laymen, who had not the counsel or help of any one
+Priest amongst them. Yea, for these many years the most part of their
+sermons is in this relative kind, devising names of reproach against His
+Holiness, so far forth that many youths, when they are first brought to be
+Catholics, will hardly be brought to think that he is a natural man, and
+not some devil or monster, as they have heard him often described. And
+this custom of the heretics is so common, and yet so grievous for zealous
+Catholics to endure, that it is rather to be pitied than marvelled that
+these few gentlemen, being men of great spirit, did want patience to
+endure any longer when they saw all other hopes of help to fail them. We
+hope all others will be warned hereafter, and temper their zeal by the
+counsel of their guides, which, if these had done, according to the
+earnest wishes and serious labours of Father Garnett, then had not he
+sustained so many troubles (as I am now to declare) for their trespass,
+which he by all lawful means sought to hinder.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XIII. Of The Arraignment And Condemnation Of Father Garnett.
+
+
+Whereas it was now plainly and directly known unto the Council (by the
+means and in the manner aforesaid) how far this matter could be laid unto
+Father Garnett's charge; and that they had no further expectation to find
+him guilty of any help or furtherance at all given by him to this Powder
+Treason, it was resolved to proceed against him only upon his simple
+knowledge thereof which he had received in confession; esteeming it not
+fit to let go this opportunity, sith no greater advantage could be gotten;
+especially seeing by this time all men were full of expectation what would
+become of the matter after so long time of trial and so many and strict
+examinations. It was hoped also, that howsoever he might excuse himself
+from fault in the sight of God for not revealing the seal and secret of
+confession, yet that he could not justify it before the world: it being
+accounted treason by the laws of England to know of treason intended and
+not to reveal it. In which law (now) the knowledge which is had by
+confession is not excepted; because confession itself being in England
+rejected, the good and necessity of the secrecy thereof is not so much
+esteemed, as their public peace and prosperous proceedings in their
+worldly estate. Upon this ground therefore it was hoped they had matter
+enough against Father Garnett both to make him odious to the people, and
+all Jesuits for his sake; and therefore it was intended, that his trial
+should be performed in the most public and solemn manner they could
+devise, thereby to disgrace the more both him and his religion; for so in
+express words the Earl of Salisbury did twice publicly affirm in the time
+of his arraignment; and that otherwise such preparation and solemnity had
+not been needful for the arraignment of a poor religious man, and said "he
+held himself much honoured that day to be an assistant where God's cause
+should be so much honoured" (meaning the Protestants' religion). And how
+should this be performed? "By discrediting," said he, "the person of
+Garnett, on whom the common adversary had thought to confer the usurpation
+of so eminent jurisdiction." So that one may see plainly the whole day's
+work was bent against religion; and whatsoever was pretended against
+Father Garnett in this matter, all was directly intended "in odium
+Catholicae Fidei."(408) And so we may see in the process of the accusation,
+when the Attorney brought against Father Garnett all other former matter
+that had been forged against the martyrs in Queen Elizabeth's time, with
+which (if they had been true) yet they could no more have charged Father
+Garnett with them in justice, than the child that was then unborn.
+
+Therefore the day appointed being come, which was a Friday, the 28th
+March, about eight of the clock, he was brought from the Tower in a coach
+with the Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir William Wade, and another Knight,
+the curtains being close drawn about them. Which manner of carriage to
+judgment being very extraordinary and not used to any before him, the
+people did much wonder at it, and thought it strange he should be so
+carried, considering that most of those that were indeed conspirators in
+the treason were men of better birth and blood than he (which by them is
+much respected) and yet were used in much different manner. But some did
+more truly guess that this was not done for any grace unto him (whom they
+sought to disgrace in all they could), but to grace their own cause, by
+making him seem a man of greatest account amongst the Papists, against
+whom they meant to object and hoped to prove the Powder Treason, and so
+all Papists to be as it were proved guilty in him they chiefly esteemed
+and followed. But the curtains doubtless were kept close, that the people
+might not be moved with the sight of so reverend a man, or he moved upon
+any occasion to speak unto them in his own clearing.
+
+There were set in place of judgment in the Guildhall the Lord Mayor of
+London (who in that Court is the King's Lieutenant), the Lord Charles
+Howard, Earl of Nottingham, the Lord Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk, the
+Lord Somerset, Earl of Worcester, the Lord Henry Howard, Earl of
+Northampton, the Lord Robert Cecil, Earl of Salisbury, with Sir John
+Popham, Lord Chief Justice of England, the Lord Chief Baron, and Justice
+Yelverton, Commissioners for His Majesty in that behalf, The Lieutenant of
+the Tower being come with Father Garnett to the place of judgment, he
+returned his writ unto the Council (by virtue whereof he had kept the
+prisoner) together with the body of the prisoner there present.(409)
+
+The indictment was read and the prisoner called to hold up his hand at the
+bar, as the fashion is. The effect of the indictment was this. "That Henry
+Garnett, _alias_ Walley, _alias_ Farmer, _alias_ Darcy, had conspired with
+Robert Catesby and the rest of his confederates (the 9th of June last
+past, in the parish of St Michael in the ward of Queenhithe in London) to
+withdraw the hearts of the subjects from their due obedience to God and
+their King, and to deprive the King of his crown, to kill him and the
+Prince, and to slaughter the whole Parliament assembled, to raise
+rebellion, to change religion, to ruin the commonwealth and to bring in
+strangers: and that this 9th of June he met with Catesby and Tesimond and
+did treat of means to accomplish the same, and did conclude that Winter,
+Faulks and others should blow up with powder the Parliament House." To
+this indictment the prisoner pleaded "not guilty," and for his trial
+referred himself to God and his country as the manner is. Whereupon a jury
+of substantial citizens was impanelled, and twelve of them sworn to try
+the issue between His Majesty and Henry Garnett according to the evidence
+produced against him; which being done, the indictment was read the second
+time, and then Sir John Crooke, Knight, the King's Serjeant, began to
+plead in this manner (as near as it could be remembered by two or three
+sufficient men that were present and did carefully observe both that and
+all the other speeches).
+
+(M20) " 'Nihil est occultum,' " said he, " 'quod non manifestabitur; nihil
+secretum quod non revelabitur.'(410) Thus saith the Truth itself, 'qui
+consilium pravorum dissipat:'(411) which as it is generally true, so is
+the truth thereof laid open in the discovery of the late horrible treason,
+which though it were closely carried, yet by the providence of God, it
+hath been most apparently revealed. And truly when I cast mine eyes upon
+this prisoner, the rotten root of this corrupted tree of treason, I am
+stricken with great horror to think that under the cover of so grave a
+countenance, should lurk such a poisoned heart. He is a man, 'multorum
+nominum sed nullius boni nominis'(412)--of no good name, nor honest
+conversation, but infamous for many treasons, and especially for this last
+and most abominable treason, whereby he intended the subversion of the
+King, Queen, Prince, State, and religion; and for testimony of his
+guiltiness therein," he said, "they should have 'loquentia signa,
+testimonia rerum,' and 'confitentem reum,' nay, 'reos confitentes,'(413)
+that is the persons guilty accusing one the other. We have," said he,
+"Garnett and Hall accusing Greenway, as shall be laid open by the ensuing
+discourse of him to whom it belongeth."
+
+(M21) This speech being ended, Sir Edward Coke, His Majesty's
+Attorney-General, began his speech with a low voice, that so his words
+could not at the first be so distinctly heard: but it tended to this
+effect. "That this was a later act of this horrible Powder Treason, that
+first he craved pardon of their Lordships that he might reiterate some
+things of which he had formerly discoursed, 'quia nunquam nimis dicitur,
+quod nunquam satis discitur.'(414) Secondly, he craved pardon that without
+offence to any he might nominate some great persons, who were sometimes
+interested in some of these causes; but he would do it without any
+disgrace at all unto their persons, because," said he, "there is great
+difference to be made between times of hostility and times of amity.
+Thirdly, he desired to satisfy two sorts of people that might marvel this
+execution of justice should be so long deferred; the first of such, as
+might think such delays inconvenient lest the impunity of the malefactors
+might seem to patronize the offence; the second of such persons, as might
+think the delay of trial argued his clearness in the cause. To those both
+he answered, that the Lords of the Council (whose great wisdom he would
+not in that place much commend, because 'coram laudare est clam
+vituperare'(415)) had spent many days in examinations of those affairs,
+and that the prisoner had been twenty-three [times] examined; so that the
+trial could not have been much sooner." (But this seemed to many rather an
+excuse than accusation to the prisoner, in whom there could not with so
+much labour and in so long time be found any crime to be justly imposed,
+for "frustra fit per plura quod fieri potest per pauciora."(416)) "But to
+draw nearer the cause of the prisoner," said Mr. Attorney. "Henry Garnett,
+_alias_ Walley, &c, is a man grave, discreet, wise, learned, and of
+excellent ornaments both of nature and arts." (He might have added grace
+also, if he had had grace to see it.) "And one that, if he will, may do
+His Majesty as much good service as any subject I know in England." (By
+this and the like speeches which it seems they used often, to work him to
+yield from profession of his faith, it is apparent they would have given
+him both life and much preferment, if he had not rather chosen to die for
+God than to live to the world.) "Besides this man," saith he, "was a
+scholar in Winchester, from thence went to Oxford, and there was well
+esteemed." (This Mr. Attorney did mistake, for he was never student in
+Oxford.) "But he hath abused his learning to the ruin of his country, as
+we shall hereafter declare in the discourse following, wherein I will
+speak of nothing but of this late horrible treason; which treason for
+distinction sake, I will call the Jesuits' treason: for the Jesuits were
+the authors thereof; therefore I will not do them the wrong to take from
+them anything which is theirs, especially seeing in every crime 'plus
+peccat author quam actor,'(417) as it appeareth by Adam and Eve and the
+serpent." (But here he presupposeth Father Garnett had counselled the
+Plot, as the indictment had said before, but that never was, nor ever can
+be proved.) "In this discourse I will speak of circumstances and
+observations touching the matter in hand: of no other circumstances but of
+treason, and of no other treasons but the Jesuits' treasons; and of no
+other Jesuits' treasons but such as shall particularly concern this
+prisoner, seeing all have been practised, since he was their Superior; and
+these circumstances I will divide into precedent, concurrent, and
+subsequent.
+
+"For the precedent circumstances; you must understand this man hath been
+in England this twenty years, and from the very first hour he set foot in
+England hath been a notorious traitor, because he came in contrary to a
+statute made the year before his coming in, Anno 27º. of our late
+sovereign of happy memory, whereby it was made high treason for any Priest
+that had received Orders from any authority derived from the See of Rome
+beyond the seas, which I beseech your Lordships to observe; for of Queen
+Mary's Priests nothing was spoken in the law." (And the reason hereof is
+given in the former ----(418) chapter, but here it is apparent, that this
+treason so earnestly urged, was merely matter of religion, as in all
+former martyrs.) "Contrary to which statute this prisoner came in, and by
+consequence at that very instant was a traitor. But he will say, this is a
+new law; these laws were never heard of before Luther's days; this law is
+a cruel law, a bloody law, prohibiting men to exercise their function, to
+gain souls to God; and that their religion is the old religion, where ours
+is the new and confined in England, where on the contrary side their
+religion is universal and embraced of the greatest part of this Christian
+world. And thus for the maintenance of their rotten religion, do they seek
+to disgrace our gospel and do calumniate just laws with title of cruelty.
+But to this I answer," saith he, "that if our religion be as ancient as
+Luther, it is more ancient than the Jesuits are.(419) Albeit it neither be
+contained in those narrow limits of place, nor bounds of time, which they
+feignedly imagine, having been ever since the time of Christ and His
+Apostles. For we do not deny but Rome was the Mother Church and had
+thirty-two virginal Martyrs for her Popes a row; and so continued till in
+succeeding ages it brought in a mass of errors and idle ceremonies. But
+you will ask, where our Church lurked before Luther's coming for some
+hundreds of years. But I say it makes no great matter where it was, so
+that I be certain it was; for as a wedge of gold, if it be mixed with a
+mass of other metal," &c. (By your leave, Mr. Attorney, if I know not
+where the true Church is, I cannot be of it: if I be not of it, I cannot
+be saved: and if this be no matter to you, yet to God's children it is a
+great matter. And your simile of the wedge is lame of all the feet: for
+the Church if it be invisible to all men is gone, "quia ore fit confessio
+ad salutem,"(420) and so Christ had no true servants on earth; but this is
+like your dream before that the true Church could degenerate into errors,
+and yet those coming in, no man being able to name the time, the place,
+nor the person, that did alter any substantial point of faith. But can Mr.
+Attorney think that Christ our Lord would put His candle under a bushel,
+which He had lighted with so great labour? And that which He saith no man
+will do, as being an idle and foolish thing, yet will Mr. Attorney have
+the Wisdom of God to do? But good Mr. Attorney, give me leave to believe
+Christ our Lord before you; and therefore that the city could not be hid
+which Christ had built upon a hill. And so your imagined gold is turned
+into alchymy, and passeth away in smoke; but if the material wedge of gold
+be hid, men say you know where to find it, if you will but search your
+coffers with half the pains you took to find out this invisible wedge of
+gold. Pardon me for this digression, I could not well let such false
+follies pass without a word or two; but I will not trouble the reader any
+more, but leave it to others: neither should I or any other have had need
+to admonish Mr. Attorney, if Father Garnett had been suffered to speak at
+large, as he was often of set purpose interrupted. But let us proceed in
+Mr. Attorney his speech.) "For as a wedge of gold, if it be dissolved and
+mixed with a mass of brass or other metal, it doth not lose its nature,
+but remaineth gold still, although we cannot determine in what part of the
+mass it is contained, but the touch-stone will find that out; so though
+our Church hath ever been since Christ His time in the world, yet being
+mixed and covered with innovations and errors we cannot tell in what part
+it was." (This is the truest word in all Mr. Attorney his speech, but
+presently linked with the contrary, for he saith:) "And I dare say it is
+now more extended than theirs is, for we have all England, all Scotland,
+all Germany, all Denmark, a great part of France, all Poland, and some
+part of Italy. Now as for the statute which they call a bloody and cruel
+statute, I will make it apparent to be the mildest law, the sweetest law,
+the law most full of mercy and pity," (It is a great pity it were not
+executed upon Mr. Attorney:) "that ever was enacted by any Prince so
+injuriously provoked as she was. And if I prove not this, then let the
+world say that Garnett is an honest man. And to prove this, we must
+remember that Pius or rather Impius Quintus, the Pope, in the eleventh
+year of our late Queen deceased, sent over a Bull of Excommunication
+against Her Majesty, discharging all her subjects from their allegiance,
+whereupon arose the insurrection in the North, and other rebellions, for
+which divers were apprehended and executed. And here we may observe the
+misery of Popish Catholics, who if they do obey the Bulls of the Pope are
+apprehended and hanged as traitors; and if they do not obey them, are by
+the Pope excommunicated and cursed. But to go forward: from this
+excommunication also proceeded that the Popish Catholics refused to come
+to our churches; so that the reason of refusal is not religion, but the
+Pope's Bull, which now being not of force, there is no doubt but that they
+both may and will come to our churches." (False.) "Then after the
+suppression of the rebels in the North, the Popish Catholics being thought
+too weak to make a party, then did the Pope give them a toleration 'rebus
+sic stantibus et donec commoda executio Bullae fieri posset.'(421) Then to
+make a party of Popish Catholics against the Queen, was sent in Campion
+and a crew of Priests with him, that laboured to pervert Her Majesty's
+subjects and draw them to bloody practices, which Her Majesty sought to
+prevent, and withal out of her singular clemency made a law, and that the
+fullest of pity that could be devised, to wit, That they should keep
+themselves there (beyond the seas), and not to come into her dominions
+under pain of high treason. Now tell me I pray you, was this law made to
+spill their blood?" (Yes, either to spill the Blood of Christ by the loss
+of souls, if the Priests came not in, or if they did, then theirs.) "No,
+it was made to save their blood, by keeping them there, which by coming
+hither would be spilt in bloody practices" (which were fathered upon them,
+that it might not seem to be cause of religion.) "Then comes in Garnett in
+the twenty-seventh year of the Queen. His purpose was to prepare the way
+against the great compounded navy, which may well be called a compounded
+navy, because it consisted of the ships of all nations in Christendom,
+that either they could beg, hire, or borrow. He came in, I say, to be the
+forerunner of this navy. The Pope was the inciter and the Spaniards the
+actors; and this great navy was overthrown, not so much by our power, as
+by themselves, their own ships severing and scattering them. So that we
+may well apply those verses to our late sovereign, which Claudian sung to
+his Emperor Theodosius:
+
+
+    O nimium dilecta Deo, cui militat aether,
+    Et conjurati veniunt ad classica venti.(422)
+
+
+"But was this a sufficient warning to the Romish Catholics to desist from
+their treasonable practices? No, for when they saw that open invasion
+served not their turn, they took themselves to private treacheries;
+insomuch that I dare boldly say" (but not truly) "there passed no four
+years without some one or other treason. For shortly after came Patrick
+Collyn, sent from Father Holt and Father Sherwood, two Jesuits, to kill
+the Queen. Shortly after cometh Lopez to poison the Queen, incited
+likewise by the instigation of the Jesuits." (This Lopez was a Jew, the
+Queen's physician, living in London, a rich man, and knew no Jesuit in the
+world, nor was acquainted with any Catholics in England that I know of.)
+"After him came Yorke and Williams from Father Holt, who likewise had
+plotted to kill the Queen. Not long after him comes Squire, sent by Father
+Walpole from Spain, to poison Her Majesty." And here Mr. Attorney desired
+licence to advertise the Lords that each of these treasons were
+accompanied with some devilish book. "As for example, the plot of Patrick
+Collyn was accompanied with the book of Philopater written by Cresswell
+the Jesuit, their ledger in Spain. Then cometh Squire with his plot, and
+this was accompanied with another most pernicious book written by Dolman,
+_alias_ Persons, their great ledger(423) in Rome. And now we are come to
+the Spanish treason, which was in the forty-fourth year of our late
+sovereign. And that you may know there was a Spanish treason, you shall
+understand that Thomas Winter, and Father Greenway, _alias_ Tesimond, the
+Jesuit, went over commended by Garnett to offer their obedience and
+service to the King of Spain, and to promise him their assistance, when
+time should serve for advancement of his title to the crown of England,
+and withal to entreat him to send them an army, to be conveyed hither by
+the galleys of Spinola; which army, if it were great, should land in Kent;
+if it were small, it might land at Milford Haven; that they should bring
+with them a round sum of money, and in the meantime to bestow some annual
+pensions upon certain discontented persons here; and that they for their
+part would prepare two thousand horses, which in such attempts were like
+to be the greatest want. This motion being made to the King, they were
+brought unto him; from him they were directed to the Duke of Lerma, who
+received them gracefully, and finally for their answer they were referred
+to the Conde de Miranda, who assured them the King his master liked very
+well of their motion and would be ready to further them in their just
+request, and would henceforward account the English as his own Castilians.
+With this resolution Thomas Winter and Greenway returned, expecting the
+next summer the arrival of their navy. And here were not wanting the books
+I mentioned before; but what books? They had no books indeed; but that
+want was supplied with two Breves or Bulls, as we call them, and they were
+most pernicious and treacherous, which by God's providence came lately to
+light. The first was directed 'Principibus et Nobilibus Catholicis totius
+Regni Anglicani.'(424) The tenour of this first was an admonition that
+'postquam contigerit miseram foeminam e vita excedere,' "(425) &c. Here you
+may mark this foul-mouthed monster that calleth our dread sovereign of
+happy memory, "miseram foeminam;" being one of the most renowned of
+Princes. (Here the reader indeed hath cause to mark a foul mouth, that
+durst call the Vicegerent of God Himself a foul-mouthed monster; nor will
+he mark that the Bull speaking only of the time after the Queen's death,
+was not to accompany the army, which, if any such were intended, was to
+come at a certain prefixed time; yea, it rather showeth the Pope would
+have nothing attempted in her lifetime.) "But well," saith he, "what
+followeth in the Bull? Marry, when it shall happen that miserable woman
+shall depart this life, they shall not admit of any other to succeed in
+her place, 'quacumque propinquitate sanguinis niteretur,'(426) except that
+first they promise not only to tolerate the Catholic religion, but also do
+bind themselves by oath to maintain it and no other: and this to deprive
+King James from his rightful inheritance" (nay, rather to move him to be
+Catholic, and so to get him also a much greater kingdom in Heaven). "To
+exclude him therefore cometh this roaring Bull, that warned them also to
+give notice of her sickness or death, as soon as may be, when it should
+happen, to his Legate in Flanders. And so accordingly presently upon her
+indisposition, Christopher Wright was despatched with letters of
+commendation from Garnett the Jesuit, as appeared by a confession then
+produced and read. And here, my Lords, let me observe another circumstance
+very markable; that these peculiar traitors were severally commended by
+Garnett the Jesuit, as for example, Thomas Winter went over: wherefore?
+For treason; and yet was he commended by Garnett the Jesuit. Christopher
+Wright went over: wherefore? For treason; and yet was he likewise
+commended by Garnett the Jesuit. Guy Faulks was sent over: wherefore? For
+treason--that is, to solicit and deal with Owen, that Spinola and Sir
+William Stanley might draw their forces near to the sea-side, that when
+the time served they might come over with the more expedition: and yet he
+also is commended by Garnett the Jesuit. Sir Edward Baynham was sent over
+to acquaint the Pope with this business, when the blow should be given"
+(By this known untruth the rest may be judged of the better:) "which
+Edward Baynham was a fit messenger between the Pope and the devil; and yet
+he had also letters of commendation from Garnett the Jesuit. So that
+hereby it is apparent that Garnett was not only privy, but consenting to
+their several practices. Now when King James was settled in this kingdom,
+and received of all, then did Garnett burn the Bull. But out of that Bull
+did Catesby infer that it was lawful for him to entertain any practice
+against our sovereign that now is; for, said he, it is as lawful for us to
+expel him and cast him out now, seeing by experience he doth persecute
+religion, as by the Breve it was lawful to resist him and reject, when we
+did but fear he would not favour Catholics." (True it is Mr. Catesby did
+argue thus; but was answered by Father Garnett, that the case was not like
+before and after admission, and that we must not by ourselves attempt
+anything, the Pope now commanding to be quiet.) "The other Bull was to the
+Archpriest and his associates, commending their patience and longanimity,
+and willing them to counsel all sorts of lay people to be forward in
+execution of the Pope's command. Well then, out of these circumstances, I
+infer that Garnett was not only privy, but an author and actor in this
+treason.
+
+"But now let us consider other circumstances that are 'omni acceptione
+majores.'(427) Your Lordships must understand that Garnett would not be
+known to any of the actors in these bloody practices, but only to Catesby,
+being a man 'vafro et versuto ingenio et profunda perfidia,'(428) so that
+all we have against him must be chiefly drawn from himself." (Indeed Mr.
+Catesby was dead, and never affirmed any such thing, and the rest of the
+conspirators in their examinations and public speeches affirmed the
+contrary; so that Mr. Attorney did want proof very much, when he brought
+in a dead man to be witness, like to them that brought the sleeping
+soldiers at Christ His sepulchre to be witnesses that his body was stolen
+whilst they were asleep.) "Well then, this Garnett confesseth that Catesby
+had in general imparted to him that something would be done by the
+Catholics, but could not reveal in particular what it was without the
+consent of two others of his consorts, which Garnett saith he dissuaded
+him from; but how know we that he did so? Only by his own words, who useth
+to deal sincerely in nothing that concerneth himself. But I will prove
+that he did not dissuade them, but did encourage them, even to the Powder
+Treason itself." (Here, by the way, I would gladly ask Mr. Attorney how he
+doth save the accusation recited in the indictment from a false slander,
+where it is said that Garnett and Greenway did in the beginning meet with
+Catesby at Queenhithe, and there conclude upon destroying the King and
+Queen and the Parliament House by powder? How could this be true, seeing
+that here now long after, and after the gentlemen had concluded as it
+seems of the matter, and bound one another to secrecy, so that as you see
+Mr. Catesby could not reveal it to Father Garnett without leave of two
+others, Father Garnett was all this while ignorant of it: yea, and now
+also had but a general knowledge of something to be done, from which also
+he dissuaded them? We may see in this contradiction Father Garnett his
+innocency; and that Mr. Attorney should be mindful of what he hath said,
+if he will not say the truth. But let us see how he seeketh to prove by
+likelihoods, that here Father Garnett, getting some knowledge of the thing
+in general, did persuade it in particular.) "For Father Garnett," said he,
+"confesseth moreover that Mr. Catesby did in general terms propound a case
+unto him, whether it were not lawful to destroy many enemies assembled
+together to our ruin, although some innocents must needs be inwrapped in
+the slaughter. To this Garnett answered that in just war when a town or
+castle is besieged that could not be taken without battering the walls,
+and that not to be performed without perishing of some innocents, in that
+case, if the advantage which redounded to the general good by the death of
+those enemies were greater than the loss should be by the destruction of
+those innocents, that then it was lawful. I beseech your Lordships mark
+here, that Garnett approveth this fact in particular; for this resolution
+was Catesby's whole ground; and this I prove by Rookwood his confession
+(which he brought forth), and therein it appeared that when Catesby made
+the first overture of this matter unto him, he conceived great horror of
+the fact in respect of the innocents that were to be there, whereunto
+Catesby answered, that he had advice of the most learned, that it was
+lawful, not by proposing the case in particular, but in a like." (Here Mr.
+Attorney, by his plain proof which he promised, hath proved himself to be
+guilty of a malicious and false inference, and Father Garnett to be clear
+from all furtherance to the Plot. For, first, this case was put to Father
+Garnett before the time this general notice of something in hand was given
+him by Mr. Catesby: though here Mr. Attorney did maliciously put it after,
+to make it seem that Father Garnett might gather some light what should be
+meant by them, hearing now this particular case out of the former general
+knowledge, which the Attorney saith he had before received. But the
+general knowledge came after, which I prove by these alleged words of Mr.
+Attorney. For here he saith, he had resolution in this case before he
+acquainted Rookwood; and that general knowledge was given after the matter
+was commenced: for, so he said, there was something in hand, but he could
+not tell him without leave of two; at which time Father Garnett refused to
+know the matter, but dissuaded it in general. Now that he proveth also
+Father Garnett clear from persuasion or consent, I prove by his own words,
+where he saith that Mr. Catesby persuaded Mr. Rookwood to yield, upon the
+resolution he had received of the like case, not of the same case; whereby
+it appears, they first concluded of it amongst themselves, and the rest
+consented to it, without Father Garnett his knowledge or privity, much
+less his counsel. Now whereas Mr. Attorney will needs conclude, that
+because Mr. Catesby did infer the lawfulness of the particular out of the
+resolution in general, therefore Father Garnett should be guilty of the
+powder; by the same reason he may prove many Doctors in the Schools, and
+the most learned writers that are or have been, to be guilty of the same
+treason; for they deliver the same doctrine in the same case, as it was
+put to Father Garnett. And as they, being wholly ignorant of the matter,
+cannot be touched with it, for delivering their true opinion, so Father
+Garnett, when that case was put, thought of nothing less than that they
+had any such intent. And afterward when he perceived something in general,
+that he also laboured to hinder by persuasion: and so no way to be blamed,
+but much to be commended, if he had his right).
+
+"Then further," says Mr. Attorney, "Garnett, under pretence of a journey
+to St. Winifred's Well, and I know not what marriage, retired himself into
+Warwickshire, which was the rendezvous for all the conspirators,
+pretending he had no place to abide in until the Parliament." (It is well
+known to many Catholics that all the safe lodgings which Father Garnett
+had about London were lately before discovered, and that was a chief cause
+of his journey; and it was unfit to take a new house about London, before
+they might see what laws would be made at the Parliament, which were
+expected would be such as there would be no abiding there.) "He also made
+a prayer for the great business about the Parliament time, which was
+
+
+    Gentem(429) auferte perfidam
+    Credentium de finibus,
+    Ut Christo laudes debitas
+    Persolvamus alacriter."(430)
+
+
+Now for the subsequent circumstances Mr. Attorney produced, an
+interlocution between Father Garnett and Father Ouldcorne in the Tower;
+which thing is before declared at large and therefore needs not here be
+set down, the chapter growing too long by other points not before so much
+declared. Only this here is to be noted, that Mr. Attorney reported the
+matter otherwise than it was; for he said, that by reason the Tower was
+full of prisoners, the Lieutenant was constrained for want of room to
+lodge them in two chambers joining one upon another, which they perceiving
+did often discourse together, and being overheard by the Lieutenant's men
+passing to other prisoners, some of them were placed near adjoining to
+overhear them.(431) And so out of that interlocution, and Father Garnett
+his confession taken by the Lords after the same, he proved that Father
+Garnett was told in confession of the Powder Treason; which point alone he
+was able to prove against Father Garnett, and the which Father Garnett
+acknowledged, but proved it to be both lawful and necessary for him to
+proceed as he did therein. Then Mr. Attorney began to exaggerate the
+greatness of the treason, because it was intended against so worthy a
+Prince, and so noble a progeny, in whose praises he spent a long time; but
+not needful to be set down in this place. Then he praised and sought to
+please the City of London, affirming that the King, in desire to give
+contentment unto the city, had caused that solemn trial to be made in that
+place, which belonged to the public justice of the city.
+
+Then he returned to Father Garnett, and said that he and the Jesuits had
+plotted these foresaid treasons against all these so worthy persons; and
+that the Jesuits were Doctors of four D's; first of Dissimulation, wherein
+he made an invective against the doctrine of equivocation, showing a
+written book of that matter which had been taken in some search, the title
+whereof was written with Father Garnett his own hand, "Against lying and
+untruths;" and, said Mr. Attorney,(432) "If this doctrine might be
+admitted, that men may swear and forswear what they list, there would be
+no martyrs: the holy Ridley, Cranmer, and Latimer would not have been
+martyred." (These were three notorious heretics burnt in Queen Mary's
+time.) "The thirty-two Popes, that were virginal martyrs, would not have
+suffered on a row. This doctrine was begun by Arius, who having a schedule
+of the Catholic doctrine in his left hand, and another of his own opinion
+in his bosom, laid his right hand upon his breast and sware he believed
+and would maintain that doctrine _he had in his hand_ during his life."
+(Many such things he said against "equivocatio," either mistaking or
+misreporting wholly the state of the question.) The second D, he said, was
+Deposing of Princes, for which he produced a place out of Philopater,
+affirming that heretics cannot bear rule over Catholics; and another out
+of Dolman's book of titles to the like effect, also two places of Simanha,
+whom he termed the Spanish Jesuit. The first, that all heretics were
+excommunicate _de jure_ at Easter, and were excommunicate _de facto_. The
+second was that a Prince once excommunicate "amittit jus regnandi;"(433)
+and not only for himself, but for his heirs. The third D, is the Disposing
+of kingdoms, for proof whereof, he alleged that they would have disposed
+of the kingdom of England to the Infanta of Spain, without any memory of
+King James. The fourth and last D, was the Deterring of Princes with fear
+of their excommunications, and I know not what. And then, with some
+invectives against Jesuits, he dehorted all men from conversing with them,
+with this saying, "Qui cum Jesu itis, non itis cum Jesuitis." "Neither,"
+said he, "are their Priests less perilous than they of whom I hope I may
+presage the destruction near at hand; for seeing I am informed they are in
+number about four hundred, they may fitly be resembled to the four hundred
+false prophets that Micheas had in his company;(434) for as they were
+possessed of lying spirits and then perishing, so may we hope that these
+Priests and Jesuits publicly teaching this doctrine of lying and
+equivocating are near their downfall." And then making a low reverence he
+concluded his speech.
+
+(M22) Mr. Attorney having ended,(435) Father Garnett, having first made
+his reverence with a very modest countenance began his speech, first
+craving pardon for the weakness of his memory, if he should fail to give
+them satisfaction in any particular that had been objected against him.
+"But I trust," said he, "with the help of Mr. Attorney, I shall fail in
+nothing of consequence. And considering the whole discourse of Mr.
+Attorney, I find the things by him treated of, may be reduced to four
+principal heads: the first, concerning our doctrine in general; the
+second, concerning recusants in general; third, concerning Jesuits in
+general; the last, concerning myself in particular.
+
+(M23) "And for the first, Mr. Attorney inveigheth greatly against that
+point of doctrine wherein we teach that equivocations in some cases may be
+lawfully used, as a doctrine which he supposeth to hinder Martyrs from
+their crowns and to break the bonds of human society; neither of which can
+ensue out of that doctrine, as we do teach it. For we do not teach (as Mr.
+Attorney affirmeth) that it is lawful to equivocate in matters of faith;
+but we teach the contrary most expressly, rejecting that doctrine as an
+heresy, condemned long since in the Priscilianists. Yea, some Catholics
+have suffered death for answering directly to questions which they might
+have avoided, but that they feared they should then equivocate in matters
+of faith, or seem to deny their religion. And, my Lords, because I have
+discoursed to your Lordships of this point heretofore, and to other
+learned men sent to me in the Tower, I will be the shorter at this
+present: and as I say, it is never lawful to equivocate in matters of
+faith, so also in matters of human conversation, it may not be used
+promiscually, or at our pleasure; as in matters of contract, in matters of
+testimony, or before a competent judge, or to the prejudice of any third
+person: in which cases we judge it altogether unlawful. But only we think
+it lawful when it is no way prejudicial to others and to be used for our
+own or our brother's good, or when we are pressed to questions that are
+hurtful to be answered unto, or urged upon examination to answer to one
+who is no competent judge, or who would force us to open matters not
+liable to his court: as if they should examine me of the secrets of my
+heart, or the secrets I have heard in confession; because these secrets
+are not liable to any external court, I may in these cases, for avoiding
+of inconvenience, and redeeming my own vexation, lawfully use some
+reservation. Neither doth this liberty prejudice any whit human
+conversation; but it is conformable to reason, agreeable to the doctrine
+of the holy Fathers, and to the consent of all learned men, without
+contradiction of any one that ever I heard or read of, who teach generally
+with St. Thomas of Aquin, affirming the same which I have said, in several
+places, and specially in that place where he teacheth that if a Confessor
+should by any man whosoever be examined concerning points which he knoweth
+only by confession, he may lawfully, yea, he is bound to disavow them. And
+this doctrine is also found in the Scripture itself; for confirmation
+whereof, I will cite only two places. The first is that place where our
+Saviour being demanded concerning the Day of Judgment by His disciples
+made answer, 'De die illa nemo novit, neque Angeli Dei, neque filius
+hominis, nisi solus Pater.'(436) But certain it is that Christ our Saviour
+did know of the Day of Judgment, not only as He was God, but as He was Man
+also, as all holy Doctors and Divines do constantly affirm. Wherefore it
+cannot be denied but therein He used some mental reservation. For lying
+can no ways be tolerable and much less practised by Him that is the rule
+and measure of all truth, as St. Augustine excellently proveth in that
+place where he distinguisheth eight kind of lies, all of them being sins;
+and the least of those when it is 'mendacium officiosum,' to the good of
+some, without the hurt of any. So that seeing this saying of our Saviour
+cannot be verified otherwise but, as St. Augustine expoundeth it, with
+this secret reservation that He knew it not to reveal it, it cannot be
+denied but these reservations in some cases are lawful. The second example
+is, where He said to His Disciples, 'Vos ascendite ad diem festum hunc:
+ego autem non ascendo ad diem festum istum.'(437) And yet,
+notwithstanding, the Evangelist affirmeth that after they were gone to the
+feast, 'tunc et ipse ascendit ad diem festum non manifeste, sed quasi in
+occulto,'(438) which argueth that in this general denial to go, He meant
+only that He would not go in public, which in His mind He reserved."
+
+Here my Lord of Salisbury interrupted the prisoner and said, that because
+the truth was oftentimes more plainly discovered by interposition of
+questions and answers, than by a continual speech delivered together, he
+would ask of Mr. Garnett one question concerning that doctrine he
+delivered. "For you teach it," said he, "to be unlawful to equivocate
+before a competent judge, and I trust you take us to be such. At the least
+I do. Now did not you deny in the Tower unto me with earnest asseveration,
+that you had not any conference with Hall, until the witness was produced
+against you, and then you confessed it? Is not this to equivocate before a
+competent judge, and in a matter of small consequence?" To this the
+prisoner answered that he did so because, until the witness came, he did
+think the matter wholly secret, and therefore not liable to the
+examination of any judge, though otherwise competent; besides he deemed it
+prejudicial to a third person, whom then he accounted an honest man. Then
+he went forward in his speech.
+
+"The second point of our doctrine," said he, "that Mr. Attorney greatly
+inveigheth against, is the doctrine of deposing of Princes and
+excommunicating of Kings. Whereof although I could discourse at large, yet
+for that I am unwilling in this honourable assembly to speak anything
+which may be offensive to His Majesty or to them, I will only say a word
+or two in just excuse of myself and my brethren, the Catholics of England.
+And, first, I beseech your Lordships to consider that our doctrine in this
+point is the very same which is taught and holden by all Catholic Divines
+and other subjects in all Catholic Universities and countries of the
+Christian world, which subjects are not by their Princes censured for this
+doctrine or condemned as traitors, nor their doctrine judged to be
+seditious or treasonable. And therefore I cannot see why we, concurring
+with them and with all our predecessors in this kingdom, without
+innovation or changing any one principle or tittle in that matter, should
+be so severely branded with such notes of infamy. Secondly, for clearing
+our case the more, I will observe a great difference to be made between
+our Sovereign that now is, and other Princes that have once embraced and
+professed the Catholic faith and do afterwards revolt and decline into
+heresies, parting themselves from that body unto which they were before
+united, disjoining and dividing themselves from that Head to whom before
+they had submitted themselves and by whom they were governed; for they
+incur the censures which those authors, cited by Mr. Attorney, do speak
+of, and are punishable by that power which in precedent times they
+admitted. But His Majesty's case is different from theirs; for he
+maintaineth no other doctrine than that which from his cradle he hath been
+nourished and brought up in. And therefore those general sentences are not
+by any private man to be applied to his case in particular." Here the Earl
+of Salisbury again interrupted him and demanded if the Pope could
+excommunicate King James, his Sovereign. The prisoner answered, "My Lord,
+I cannot deny the authority of His Holiness." Then my Lord of Salisbury
+demanded, whether if he should be excommunicated, it were lawful for his
+subjects to rebel against him. "My Lord," said he, "I have already
+answered that point. I beseech your Lordship to press me no further. You
+have my opinion in the Canon of Nos Sanctorum which I before alleged."
+Then Mr. Attorney produced the Canon, which was publicly read with
+derision of divers standers-by, who thought it ridiculous that the Pope
+should have such authority over Princes.
+
+(M24) After this the Father proceeded and the second thing he would answer
+unto, should be recusants in general, "who," saith he, "are accused by Mr.
+Attorney that they only grounded their recusancy upon the excommunication
+of the Queen by Pius Vtus, which, if it were true, then Mr. Attorney did
+infer that, seeing that our Sovereign that now is stands not
+excommunicate, it were lawful to repair to the churches and service of
+England. But if this were lawful, doubtless Catholics would have done it
+before this, thereby to avoid the penalty of those statutes which in that
+case are enacted. Neither is it true, that Mr. Attorney so constantly
+avoucheth, that till the eleventh year of Queen Elizabeth all Catholics
+did resort to their churches. For I knew many Catholics at that time
+living, that I am certain never went to Protestants' churches in their
+lives. And Sir Thomas Fitzherbert of my knowledge did not only refuse it
+before that time himself, but also had written a treatise to prove that it
+could not be tolerated in any Catholic; and it is apparent to the world
+that before that time many Catholic Bishops and Priests were imprisoned
+for their refusal. Whereby it is evident that their recusancy is not
+founded upon any excommunication; but only upon mere matter of conscience,
+judging it unlawful to communicate in their service(439) with such as have
+separated themselves from the Church. Which doctrine is as ancient as the
+condemnation of the Arian heresy; for even then the Catholics refused _in
+divinis_ to communicate with the Arians, albeit they had Priests, Masses,
+Altars and their whole service, the same both in substance and ceremony.
+Which doctrine hath also been taught by the most learned of the
+Protestants, Calvin, Luther, Beza and others, who all teach it to be
+unlawful to be present at our service, not only at Mass, which they count
+idolatry, but at Evensong also. Yet I grant this point was not so clearly
+understood by Catholics here until the Council of Trent, where twelve most
+grave and learned men were appointed to consult and conclude of this
+matter; who without controversy determined, that it was in no case lawful
+to communicate with the heretics in their service, no, not to avoid any
+torment whatsoever. And their decision was by the whole Council approved;
+although the same was also concluded of by the Council of Nice above 1,300
+years ago." Here again he was interrupted by my Lord of Salisbury, saying,
+"You go about to seduce the people." The rest of his speech only tended to
+the City of London, and seemed to tell them they should see such an
+anatomy of the Popish doctrine, that he hoped after that it would not have
+so many followers, with other words to like effect; which speech being
+ended, the prisoner resumed his discourse and said:
+
+(M25) "The third thing I determined to speak of was the Jesuits in
+general; of whom some have been by Mr. Attorney accused of undertaking
+several treasonable attempts, as the matters of Patrick Collyn, Yorke,
+Williams, and Squire, of all which I can say no more but this, that I have
+had the hands and protestations of those Fathers that are accused, as
+Father Holt and Father Walpole, who on their salvations affirm they never
+treated with the parties concerning any such matter; and that it was very
+unlikely, seeing the enterprisers of them were no Catholics, or but
+feigned Catholics, as Yorke and Squire were, who died Protestants, and
+were of so little acquaintance with those Fathers that it was no way
+probable they would employ them in matters of such weight. And howsoever
+they might in time of torture, or for fear, be brought to accuse
+themselves, yet at their death some of them discovered the practices and
+protested they died innocent of the facts for which they suffered, as
+Williams and Squire did. And for Father Sherwood, accused also by Mr.
+Attorney, there neither is nor was any such Father of the Society. Indeed
+there was one of that name that entered the Society; but he died before he
+came to be Priest. But I am sure there was none such of the Society, as
+Mr. Attorney accuseth.
+
+(M26) "Now for myself in particular. First I protest I am clear from
+approving, and much more from furthering, either this or any other
+treasonable attempts, and have ever thought and taught them to be
+unlawful; and have by all my best endeavours laboured to divert and
+suppress them. True it is,(440) that I did understand in general by Mr.
+Catesby,(441) that he would have attempted something for the good of
+Catholics; which I dissuaded him from so effectually, that I well hoped he
+would have desisted from all such pretences. And this I revealed not,
+because as a Religious Priest I thought to suppress it between him and me;
+which course our Saviour prescribeth, warning us, that if our brother
+offend in anything, we should admonish him between him and us: and if this
+prevail, 'Lucratus es fratrem tuum,'(442) saith our Saviour; and if that
+reclaim him not, then we may proceed further. Now, my Lords, because I was
+persuaded that upon this admonition he would give over his former designs,
+I held myself in conscience discharged from making any further discovery
+of that practice. Howbeit that in your common law I think that
+insufficient, in regard it deemeth it not convenient to leave the safety
+of the commonwealth depending on the discretion or peculiar provision of
+any private person. But yet, my Lords, that I did dislike such
+proceedings, and as much as I could did endeavour to reclaim them, your
+Lordships may gather by the express commandment which I procured by means
+of our Superior, whereby was expressly forbidden all attempts against the
+King in general, and also by the endeavours I used as seriously as I could
+to procure the like prohibition, and that under pain of some heavier
+censure: which I would never have endeavoured, if I had any way approved
+it. And I knew very well His Holiness much disliked all such courses; and,
+as I was informed, commended my care and vigilancy in seeking to repress
+the former stirs, wherein Watson and Clarke did join with others the first
+year of the King's coming into England. And lastly, in that I knew them to
+be contrary to our Religious obedience (of which virtue in the Society we
+make special account), by which we were expressly forbidden to meddle in
+any such causes."
+
+Here Mr. Attorney interrupted him and said, that he did not forbid them,
+for he could prove no such matter, but only by his words, who used to
+speak the best in favour of himself, "and," said he, "for that prohibition
+which you procured, I do not think you did it for love to us, but for your
+own ends, lest that by some matter of small importance your main plot
+should be prevented and hindered." To this he answered, "That all were
+prohibited in general, and therefore it could not be in favour of any one
+in particular." (Besides that prohibition was procured long before Father
+Garnett knew of this particular designment of those gentlemen, which as it
+appears by all proofs, was long after the powder was all placed, and but a
+little time before it should have been put in execution.) "And, Mr.
+Attorney," said Father Garnett, "howsoever you labour to misconstrue my
+intentions, my meaning was so as I have said. And to proceed further, I am
+blamed also for giving letters of commendation to Mr. Thomas Winter and
+Faulks and others that went over (as now it appears) for accomplishing of
+treasons. And to this I answer, that I gave them indeed letters of
+commendation; but I protest I knew not that they went over about matters
+of treason, for that I never inquired of their businesses. But if I knew
+them to be Catholic men and of good conversation, then,(443) without
+further inquiry, I gave them letters to testify so much to my friends
+beyond seas, desiring their favours and furtherance for them in any
+ordinary matter of courtesy or charity. And the like letters I have given
+to divers other Catholics that were no ways to be touched with any
+treacherous attempts: and these were altogether unknown to me."
+
+Here my Lord of Salisbury did interrupt him. "Mr. Garnett," said he, "did
+you give them the letters without knowing the end why they were sent
+over?" "Yea, my Lord," said he. "Why," said my Lord of Salisbury, "did not
+you yourself tell me that you did nominate Sir Edmond Baynham as a fit man
+to go over to the Pope?" "My Lord," said Father Garnett, "I told your
+Honour thus much: that it was thought convenient that some one should
+inform His Holiness of the estate of our country, and that it was a great
+charge to send over one of purpose for that business; knowing therefore
+that Sir Edmond Baynham was going over, and had been so resolved for above
+two years, I thought it better, that now he might discharge that care and
+save that charge, than that one should be sent over to the Pope of set
+purpose to inform of the state of England." "Nay," said my Lord of
+Salisbury, "you told me that Sir Edmond Baynham went over to acquaint the
+Pope with this Plot of Treason, and that therefore you would not have him
+said to be sent by you, because the Pope would be offended that you
+employed a layman in that business." "My Lord," said Father Garnett, "at
+the going over of Sir Edmond Baynham I did not know of that treason
+myself, and therefore could not think that Sir Edmond went to acquaint him
+with it." (Note the modesty of this Father that would not contradict the
+Earl, although the matter touched him very near; but rather proved, by a
+necessary consequence, that he could not say so unto him, than he would
+seem to aver the other had misreported his words.) "Nay I am persuaded,"
+said the Father, "that Mr. Catesby would not have revealed the matter in
+particular to the Pope himself. Howbeit, afterwards I imagined with myself
+that peradventure Mr. Catesby by his means might intend to acquaint His
+Holiness with some pretence in general for the Catholic cause, which they
+would undertake if His Holiness should approve it And this I supposed only
+because Mr. Catesby promised me that he would not go forward with any
+attempt till the Pope had been acquainted and made privy to it And I said
+to your Lordship, that therefore I would not that Sir Edmond should be
+sent from us; for that it would displease the Pope we should send or
+employ any person whomsoever in the affairs of England; but refer them to
+others, whom it more concerned."(444)
+
+Then Mr. Attorney replied that Mr. Faulks had confessed that Sir Edmond
+Baynham was to give notice unto the Pope of this their attempt: and to
+this effect was produced a confession of Faulks which said that Sir Edmond
+Baynham was sent to Rome to acquaint the Pope with the matter when the
+blow should be given, and to crave his assistance and furtherance in all.
+To this he answered: "What they determined, I know not. And it may be,
+they thought at that time to have conveyed him some letter to give him
+notice thereof. But it is more than I know, and very unlikely that the
+first news should come by me, for the common fame and rumour thereof would
+have prevented my letters by a great while." Then said Mr. Attorney: "You
+see, my Lords, what great care this man had for the preventing of this so
+great a danger; and yet he saith he did not approve nor consent to it. But
+I will prove that he did both; for, as I have said before, he gave Catesby
+the resolution that it was lawful to be done not in that case, but in
+another like to it; which notwithstanding was the sole ground Catesby
+stood upon, as appeareth by Rookwood's confession, before alleged and now
+again produced and read. Besides he made a prayer for the good success of
+the Powder Treason, about the time it should have been put in practice, he
+having known thereof in particular before by Greenway his confession."
+
+(M27) To this the prisoner answered: "That the case was proposed to him in
+general, and so he resolved it, being a case common in all just wars,
+where if a town could not be taken, or a wall beaten down without the
+death of some innocents, all casuists do hold that fact to be lawful. But
+that Mr. Catesby misapplied this general question, was neither fault nor
+approbation of mine; which when I heard (M28) of, I conceived a great
+horror at the thing itself, and thought it would be a scandal and disgrace
+to Catholics; and therefore, besides the former means which I had used to
+suppress it, I did also in my prayers desire some milder course might be
+taken, if it were God's will." "Nay," said my Lord of Salisbury, "you
+prayed not with that condition; for you said to me in the gallery, that
+although we did not approve of your Masses, yet you did think assuredly
+that they had done us good; for you prayed heartily that it might not come
+to pass, except it were for the good of the Church." Father Garnett
+answered "that he said not so; but that he desired God to make a milder
+course, if it were His holy will. As for the prayer upon All-Hallow Day,
+wherein you note those words so precisely, 'Gentem auferte perfidam,' you
+must understand it was the hymn of the same Feast, which in my exhortation
+I admonished the hearers to iterate unto Almighty God for the Catholic
+cause, the Parliament being then at hand, and great fears in us of more
+severity ensuing towards us; and therefore I meant not the Powder Treason,
+but to desire God that He would put in the mind of His Majesty and the
+Lords there assembled in the Parliament not to permit those rigorous laws
+to pass against us, which we feared would at that time be concluded of,
+and to restrain the too much forwardness of some others in the company
+that were more violent against us." "Indeed," said Mr. Attorney, "you said
+you would so colour it." "No, in truth," said the Father, "that was my
+true intention."
+
+Then witnesses were called into the Court which had heard the
+interlocution; and Mr. Attorney spake in commendation of one of them,
+saying he was a great linguist, a Justice of Peace, and a learned man, and
+one that would do wrong to no man. Father Garnett said he thought so too,
+but he might be mistaken, for that which he said was no more but that he
+could answer that point very well, for he would say (as in truth it was)
+that he meant, that the laws intended might not pass against us. "And how
+say you, Mr. Fawcet, bethink yourself, were you not mistaken?" (Here one
+may see the good Father had some hope left, that some sparks of grace and
+true dealing had been left in the man according to his former promises of
+friendly meaning; but he found the contrary, and that they were agreed
+together what they would aver, "convenientes in unum adversus christum
+Domini,"(445) for he answered,) "No," said he, "we both understood it so
+and writ it down so, and have had so great care to do you no wrong, that
+we omitted divers things wherein we agreed not, and nothing was set down,
+but with both our consents." "No," saith my Lord of Salisbury, "if we
+would touch you with the testimony of one witness, we could charge you
+with further matters than these, but we will not do so, that the world may
+see what mildness and mercy we use in execution of justice, and to this
+end my Sovereign determined that your trial should be in this honourable
+assembly. For who is Garnett that he should be called hither; or we should
+trouble ourselves in this Court with him? which I protest were sufficient
+for the greatest Cardinal in Rome, if in this case he should be tried. No,
+Mr. Garnett, it is not for your cause that you are called hither, but to
+testify to the world the foulness of your fact, the errors of your
+religion, and His Majesty's clemency. For these causes His Majesty
+ordained your trial should be in this Court before this honourable
+assembly, wherein we may glory as much as if the greatest Cardinal in Rome
+were pleading at the bar. And, therefore, the witness is a man of
+reputation and who would do you no wrong."
+
+Mr. Garnett said he thought so too, but he might be mistaken. "No," said
+my Lord of Salisbury, "he was near you enough to understand your words:
+for Hall and you, of policy, were lodged so near one to the other and in
+such a place where your interlocutions might be easily heard." (Here it
+appears Mr. Attorney his speech was idle when he said it was for want of
+rooms and by chance that they were overheard; but he did not foresee that
+the Earl meant to make the truth in this point of policy serve his turn
+for a further policy, as here it appeareth. Unto which end also the good
+usage was directed to satisfy the Ambassadors who were then present, and
+others that were like to inquire of his usage in particular.) "For
+Christian policy is not to be condemned in any well-governed commonwealth,
+and if we should not use such courses, I know not how we should deal with
+such people as you. You have in your pamphlets so described us for
+cruelties and persecutions. But let him testify that is here at the bar,
+whether he hath not been used with extraordinary favour? How say you, Mr.
+Garnett, is it not so?" "My Lord," said the Father, "I must acknowledge my
+entreaty to have been very honourable, for which I esteem myself much
+bound to His Majesty."
+
+Then my Lord of Salisbury urged that he was bound to have discovered the
+Powder Treason which he knew by Greenway his confession, "being no
+sacramental confession by your own laws," said he, "for it had no
+contrition and was _de futuris_, and so could not be a Sacrament in your
+own religion." (This point is answered where the thing itself is
+particularly declared at the time and place when it happened. Here the
+Father did only answer to the Earl's chief intention and said:) "Though he
+nothing doubted but Mr. Greenway had contrition and all things needful to
+make it a sacramental confession, yet howsoever the party were penitent or
+not, the Confessor may not reveal it without mortal sin, if he utter
+himself in confession, and not in derision of the Sacrament." Then said
+the Earl of Northampton, "Mr. Garnett, Greenway in his reservative clause
+was more careful of you than of the King or commonwealth, in giving
+liberty to you to reveal it in time of your own danger, which should have
+been rather to have prevented the danger to the King and commonwealth."
+Father Garnett answered that Mr. Greenway having it himself also from them
+by confession, was restrained and limited how far he should give leave to
+open it; and that the Confessor hath no extensive liberty at all further
+than the penitent gives unto him.
+
+Then said the Earl of Nottingham, "Mr. Garnett, if a man should tell you
+in confession that he would stab the King with a dagger to-morrow, are you
+not bound to reveal it?" "My Lord," said he, "unless I could know it by
+some other means, I might not." Hereupon the people fell into a great
+laughter, not understanding that the secrecy of confession concerneth a
+greater good in the life of many souls, than the corporal life can be of
+any particular man. When the laughter ceased, the Father proceeded and
+said, "In that case, my Lord, my duty were to dissuade the party from it,
+to refuse to give absolution, and by all(446) means to labour to divert
+it, which might not open the confession."
+
+Then said the Earl of Northampton, "Mr. Garnett, you were consenting to
+the Powder Treason, for you did not forbid it: and it is a case by every
+good Priest approved, that 'Qui non prohibet cum potest, jubet.' "(447)
+"My Lord," said the Father, "I did prohibit it, as much as in me lay." My
+Lord of Northampton replied, "Why did you not then make it known to those
+that could and would have hindered it?" Father Garnett answered, as
+before, that he could not do it, because he knew it only in confession.
+Then the Attorney pressed him in this manner. "Although you could not
+discover Mr. Greenway, by whose confession you knew it, yet might you have
+well discovered what you understood concerning Catesby and his associates,
+whose confessions you heard not." The Father answered, "What sin soever is
+heard in confession, although it concern not the penitent but some other,
+cannot lawfully be revealed."
+
+Mr. Attorney then urged him with his being in Warwickshire at that time
+when these troubles should have happened, amplifying it again, as in his
+former speech he had done. To which Father Garnett answered that by reason
+of a journey which he had made that summer to St. Winifred's Well, he
+passed through that country, and was by the entreaty of some of his
+friends and some occasion also of business detained there for a time, not
+suspecting any such troubles would have happened in that place: which, if
+by any forecast he could have foreseen, they might well imagine he would
+in discretion have been a good way off from that place and country.
+
+"But," said my Lord of Salisbury, "what did you, Mr. Garnett, the 6th day
+of November, when Bates came to you with a letter from Catesby, after the
+Plot was discovered and they in open rebellion?" "My Lord," said Father
+Garnett, "I said I would not meddle with him that had wrought himself into
+such treasonable attempts, and thereby endangered himself and his
+friends." "Yea, but," replied the Earl of Salisbury, "did not you send
+Greenway to Catesby, who went to raise the countries abroad?" "My Lord,"
+said Father Garnett, "he went without my knowledge; neither could I gather
+by any speech of his that he had any such intention, as Bates could
+testify, if he were alive." And indeed Bates had said as much as that in
+his letter, before set down verbatim in the 11th chapter, which was more
+than Father Garnett could know of.
+
+Then, for conclusion, Mr. Attorney desired license to read a letter
+written by Mr. Tresham, lying upon his death-bed in the Tower, wherein
+upon his salvation he cleared Father Garnett of any notice of the Spanish
+treason, protesting that he had wronged him in it, and that he had not
+seen Father Garnett of fourteen years before. "Now," said Mr. Attorney,
+"to prove this untrue, here is a confession of Mrs. Ann Vaux, who (though
+otherwise a very obstinate woman) yet in this she confesseth plainly, that
+within these three years Tresham had been several times at her house with
+Father Garnett, and twice this last year, at which times Father Garnett
+had given him very good counsel. So that you see," saith Mr. Attorney,
+"they will swear and forswear anything." The like said my Earl of
+Salisbury upon the same occasion.
+
+But they did not (or would not) mark, that Mrs. Ann Vaux her confession
+doth make nothing at all against Mr. Tresham his protestation; for he said
+not he had not seen Father Garnett within the last three years; but that
+he had not seen him of fourteen years before the Spanish treason, which
+was the year before the Queen's death; as his words are plain, and the
+cause also of his writing doth make it plain, for his intention was only
+to clear the Father of the Spanish treason, which he had wrongfully
+accused him of, and therefore it was a very material proof that he had not
+seen him of fourteen years before that business;(448) but they would needs
+draw his meaning to be, that he had not seen him of fourteen years before
+the writing of the letter. But this was their misconstruing, not his
+equivocating; yea, then his words had been very unproper, for he should
+rather then have said, "I have not seen him of fourteen year, or this
+fourteen years;" but whereas he said, "I did not see him of fourteen years
+before," he must needs mean of fourteen years before the time he spake of,
+which was the Spanish treason. Therefore they were to blame, that did so
+much insult upon Mr. Tresham after his death, as though he had been found
+to have protested an untruth. But they did it to take occasion to infer
+thereby that other protestations also were like to be untrue, which divers
+of the conspirators had made before their death to clear the Fathers. But
+against theirs, no pretence of exception could be alleged; but only that
+theirs might be false, because this was false: which had been an evil
+consequence, although this had not been true. But this of Mr. Tresham's
+was true: and the others undoubted, and no ways to be disproved. And it is
+worthy to be noted how Almighty God did permit them now, at the end of
+this long day's trial of Father Garnett, to bring forth this letter
+(whereby they thought so clearly to disprove such testimonies as might be
+afterwards brought for Father Garnett), which letter did indeed so clearly
+prove him innocent in that former dealing with Spain, whereof there were
+more likely presumptions against him than about this Powder Treason.
+
+The cause and manner of writing this letter was this. Mr. Thomas Winter
+had confessed that six gentlemen were acquainted with that Plot, but could
+say nothing of Father Garnett, that he did so much as know of it. Mr.
+Tresham acknowledged in his first examinations that himself was acquainted
+with it, _vdlt._, that money and men should have come from thence; and
+being found more fearful and easy to be wrought upon than the rest, he was
+urged to confess Garnett to be privy thereunto; to which he answered,
+"Perhaps he was." On which words reflecting afterwards when he lay in
+extremity of sickness in the Tower, and prepared himself to die, he
+thought the Council would take advantage against Father Garnett by that
+which he had said: therefore before his death he caused his man to write
+in his name unto the Earl of Salisbury, protesting upon his salvation,
+that Mr. Garnett was not acquainted therewith, &c, as before was set down
+out of the letter read. This letter he was not then able to sign himself,
+he was so weak at that time, and therefore caused his wife to do it, and
+commanded her, as she would answer it before God, to deliver it to my Lord
+of Salisbury, for the discharge of his conscience; but afterwards growing
+somewhat better, he did call for the writing again, and signed it with his
+own hand. And his wife after his death, because she could not be admitted
+to come to my Lord of Salisbury, inclosed it in a letter of her own, and
+sent it to his Lordship. And the man that wrote this letter, being
+afterwards taken by Sir William Wade, Lieutenant of the Tower, for fear of
+his threats, affirmed his master had written the letter himself (not
+daring to be known, that he had written it at his master's appointment),
+but afterwards being at liberty, he went to the Recorder and affirmed
+before him, that it was his master that had caused him to write it, and
+had himself subscribed it: and for this the man was committed to a close
+and strait prison, to Bridewell, the worst prison about London.
+
+Notwithstanding all this, upon the reading of this letter, my Lord of
+Salisbury presupposed it as granted that Mr. Tresham did mean to
+equivocate in this letter, which the good Father did not contradict, not
+observing perhaps the circumstance of Mr. Tresham his words before
+alleged, which was no marvel, being clean wearied out with so long
+standing at the bar, and answering to every man's questions before, which
+more concerned himself; and himself so often interrupted in his own
+discourse, that it was misliked by divers of the standers-by; yea, the
+King himself, who was there in private, sent word at length to my Lord of
+Salisbury, he should give the prisoner leave to speak freely. My Lord of
+Salisbury therefore took occasion upon this supposition to speak at large,
+and said, though he would not meddle with Mr. Garnett in matters of
+divinity, yet because he had been particularly employed in that service,
+he desired to demonstrate with what sincerity and moderation His Majesty's
+justice was carried in all points. And so he discoursed of the manner of
+the proceeding therein, and said it was not performed with such solemnity
+in respect of Garnett, who was but a private man, but to discredit in his
+person his religion, and to credit the Gospel, and also to show the King's
+just proceedings to the world, and withal to favour the City of London, in
+doing it in the sight of the city. Then he showed how gently Father
+Garnett had been used, more like a nurse-child than otherwise, and that in
+this arraignment divers things had been permitted to be read, which made
+for Father Garnett; as namely this testimony of Mrs. Vaux, who, said the
+Earl, would sacrifice her life to do him good. And so he concluded,
+affirming that the whole course of proceedings in that matter had been
+mixed with such clemency, as he thought there was none so malicious that
+could calumniate. My Lord of Northampton also made a speech much to the
+like effect, to show the foulness of the Plot of Powder, the just and
+merciful proceedings of the King, and the presumptions of Father Garnett
+his being guilty.
+
+Which done, the jury was willed to go together, and Father Garnett, ere
+they departed, desired them they would take such things as he had denied,
+to be justly and truly disavowed, except they had more evidence to the
+contrary; and desired them to give their verdict only upon that which was
+acknowledged to be true, and not upon any other presumptions. And so
+indeed (by God's providence) it was performed: for they went together for
+a short time, and presently returned and pronounced him guilty directly
+for not revealing this treason.(449)
+
+He was then asked whether he had any more to say for himself, and my Lord
+of Salisbury told him it was the King's pleasure he should have free leave
+to speak (but this leave was pronounced very late, after so many hours of
+continual interruption). The Father answered he had no more to say but God
+save the King; and referred himself to the mercy of God and the King, and
+that he desired their Lordships to recommend his cause unto His Majesty,
+whom if it would please to grant him life, he would labour to deserve it
+the best he could, his conscience reserved. If otherwise, he was prepared
+to die.
+
+Then Serjeant Crooke prayed judgment might be given. The crier was willed
+to proclaim silence. The Lord Chief Justice, Sir John Popham, pronounced
+sentence of judgment against him, which was, to be hanged, drawn, and
+quartered.
+
+The Earl of Northampton made a second speech to this effect unto the
+prisoner. "Nothing is, that hath not been: nor nothing hath been, that is
+not. That all which hath been spoken this day might be rightly understood,
+you are condemned not for religion or your profession; but for treason
+verified by pregnant proofs. It is necessary to look into the ground of
+this action and safety of the King; which by the Scripture is sufficiently
+commanded and proved, that there is no cause sufficient to depose Princes,
+neither tyranny, nor adultery, nor idolatry, nor apprehending of Priests,
+nor simony, nor heresy, nor apostacy. No power upon earth can dispossess
+him. That Popes have attempted it sometimes, hath been abuse crept in
+within these five or six hundred years, but the ancient Popes would never
+do it, yea, St. Gregory calleth the Emperor, his Lord. No man may lay
+hands upon the King, as is proved by many examples in the Old Testament.
+You are commanded in the New Testament to obey your Princes; and so all
+the ancient Fathers teach. For the Prince's life is in no man's power, but
+in the hands of God Himself. All examples of Scripture prove you ought not
+to touch his body, but to persuade his soul. You allege the Canon of _Nos
+Sanctorum_ to prove it in the Pope's power to depose Princes for some
+causes; but it never can be proved lawful by any learning or law for this
+1600 years. Therefore whosoever doth maintain it, is in a foul and most
+gross and grievous error."
+
+This was about six or seven o'clock at night. Then the Court broke up; and
+Father Garnett being condemned to die was returned back to the Tower until
+the day of his execution. The King as he went from the place of trial,
+where he had been in private, was heard to say, they had done the prisoner
+wrong to interrupt him so often; and also, that if he had been in the
+prisoner's place he could have defended himself better in some points. The
+Protestants were generally much appalled at the beginning of Father
+Garnett his speech, and some that came from the hall said, that never any
+man did speak so at that bar. But towards the end, they did weary him
+exceedingly with so many interruptions and interrogations. But it did
+comfort the Catholics much that he was condemned only for concealing the
+treason which he had only heard in confession; and consequently his
+condemnation and death was only for concealing confession, which is a most
+happy cause, and the case of a martyr, as all the Catholics did then
+account him, and as the justice of his cause did then approve him: and God
+hath since his death declared by diverse signs, of which I will afterwards
+speak in their fit place.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XIV. Of The Arraignment And Execution Of Father Ouldcorne And
+Those That Suffered With Him, And Of The Occurrences There, With A Brief
+Relation Of His Life.
+
+
+Whilst Father Garnett was kept as yet in the Tower and the expectation
+great(450) what would become of him, not only of all the people, but of
+many principal persons also (the resolution of the Council concerning him
+being known to very few), and whilst, in the meantime, the whole afflicted
+company of his friends and spiritual children did join in earnest prayers
+unto God for him; whilst this was the thought and the business of the poor
+distressed Catholics, it was determined by the State that Father Ouldcorne
+should be sent into the country, where Father Garnett and he were taken,
+there to be arraigned, condemned, and executed. Wherein assuredly the
+providence of God, and His sweet disposition was plainly to be seen both
+towards the good Father himself and all the Catholics of that shire. For
+doubtless a more grateful thing could not have happened to that Father
+than to suffer in that place where he had laboured so long, and now to
+water those plants with his innocent blood which he had, with the help of
+God's grace, so carefully planted, and so many years watered before with
+Catholic doctrine and instructions of good life. Neither could anything
+have been provided more profitable or pleasing to that country than to
+have him die amongst them, whom in his life they did so highly and so
+worthily esteem, and to see his constancy at the end of his course, whose
+virtues they had seen and admired in so many years' conversation. Briefly,
+they might well and did esteem it a great happiness to see him go to a
+crown of glory who had assisted so many of them to the obtaining of grace,
+"ut coronati essent in misericordia et miserationibus."(451) And so to
+have him a patron to their country for time to come who had been a pattern
+to them in the way of virtue whilst he walked amongst them.
+
+This good Father, therefore, about the midst of Lent was sent from the
+Tower towards the county of Worcester, and with him Mr. Thomas Abington,
+in whose house both Father Garnett and Father Ouldcorne were taken; with
+them also Mr. John Winter, the youngest of the three brothers, who was
+before condemned when his brothers and the rest of the conspirators were
+condemned, but was not executed with them, because the Council would have
+some of them executed in the country for the greater terror; and rather
+this than the rest, because he was no actor about the Powder, but only a
+party in the rebellion, which, therefore, was thought fittest to be
+punished where it was performed: and withal it was the rather deferred
+until this time of Father Ouldcorne his execution, to make a show unto the
+people that Father Ouldcorne was to be touched with the same conspiracy or
+rebellion for which it was known the other suffered. With him also was
+sent down Ralph ------(452) of whom I spake before, who had for some years
+faithfully served Father Ouldcorne in his spiritual business and
+negotiation for souls, and was taken with him, and brought up to London
+with him, and had suffered torture in the Tower with him, and now was
+carried down with him, and was to go to Heaven with him.
+
+As they went through Holborn, going out of London, Mrs. Abington(453) did
+meet her husband, Mr. Thomas Abington, and, with many tears, took her
+leave of him, but yet promised to labour earnestly with the King for his
+pardon, which she hoped to obtain the rather by her brother's means, who
+was the Lord Mounteagle, now in special favour, as you may guess, being
+the man that had discovered the Plot of Powder.(454) Mr. Abington wished
+her to be of good comfort, for himself was not troubled; and withal,
+willed her to put His Majesty in mind how he had suffered four years'
+imprisonment for his good mother, for whom also his elder brother was
+executed, and that himself had never undutifully thought against him or
+his in his life. They were all carried down to Worcester like prisoners,
+and prisoners supposed to be guilty of most heinous treason, and their
+usage by the way and at their coming to Worcester answerable thereunto.
+
+They were arraigned at the Lent Assizes, which is a Court of public
+justice holden twice a year in every county for the trial, as well of
+country causes in law, as for life and death, touching all such
+malefactors as are taken and do belong to those shires in which the
+Assizes are holden. Therefore, at the Lent Assizes at Worcester were
+brought to the bar Father Edward Ouldcorne and Ralph ----, also Mr. Thomas
+Abington and Mr. Humphrey Littleton, of whom I have declared before that
+he was the man in whose chamber Mr. Robert Winter and Mr. Stephen
+Littleton were taken. In which respect this Humphrey Littleton, hoping to
+deliver himself from danger of the law (upon the large promises that were
+contained in the proclamation to any that would be the means of taking
+Father Garnett), discovered Mr. Abington his house, where both Father
+Garnett and Father Ouldcorne were taken. And yet it was not God's will he
+should for so evil a deed have his expected pardon, for his greater good,
+as it is to be hoped, for, seeing worldly hopes and promises to fail him,
+he sought for mercy(455) at God's hand, and became very penitent for his
+fault and frailty showed in that discovery. Mr. Abington was indicted and
+condemned upon the statute of relieving Priests, although he did allege
+for himself that which had been sufficient to clear him, _vdlt._, that he
+was absent from his own house, and who might come in his absence he knew
+not, nor could hinder; and, before he came, they were so shut up and
+besieged in secret places, that they could not be gone; therefore he,
+neither being cause of their coming nor staying, could not justly be found
+guilty of that penal statute. But they knew so well his constant love to
+Catholic religion (which had been so often times and so well tried
+before), and his devotion also and respect unto Priests was so well known
+unto them, that they made no scruple at all to presume that those two
+Fathers were there with his approbation and good liking; in which respect
+they doubted not to condemn him as guilty, although, before the time of
+execution, there came a reprieve from London, obtained by his wife and the
+Lord Mounteagle of His Majesty; and so his life remaineth still at the
+King's pleasure, and his lands and goods forfeited: which lands of his,
+because they should have returned to his heirs in case he had been put to
+death (this statute being but of felony and not of treason), they might be
+a motive to save his life, that so the gain might be greater by his life
+than by his death it could be.(456) The gentleman showed great constancy,
+courage, and devotion at the receiving his judgment, as he had often done
+before in his examinations and conventions before many several
+commissioners for the cause of religion, where at all times he did answer
+with such learning, judgment, and sufficiency (being a man of great
+reading and of a very good understanding), that his adversaries were
+generally unwilling to deal with him in that kind. And several Bishops of
+Worcester (to whom he had been prisoner)(457) had received diverse foils
+at his hand both in private and public conferences.
+
+Mr. Humphrey Littleton was indicted and condemned of high treason, for
+receiving and harbouring the two gentlemen before named, Mr. Robert Winter
+and Stephen Littleton, who were proclaimed traitors. He acknowledged that
+fact, which he could not deny, but yielded he had much more deserved death
+for his treason to God in betraying his servants those two good Fathers,
+than in any ill intention he had unto the State, in not delivering up
+those two for whom he was condemned.
+
+Father Ouldcorne his indictment was so framed that one might see they much
+desired to have drawn him within the compass of some participation of this
+late treason; to which effect they first did seem to suppose it as likely
+that he should send letters up and down to prepare men's minds for the
+insurrection. But for this they had no other ground but that he was a man
+so much esteemed by the best Catholics in those parts, and those countries
+were the place which it seemed the conspirators did most trust upon for
+assistance. They also did seem to think that he had written some letters
+for the relief and conveying away of Mr. Robert Winter and Mr. Stephen
+Littleton after their rebellion, and before they came to Humphrey
+Littleton's, where they were apprehended. Also, they accused him of a
+sermon made in Christmas, wherein he should seem to excuse the
+conspirators, or to extenuate their fact, and, withal, that speaking with
+Humphrey Littleton in private about the same matter, he should advise him
+not to judge of the cause, or to condemn the gentlemen by the event,
+alleging some examples and authorities to prove that God doth not always
+give present success to such causes as yet He doth approve and will
+afterwards prosper. "Sed nullam istarum causarum poterant probare, Patre
+rationem reddente, quoniam neque in Legem, neque in Regem quicquam
+peccavit."(458)
+
+And for the first, being a mere supposition, without any proof or instance
+to be alleged, it could not have any force against him, whereas his
+protestation was of great force in denial thereof, affirming seriously,
+upon his death and salvation, that he never knew anything at all of that
+treason, and that he was as innocent thereof as the child new-born. And
+for the second, as they without proof did suppose that he had holpen to
+convey away Mr. Robert Winter and Mr. Stephen Littleton, being his ghostly
+children and dear friends, he cleared himself very sufficiently from so
+unjust an accusation. But, withal, did prove very learnedly there at the
+bar, that if he had so done, yet he could not be justly condemned for that
+by any law, all circumstances considered of his estate and theirs, they
+having been reputed for so virtuous men before this error, and might
+justly be presumed to be very penitent now for this enterprise so
+unadvisedly undertaken.(459) For the last, he utterly denied he had spoken
+anything, either in public or private exhortations, to justify the attempt
+of the conspirators, and declared there what he had said and with what
+intention. And Mr. Humphrey Littleton, who had been his accuser in those
+points, did there publicly ask him forgiveness in the Shire Hall, and said
+he had much wronged him.
+
+But when none of these things could be proved against him, yet, being a
+Priest and a Jesuit well known to have gained many souls to the Catholic
+faith, he was found guilty by the jury and condemned by the judge to be
+hanged, drawn, and quartered, as in case of treason, and as blessed Father
+Campian and Father Southwell and others of his predecessors had been
+before him. He received the sentence with joy, and told them there in
+public that he had been tortured in the Tower five hours five several days
+together, one after another, which, if it were five hours at a time even
+one of the days (as his words were understood), then was it a most great
+extremity that he sustained. For one hour's torture will make the hands so
+swollen and so sore (besides the pain in the other parts of the body),
+that it is a very cruel thing to put a man to the like the next day after.
+"Sed Deus non deserit sperantes in se, in quo omnia possumus."(460)
+
+Ralph ---- was also indicted and condemned, upon supposition that he had
+carried letters to and fro about this conspiracy. But they neither did nor
+could allege any instance or proof against him, and he solemnly protested,
+upon the salvation of his soul, that he had never known of the treason in
+the least degree. So that he could not be condemned nor suffer for any
+other cause but for the helping and assisting the good Father there
+condemned with him, in his spiritual functions. Which cause, as it was
+glorious in itself, so for it the good and virtuous man did very gladly
+accept both sentence of death and death itself, as he showed most
+apparently after, when he came to his execution.
+
+Thus they received all four sentence of death, but Mr. Abington was
+reprieved, and they three were kept in the jail together, with Mr. John
+Winter, until the next Monday after, which was the day of execution. In
+the mean time Father Ouldcorne added one gem more unto his crown by the
+conversion of an obstinate sinner, who was condemned to die for his
+notorious wickedness. This man "cum in eadem damnatione esset, necdum
+tamen timebat Deum,"(461) but the very day before he was to die went
+singing and whistling up and down the prison, and jesting now with this
+man and then with another, which thing being observed by Mr. John Winter,
+the young man, pitying much the lamentable state of soul of that poor
+heretic, began to admonish him that such neglect of his future account
+could not proceed but from a great blindness of soul and obduration of
+heart, affirming, withal, that in the Catholic religion he had been taught
+a much different manner of proceeding, especially at such a time. The
+careless heretic answered him he saw no cause to be sad, for he should be
+with the Lord before the next day at that time. Mr. Winter replied that he
+could not be sure of that, and that it depended much upon his care and
+penance and preparation in the mean time. The heretic replied he need not
+to take care for that which Christ had taken care for sufficiently. By
+which answer and manner of proceeding of this poor man,(462) one may
+plainly see the spiritual blindness(463) and desperate danger which heresy
+hath brought souls unto in this country, this being not only an opinion
+which some of them do hold, but an absolute point of their faith to
+believe, that they(464) shall certainly be saved, and that so soon as they
+are dead (because they believe no Purgatory). Yea, this is with them not
+only a point of faith, but their very justifying faith, by which, they
+say, they must be saved without necessity of good works. Wherefore no
+marvel, though this poor fellow did out of that ground build his secure
+and careless proceedings, laying all upon Christ His back, wherein they
+pretend that they attribute much to the Passion of Christ, and that we
+dishonour the same by requiring the necessary concurrence of our own
+cooperation.
+
+Mr. Winter, finding the heretic obstinate, and yet seeing and pitying his
+lamentable estate, told him he was far wide, "but," saith he, "if you will
+talk with the Father that must die with you to-morrow, he will make it
+plain unto you that you are in error, and will show you the right way how
+to save your soul." The man answered he cared not with whom he talked, for
+he knew no man could prove him to be in error. Mr. Winter called the
+Father, who was retired to his prayers, and hearing of this opportunity of
+doing good, came gladly, took the man aside, and began to catechise the
+man with such judgment, learning, and spirit, that he first led him out of
+the labyrinth of his errors, then taught him what was necessary for him to
+believe and know expressly, and in all the rest to(465) submit his
+judgment to the Catholic Church, which he proved unto him invincibly could
+not err nor lead into error. Then taught him how to prepare himself to
+become a member of that Church, and having instructed him how to examine
+his conscience carefully, sent him away to do it by himself, and promised
+that night to hear his confession. The man returned from the Father
+greatly satisfied and contented, and forthwith applied himself to his
+business, left all his companions, and got himself into a corner, there to
+recount his years so carelessly spent, and so little thought of before
+that time. His companions, wondering at this sudden alteration, came to
+invite him to be merry and drink with them, as he had before, but he sent
+them away with this answer, that he had serious business to think of. That
+night the good Father kept his promise, and reduced this stray sheep into
+the flock of Christ, supplying with his prudence and skill that which, in
+so short a time and so raw a scholar, was likely to be(466) imperfect in
+the preparation of his penitent. Yea, he made good proof in this one
+patient how great dexterity and skill he had in the curing of diseased
+souls. For, with the effectual assistance of God's grace, he wrought this
+man's mind, not only to a constant belief of the Catholic faith, but to a
+fervent profession also of the same, and a public demonstration of a
+perfect conversion. For the next morning, when the Father was laid upon
+the hurdle and drawn to the place of execution, according to the use and
+the form of sentence which was pronounced, this neophyte, being led in
+company of other prisoners in a foot-path hard by the horse-way, when he
+saw his Father come by lying upon the hurdle, he suddenly slipped from the
+rest of the company and stepped into the horse-way and followed the hurdle
+directly, though the way were foul and no footman went in it but himself.
+The keepers and the rest of the prisoners called upon him, and asked him
+why he did so. He answered, he would follow his Father to his death, whom
+he hoped to follow after death to a better place. "Why," said they, "art
+thou become a Papist?" "I am a Catholic," said he, "I thank God and this
+good Father, and so I mean to die." They replied that he was a notorious
+thief, and known to have committed many mischiefs. "It is true," said he,
+"I was so indeed when I was of your religion. I was then a Protestant and
+a thief, now I am a Catholic and penitent; and as heresy was the cause of
+my disorders then, so now the Catholic religion is the cause and means of
+my repentance." And in this mind and manner of proceeding he continued
+till his death, to the admiration of all who had known his former courses,
+which gave occasion to divers to see and acknowledge the great difference
+between those trees which brought forth such different fruits.
+
+Father Ouldcorne, being come to the place appointed for their death, first
+with great fervour commended himself to Almighty God, to the Blessed
+Virgin, and to his patron, St. Jerome, to whom he was ever very much
+devoted. He then declared unto the people that he came thither to die for
+the Catholic faith and for the practice of his function, seeing that they
+neither had nor could prove anything against him which, even by their own
+laws, was sufficient to condemn him, but that he was a Priest of the
+Society of Jesus, wherein he much rejoiced, and was ready and desirous to
+give his life for the profession of that faith which he had taught many
+years in that very country, and which it was necessary for every one to
+embrace that would save their souls. Then, being asked again about the
+treason and taking part with the conspirators, he protested there again
+that he never had the least knowledge of the treason, and took it upon his
+death that he was as clear as the new-born child from the whole Plot or
+any part thereof. Then, commending his soul with great devotion, humility,
+and confidence into the hands of God and to the Blessed Virgin, St.
+Jerome, St. Winifred, and his good Angel, he was turned off the ladder,
+and hanging awhile, was cut down and quartered, and so his innocent and
+thrice happy soul went to receive the reward of his many and great
+labours.
+
+After him followed Ralph, his faithful follower and companion of his
+labours, who showed at his death great devotion and fervour, as may be
+guessed by this one action of his; for whilst Father Ouldcorne stood upon
+the ladder and was preparing himself to die, Ralph, standing by the
+ladder, suddenly stepped forward and takes hold of his good Father's feet,
+embracing and kissing them with great devotion, and said, "What a happy
+man am I, to follow here the steps of my sweet Father!" And when his own
+turn came, he also first commended himself by earnest prayers unto God,
+then told the people that he died for religion and not for treason,
+whereof he had not had the least knowledge; and as he had heard this good
+Father before him freely forgive his persecutors and pray for the King and
+country, so did he also. Then, before he was stripped of his clothes
+(which is usual to all such as are afterwards to be quartered, that their
+bodies may be the sooner cut up after they are laid upon the block), he,
+perceiving a Catholic maid of his acquaintance stand weeping by the
+gallows, he ungartereth himself, and, with dexterity, casteth them so unto
+her that others could not perceive that he did it of purpose. But the maid
+doth still keep the garters as great jewels, and thereby it may appear
+what opinion he had of his own innocency and the cause of his death. He
+showed at his death great resolution joined with great devotion, and so
+resigning his soul into the hands of God, was turned off the ladder, and
+changed this life for a better.
+
+At this time also suffered Mr. John Winter, who, as I have said, was
+condemned at London with his two brothers and the rest of the
+conspirators, but reserved to die at this time for reasons before declared
+in the beginning of this chapter. He died with great show of devotion and
+good state of mind, as might appear also by his fervent endeavours the
+night before to help towards the conversion of that soul before mentioned.
+He acknowledged the fact for which he died, to wit, that he had risen in
+arms and joined himself to the other conspirators; but affirmed that he
+did it only to restore the Catholic religion: and so took his death
+patiently and with show of a contented, willing mind in respect of that
+intention.
+
+Then suffered also Mr. Humphrey Littleton, who, before his death, and
+before the Father was put to death, did there again ask him forgiveness,
+and said he had wronged him much: also he asked forgiveness of Mr.
+Abington in particular, and of all Catholics in general, in respect that
+he was the cause of the apprehension of the two Fathers at Mr. Abington's
+house, for which he acknowledged he deserved death much more than for the
+relieving of Mr. Robert Winter and his cousin, Mr. Stephen Littleton, for
+which he was to suffer. He died with show of great repentance, and so with
+sorrow and humility and patient acceptance of his death made amends for
+his former frailty and too unworthy desire of life.
+
+There had also suffered the like death(467) for the same occasion,
+_vdlt._, for relieving of Mr. Robert Winter and Mr. Stephen Littleton
+before they were apprehended, one Perkises and his man in the same city of
+Worcester, the 27th of January before(468): and about the same time, for
+the same cause, two others in Wolverhampton: all which I suppose to have
+been Catholics, in that it was not likely those gentlemen would commit
+themselves to the fidelity of any others; but as yet I cannot learn the
+certainty. That same Mr. Stephen Littleton was sent down into
+Staffordshire, to be tried and executed in Stafford, in respect that his
+house was in that shire where all the conspirators were last received, and
+where some of them were slain and the rest taken. For which assistance
+given unto the conspirators, and for joining with them in open rebellion,
+Mr. Stephen Littleton was condemned and executed. At his death he
+acknowledged the fact, and said he did it only for religion, for which he
+was ready and willing to die. He showed great resolution and devotion, to
+the satisfaction of all the country.
+
+With him were sent down twelve or thirteen others, some gentlemen, some
+serving-men, who were arraigned and executed in the same place, who,
+although they were taken with their masters being in rebellion, yet they
+stood unto it they did it only for religion; and divers of them were
+offered their lives if they would go but once to heretical service, which
+they refused to do, and, consequently, died most happily, "eligentes
+potius absque opere incidere in manus hominum, quam peccare in conspectu
+Domini, et morientes propter justitiam regnum coelorum adepti sunt."(469)
+But as for Father Ouldcorne and Ralph, their case was so clear that no
+Catholics in all the country doubted to call them, and to call upon them
+presently as Martyrs, and did strive exceedingly for some part of their
+holy relics. Besides, Almighty God did testify by special signs the great
+merits of blessed Father Ouldcorne, which I think fit here to set down,
+after some brief rehearsal of the course of his life, so far as it hath
+come unto my knowledge.
+
+Father Ouldcorne was born in the county of York of honest and faithful
+parents, who brought him up in the Catholic religion, and in his young
+years kept him to school; so that he was a good grammar scholar when he
+first went over beyond the seas, which was about the twenty-second year of
+his age, and some twenty-seven or twenty-eight years ago.(470) He first
+studied in France in the English Seminary at Rheims some two or three
+years, and from thence was sent to the English College at Rome, where he
+remained ----(471) years. He heard his course of Logic, Philosophy, and ----
+years of Divinity, in all which he profited very well, being of a very
+good capacity. But his chief care and desire was to profit in spirit,
+which he did in such sort as was greatly to the satisfaction of all his
+Superiors, and the edification of the whole College. No man more careful
+to observe the rules, no man more forward to the practice of any
+mortification, often begging leave of his Superiors to go to hospitals and
+to serve in the kitchen, with other such like practices of humiliation,
+which he knew to be usual in the Society, unto which he had a vocation a
+long time before he could obtain his desire; though he was not deferred
+for any want of liking which his Superiors had, either of his spirit or
+other talents; but rather in their desire to further as many good spirits
+and sufficient men as they could to the end of the College, and to furnish
+the Clergy of England with able men against the time that God should
+please to have mercy upon our country. For the opinion his Superiors had
+of him was well declared in the particular choice they made of him, to
+send him into the kingdom of Naples and Sicily to negotiate for the
+College and to procure some alms, in a time of great want, when the
+College was far in debt, being overcharged with the number of scholars,
+more than their receipts were able to maintain; and yet the charity of the
+governors thereof such, and the want of fit workmen in the English harvest
+so great, that they would not lose good spirits when they offered
+themselves to that vocation. Father Ouldcorne, therefore, was sent about
+this business; and did perform it with such discretion and fidelity, that
+he brought a good round sum of money unto the College at his return.
+
+In the year 1588, he and Father Gerard were received together into the
+Society by the Rev. Father Claudius Aquaviva, General of the same, upon
+the Assumption of our Blessed Lady; and within five or six weeks after
+were sent together into England, in company with two other Priests who
+were not of the Society. By the way Father Ouldcorne gave very great
+edification unto all his company with his religious behaviour, showing in
+all his actions great humility and readiness to help and assist any of
+them in their needs. When they came to the sea-side, they understood of
+the extraordinary difficulty to pass into England, and of such persecution
+in England at that time, as had not been of long time before, the Earl of
+Leicester (who then ruled and overruled all under Queen Elizabeth) having
+made a solemn vow, that within a twelvemonth he would not leave one Papist
+in England; but God with His mercy prevented the malice of that
+persecutor, and called him out of this life within half the time that he
+had limited for the life of others. But in the meantime he caused divers
+to be put to death, both Priests and others, and set watch and ward in
+every town, so that none could pass the country that were not known, and
+could not satisfy the officers of their dwelling and manner of life. In
+which regard those Fathers of the College where Father Ouldcorne and
+Father Gerard stayed whilst a passage was preparing, would not by any
+means let them pass, thinking it impossible they should land safely and
+get safely to London.
+
+Whereupon they wrote back to Rome, to know their Superiors' mind, yet with
+earnest suit that it might please them to permit their going forward. They
+received answer from Father Persons, that the times were much more
+periculous than was expected when they went from Rome, yet sith the cause
+was God's, and their will so good to prefer the safety of others' souls
+before the safety of their own bodies, they might in the name of God
+proceed, if their desire still continued; but that it was left unto their
+own election. These letters were received with great joy, and the two
+Fathers, within few days after, got a ship wherein they embarked, thinking
+to have landed in the north parts of England; but sailing along the coast
+of England one evening, and seeing a shore where they might be set on
+land, and no town nor house near them to see where they landed, they
+resolved to commit themselves to the providence of God, and caused the
+sailors(472) to cast anchor until it was dark, and then in a cock-boat to
+set them on land. When they were landed, having first commended themselves
+to God, they purposed to have gone forward in the first way they could
+find, to get as far from the sea-side before morning as they could; but
+they found that every path did lead them to some house or other, where the
+dogs making a noise,(473) they durst proceed no further in that course;
+but got them into a wood, and there stayed all night, whilst it rained a
+good pace. But yet they were as merry as might be, and well contented with
+their wet lodging, as I have heard one of them affirm from whom I have
+these particulars. Towards day they commended their business earnestly to
+God, and, after their prayers, resolved not to adventure both to go one
+way to London, but to take several courses, that so if one were taken in
+the time of danger, the other might scape. They therefore looked into
+their provision of money, and he that had more gave it unto the other to
+make it equal, and then they embraced and gave one the other their
+benediction; and one went out on the one side of the wood, the other went
+out of the other hand. They never had been in that country before, nor
+knew any one person in the country, nor the way to London, where they
+promised to meet. But God provided for them both.
+
+Father Ouldcorne joined himself to some company that he found travelling
+that way, and being himself of an excellent wit and very sociable in
+company, he did so join those companions that they desired his company to
+London, and so they, being known in the way, did pass freely through watch
+and ward, and he also as one of their company was permitted to go without
+any further questions. Father Gerard was stayed by the watch in the first
+town he went through, and was carried by the watchmen to the chief
+officers of the town, who were then at their heretical service (it being
+Sunday morning). These officers willed the watchmen to bring him into
+service, and afterwards they would examine him. But Father Gerard refusing
+to go into their church, the officers were the more displeased, and sent
+twice or thrice commanding him to come in. But in the end, when they saw
+he would not, they were glad to come out to him, and examined him of many
+particulars, unto which he answered readily; yet they threatened to send
+him to the Commissioners of the shire. And when he expected no other but
+to have been sent first to them and then to prison, these officers said,
+"He looks like an honest man. Let him go; we will not trouble him." That
+first danger being past, he came safely unto the city that was the chief
+of that shire; and there, by special providence of God, did light into the
+company of some Catholics, and at last came acquainted with one gentleman
+of good worth, who provided him a horse and fit apparel for travel in that
+country, and carried him out of the city in his own company and to his own
+house; from thence let him have horses and a man with him to London, so
+that he passed very safely. And this gentleman sent earnest request unto
+his Superior that he might return into that country, which he granted; and
+so Father Gerard stayed a long time in that gentleman's house, who was his
+first host, and by his means got acquaintance in all that country and the
+countries thereabouts.
+
+Father Ouldcorne and he met at London according to their first
+appointment, and by good hap found the Superior then at London, though his
+ordinary abode were then in Warwickshire, almost a hundred miles from
+London. There were then no more of the Society in England but Father Henry
+Garnett, the Superior, and Father Robert Southwell, who was since martyred
+about eleven years ago,(474) and Father Weston, who was then in
+prison,(475) where he remained until this King's time, for the space of
+seventeen or eighteen years, and then was banished with divers other
+Priests. So that at liberty there was no more but Father Garnett and
+Father Southwell, and these two Fathers last come, of which Father Gerard
+was sent back to the country where they landed, and Father Garnett took
+Father Ouldcorne with him into the country where he remained. And there he
+employed him in divers missions round about,(476) and found him so
+practical and industrious that he doubted not to send him to the most
+difficult enterprises. Amongst the rest there was one gentlewoman,(477)
+sister unto a very honest Catholic gentleman, their great friend. But this
+gentlewoman was an heretic, and could not by any reasons or persuasion be
+reduced from her errors, though divers Priests had talked with her and
+much labour had been spent in vain about her. But no doubt she was
+reserved for Father Ouldcorne, for he being sent unto her, within a few
+days brought her to be a perfect Catholic; and afterwards she continued
+ever so devout that she did more good than any Catholic in all the
+country, and with her Father Ouldcorne did chiefly remain for sixteen or
+seventeen years together. In which time of his abode in those parts it is
+not easy to be believed how many obstinate heretics he converted, how many
+weak Catholics he confirmed, how many scholars he sent over to the
+Seminaries and religious women to monasteries, how many houses he brought
+to that degree of devotion that he might and did settle Priests in them.
+Indeed, I may safely say of him, without amplification, that "in illis
+partibus totas fere fundavit rexitque ecclesias domesticas."(478) Yea, in
+my knowledge, he assisted Father Garnett also with yearly provision of
+money, procured from his own acquaintance, towards his charges and
+maintenance of others, when the Society grew to be there of greater
+number. All the chiefest gentlemen and best Catholics of the country where
+he remained, and the countries adjoining, depended upon his advice and
+counsel, and he was infatigable in his journeys. I neither do nor have
+known any one Priest in England that did go so many journeys as he did,
+especially towards the latter end of his time, when he grew to be
+acquainted in so many places, and so much esteemed in all places, that he
+could never almost stay three days at home but he should be sent for.
+
+Yet was he for many years together of very weak health, proceeding partly
+of his pains-taking and partly of study, unto which he was very much
+addicted, and spent in it almost all the time that he had free from
+needful business. By which means about some eight or nine years ago he did
+spit blood in great abundance, but being very carefully tended and
+provided of all helps needful in such a case, he recovered; yet
+afterwards, with his like labours and earnest manner of preaching (in
+which he had a very good talent, though his voice were somewhat hoarse and
+painful unto himself, yet audible unto his hearers), he fell again to spit
+blood three or four times, which brought him to that weakness that no man
+thought he could recover. And being much consumed, he grew to have a
+cancer in his mouth, which afterwards was miraculously cured, as himself
+did tell me the story in this very manner.
+
+When the physicians did give their judgment that the cancer could not be
+cured, but that he must have some parts of the roof of his mouth cut out,
+and some bones also, he resolved first to try what help he could have from
+St. Winifred, a notable Virgin and Martyr, who hath in those parts a well
+famous for many miracles, where she was beheaded. Thither did Father
+Ouldcorne resolve to go on pilgrimage before he tried any further physic.
+And in his journey coming to a Catholic house, where he meant to
+celebrate, he found upon the altar divers relics, and amongst the rest a
+little stone of St. Winifred's Well with drops of blood upon it (as many
+of the stones have that are taken up in that well and in the current that
+runs from it). This stone Father Ouldcorne took and went aside into a
+place by himself, and fell earnestly to his prayers, desiring St.
+Winifred's help for his health, if so it were best for the service of God.
+Then he put the stone into his mouth and held it there some time, and
+behold within half an hour his mouth was perfectly well. He went forward
+to St. Winifred's Well, and there also recovered the strength of his whole
+body, and returned home so strong and in such sort that all wondered
+exceedingly. And after this time(479) he was more able to endure pains
+than he was before; and whereas once a year, commonly about the same time,
+he did usually grow weak and enter as it were into his consumption
+together, he used then no other physic but to go to St. Winifred's Well,
+whence he ever returned with perfect strength and health, which lasted him
+until that time twelvemonth again. All which particulars I set down as
+himself did recount them unto me.
+
+Thus he continued his labours until it pleased Almighty God to call him to
+receive a full reward for his so faithful service and fruitful endeavours:
+at which time he was near fifty years old.(480) The manner of his
+apprehension with Father Garnett, also of his strict examinations and
+cruel tortures received in the Tower, I have set down in the former
+chapters, and in this chapter I have declared how he was carried down to
+Worcester and there condemned and executed in the place which of all
+others he would have chosen, if he might have had his wishes, "Domino
+voluntatem faciente timentium se."(481)
+
+After his death it pleased Almighty God to testify his fervent charity and
+received crown of glory by these two notable signs. For, first, the place
+where his bowels were cast into the fire (as the custom is), being in the
+open field and subject to rain and all injury of weather, yet did the fire
+continue burning there, and could not be extinguished for sixteen or
+seventeen days together, until at last the town of Worcester, fearing a
+miracle, did send to put it out with violence. But they could not hinder
+the people from seeing the wonder to be great, and more than natural,
+giving unto Catholics just cause to remember with what zeal of burning
+charity he had for the like number of years sought to enkindle their
+hearts with heavenly fire, like the true disciple of Him that said, "Ignem
+veni mittere in terram et quid volo nisi ut ardeat."(482)
+
+In like manner there was seen to grow within the court of Henlip (which is
+Mr. Abington his house, where Father Garnett and Father Ouldcorne were
+taken, and where Father Ouldcorne had for many years together deserved a
+crown of glory), a formal crown of grass, both higher and of different
+colour from the rest of the grass round about it. And the wonder was the
+more in respect that the gates of the house being broken down at the time
+of the search, and so continually standing open, and both swine and other
+kind of cattle coming in, yet none of them would either eat of that grass
+or did tread upon it to deface it; yea, when neighbours did cut it down,
+in like manner as they had extinguished the fire, yet did it grow up again
+in like height and form as it was before, and so continued to the great
+admiration of all the country thereabouts. But it is to me much greater
+marvel that they will not open their eyes and see "quam mirabilis Deus in
+sanctis suis."(483) I hope in God the time will come when the city of
+Worcester will see and acknowledge both the burning charity with which
+blessed Father Ouldcorne lived and died amongst them, and the crown of
+glory which he hath received at the hand of God for his faith so truly
+kept and his course so happily consummate. His life was holy; his death
+saintly. God send us part of his blessed merits and intercession.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XV. Of The Execution Of Father Garnett, With A Brief Relation Of
+His Life.(484)
+
+
+After the condemnation of Father Garnett and the execution of Father
+Ouldcorne, they kept Father Garnett still in the Tower, to the marvel of
+many, from the time of his arraignment, which was the twenty-eighth of
+March, until the third of May. In the meantime there was of purpose spread
+many false rumours of his, that forsooth he would yield and go to church
+with heretics, and that they should see him preach publicly heretical
+doctrine, and such like; all which things God knows were far from his
+thoughts, as he showed by his great constancy, and in express words also
+when he came to die. But this was done to diminish the great and worthy
+opinion which was conceived of him generally, and to cause some bad
+rumours to be spread of him in other countries before his death, that the
+truth itself, when it came to be opened by his constant suffering, might
+have the less credit, at least in some men's minds, where the contrary
+prejudicate opinion should be before settled.
+
+All this time, which God of His gracious providence gave unto the holy man
+for his better preparation and perfecting of his fervent and religious
+desires, his enemies also gave him good occasion to increase his merits,
+often soliciting him(485) to declare who was intended for Protector by the
+Catholics if the Plot had gone forward, whereby it was thought likely that
+the Earl of Northumberland would have been deeply touched. And to this end
+it was constantly affirmed by some that knew much how things passed, that
+both life and favour were often and earnestly offered him, if he would
+have yielded in that point. But Father Garnett was far from any such base
+and unworthy mind: neither could he ever be brought to repair his own
+liberty with the ruins of others.(486)
+
+Wherefore when it was plainly seen that there was no hope to draw him to
+anything unlawful or unfit for a Religious Priest, it was then determined
+presently that he should suffer. And the day was assigned to be the first
+of May, which being told unto Father Garnett, he misliked the choice they
+had made of that day, as well in regard it hath not been usual to put any
+to death upon such great Feasts, as for that it hath long time been a
+custom in England upon that day in the morning early, for the people to go
+into the fields and come home with green boughs in their hands in sign of
+joy, and to spend most of that day in triumph and pastime. To which effect
+Father Garnett made answer, "What, will they make a May game of me?" which
+words of his (as it afterwards proved) he was by God's providence directed
+to speak. For when it was told to the Council what he said, they saw it
+was not fit, and altered the day from Thursday, which was May-day, until
+the Saturday following, which was the Invention of the Holy Cross, and the
+day no doubt assigned by Almighty God for his martyrdom; for, of all other
+days in that season, the martyr himself was most affected unto that,
+having ever had a special devotion unto the Cross and Passion of Christ;
+wherefore as he misliked the unfit choice of the other day, so he rejoiced
+exceedingly at this election, and prepared himself gladly to find this
+cross which God would send him upon that day, and by that cross to find
+the way to Heaven. He showed himself a true disciple and follower of the
+Apostle "et gloriatus est in cruce Domini nostri Jesu Christi, in quo est
+salus, vita et resurrectio ejus, per quem salvatus et liberatus est."(487)
+
+The manner of his preparation we cannot learn, all things being kept so
+close in that most close and strict prison, where none but his only keeper
+could possibly come to him; and that keeper a most malicious naughty
+fellow, as before hath been showed. But we may well judge of his
+preparation by the effects of his well prepared mind and his cheerful
+carriage, which, in so grave a man, was a sign of great peace and
+contentment of mind. When the desired day was come, Father Garnett was
+brought down from his chamber in the Tower, where first there met him one
+of the cooks of the house, who used to provide him his meat,(488) and this
+man took his leave of him saying, "Farewell, good sir;" upon whom Father
+Garnett looking with a pleasant smiling countenance, said, "Farewell, good
+friend Tom, this day I will save thee a labour to provide my dinner." And
+going a little further towards the hurdle, there met him also the
+Lieutenant's wife to take her leave, who said, "God be with you, and
+comfort you, good Mr. Garnett, I will pray for you." To whom, with a
+joyful countenance, he gave thanks, saying, "I thank you, good madam, and
+for your prayers, you may keep them at this time; and if it pleaseth God
+to give me perseverance, I will not forget you in my prayers." Then being
+brought unto the hurdle, there he was laid as the order is, having a black
+cloak somewhat long upon his other clothes, and a hat on his head. All the
+way as he was drawn (with three horses), he held his hands together,
+lifted up somewhat towards Heaven, and kept his eyes shut for the most
+part, as a man in deep contemplation.
+
+The place of the execution was St. Paul's churchyard, on the west
+end,(489) over against the Bishop's house; provided so by God, that as by
+his virtuous life and doctrine he had confuted heresy, so by his constant
+death he might confound both it and the teachers thereof. In that place
+there was a great scaffold made, and a gibbet in the midst of the
+scaffold. And such multitudes of people, noble and ignoble, so many
+standings set up by carpenters to hire out for money, that a mere place to
+stand on would cost twelvepence well; and the party from whom I chiefly
+have many of these particulars (being a Priest of great credit and
+estimation) was glad to give twelvepence only to stand upon a wall. All
+windows were full, yea, the tops of houses full of people, so that it is
+not known the like hath been at any execution. When he was taken up from
+the hurdle, his arms being still unbound, there met him the Dean of St.
+Paul's and of Winchester,(490) with a company of other ministers. And the
+Dean of St. Paul's said unto him (both he and the rest having their hats
+in their hands and with great show of reverence), "Mr. Garnett, I am sent
+unto you from His Majesty, to will you, that now being in the last hour of
+your mortal life, you will perform the duty of a true subject, to which
+you are obliged by the laws of God and nature; and therefore to disclose
+such treasons as you know intended towards His Majesty's danger and the
+commonwealth." By this it may appear they had often laboured him to
+confess something, and could never get anything in that kind, which moved
+them now again to make this last trial. To this Father Garnett answered,
+"Mr. Dean, it may please you to tell His Majesty, that I have been
+arraigned, and what could be laid to my charge, I have there answered, and
+said as much as I could; so that in this place I have no more to say."
+
+Then the Dean and other ministers began to persuade him to a true and
+lively faith (meaning their own solifidian doctrine), but in this he cut
+them off quickly, desiring them not to trouble themselves, nor him; and
+said that for his estate of soul he needed not their instructions; he came
+prepared and was resolved. Which two last words are of themselves
+sufficient to convince all the slanders his enemies would fain have
+imposed upon him, and to declare what he had done in his private prison,
+whereof as yet we cannot learn the particulars. Then he was brought upon
+the scaffold, where there was both the Sheriffs of London, the Recorder,
+with the Deans and Doctors before mentioned, and some other petty
+officers, as also some Catholics of reckoning, and well-wishers,(491) all
+which he saluted very kindly and cheerfully.
+
+And first he asked whether there was not some place to pray;(492) but the
+Recorder began to say unto him, that he and others were there by order
+from His Majesty, to bring him to remembrance of his treason, and that he
+should acknowledge he was justly condemned, and ask the King's
+forgiveness. To which he answered, he had not committed any treason nor
+offence against His Majesty, nor was ever guilty of the Powder Treason in
+the least degree, but had earnestly dissuaded and sought to hinder both
+that and all other attempts against His Majesty; neither could they
+condemn him for anything, but for not opening the secret of confession, in
+which only he had knowledge of that Powder Treason, and in which he had
+done according to his function, and therefore could not justly be
+condemned for it; neither had any ways willingly offended His Majesty. But
+so far forth as this concealing of the treason (unto which he was bound in
+conscience) did any ways offend His Majesty or the State, he did ask them
+forgiveness with all his heart.
+
+Thereupon the Recorder taking hold, said to the hearers, "Do you hear,
+gentlemen? He asketh the King forgiveness for the Powder Treason." To
+which Father Garnett answered, "You do me wrong: for I have no cause to
+ask forgiveness for that whereof I was never guilty, nor was privy to it
+in such sort that it may justly be imputed to me for concealing it." The
+Recorder then would gladly have made good his former speech with facing
+down the Father, and said: "What! will you deny your own hand? We have it
+under your hand, that you knew of it by other means than confession, that
+Greenway told you of it by way of consultation, and that Catesby and
+Greenway came together to be resolved of you." "No," said the Father, "Mr.
+Catesby never told me of any particular. And for Mr. Greenway, I knew it
+only, as I have said, by confession, which therefore I could not lawfully
+open, until now that I had leave so to do. Neither would I have named him
+as I have done,(493) but lest any might think him guilty of counselling or
+furthering in the matter, and(494) to the end the very truth might be
+known, because false reports make him thought more guilty than he is. What
+is under my hand I will not deny, but you shall never show my hand
+contrary to what I have spoken."
+
+The Recorder answered, "You do but equivocate, and if you will deny it,
+after your death we will publish your own hand, that the world may see
+your false dealing." The Father answered, "This is no time to talk of
+equivocation, neither do I equivocate. But in troth, in troth, you shall
+not find my hand otherwise than I have said." Which double asseveration
+did satisfy the hearers much, though he would not be satisfied that was
+resolved and prepared to contradict. Wherefore the Recorder said to one of
+his followers, "Let him see his own handwriting." "You cannot," saith the
+Father, "show me any such writing of my hand." Then he that should have
+had the note, said it was not there; it was left at home (at which divers
+of the standers-by laughed in their sleeves). "No," saith the Father,
+"neither here nor at home you have any such."
+
+Then they asked him whether he had anything to say unto the people. He
+answered his voice was low and himself weak; he doubted they could not
+hear him. But yet he(495) turned him to the people and said, "Upon this
+day is recorded the Invention of the Cross of Christ; and upon this day I
+thank God I have found my cross, by which I hope to end all the crosses of
+my life, and to rest in the next by the grace and merits of my Blessed
+Saviour. As for the treasons which are laid against me, I protest now at
+my death that I am not guilty of them, neither had knowledge of the Powder
+but in confession, and then I utterly disliked it and earnestly dissuaded
+it. Yea, I protest upon my soul I should have abhorred it ever, though it
+had succeeded. And I am sorry with all my heart that any Catholics had
+ever any such intention, knowing that such attempts are not allowable, and
+to my own knowledge contrary to the Pope's mind. And, therefore, I wish
+all Catholics to be quiet, and not to be moved by any difficulties to the
+raising of tumults, but to possess their souls in peace. And God will not
+be forgetful of them, or of His promise, but will send them help and
+comfort when it is most to His glory and to their good."
+
+Then some one that stood near unto him, seeking to interrupt him, and
+saying, "But, Mr. Garnett, were not you married to Mrs. Ann Vaux?"
+thereupon he, turning himself from the people to those about him, said,
+"That honourable gentlewoman hath great wrong by such false reports. And
+for my own part, as I have been always free from such crimes, so I may
+protest for her upon my conscience that I think her to be a perfect pure
+virgin, if any other in England or otherwise alive. She is a virtuous good
+gentlewoman, and, therefore, to impute any such thing unto her cannot
+proceed but of malice."
+
+Then, no more being said unto him, he prepared himself to execution, and
+asked if he might be permitted to pray, to which was answered, he might.
+Then he kneeled down at the ladder-foot, and there prayed for a good space
+in devout and religious manner. Then he helped to strip himself of his
+cloth unto his shirt, which was somewhat long, and himself had also sewed
+down the sides thereof almost to the bottom, that the wind might not blow
+it up, which was noted by many as a sign of great modesty in the Father.
+About that time a minister seemed again to insinuate himself as desirous
+to speak unto him in way of exhortation, but the Father desired him to
+hold himself contented, and not to trouble him any further.
+
+And being upon the ladder, after he had made the sign of the Cross and
+desired the prayers of all good Catholics, one said unto him aloud, "Mr.
+Garnett, it is expected you should recant from your religion and become a
+Protestant," for so it was given out that he would do, and afterwards
+preach at Paul's Cross. The Father answered, "God forbid. I had never any
+such meaning, but ever meant to die a true and perfect Catholic." And
+then, looking upon the people with a pious and undaunted countenance, he
+wished them to consider well the state of their souls, assuring them, upon
+his conscience and salvation, there was no other way for their eternal
+bliss but to live and die in the profession of the Catholic faith. Then
+said the Dean of St. Paul's, "But, Mr. Garnett, we are all Catholics."
+"No, no," said Father Garnett, "you are not, for such are only Catholics
+as live in unity and profession of one faith, under one supreme head of
+God's Church, which is the Pope's Holiness, and you must be all of the
+Catholic Roman Church, or you cannot be saved."
+
+Then he prayed for the King, Queen, Prince, the Council, and the whole
+State. Then he desired the hangman to give him warning before he did cast
+him off the ladder. Then, making the sign of the Cross with "In nomine
+Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti," he said, "Adoramus te, Christe, et
+benedicimus tibi, quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum;"(496)
+then, "Maria Mater gratiae, Mater misericordiae, tu nos ab hoste protege et
+hora mortis suscipe;"(497) then, "In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum
+meum,"(498) which he repeated twice or thrice; then,(499) "Per crucis hoc
+signum (blessing himself) fugiat procul omne malignum. Infige crucem tuam
+in corde meo, Domine;"(500) then returned again to "Maria Mater gratiae,
+Mater misericordiae, tu nos ab hoste," &c. Then he told the hangman he was
+ready, and being desirous to carry the Cross with him out of the world
+imprinted in his heart,(501) he crossed his arms over his heart upon his
+breast, and so was cast off the ladder, and his arms continued so across
+as he had placed them (not being bound, nor he making any struggling at
+all with death) until he had rendered his spirit to his Redeemer.
+
+Neither was he cut down before he was perfectly dead. For the people was
+so much moved with his modesty, and so altered from their former hard
+conceits of him by the sight of his constancy, and by his protestation of
+innocency at his death, that they prevented the hangman with a loud cry
+that he might not cut him down too soon. Who thereupon, having permitted
+him to hang awhile, would then have cut him down when he presumed him to
+be half-dead; but the people cried out again, "Hold, hold," and so again
+the third time, not permitting him to be cut down until he was thoroughly
+dead. Yea, and one of the citizens took him by the legs and pulled him to
+put him out of his pain, and that he might not be cut down alive. Which
+kind of favours are nothing usual when the people do presume men die for
+treason, and were not used to the gentlemen that suffered before, although
+men of good sort, and much beloved and esteemed before this enterprise.
+
+And it was much marvelled how the people durst do this so publicly, seeing
+the State so generally bent against Father Garnett in this cause. But most
+of them proceeded much further than this. For when he was cut up and his
+bowels cast into the fire, and his heart pulled out and showed unto the
+people with these words, which are ever used in such cases, "Behold the
+heart of a traitor," there was not heard any applause, or those that
+cried, "God save the King," which is always usual when the heart or head
+is holden up in that kind.
+
+Yea, so strange and unexpected an alteration there was in the very
+heretics themselves that some of them said, without doubt he was in
+Heaven; others said, "He died like a Saint;" others, that he looked not
+like a contriver of treason. Yea, and some ministers themselves were heard
+to say that questionless his soul was in Heaven. And, generally, the
+people went away much satisfied of his innocency and sanctity.
+
+The Priest, of whom I spake before, who saw and heard most of these
+things, going down from his standing, went under the scaffold in desire to
+get some drops of his blood, which he did, and found divers there hunting
+for the same prey. Besides, his shirt was presently gotten by a person of
+great account, and most of his apparel also was redeemed by several
+persons, and are now esteemed of more than their weight in gold.
+
+One marvellous thing happened whilst his body was dividing on the block,
+about a straw or ear of corn, which did strangely leap out of the basket
+into which his head and quarters were cast as they were cut up. This straw
+did leap into the hand of a Catholic, who stood by with great desire to
+get some part of the martyr's blood, but durst not be seen to take it.
+But, for that the chiefest marvel that concerneth this straw was not
+discerned at the first, but was discovered some days after, to the great
+comfort of Catholics and wonder of many: therefore I reserve it for the
+next chapter, as also some other marvel seen about Father Garnett's head.
+
+Now, therefore, having declared how he finished his holy life,(502) I will
+here set down so much of his whole course therein as I could learn from
+some of those that have been very inward with him, that it may the more
+plainly appear how his religious virtues did prepare and perfect him to
+this last conflict and conquest over the world.
+
+He was born in the county of Derby. His parents were well esteemed, and
+well able to maintain the charge of their family. His father was given to
+learning, insomuch that he made profession thereof, and taught Free School
+in the next shire-town, which was of Nottingham.(503)
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XVI. Of The State Of Catholics After Father Garnett His Execution:
+How God Did Comfort Them With Some Miraculous Events, And How Their Zeal
+Increased, Notwithstanding The Increase Of Persecution.
+
+
+It was certainly expected by the Puritans and enemies of the Catholic
+cause that, together with the death of Father Garnett, the hopes also and
+courage of Catholics would have died, and that, when they should see so
+chief a man so publicly arraigned and executed under the title of so foul
+a matter, none would after that adventure to deal with the Society, which
+was the principal mark at which they aimed, with all their solemnities and
+unwonted preparation in the foresaid passages both of his trial and death.
+But the wisdom of God (against which the wit of man doth labour in vain),
+having determined to conform His elected servants unto His own image, and
+that as well by pressures and crosses in this world as by rewards and
+crowns of glory in the next, hath ever used a contrary course to the
+expectation of His enemies, and doth not permit His Church by persecutions
+to be dejected, but doth rather dilate the palm-tree when it is
+suppressed, "et facit cum tentatione proventum ut possimus sustinere,
+educens nobis aquam de petra, oleumque de saxo durissimo."(504) And He
+that doth daily make the most barren and stony mountains to bring forth
+the sweetest oil for our corporal uses, much more for the good of our
+souls doth use to make sweet the yoke of persecutions with the oil of His
+grace and mercy, "computrescere faciens jugum a facie olei."(505)
+
+Therefore much otherwise than was expected, this holy seed of Father
+Garnett's slaughtered body falling upon the earth did bring forth great
+fruit. His mortified and divided parts did quicken and unite the minds of
+many that were before distracted with fears and uncertain reports, and his
+innocent blood did water the field of Christ in this country, and brought
+forth a plentiful harvest; yea, it did mollify the hearts of some that
+were before very hard to believe well of the Society, touching these
+imposed crimes. For although very many Catholics were before well
+satisfied of Father Garnett his innocency, and especially those that had
+dealings with him could not be ignorant how far he was from any such
+attempts, that laboured so much to suppress the least disorder in that
+kind; yet generally the heretics were otherwise persuaded, giving credit
+to those reports that were everywhere bruited of him. And some friends
+also stood doubtful how far he might be touched therein, upon the constant
+asseveration of his guiltiness in the cause, and that also given out by
+persons of no mean account. But when they heard him clear himself so fully
+at his arraignment from all concurrence or connivency in the matter, and
+perceived plainly he could and would have said much more in that place, if
+he had not been so often interrupted of purpose to put him out, and to
+disturb both his own memory(506) and the understanding of his hearers. And
+when at his death they viewed his innocency, patience, and religious
+manner of suffering, and saw most apparently both by the one and the other
+that no one of the Society was to be touched with any help or furtherance,
+or any willing assent unto that conspiracy, nor any one of the
+Company(507) have had the least knowledge thereof by any means whatsoever,
+but himself and that one Father from whom he had it, and they restrained
+by the secret of confession from opening it to others, and dissuading and
+hindering the same by all lawful means they could use. These things being
+plainly seen, and to be testified by so many witnesses as were there
+present both at his judgment and death, did fully satisfy all doubts, and
+clear the conceits of such as did before suspend their judgments of him.
+But especially when by his great patience and constancy seen at his death,
+his rare virtues did more appear, and his lamp, "quae erat lucerna lucens
+et ardens,"(508) did show itself so much the more brightly, his earthly
+vessel being broken, to the confusion of his enemies, and increase of
+comfort and courage to the faithful soldiers of our true Gideon.
+
+Then, as I related in the last chapter, not only the Catholics and his
+friends that were beholders were much confirmed, and their tears turned
+into triumph for the victory which this champion of God had gotten of the
+slanders of the world and malice of sin and heresy, but many also of his
+enemies did bear witness of his innocency, "dicentes, Vere hic homo justus
+erat,"(509) and wished their souls with his. Such force hath truth, that
+it cannot be conquered, and innocency, that it cannot be confounded. Well
+may it be oppressed for a time, but it cannot be suppressed; "aporiamur,
+sed non destituimur, persecutionem patimur sed non derelinquimur,
+dejicimur sed non perimus."(510) Yea rather, in the greatest needs our
+merciful God doth send the greatest comforts, and where His enemies do
+think most to triumph over Him, there doth He ofttimes manifest the truth,
+and set forth His own glory and the innocency of His servants with most
+apparent signs.
+
+And so it happened in this case of Father Garnett: for whereas the Fathers
+that suffered before in Queen Elizabeth's time were well known to all men
+to suffer only for their conscience, insomuch that although some matter or
+other were ever feigned to make it seem that they suffered for treason,
+yet the fictions were so palpable of matters never intended, nor so much
+as thought or heard of before the time they were objected, and those that
+were said to be joint-conspirators ofttimes so mere strangers that they
+never had seen or heard of one the other before: these apparent
+contradictions did make so manifest their innocent cause, that there need
+no divine testimonies to a truth so evident. But in this latter cause of
+Father Garnett, the case was somewhat different in the opinion of many,
+though his innocency the same, and the equity of his cause equal with the
+former. In this, it was very true, there was a real ground upon which the
+adversaries might raise a pretence of seeming truth in their accusation.
+There was a great and dangerous conspiracy intended and plotted and
+proceeded in by those gentlemen of whom I have before discoursed. Divers
+of these gentlemen were known to Father Garnett, and some of them had
+often used his help and the help of others of the Society in their
+spiritual affairs. And this matter also they had at length opened a little
+before it should have been executed unto two of the Society in the secret
+of confession, as I have before declared. Therefore in this case Almighty
+God did think it more needful in His divine providence to give testimony
+of His servant's innocency than in former times, when the cause itself was
+so plain, that it could not be contradicted.
+
+(M29) The first sign by which it pleased God to show the merit and glory
+of this His martyr was concerning his relics, which were eagerly sought
+for by many Catholics at the very time of his martyrdom. Amongst the which
+there was one young man,(511) who(512) stood by the block where the
+martyr's body was cut up, with great desire at least to get some drop of
+his holy blood.(513) And whilst he had these thoughts, not daring to take
+where he desired for fear he might be espied, it fortuned that the hangman
+having cut off the martyr's head and showed it to the people (as the
+custom is), he cast it into a basket standing there of purpose, full of
+straw, to hold the head and quarters when they were divided. Out of this
+basket did leap a straw, or ear void of corn, in strange manner into the
+hand of this young man, which he beholding, and seeing some blood upon it,
+kept it with great care, and no little joy that he had obtained his
+desire. He carried it away safely and delivered it unto a Catholic
+gentlewoman(514) of his acquaintance, who kept it in a reliquary with
+great devotion; and after three or four days,(515) a devout Catholic
+gentleman coming thither, she showed him the bloody straw, which he was
+also glad to see and reverence; but beholding the same more curiously than
+the others had done, he saw a perfect face, as if it had been painted,
+upon one of the husks of the empty ear, and showed the same unto the
+company, which they all did plainly behold, and with no small wonder, but
+with much greater joy did acknowledge the mighty hand of God, Who can and
+doth often use the meanest creatures to set forth His glory, and is able
+both out of stones and straws to raise a sufficient defence for His
+faithful servants.
+
+They put up the straw again with great admiration, and kept it now with
+much more reverence and devotion than before. This was quickly published
+to many of the chiefest Catholics about London, who much desiring to see
+this wonder, it was carried unto divers, who all are witnesses of this
+truth. At length it came to the Council's ear, and some of them desiring
+much to see it, it was granted, being now in the keeping of a great
+person,(516) but with promise to have it safely restored; so that some of
+them did see it, and did much admire it, affirming that it must needs be
+more than natural. Others after desired to see it and to seize upon it,
+because now the fame did grow so great of this image of Father Garnett
+drawn by the hand of God, whose image and memory they sought to deface in
+all they could, that they feared the evidence of the miracle would plead
+against their proceedings and prove him innocent whom they had punished as
+guilty. Therefore the Bishop of Canterbury(517) sought to have the
+miraculous straw into his hands, but it was denied, and none would
+acknowledge where it was to be found. He learned out the party to whom the
+keeping of it was first committed, and sent for her(518) husband, who was
+a known Catholic and a virtuous man. He examined him strictly how it came
+to pass, and where the straw was. The Catholic affirmed the truth of the
+thing, and described it unto him in words; but said it was not now in his
+keeping, and he knew not where to find it. And when they could get no
+other answer of him, they committed him to prison; but afterwards, having
+sundry and great friends in the Court, he got out upon bonds to appear
+again at certain days' warning.
+
+In the meantime it happened that two were miraculously cured by
+application of the same straw. One was a gentlewoman in great peril of her
+life by danger of childbirth, who, when she had sustained long and painful
+travail and could not be delivered of her burthen, and now was out of hope
+of life, unless she might obtain some help from God, some of her friends
+made earnest means to get this holy straw to bring unto her; which being
+obtained, and the straw brought and applied with great reverence,
+presently she received help, and was delivered by the mighty hand of God
+and merits of the martyr, whom no midwife's skill or endeavours could help
+before.
+
+Another was the gentlewoman herself who first had this miraculous relic
+delivered her to keep. For she being very much subject to sickness, and
+sometimes in such extremity therewith that you would not think she could
+be able to live an hour, it happened that in one of her extremest fits,
+when she could find no medicine or means that could bring her any ease,
+she earnestly desired a special friend to make suit for the straw to be
+returned unto her for a small time, which was granted; and as soon as it
+came (she receiving it with great devotion and reverence) she presently
+found ease, and within half an hour was so perfectly well that she rose
+from her bed, and went to entertain some strangers that then were in the
+house, and "erat una ex discumbentibus."(519)
+
+This sudden and strange cure of hers being spoken of by divers Catholics,
+it came out to be known unto the Council, who sent again for the husband
+of the gentlewoman, and took this new occasion to commit him the second
+time to prison.
+
+The Council afterwards understanding that this miraculous picture in the
+straw had been showed to divers painters in London, they sent for the
+painters, and willed them to make the like portrait to that which they had
+seen in a like empty ear of corn; but they all answered it was not
+possible for them to do it: neither could the draught of that face, in so
+little a room and so loose a groundwork as that empty ear, be otherwise
+drawn than by supernatural power. And this testimony they gave of it that
+had both skill to judge and no will to favour the Catholic cause (being in
+opinion heretics), but only convinced in their understanding by the
+evidence of the miracle.(520)
+
+Another marvellous thing which it pleased Almighty God to show for a
+public testimony of the glory which blessed Father Garnett now possesseth,
+is a visible and apparent circle of red about his head in the form of a
+crown, which was and is to be seen about his head, where it is set up, as
+the custom is, with the heads of others that died for treason. This hath
+had so many witnesses as would go to behold it, which were not a few, and
+besides, they did affirm that his face did continue so comely and with so
+pleasing a countenance, as it seemed rather the head of a man alive than
+separated from the body; and all his quarters also so purely white, that
+it was much admired by all that did behold them.
+
+To these I may adjoin the crown of grass which did grow in Mr. Abington
+his court, in the house where both blessed Father Garnett and blessed
+Father Ouldcorne were taken, which may be taken as a sign of his glory and
+crown of immortality as well as Father Ouldcorne's. And of this I spake
+sufficiently in the last chapter but one. I could hereunto add a vision
+which both of these blessed Fathers had in the Tower the 7th of March
+before their martyrdom, the very night before they were hung upon the
+torture. It happened in this manner. Father Ouldcorne in his sleep did
+seem to behold a very sumptuous throne set up, with great care and cost
+adorned, at which sight when Father Ouldcorne much admired, not knowing to
+what end it should be prepared, it seemed unto him that there entered into
+the room the most(521) Reverend Father General, and with him some other
+ancient Fathers; and that Father Ouldcorne did demand of Father General
+what should be the meaning or intention of that throne so much adorned;
+and that the Father should answer that both Father Garnett and himself
+should presently be professed. To which Father Ouldcorne made answer that
+Father Garnett was already professed. Then Father General replied, he
+would now have him make a more excellent profession than before. This
+vision Father Ouldcorne the next morning told unto his keeper, desiring he
+would tell it unto Father Garnett, which he performed; and Father Garnett
+assured him the very same thing, in the same manner, had also that night
+appeared unto him. But Father Ouldcorne did see it again the next night
+after. This was so generally spoken of in the Tower about that time, that
+if there had been no other means afterwards to know the truth, that alone
+had been sufficient to publish it.
+
+Now, when the other foresaid marvels were seen about his head after his
+martyrdom, and that the miraculous image of the straw was visibly seen by
+many Catholics, and generally known to all, you may well think that
+Catholics were greatly animated, receiving now, in their greatest
+distress, such comforts from the merciful hand of God, "qui est Pater
+misericordiarum et Deus totius consolationis, qui consolatur nos in omni
+tribulatione nostra."(522) And, indeed, the effect of these heavenly
+comforts was such in the hearts of poor afflicted Catholics, but
+especially the force of the martyr's blood and the merits of his innocent
+death (which now was plainly seen by all well-meaning men, and
+acknowledged by many also of his enemies, as before I have related), that
+whereas the Catholics did already feel a sharp shower of persecution in
+continual searchings and imprisonments and vexations much more than in
+former years they had experienced; and whereas they might easily discern a
+greater storm coming towards them, seeing, as it were, a thick and dark
+cloud coming on apace, carried furiously with the wind in such sort that
+it was likely to spread itself over all their hemisphere, intending to
+make a destroying deluge, no less universal than violent: though they
+might plainly see and hear daily thundered in their ears what cutting and
+cruel laws were intended and prepared against the Parliament which then
+was at hand: though they were assured beforehand that the penal statutes
+which then were to be enacted were so many and so merciless that their
+life would be more tedious (and terrible to many minds) than death itself:
+though they could find no friends that could or would now oppose
+themselves "murum pro domo Dei;"(523) the noblemen that were Catholics or
+esteemed friends to Catholics, together with all principal recusants,
+being clapt in prison; and all others that before did seem to favour the
+cause now being blown away with this storm of persecution, and carried
+with the current of the present stream rather to oppose themselves against
+Catholics, both in word and action, than any ways to seek the release or
+relaxation of their present afflictions or prepared penalties: though all
+this, and more than I can in this place commodiously set down, were felt
+and feared by the Catholics at this time, yet such was the goodness of God
+towards us, such the force of His grace obtained by the merits of these
+holy martyrs, that presently, upon the death of blessed Father Garnett,
+you might see his innocent blood had warmed all their hearts; you might
+see in them a new fervour, expecting persecution with a peaceable and
+cheerful mind; you might see them everywhere begin to prepare themselves
+neither to resist nor run away, but how to bear the blows of persecution
+with Christian patience.
+
+And although there were some few examples of human frailty, making choice
+rather to do against their conscience in going to heretical service than
+to adventure the loss of their earthly commodities, yet these were so few
+in number, and so followed afterwards with the remorse of conscience and
+the justice of God, that their example did rather confirm than weaken the
+constancy of other Catholics. I could hear but of three men of any note
+then fallen in that sort, whereof one was a knight, of a worthy family,
+and himself ever a devout Catholic; his lady also, ever forward but much
+affected to those(524) men that would not at the first submit themselves
+to [the] Archpriest, whom His Holiness had appointed to be their Superior
+in England. This good gentleman, as I heard, having long paid the statute
+for his recusancy, which is 20_l._ a month, now upon this increase of
+persecution, and the commodity of his recusancy which should accrue unto
+the King being given unto a Scottish man, the Catholic gentleman offered
+him 2,000_l._ for a fine, and to pay the rent of 20_l._ a month, as he was
+wont to do beside; but the Scottish man refusing to take his offer upon
+hope to make a greater gain of him, the knight would not endure to be made
+a prey to a man of so insatiable a mind, and therefore resolved for the
+time to forfeit rather the greater goods, the goods of grace, and said he
+would conform himself to the law. He went, therefore, to their heretical
+service, and saved the forfeiture of his worldly estate, but with so great
+a torment of conscience that, poor gentleman, he fell into such fits of
+melancholy and distemper therewith, that it was generally given out that
+he was distract of his wits.
+
+There was another knight also, more rich in worldly substance than
+furnished with spiritual money to maintain the war against his spiritual
+enemies. This man, seeing persecution to come against him with double
+forces to the strength of grace which he had provided to resist, "rogavit
+ea quae pacis erant,"(525) and did it in such manner as that "omnes qui
+viderunt, inceperunt illudere ei."(526) For, thinking to give double
+satisfaction if he could bring his wife to church with him, he laboured to
+overthrow her constancy in that kind, and when he found she would not
+yield unto his desires therein, the poor gentleman, out of his too much
+desire to seem conformable, went unto the Commissioners and complains of
+his wife's obstinacy in that point, desiring them to help him to reform
+his wife, or rather, indeed, to deform her according to his ill example.
+But she remained constant, and he, poor knight, was laughed at for his
+labour, even by his very enemies, with whom he sought to gain much credit
+with that double diligence.
+
+A third example I heard, of a gentleman of good estate, who, preferring
+darkness before light, and seeking to make a convention or union between
+God and Belial in his soul, offered himself to go to their heretical
+conventicles for the saving of his worldly substance; and so he did, and
+escaped the punishment of the law: "sed nunquid Deum fallere aut fugere
+potuit?"(527) No. "Qui voluit animam suam salvam facere, perdidit
+eam."(528) He went to church: he thought to preserve his goods for the
+provision of many years, "et stultus non praevidit quod illa nocte
+repeterent animam suam;"(529) he was stricken with sudden death, leaving
+his goods to the fruition(530) of others, and this dreadful example to the
+admonition of all.
+
+So merciful hath God been unto us in these times of our greatest needs and
+trial, as to encourage us by the worthy example of many that stand, and to
+terrify by the example of these few that have fallen; for I have not heard
+of any other examples of any men(531) of note; which, if we compare with
+that which St. Cyprian recordeth of his times, when great numbers did run
+to offer themselves before they felt the force of persecution, upon the
+only fame and fear that an edict was to be published against the
+Christians, this may give us great hope that God neither is nor will be
+wanting with His graces, if we be not wanting to ourselves, but will give
+us abundance of spiritual forces answerable to the measure of that trial
+He will put us unto, "nec patietur nos tentari ultra(532) id quod
+possumus, sed faciet cum tentatione proventum ut possimus sustinere."(533)
+
+The Parliament presently ensued, against which time the Puritans had
+provided two pestilent books, as hath been touched before: the one to
+prove all recusants to be traitors, the other that the rules and precepts
+of the Catholic doctrine, yea, the very fruit of the whole tree of the
+Catholic Roman faith, was to teach men disobedience to Princes, yea, to
+deprive Kings of their temporal estates, and, finally, to kill, murder,
+and destroy their persons. And all this to the end that both the King
+himself and all the Peers of the realm might be so incensed against
+Catholics and their religion, as to proceed by laws against the one, as
+against traitors proved and convinced so to be, and to seek by all means
+possible, not only to cut down the other as a tree bearing in their
+opinion such poisoned fruit, but rather wholly to root it out of their
+earth of England, that there might be no memory left of the name of a
+Catholic in the land. And they prevailed so far with the false reasons set
+down in these malicious books, and with their most(534) subtle and
+manifold subornations exhibited unto His Majesty and the Peers in the
+Parliament House, taking occasion to blow the coals that already were
+kindled in dislike taken against Catholics for the late attempt, that they
+easily prevailed to get those laws passed which before they were resolved
+of, and which in particular were known to be a breeding when those
+gentlemen ran so heady a course to prevent so great a deluge of
+persecution, which they feared, and we have felt to light upon us.
+
+For although they now intitle this new increase of persecution to be
+occasioned by that temerarious conspiracy, which is disliked by us as much
+as by themselves, yet certain it is (as I have showed before) that these
+laws were intended and prepared before either they or we knew anything of
+this intention of conspiracy. And many of the Puritans themselves, "ex
+abundantia cordis,"(535) could not choose but utter how fully they were
+resolved in that Parliament to seek the utter extirpation of the
+Catholics, and what things in particular they would procure and were
+prepared to be enacted against them. And truly the laws which they then
+intended, and which they afterwards in the Parliament procured to pass
+against us, were very sufficient in the likelihood of human reason to work
+the effect which they most wished, and to root out Catholic religion and
+all that professed the same out of the land, if God did not stand in
+defence of His servants,(536) against Whom neither wit nor force of man,
+"imo nec portae inferi praevalebunt."(537) How cruel and afflictive the laws
+are in themselves, and how grievous and intolerable it is for Catholics to
+live where they are put in execution, I will leave to the judgment of the
+prudent reader, meaning in the next chapter to set down a catalogue of
+them, that he may see in one place collected together a sum of those
+afflictions unto which we are continually subject, that he may not
+hereafter permit himself to be deceived with such false reports, as are of
+purpose given out by the politics of England, that forsooth the
+persecution is not great and that none are there punished, especially not
+with death, but for matter of State and treason against the Prince; which
+to be most untrue his own eyes shall be judge, when he reads the very
+words of the statutes enacted, which I will truly but briefly set down as
+they lie in the statute-book, which is printed and in every man's hands
+through England, so well known that it cannot be contradicted.
+
+And now, after the Parliament in which all these laws were passed against
+us, to add unto the weight of our heavy burthen, two other new afflictions
+were devised, not specified in the laws: the one to punish the bodies of
+Priests, the other to afflict and wound the minds of all sorts of
+Catholics.
+
+The first was a proclamation of banishment to all Priests, that by such a
+day, which was there limited within a short compass in the edict, all
+should depart the realm; if not, to expect no mercy but present death upon
+their taking. By which banishment, as they pretended, on the one side, to
+do it in show of favour (as though they sought not their deaths, but
+rather wished they would draw themselves out of danger by their voluntary
+departure). And, indeed, it is true they do not so much seek their deaths
+as their departure, knowing on the one side, by experience, what force the
+blood of martyrs is of, both for the confirmation of Catholics and
+conversion of heretics; and withal that there is no means so effectual to
+scatter St. Peter's sheep, and to make them a prey unto the wolf, as to
+take their Pastors from them: for, as St. Bernard wisely saith, "Vae illis
+qui assumuntur ad opera fortium, et non aluntur cibo fortium."(538) So
+that with this counsel, this seeming favour, but indeed a slow consuming
+fire of persecution was put in practice, and many Priests that were in
+prison in several places of England were, according to the same edict, put
+into ships and banished the realm by the day prefixed. Knowing withal what
+misery and want they were like to suffer in foreign countries, where they
+were not capable of benefices or cure of souls for want of language, and
+where their wants must needs be exceeding great, having no friends nor
+acquaintance nor means to furnish themselves even with necessaries, unless
+it please Almighty God to move the hearts of Princes to impart some
+temporal relief unto them, that they may be partakers of their spiritual
+riches and the merits of their sufferings. And this was hoped by the
+heretics would not be very plentiful, in respect of the seminaries and the
+wants of other afflicted Catholics in those parts, who have also continual
+need of their charitable helps. And hitherto, as I understand, their wants
+are very great and the provision very small which is made for them, and
+the hopes and desires of the heretics too much followed. But God will
+raise them friends, I trust, and send them provision in due season, "qui
+recordatus est Danielis in lacu leonum et pascit etiam pullos corvorum
+invocantes eum;"(539) and though sometimes He will try His servants far,
+yet doth never forget the least of them, "quorum etiam capilli numerati
+sunt."(540)
+
+The other more universal affliction, and the same so much more grievous as
+it was more internal and piercing even to the very souls of those that did
+accept it, was a new oath devised for the distinction, as was pretended,
+between faithful and faithless subjects to their Prince, but indeed to
+distinguish the true subjects of the See Apostolic from those that would
+renounce the power thereof for the pleasing of their Prince.(541)
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XVII. A Catalogue Of The Laws Against Catholics Made By Queen
+Elizabeth And Confirmed By This King, And Of Others Added By Himself.
+
+
+It hath ever been one point of policy in the Government of England, since
+the beginning of persecution there, to hide the same from the knowledge of
+the world, and from being judged to be such by other kingdoms round about
+them, as much as could be possible. To this end they have ever sent and
+maintained their instruments in other countries to(542) maintain that
+opinion in men's minds. To this effect often advices have been(543) sent
+into all Princes' Courts by letters, which their friends and favourers
+there should publish and procure to be believed. For this cause, when any
+Catholic Princes' Ambassadors have come into England, there hath been
+cunning wits ever employed to resort unto them and possess them with a
+different conceit from that which is and hath been the true state of
+Catholics in England. And if they were such as come with intention to
+labour for the help or ease of Catholics in any sort, then, perhaps, for a
+time there should be some cessation, or else some hope or half promises
+given, of toleration, or mitigation at least, in that matter. And that
+which they could not hide from being seen, they would at least cover, and
+keep from being known to be persecution for cause of religion. And,
+therefore, both in their laws at home, and letters of information sent
+abroad, would invest the same with other names, as of treason, and
+offences against the State; when nothing less than disobedience to the
+civil government was found in Catholics, nor any subjects in the realm
+more faithful, or loving, or obedient to their Prince in all things which
+were not against their faith or religion. Yet did the politics ever with
+printed books endeavour to prove that all was but the execution of justice
+against traitors and persons disobedient to the State. But herein they
+follow the platform of the first enemies and persecutors of Christ and His
+Church; and we the example of our Master, suffering as He did, for that
+which we neither preach nor practise, nor can be proved against us.
+Although they cry out never so loud, "Invenimus hos subvertentes gentem
+nostram,"(544) because we desire to draw them to their ancient faith and
+profession of the same: "et prohibentes tributum dari Caesari,"(545)
+because we will not grant the supremacy in ecclesiastical matters which he
+affecteth, (for as for other corporal tributes, none are so ready as
+Catholics to pay all duties): "et dicentes se Christum et regem
+habere(546) alium,"(547) because we say and profess that the Pope is
+Christ His Vicegerent on earth and governeth His spiritual Kingdom, and we
+His children and subjects in this spiritual government.(548)
+
+Therefore, although they cry out never so much that this is "contradicere
+Caesari,"(549) and that whosoever doth favour this cause is not "amicus
+Caesaris;"(550) yea, though they cry, "Crucifige, crucifige,"(551) against
+us, and lay the heavy cross of persecution upon our shoulders for this
+cause, we must and will have patience, because it is Christ His cause and
+quarrel, and not as they affirm, and would have the world believe, that we
+suffer for matter of State, or for stubbornness and disobedience to(552)
+the King or civil government.
+
+And that the truth may herein the better appear, I will now, according to
+my former promise, set down a Catalogue of the laws that are made and
+stand in force against Catholics in England, which being carefully
+considered by the discreet and pious reader, I will ask no other judge
+than himself, either touching the greatness or the cause of persecution in
+England, for I know he will both see and say much contrary to that which
+the politic heretics in our country and their favourers in other places
+have given out, and would gladly have to be believed.
+
+And albeit there be many severe and rigorous laws and statutes in force
+against Catholics at this day in England, that were made by King Henry the
+Eighth after his revolt from the Church of Rome, as also in(553) the
+Governors of King Edward the Sixth, under whom religion was first altered
+and the sects of Zuinglius and Calvin were brought into our country: which
+laws and statutes, being repealed by the Princes of pious memory, King
+Philip and Queen Mary, were revived again and established by the authority
+of other Parliaments under Queen Elizabeth and the same confirmed, as hath
+been said, by His Majesty that now is: yet do I not think it necessary to
+set down(554) in this place any other statutes than such as were made and
+allowed by these two latter Princes, which comprehend all the other, with
+many additions and aggravations besides. And in citing them, I will use as
+near as I can the very words themselves of the statutes, as they are in
+print.
+
+First, then, Queen Elizabeth, coming to the crown in the year of Christ
+1558, she called a Parliament soon after, in the said first year of her
+reign, wherein she repealed all the good statutes and laws which her
+sister, Queen Mary, had made in favour of Catholic religion, conform to
+the laws of all her ancestors, Kings of England, from the first Christian
+King until that time, except the latter end of her father's reign, King
+Henry the Eighth, and the minority of her brother, King Edward the Sixth,
+whose laws in favour of schism and sectaries(555) Queen Elizabeth revived,
+adding many of her own, which after do ensue.
+
+And first of all, she meaning to break principally with the See of Rome,
+as well in regard of her nativity, which the said See held not for
+legitimate, as of the favour borne by the said See to Queen Mary of France
+and Scotland, mother to our King that now is, then living and reigning in
+prosperity, and much envied and suspected by the other; it was enacted
+that every Englishman, of what state, degree, or condition soever,
+whensoever he taketh any office, dignity, ecclesiastical benefice, or holy
+orders, any degree of school, university, profession, or other promotion
+temporal or spiritual, shall take a corporal oath upon the Evangelist
+protesting and swearing that he doth utterly testify and declare in his
+conscience that the Queen is Supreme Head of the Church of England and not
+the Pope; and that neither he nor the See of Rome had any ecclesiastical
+jurisdiction, power, superiority, or pre-eminence over that Church, nor
+ought to have. So help him God.(556) _Stat. an deg. 1 deg. Elizab. cap. 1 deg.._
+
+And moreover, that whosoever shall refuse to take and make this oath,
+being required thereunto, shall for the first time of denial, not only be
+disabled of the foresaid preferments, offices, degrees, and dignities
+whatsoever, but also lose and forfeit all his goods and lands to the said
+Queen, and suffer perpetual imprisonment as in case of _praemunire_. And
+for the second time, if he persist three months in the same after the
+first tender, and will not take and pronounce the same oath in form
+aforesaid, then he shall forfeit, lose, and suffer death, and other like
+pains, forfeitures, judgments, and executions as is used in cases of high
+treason. _Ibid. et an deg. 5 deg. cap. 1 deg.._ This treason you may see was only
+against the state of heresy and schism, not against the State of Queen or
+Commonwealth.
+
+And then yet further. Whosoever shall by writing, printing, preaching, or
+teaching, by express words, deed, or act (for so are the words of the
+statute), advisedly and directly affirm, hold, set forth, maintain or
+defend the authority, power, or jurisdiction spiritual or ecclesiastical
+of the Bishop of Rome, or his See, heretofore claimed or used within the
+realm of England, or of any other dominion or country thereunto belonging;
+for his first offence he shall forfeit and lose all his goods and
+chattels, as well real as personal: and for the second offence, besides
+the loss of goods and lands, he shall be cast into perpetual prison: and
+for the third time (if again he offend in defending the said Pope's
+authority), he shall suffer the pains of death, and other penalties,
+forfeitures, and losses appointed in the cases of high treason. _An deg. 1 deg.
+Eliz. cap. 3 deg. et an deg. 5 deg. cit deg.._
+
+And then for conclusion. Whosoever shall be aiders or abettors to any such
+offenders, assisting or comforting them to set forth and extol the said
+power and ecclesiastical authority of the Bishop of Rome, or to refuse the
+foresaid oath in form before set down, and shall be lawfully convicted
+thereof; they shall for the first time lose all their goods and lands, and
+for the second be condemned to perpetual prison as in the statute of
+provision or _praemunire. An deg. 5 deg. Eliz. cap. 1 deg.._
+
+And these punishments were afterwards more increased by another Act of the
+same Queen, in the fifth year of her reign, where it was ordained that all
+aiders, counsellers, and comforters(557) in this case should for the
+second time suffer the pains of death, and other forfeitures and losses of
+their goods, lands, honours, and nobility, as in cases of high treason.
+_An deg. 5 deg. cap. 1 deg.._
+
+It was ordained in like manner, for preventing of the Catholic education
+of all English youths, that no person shall take upon him to be a
+schoolmaster or teacher of children, either in public schools or private
+houses, except he first take the said oath against the Pope's spiritual
+authority, and that he believe the supreme authority of the Queen in all
+causes ecclesiastical. _Ibid._
+
+Moreover, it is enacted by authority of the said Parliament that all
+clergymen shall leave and abandon from this time forward the old Roman use
+of Latin service, Mass, and administration of other Sacraments, and shall
+betake themselves to say or sing the same in English in all churches and
+chapels, and to administer the Sacraments after the manner, rites, and
+fashion which is set down and prescribed in a new book of Common Prayer
+set forth for the purpose, and he that shall refuse to do so, or shall use
+any other rite or form of service or Sacraments than is therein appointed,
+shall for his first default be committed to prison for six months and lose
+the fruits of all his ecclesiastical living for a whole year, and for the
+second offence shall lose all his living for ever and lie in prison a
+year, and for the third time shall be condemned to perpetual prison all
+the time of his life. _An deg. 1 deg. Eliz. cap. 2 deg.._ Here you may see what it is
+they intend when they urge Catholics to come to their churches and
+service, and that it is no act of temporal duty or obedience in civil
+matters which they require (as they will sometimes pretend, to make us
+thought disobedient and stubborn), but a renunciation of our old and the
+only true religion and a conformity to their new doctrine. This is the
+thing which we refuse, and for which they call us recusants, and for which
+they punish us by many and severe penalties, as shall appear by those that
+follow.
+
+And conform to this it was also decreed that if any layman that hath no
+ecclesiastical livings shall be present at any other sort of service than
+the aforesaid appointed in the common book of prayer, as, for example, at
+Mass or Roman service, or shall receive any other sacraments, or after
+other manner, form, or ceremony than is there prescribed, he shall, for
+the first time of his so offending, forfeit an hundred marks of lawful
+English money unto the Queen, for the second four hundred marks, and for
+the third shall lie in prison all days of his life. And if he refuse to
+come to the church he shall pay xiid. for every Sunday and holiday wherein
+he faileth. _Anno 1 deg. et 5 deg. Eliz. cap. 2 deg.._
+
+These laws made Queen Elizabeth in the first five years of her reign. But
+afterwards, growing more angry with Catholics and Catholic religion, but
+especially with the See of Rome for the sentence of Pius Vtus against her,
+she added many bloody laws more, in the thirteenth year of her reign. As,
+for example, that if any man shall bring into England or into any of the
+dominions thereunto belonging, from the Pope of Rome or from any man that
+hath authority from him, any Bull, writing, instrument, or authority to
+absolve or reconcile any person, or to promise any such absolution or
+reconciliation by speech, preaching, teaching, writing, or any other open
+deed, that then all and every such act or acts, offence or offences, shall
+be deemed and adjudged by the authority of this Act to be high treason.
+And as well the offenders as the procurers, abettors, and counsellors,
+shall suffer death and other losses as traitors. _Anno 13 deg. Eliz. cap. 1 deg.._
+
+Moreover, that if any person within the realm of England or dominions
+thereof, after the first day of July, Anno Domini 1571, shall willingly
+receive or take any such absolution or reconciliation from the said Bishop
+of Rome or any of his successors, or by any that have authority from him;
+yea, if he shall receive or admit any manner of Bull, writing, or
+instrument from the said See of Rome, written or printed, containing any
+such thing, matter, or cause whatsoever, or if any offer thereof, motion,
+or persuasion being made unto him, shall not disclose or reveal the same
+to some of the Privy Council, all shall be high treason in him, and he
+shall suffer death and other losses for the same, as in cases of that
+crime is accustomed. _Ibidem._
+
+And yet further, that whosoever shall bring into any dominions of England
+after the time before named any token or tokens, thing or things, called
+by the name of Agnus Dei, or any crosses, pictures, beads, or any such
+like, from the Bishop or See of Rome, or from any person or persons
+authorized from the said Bishop or See to consecrate or hallow the same;
+or shall deliver or offer, or cause to be delivered, any part thereof to
+any subject of this realm, or of any the dominions thereof, to be worn or
+used in any wise, that then, as well the same person or persons that shall
+receive the same to the intent to use and wear, being thereof lawfully
+convicted by the order of the common laws of this realm, shall incur the
+penalties, pains, and forfeitures provided by the statute of _praemunire_,
+which are the loss of all his lands and goods and perpetual imprisonment.
+_Anno 13º Eliz. cap. 2 deg.._
+
+Now when, by the acerbity and peril of so many cruel laws and statutes,
+divers Catholics, being terrified, desired and sought means to go into
+voluntary banishment beyond the seas, and to leave the realm either with
+or without licence, the Queen, understanding thereof, prevented them with
+another new law the very next year after, enacting that all and every
+person and persons, of what state, degree, or condition soever they be,
+under the obeisance of the said Queen, who sithence the first day of her
+reign have passed or hereafter shall pass into any dominions of foreign
+Princes without her special licence by writing, under the great seal of
+England, privy seal, or privy signet, and shall not return within the
+space of six months next after proclamation made for them to return and
+yield their bodies to the custody and ward of the sheriff of the county,
+&c.; all such persons shall forfeit and lose to the said Queen the whole
+profits of their manors, lands, tenements, and hereditaments during their
+lives, and all their goods and chattels for ever. _Anno 14 deg. cap. 6 deg.._
+
+Moreover, that if any person, born under the obedience of Her Majesty,
+have or shall pass into foreign countries with leave and licence, as
+before is prescribed, and shall not presently, within six months after the
+expiring of the said licence, return home and yield their bodies in
+custody, as is before prescribed, shall suffer the same loss of goods and
+chattels and the rents of their lands as the other that went forth without
+licence.
+
+And whatsoever conveyances, estates, grants, leases, gifts, or devises,
+they or any of them shall be found to have made of their lands and goods
+for their own relief to defraud the Queen, shall be utterly void, and of
+no validity at all in law. _Anno 14º Eliz. cap. 6 deg.._
+
+These laws passed in the first fourteen years of the Queen's government.
+But afterwards, as she grew older, she did in most Parliaments aggravate
+the same. As, namely, in the twenty-third year of her reign, taking upon
+her to expound and explicate the former statute of bringing in Bulls, &c.,
+from Rome, she determineth that by what means soever any man did pretend
+faculty or power to absolve any person or persons from their sins, or
+shall reconcile them to the Roman Church, or persuade to the
+acknowledgment of the Pope's ecclesiastical authority over England, it
+shall be high treason both to the absolver and the absolved, to the
+reconciler and to the reconciled, that shall willingly yield thereunto,
+yea, and to all the procurers, aiders, and counsellors. All which, being
+lawfully convicted thereof, shall suffer death, as in case of high
+treason. _Anno 23 deg. Eliz. cap. 2 deg.._
+
+And if any person or persons shall come to know of any man so absolved and
+reconciled, or of any such that doth absolve or reconcile, and shall not,
+within twenty days at the furthest, disclose the same to some justice of
+peace, or to some higher officer of the Prince, he shall be taken, tried,
+and judged, suffer and forfeit as offenders in misprision of treason,
+_vdlt._, he shall forfeit his lands and livings, but not suffer death for
+the same. _Ibidem._
+
+(M30) In this Parliament also it was decreed, that for so much as many
+Catholics did upon conscience retire themselves from going to the
+Protestants' church and service more than before, that every such
+recusant, being above the age of sixteen years, instead of paying xii_d._
+for every Sunday, which was by former statute appointed, should now
+forfeit and pay to the Queen 20_l._ of lawful English money for every
+month, and, besides this, should be bound to put in sufficient sureties in
+the [sum] of 200_l._ at the least for their good behaviour, and so to
+continue bound until such time as the person so bound do conform himself
+to come to church. _Anno 29 deg. Eliz. cap. 2 deg.._
+
+And, moreover, because it was presumed that every recusant would not be
+able to pay this 20_l._ a month for his recusancy, it was enacted that
+such as were not able to pay the said statute should pay two parts of
+three of all their lands and goods, so as he that should (for example)
+have three hundred should pay two hundred yearly to the Queen for his
+recusancy, and retain one hundred for maintenance of himself, his wife,
+children, and family.
+
+In the same Parliament it was also enacted that if any person or persons,
+body politic or corporal, after the Feast of Pentecost then next ensuing,
+should keep any schoolmaster for their children which should not repair to
+the church, or not be allowed by the Bishop or Ordinary of the diocese
+(which allowance could not be had without abjuring the Pope's authority
+and the Catholic religion, as before hath been showed), then shall he or
+they forfeit and lose for every month(558) 10_l._, and the schoolmaster or
+teacher himself, besides his lying in prison for one whole year, shall be
+disabled for ever to be a teacher of youth or to exercise that office in
+any place afterwards.
+
+And to the end that Catholic recusants might be able to pay these payments
+and pecuniary forfeitures to the Queen, and not be able to make away any
+part of their livings for their better relief, it was also enacted and
+declared in this Parliament that every grant or conveyance of goods or
+lands, every bond, judgment, or execution had or made from that time
+forward which should be judged to be done of purpose to defraud the Queen,
+or to save their lands or goods from being forfeited by virtue of(559)
+this statute, that all such conveyance made by any Catholic recusant since
+the beginning of the said Queen's reign, or after to be made for the use
+and relief of the said recusant, or any of his, should not be available in
+law, but all void, as if they had not been made. _Anno 28 deg. Eliz. cap. 6 deg.._
+
+But a little before this, to wit, in the precedent year, the said Queen,
+understanding that Priests and ecclesiastical men were multiplied in
+England by reason of the English Seminaries in Catholic Princes'
+dominions,(560) caused terrible thundering statutes to be made against
+them. And first, that all and every Jesuit, Seminary Priests, and other
+Priests whatsoever, made and ordained out of the realm of England by any
+authority, power, or jurisdiction derived, challenged, or pretended, from
+the See of Rome, since the Feast of the Nativity of St. John Baptist in
+the first year of the said Queen's reign, 1559, shall within forty days
+depart out of the realm, and shall not return again without peculiar
+licence of Her Majesty, under pain of death and other losses and
+forfeitures accustomed in cases of high treason. _Anno 27 deg. Eliz. cap. 2 deg.._
+
+And then, secondly, if any subject of the realm whatsoever, after the said
+time of forty days expired, shall wittingly and willingly receive,
+relieve, comfort, or maintain any such Jesuit, Seminary Priest, or other
+Priest, Deacon, Religious, or ecclesiastical person as is aforesaid,
+knowing him to be such an one, such suffer the pain of death, and other
+losses, as in case of felony. _Ibidem._
+
+Moreover, it was enacted by authority aforesaid, that if any of Her
+Majesty's subjects or their children, now being or hereafter shall be
+brought up in any College of Jesuits or Seminary already erected or
+hereafter to be erected in the parts beyond the seas, shall not within six
+months next after proclamation in that behalf, to be made in the City of
+London under the great seal of England, return into this realm, and
+thereupon, within two days next after his return, before the Bishop of the
+diocese, or two justices of peace of the county where he shall arrive,
+submit himself to Her Majesty and the laws, and take the oath of supremacy
+against the Bishop of Rome his ecclesiastical jurisdiction, set forth in
+the first year of the Queen's reign; that then every such person otherwise
+returning or abiding without such submission and forswearing his religion,
+as is aforesaid, shall be adjudged a traitor, and suffer, lose, and
+forfeit, as in cases of high treason. _Anno 21 deg. Eliz. cap. 6 deg.._
+
+And it was further enacted in the same Parliament that, if any subject of
+the Queen's, after the foresaid forty days expired, shall either by way of
+exchange, bank, merchandize, or any shift or means whatsoever, wittingly
+and willingly, directly or indirectly, convey or send over the seas or out
+of the Queen's dominions any money or other relief to or for any Jesuit,
+Seminary Priest, Deacon, Religious, or ecclesiastical person, scholar,
+student, or the like, or for the maintenance or relief of any College or
+Seminary already erected or to be erected, that every such person so
+offending shall lose all his goods and lands and suffer perpetual
+imprisonment, as in case of _praemunire_. Also it was enacted that
+whosoever should send over any such students as aforesaid to the
+Seminaries shall for every time forfeit 100_l._
+
+(M31) And yet further, in the year 35 of the Queen's reign it was enacted
+that every recusant persevering in denial to go to the Protestants'
+churches should be bound to go to their ordinary places of dwelling, and
+not to depart from thence above five miles, under pain of losing all their
+goods and chattels. And they which should have no certain dwelling-place
+should repair to the place where their father and mother dwelt, under the
+same pains and forfeiture. And he that should fail in this either is
+condemned to live in perpetual prison or to abjure the land. _Anno 35 deg.
+Eliz. cap. 2 deg.._
+
+And yet this being not thought sufficient severity in this kind, another
+statute was made, ordaining that whosoever, by printing, writing, or
+express words, deeds, or speeches, should practise or go about to move or
+persuade any of the Queen's subjects to deny her power in ecclesiastical
+causes, or to abstain from going to the Protestants' church, or to be
+present at any unlawful assemblies under colour or pretence of any
+exercise of religion contrary to Her Majesty's laws, or shall themselves
+refuse for three months' space to go to the said churches and hear divine
+service, that then they shall be forced to abjure the realm and go into
+perpetual banishment, or if they refuse the same, they shall suffer death
+and other losses for it, as in cases of felony. _Anno 35 deg. Eliz. cap. 1 deg.._
+
+These are the chief statutes made against Catholic religion in general by
+the late Queen Elizabeth. For we do pretermit divers others more
+particular, and concerning particular persons. As, for example, that of
+the 28th of her reign (cap. 1 deg.), wherein the Lord Thomas Paget, Baron, Sir
+Francis Inglefield, Knight (one of the Privy Council to Queen Mary, of
+worthy memory), and other Catholic gentlemen, were attainted of treason,
+their goods and lands confiscate, upon the former statute of fugitives,
+for that they either went forth of England without licence, for
+preservation of their consciences, or returned not when their licence was
+ended.
+
+Another statute was also made in the 39th year of Queen Elizabeth's reign
+(cap. 8 deg.), wherein it was decreed that all such Archbishops, Bishops,
+Deans, and other spiritual Prelates of Queen Mary's time, as were deprived
+by this Queen's ecclesiastical authority, for that they would not
+accommodate themselves unto the form of religion by her set forth, were
+well and lawfully deprived, and by their deprivation the said bishoprics
+were made merely void, and the others invested in their places by the
+Queen's authority were only the true Bishops and had lawful episcopal
+jurisdiction.(561) And divers other such particular things, which in this
+place we think good to pass over.
+
+All these statutes, then, of Queen Elizabeth against Catholic people and
+their religion, being so grievous and rigorous, as you see, were confirmed
+by His Majesty that now is, without any restraint or mitigation, in the
+first Parliament, as before hath been said, with divers other aggrievances
+thereunto added of new; as that Catholic recusants should not only pay the
+20_l._ a month ordained by the former statute for such as refused to go to
+the Protestants' church and service for conscience sake, but, besides this
+20_l._ a month to be paid for himself, he should also pay 10_l._ a month
+for his wife or children that shall refuse to go to the said churches,
+yea, and another also for his servants.
+
+Moreover, that all such young men or children that shall study on
+that(562) side the seas (being Catholics) or frequent the schools or
+Colleges of any of the Jesuits, or shall not return home within a certain
+time limited to give account of themselves and their religion, shall
+forfeit their inheritances in England and other dominions of His Majesty,
+and the next of his kindred shall enjoy the forfeiture that will conform
+himself, &c.
+
+And furthermore, whereas, in the beginning of his said reign, certain new
+canons, constitutions, and ordinances were agreed upon by those of the
+Protestant clergy to molest and afflict Catholics withal, by pretended
+censures of excommunications, as, namely, that four times at least every
+year all preachers, readers of divinity, and all other ecclesiastical
+persons, in sermons, collations, and lectures, shall teach open and
+declare to the people that all authority and jurisdiction of the Pope of
+Rome (as a thing not having any ground by the law of God) is, for most
+just causes, taken away and abolished, and that therefore no manner of
+obedience or subjection is due thereunto, but only that the King's power,
+which in his dominions and countries is the highest power under God, above
+all other powers and potentates upon earth; and that whosoever denieth
+this, let him be excommunicated _ipso facto_, and not restored but only by
+the Archbishop after his repentance and public revocation of those his
+wicked errors. These are the words of his first two canons.
+
+And the same punishment is laid upon whomsoever shall hold or affirm that
+the Church of England now established by law under His Majesty, is not a
+true and Apostolical Church, teaching and maintaining the doctrine of the
+Apostles.
+
+And many other things like unto this, passing from one article to another
+of their sect, and binding Catholics, under pain of excommunication, to
+believe and hold all that they hold, or else to be vexed with citations,
+condemnations, excommunications, and other vexations, together with the
+writs and processes _de excommunicato_ capiendo, as before you have heard
+suggested by the Chancellor. Unto all which His Majesty gave consent and
+authority by his letters patent, under the great seal of England, upon the
+year 1603, and first of his reign, in these words:--
+
+"We have, for us and our heirs and lawful successors, of our especial
+grace, certain knowledge and mere motion given, and by these presents do
+give our royal assent to all and every of the said canons, orders and
+ordinances and constitutions, and to all and everything in them contained.
+And we do, by our said prerogative royal and supreme authority in causes
+ecclesiastical, notify, confirm, and establish, by these our letters
+patent, the said canons, orders, &c., and all and everything in them
+contained. And, moreover, do straitly enjoin and command by our said
+authority, and by these our letters patent, that the same be diligently
+observed and executed," &c.
+
+So His Majesty, in the first year of his reign, after he had confirmed and
+revived all the laws of Queen Elizabeth made and executed against
+Catholics; by all which he made it evident unto his Catholic subjects that
+he would not only continue and go forward in the steps of Queen Elizabeth
+touching the persecution of Catholics, but increase and add unto the same.
+For this increase of afflictions, which was laid upon Catholics the first
+year of his reign, was little in respect of that which was intended
+against them. Which divers of the forward Puritans did not stick to affirm
+and to threaten in the King's name, as Roboam did in the beginning of his
+reign, saying, "Minimus digitus meus grossior est dorso patris mei. Et
+nunc pater meus posuit super vos jugum grave, ego autem addam super jugum
+vestrum; pater meus cecidit vos flagellis, ego autem caedam vos
+scorpionibus."(563) To the like effect did many of his officers give out
+His Majesty's intentions to be; which, though we may presume to have been
+contrary to his royal disposition, yet they did so far prevail with him,
+that he afterwards verified what they had foretold, by confirming the
+former laws of Queen Elizabeth and adding unto them as you have heard. But
+especially when he called the second Parliament, and in that suffered to
+be packed together all the principal Puritans of the realm, whose
+insatiable hatred against Catholics we knew very well would never take up
+until they had made laws answerable to their mind and malice against us.
+Then they all before the Parliament consulted, and concluded of the bills
+and laws they would urge to be passed against Catholics, as afterwards,
+indeed, it was performed. And many of those intended laws were known to
+divers Catholics long before the Parliament time, which, as it is thought,
+was a great motive unto the gentlemen to undertake their rash and
+dangerous conspiracy, as deeming so desperate a course to be a needful
+remedy in so desperate a case.(564)
+
+End Of The Narrative.
+
+
+
+
+
+ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
+
+
+ABBOT, GEORGE, Archbishop;
+  a visit from clvi, present at Fr. Garnett's death 290,
+  persecutes Fr. Cornforth and the Vauxes clxxxvi,
+  receives Sir George Talbot cc.
+
+Abergavenny, Katherine Lady;
+  Lord Vaux's sister clxxxvi.
+
+Abington, Dorothy;
+  her conversion by Fr. Ouldcorne 283.
+
+Abington, Thomas;
+  in the Tower 27,
+  condemned to death for harbouring Priests 28,
+  life spared at Lord Mounteagle's intercession 28,
+  absent when Henlip is searched 152,
+  apprehended 157,
+  sent to Worcester 266,
+  meets his wife 266,
+  tried 267,
+  reprieved 268,
+  foils various Bishops of Worcester 269.
+
+Adams, John;
+  martyr, in the Marshalsea xiv.
+
+Albert, Archduke, Governor of Flanders; cxcvii,
+  delays foundation of Watten cc.
+
+Aldobrandini, Hippolitus Cardinal;
+  Viceprotector of the English College, Rome ccliv.
+
+Aldridge;
+  a merchant, reaches Douay ccliv.
+
+Alfani,
+  sends a MS. to England from Rome ccl.
+
+Alford, Michael, S.J.;
+  author of _Annals_ ccxlix.
+
+Allen, Wm., Cardinal;
+  wishes Fr. Gerard to return to England xvi,
+  desired harmony between seculars and Society cciv,
+  obtains an indulgence for a prayer for the conversion of England cclxii.
+
+Aquaviva, Claude, General S.J.; ccxxviii,
+  admits Fr. Gerard and Fr. Ouldcorne into the Society xvi, 279.
+
+Arden, Edward;
+  executed cxv.
+
+Arden, Francis;
+  escapes from the Tower with Fr. Gerard cxv.
+
+Arragon, D. Blasco de, cclviii.
+
+Arundel, Anne Countess of;
+  receives Fr. Southwell and Fr. Gerard lvii, at Acton cclv.
+
+Arundel, Philip Earl of;
+  in the Tower x, lvii.
+
+Arundell, Henry Lord; letter from Fr. Thorpe ccxlix.
+
+Ashby Church;
+  story of "good Sir Wm. Catesby" painted in 55.
+
+Ashley, Ralph, S.J.;
+  tortured 181,
+  taken to Worcester 266,
+  tried 271,
+  martyred 275.
+
+Atkinson, William;
+  a Priest spy, informs of Fr. Gerard's letters lxxxviii,
+  tries to have him rearrested cxxix,
+  betrays Thomas Tichburn, the martyr cxxx.
+
+BABINGTON'S plot; xv, xvii, 26.
+
+Babthorpe, Sir Ralph;
+  at Louvain cxcvii.
+
+Babthorpe, Thomas, S.J.; ccxlii.
+
+Bacon, Sir Francis;
+  examines Fr. Gerard xciii, and two servants of Mrs. Vaux cclvi.
+
+Baldwin, William, S.J.;
+  his letter to Fr. Persons cclviii, proposed for attainder 165.
+
+Bales, Christopher;
+  martyr xviii.
+
+Bancroft, Richard, Bishop of London;
+  sermon at Paul's Cross 43,
+  enquires respecting Father Garnett's straw 303.
+
+Banks, Richard, S.J.;
+  succeeds Fr. Gerard at Braddocks cxxxi.
+
+Barker, Thomas.;
+  William Wiseman's servant xliv, xlix.
+
+Barkley, Sir Richard, Governor of the Tower;
+  examines Fr. Gerard xciii,
+  resigns his governorship ciii.
+
+Bates, Thomas;
+  servant of Catesby, enters conspiracy 84,
+  suspected 135,
+  tried in Westminster Hall 192,
+  his letter of regrets 210,
+  his death 219.
+
+Baynham, Sir Edmund;
+  77, 82, 236, 251.
+
+Beaumont, _see_ Tesimond.
+
+Beesley, George;
+  martyr xviii.
+
+Bellamy, Anne;
+  betrays Father Southwell ccxiv, ccxviii.
+
+Bellarmine, Robert Cardinal;
+  his letter to Fr. Gerard cciii.
+
+Bergholt, East, St. Mary's Abbey; xxxvii.
+
+Bishop, William;
+  in the Marshalsea xiv.
+
+Blackburn, _see_ Thomson.
+
+Blackfan, John, S.J.;
+  proposed as nominal Rector of Louvain cxcvii.
+
+Blackwell, George, the Archpriest;
+  his house near the Inns of Court cxxx,
+  informed of Watson's plot by Fr. Gerard, 74.
+
+Blase, James, O.S.F., Bishop of St. Omers;
+  transfers Watten to Society cc.
+
+Blount, Richard, S.J.;
+  intending to leave England clxxxvii,
+  letter to Fr. Aquaviva ccxlvii.
+
+Blunt, Sir Christopher;
+  in Earl of Essex's rising 56.
+
+Booth, Charles, S.J.; ccxlix.
+
+Brabant, florin of; xiv.
+
+Braddocks;
+  William Wiseman's house xxx,
+  Fr. Gerard's residence xxxii,
+  searched lii,
+  Mass at ccliv.
+
+Brewster, a Priest at Northend xli.
+
+Briant or Brian, Alexander, S.J.;
+  martyr 17.
+
+Bridewell;
+  Richard Fulwood in xliii, li.
+
+Bromley, Sir Henry;
+  searches Henlip 151,
+  takes Fr. Garnett and Fr. Ouldcorne to London 157.
+
+Brooke, _see_ Gerard.
+
+Brooke, Sir Basil; cc.
+
+Brooksby, Eleanor; cxxxv,
+  at Lord Vaux's 137.
+
+Browne, Robert;
+  a Priest cxxxiv.
+
+Browne, William, S.J.;
+  a Lay-brother cxcix.
+
+Brussels, Benedictine Convent xxxvii.
+
+Bryn;
+  seat of the Gerards ix.
+
+Brynhill, Sir Peter de; ix.
+
+Buckley, _see_ Jones.
+
+Buckland, Ralph;
+  Fr. Gerard's fellow-traveller xvi, ccliv.
+
+Buchanan;
+  teaches regicide 122.
+
+CAMPION, Edmund, S.J.;
+  martyr 17,
+  his praises by Fr. Henry Walpole xci,
+  effects of his coming to England 131.
+
+Caracena, Conde de; cxciv.
+
+Carvajal, Donna Luisa de;
+  her will cxciii,
+  founds English Novitiate cxciv.
+
+Catesby, Robert;
+  entered the Plot in good faith 11,
+  proposes it 52,
+  descended from "good Sir William" 54,
+  his early life 55,
+  wounded in and fined for the Earl of Essex's rising 56,
+  consults Fr. Garnett in general terms 65,
+  conduct on discovery of the Plot 106,
+  scorched with powder 108,
+  shot 109,
+  manner of his death 110,
+  at Lord Vaux's 137, cclvi.
+
+Charles, Duke of York; 85, 91.
+
+Clarke;
+  his treason 250.
+
+Clarke, William;
+  committed as a recusant xlii.
+
+Clermont College, Paris;
+  Fr. Gerard at xii.
+
+Clink, prison;
+  spiritual exercises in lxxii,
+  Good Friday in lxxxvi,
+  Fr. Gerard in lxix,
+  Fr. Percy in cxxxiii,
+  Brother Emerson in xlv, lxx, lxxviii, lxxxix, ccliv,
+  Brother Lilly in lxxi,
+  John Rigby, the martyr, converted by Fr. Gerard in lxxii.
+
+Cokayne, Edward;
+  reports a search in Mrs. Jenison's house ccliii.
+
+Coke, Sir Edward;
+  examines William Wiseman i,
+  examines Fr. Gerard xciii, his book 46,
+  examines Fr. Garnett 164,
+  proposes 8 Jesuits for attainder by Parliament 164,
+  his speech at Fr. Garnett's trial 228.
+
+Colendin, _see_ Gifford.
+
+Collyn, Patrick;
+  his treason 234, 249, xcv.
+
+Conference of Protestant Bishops and Puritans in 1605; 40.
+
+Contreras, Don Frances de; cxciv.
+
+Cornelius John, S.J.;
+  martyr 17,
+  manner of arrest 38.
+
+Cornforth, Thomas, S.J.;
+  caught at Mass clxxxvi.
+
+Coughton;
+  Bates saw Father Garnett and Father Tesimond at 211.
+
+Counter, the prisons so called; x, lxi, lxix.
+
+Cranedge, Henry and Elizabeth;
+  recusants xlii.
+
+Cranishe, Richard;
+  son of Robert, crosses to Middleborough xliv.
+
+Cresswell, Joseph, S.J.;
+  Father Persons' _Philopater_ attributed to him 234,
+  proposed for attainder 164,
+  superior in Spain ccxxviii.
+
+Crooke, Sir John;
+  opens prosecution of Fr. Garnett 227.
+
+DALE, Mr.;
+  examines Brother Emerson ccliv.
+
+Daniell;
+  Mrs. Wiseman's servant xlii.
+
+Darbyshire, Thomas, S.J.;
+  goes with Fr. Gerard to Rouen xii.
+
+Darcy, _see_ Garnett.
+
+Digby, Sir Everard;
+  his and his wife's conversion cl,
+  his illness cliii,
+  his affection for Fr. Gerard cliv,
+  helps to convert a friend clxvi,
+  entered into the Plot 87,
+  in good faith 11,
+  his family 87,
+  his manliness 88,
+  his Catholic life 89,
+  his office in the Plot 91,
+  at Dunchurch 106,
+  his page William Ellis 110, ccii,
+  taken 111,
+  proposes match between Lord Vaux and Earl of Suffolk's daughter 137,
+  at Lord Vaux's cclvi,
+  his house in Rutlandshire, 138,
+  tried in Westminster Hall 191,
+  exculpates Fr. Gerard 209, clxxix,
+  clears the Society 8,
+  allied to Earl of Salisbury 216,
+  asks to be beheaded 216,
+  his death 216,
+  Fr. Gerard's letter to ccxxxiv.
+
+Dolman, the priest;
+  letter to Mrs. Wiseman xliv.
+
+Dormer, Dorothy;
+  marries Sir Henry Huddleston xxxiii.
+
+Dormer, Jane;
+  marries Duke of Feria xxxiii.
+
+Drury, Robert;
+  martyr lxxvi,
+  living in Fr. Gerard's house cxxvii.
+
+Dunkellin, Richard Lord;
+  wishes to go to confession clix,
+  fights a duel clxi,
+  marries and converts Walsyngham's daughter clix, clxi.
+
+Dunsmore Heath; 92.
+
+EGERTON, SIR THOMAS, Lord Chancellor;
+  once a Catholic lix.
+
+Elizabeth, Princess; 85.
+
+Ellis, William _alias_ John Williams;
+  page to Sir Everard Digby 110,
+  novice S.J. ccii.
+
+Elmer, John, Bishop of London;
+  Fr. Gerard in his custody, xiii.
+
+Emerson;
+  of Felsted xliv.
+
+Emerson, Ralph, S.J.;
+  _alias_ Homulus xlv, lxx,
+  in Clink xlv, lxx, lxxviii, lxxxix,
+  his examination ccliv,
+  moved to Newgate xlv,
+  sent to Wisbech, into banishment, dies at St. Omers lxxi.
+
+Essex, Earl of;
+  his rising 55.
+
+Eu, College at;
+  xvii, 280.
+
+Everett, Thomas, S.J.;
+  in hiding clxxx,
+  surprised at Mass clxxxi.
+
+Excommunications; 42.
+
+FARMER, _see_ Garnett.
+
+Fawcet;
+  a witness against Fr. Garnett 255.
+
+Fawkes or Faulks, Guido or Guy;
+  one of the first conspirators 53,
+  a good soldier in Flanders 59,
+  passes as Percy's man 63, 105,
+  his office in the Plot 91,
+  found in the vault 99,
+  apprehended 103,
+  _alias_ John Johnson 105, 196,
+  in the Tower 112,
+  his confession ccxxiv, 112,
+  tortured ccxxv, 221,
+  tried in Westminster Hall 191,
+  reason for pleading "Not guilty" 195,
+  his death 221.
+
+Feller;
+  his mention of Fr. Garnett's straw 305.
+
+Ferdinand, Prince Bishop of Liege; cc, cciv.
+
+Feria, Duke of;
+  his wife Jane Dormer xxxiii.
+
+Filcock, Roger, S.J.;
+  martyr lxxvi.
+
+Fisher, _see_ Percy.
+
+Fitzherbert, Thomas, S.J.;
+  letter to Bishop of Chalcedon ccxlii.
+
+Fleming, Thomas;
+  examines Fr. Gerard xciii.
+
+Floyd, Henry, S.J.;
+  ccxlii, cclx.
+
+Foxe, Robert;
+  committed as a recusant xlii.
+
+Frank, John;
+  betrays his master and Fr. Gerard xl,
+  his deposition xli.
+
+Froude;
+  quotation from, on equivocation ccxi.
+
+Fuller, Mr.;
+  examines Brother Emerson ccliv.
+
+Fulwood, John;
+  found in Mr. Wiseman's house xliv, xlix.
+
+Fulwood, Richard, S.J.;
+  Father Gerard's man xlii, xliv,
+  visits Lady Gerard xxxv,
+  taken xlvi,
+  imprisoned in Bridewell xliii, li,
+  tortured li, lxiv,
+  escapes lxvi,
+  helps Fr. Gerard to escape from the Tower cxviii,
+  in Belgium cclviii.
+
+Garnett _alias_ Gilford;
+  Novice S.J. cci.
+
+Garnett, Henry, S.J.;
+  _alias_ Darcy cclxii,
+  _alias_ Walley 211, clxxxix,
+  _alias_ Farmer 226,
+  his parentage 297,
+  Father Gerard finds him in London, 282, xxiv,
+  lives in Warwickshire 282,
+  his instructions xxv,
+  renewal of vows xxxviii,
+  his foresight xxxviii, xlv, xlvi,
+  Fr. Gerard tortured to say where he is xcvi, c,
+  receives Fr. Gerard on his escape from Tower cxxiv,
+  his house called Morecroftes at Uxbridge, cclv,
+  his house in Spital cxliii,
+  informed of Watson's plot by Fr. Gerard 74,
+  consulted by Catesby on death of innocents 65, 120, 253,
+  wrote to Rome his fears 71, 75, 121,
+  goes to St. Winifred's Well 78, 240, 258, cclxii,
+  persuades discontented Catholics to send Sir Edmund Baynham to the Pope
+              77, 82, 236, 251,
+  his wise direction 132,
+  Bates' evidence against him 136, 211,
+  accused in Proclamation 144,
+  his attainder proposed 165,
+  hides at Henlip 150,
+  betrayed by Humphrey Littleton 150,
+  taken 154,
+  identified by a Priest 156,
+  silences Sir Henry Bromley's chaplain 157,
+  committed to Gatehouse 159,
+  clxxxii, examined by Privy Council 159,
+  transferred to Tower 160,
+  cozened by his keeper 166,
+  overheard in conference with Fr. Ouldcorne 169, 241,
+  kept from sleep and drugged 173,
+  tortured 174,
+  may now tell what he heard in confession 175,
+  tried at Guildhall 225,
+  his indictment 226,
+  his speech 243,
+  his martyrdom 288, cclviii,
+  the miraculous straw 297, 301,
+  other signs 305,
+  on equivocation 244, ccxx,
+  his letters xlv, ccxxviii, 72 _et seq._
+
+Garnett, Thomas;
+  in Gatehouse 166,
+  sent to Tower 173,
+  martyred cxcv,
+  Novice at St. John's, Louvain cxcv.
+
+Garney, James;
+  Sir Everard Digby's servant, cclxii.
+
+Garswood;
+  seat of the Gerards ix.
+
+Gasca, Donna Maria; cxciv.
+
+Gatehouse; Fr. Garnett and Fr. Ouldcorne committed to 159,
+  Thomas Garnett there 166,
+  John Grissold there 181.
+
+Gerard John, S.J.;
+  _alias_ Starkie, _alias_ Standish xxx, xciii,
+  _alias_ Tanfield, _alias_ Staunton, xlii,
+  _alias_ Brooke clxxxvii,
+  _alias_ Nelson, _alias_ Tomson cxcvi,
+  _alias_ Harrison cclix,
+  parentage ix,
+  childhood x,
+  is sent to Derbyshire x,
+  has property at Ashton xi,
+  sent to Exeter College, Oxford xi,
+  goes to Rhemes xii, ccliii,
+  to Paris and Rouen xii,
+  his vocation xii,
+  falls ill and returns to England xiii,
+  in custody of Elmer, Bishop of London xiii,
+  committed to Marshalsea xiv,
+  fined for recusancy xiv,
+  goes to Paris and Rome xv,
+  enters English College xv, ccliv,
+  ordained Priest xvi, ccliv,
+  admitted into Society xvi, 279,
+  starts for England xvi, 280,
+  lands xviii,
+  arrested xxi, 281,
+  reaches Norwich xxii,
+  arrives in London xxiv,
+  returns to Norfolk xxv, 282,
+  changes his residence xxix,
+  goes to live at Braddocks xxxii,
+  hires a house in Golding-lane xlvi,
+  in hiding-places xxxix, lii, cxxxix,
+  received by Countess of Arundel lvii,
+  taken at Middleton's lviii,
+  examined lix, lxi, lxxx, lxxxii, xciii, lxxxiv, cx, cxiii, ccxiv;
+  sent to the Counter lxi,
+  put in irons lix, lxiv, lxix,
+  his servants lxv,
+  removed to the Clink lxix,
+  his house in charge of Ann Line lxxii,
+  wears Jesuit's dress in prison lxxxi,
+  cell in Clink searched lxxxix,
+  removed to Tower xc,
+  tortured the first time xcvii,
+  the second time ci,
+  the third time ciii,
+  says Mass cxv,
+  escapes from Tower cxvii,
+  leaves the Wisemans cxxxi,
+  fears to have to leave England cxxxi,
+  removes to Harrowden cxxxiii,
+  takes half of a house in London cxxix,
+  which is searched cxxxvi,
+  moves to a house near the Strand clxii,
+  where without his knowledge the conspirators receive Communion, 197,
+              ccxxiii,
+  his innocence of Powder Plot clxxiii, clxxviii,
+  in hiding clxxxii,
+  leaves England clxxxiv,
+  at St. Omers and Brussels cclviii,
+  goes to Rome cclxi,
+  and Louvain clxxxiii, cxciii,
+  his character ccli,
+  his Profession clxxxiv,
+  Bates' evidence against him 136,
+  his letters to the Council 136, 142, 207, 212,
+  accused in Proclamation 143,
+  proposed for attainder 165,
+  cleared by Sir Everard Digby 209,
+  his letters clxxxv, cxcv, ccxxxi, ccxlvi, cclix,
+  his description clxxxvii,
+  disturbed in Belgium by English Government cxcvi,
+  returns through Spain to Rome ccviii,
+  dies there ccix,
+  on equivocation ccix,
+  his MS. on Powder Plot ccxlviii,
+  his autobiography cclii.
+
+Gerard Sir Gilbert;
+  Master of the Rolls x.
+
+Gerard, Sir Thomas;
+  first Baronet x,
+  knighted at James I.'s accession with fair words 27.
+
+Gerard, Sir Thomas;
+  first Lord Gerard x,
+  Knight Marshal cxxx.
+
+Gerard, Sir Thomas;
+  Knight, of Bryn ix,
+  imprisoned twice in the Tower x, 27,
+  released at great cost 27,
+  compounds for his recusancy x,
+  dwelt at Etwall, within two miles of Tutbury Castle, x, ccliii, 26.
+
+Ghent;
+  Tertianship founded by Anne Countess of Arundel cclxii.
+
+Gifford, Gilbert, _alias_ Jacques Colendin;
+  a Priest and spy xvi.
+
+Gilford, _see_ Garnett.
+
+Golding-lane;
+  Fr. Gerard's house there searched xlv.
+
+Golthwaite;
+  Sir John Yorke's house cclvii.
+
+Goodman, Gabriel, Dean of Westminster;
+  examines Fr. Gerard lxxxii,
+  examines Br. Emerson ccliv.
+
+Grafton, Novice, S.J.; cci.
+
+Grant, John; beats pursuivants 86,
+  joins the conspiracy 87,
+  much scorched with powder 108,
+  taken 109,
+  tried in Westminster Hall 191,
+  his death 218,
+  not at Lord Vaux's cclvi.
+
+Green, Richard;
+  candidate for Society cxciii.
+
+Greenway, _see_ Tesimond.
+
+Grene, Christopher, S.J.;
+  _Collectanea_ ccxlvii, ccxlix.
+
+Grene, Martin, S.J.;
+  letter about Powder Plot ccxlvii.
+
+Griffin, Mrs.;
+  receives Fr. Garnett's straw 302,
+  cured by it 304.
+
+Grissold, John;
+  tortured 181.
+
+Guildhall;
+  Fr. Gerard examined at lxxxiv,
+  Fr. Garnett tried in 226.
+
+HALL, _see_ Ouldcorne.
+
+Harrington, Lord;
+  in charge of the Lady Elizabeth 85, 92.
+
+Harrison, _see_ Gerard.
+
+Harrowden, Great; cxxxv, cxlvii,
+  altar furniture at clxxv,
+  searched for nine days clxxv, cxc, 141,
+  Bates saw the Fathers at 136, 211,
+  restored to Lord Vaux clxxxvii.
+
+Hartley, William;
+  martyr, in the Marshalsea xiv.
+
+Hatton, Sir Christopher;
+  his house cxxxv.
+
+Heigham, William, S.J.;
+  maintains William Thomson the martyr lxxiii.
+
+Henlip;
+  Thomas Abington's house, 149,
+  Fr. Garnett hides there 150,
+  Fr. Ouldcorne lives there xl, 150,
+  searched 151.
+
+Heywood, Mrs.;
+  her presence of mind when her house is searched cxxxviii.
+
+Hobadge House;
+  Stephen Littleton's 108, 210.
+
+Hobocque, Baron de;
+  Flemish ambassador, testifies to Father Garnett's straw 303.
+
+Holt, William, S.J.;
+  Rector of English College at Rome xv, ccliv,
+  in Belgium cxxviii,
+  unjustly accused 249.
+
+Homulus, _see_ Emerson.
+
+Hopton, Sir Owen;
+  examines Brother Emerson ccliv.
+
+Hoskins, Anthony, S.J.; cxlix,
+  with Fr. Gerard clxxx, with Fr. Gerard's friends cclx.
+
+Huddington;
+  Winters of 58.
+
+Huddleston, Sir Henry;
+  converted xxxiii.
+
+Hunston, Brian;
+  in Fr. Gerard's service clxxxix.
+
+Huntingdon, Earl of;
+  his wife Fr. Gerard's aunt ccliii.
+
+Hurlston, Ha.;
+  in prison clxxxix.
+
+Hymn of All Saints; 240, 254, cclxii.
+
+INGLEFIELD, SIR FRANCIS; attainted 328.
+
+JACKSON, RICHARD;
+  indicted for saying Mass at Braddocks ccliv.
+
+James I.;
+  his book for his son 23,
+  compares Papists and Puritans to two asses 123,
+  expectations on his accession 20,
+  disappointment 25,
+  deciphers the letter 98,
+  proclamation of Nov. 7, 114,
+  his speech 116,
+  his book on the Powder Plot 199.
+
+Jenings, Alice, wife of Richard;
+  a recusant xlii.
+
+Jenison, John and Michael;
+  Fr. Gerard's brothers-in-law ccliii.
+
+Jeppes, John;
+  stayed at Frank's with the Wisemans xliv.
+
+Jesuits;
+  accused 148, 193,
+  cleared 179,
+  Coke proposes eight for attainder by Parliament 164.
+
+Johnson;
+  quotation from, on equivocation ccxi.
+
+Jones, _alias_ Buckley, John, O.S.F.;
+  martyr xxxii, lxxvi.
+
+KENSINGTON, _see_ Laithwaite.
+
+Keyes, Robert;
+  his virtue and valour 87,
+  joins the conspiracy 87,
+  taken 112,
+  tried in Westminster Hall 192,
+  his death 221.
+
+Keynes, George, S.J.; cclviii.
+
+Knevet, Sir Thomas;
+  searches the vault 103.
+
+Knox, John;
+  teaches regicide 122.
+
+LAITHWAITE, THOS., S.J.;
+  taken, escapes, is retaken clxxvi,
+  _alias_ Scott _alias_ Kensington cxcvi,
+  frequents Fr. Gerard's house clxxvi, ccxxiv.
+
+Lasnet, John, S.J.;
+  serves Fr. Gerard lxv.
+
+Laud, William Archbishop;
+  marries Lord Mountjoy and Lady Rich xxxiv.
+
+Lee Priory;
+  Lord Rich's house, xli.
+
+Lee, Roger, S.J.;
+  in retreat cxxxvi, cxlvi,
+  helps to convert his friends cxlviii, cl,
+  Fr. Baldwin would send him to England cclviii,
+  Fr. Gerard opposed to this as premature cclx.
+
+Leeds, Sir Thomas;
+  at Louvain cxcvii.
+
+Leicester, Earl of; lxii,
+  threats against Catholics xvii, 279,
+  "my Lord of Leicester's books" ccliv.
+
+Lenox, Duke of;
+  Fr. Gerard's letter to ccxxxi.
+
+Lerma, Duke of; 235.
+
+Leutner, or Lewckener, Edmund;
+  of Exeter College, Oxford xi.
+
+Lewkner, Thomas, Novice S.J. cci.
+
+Liege, florin of xiv.
+
+Liege, foundation at cxcvi, cxcix.
+
+Lilly, John S.J.;
+  in the Clink lxxi,
+  liberty purchased cix,
+  visits Fr. Gerard in the Tower cxi,
+  helps him to escape from the Tower cxviii,
+  is taken in his stead cxxxix,
+  outwits Wade cxliii,
+  death lxvi, cxliv.
+
+Line, Anne;
+  martyr, has charge of Father Gerard's house lxxiii,
+  changes house cxxviii,
+  her husband lxxiv,
+  visits Mrs. Heywood cxxxviii,
+  her arrest at Mass lxxv,
+  her conduct in Court lxxv,
+  her death lxxvi.
+
+Lingard, John, D.D.;
+  on the Communion of the conspirators ccxxiii,
+  on the date of a letter quoted ccxxvii,
+  quotes affidavit of Anthony Smith ccxlvii.
+
+Little John and Little Michael, _see_ Owen.
+
+Littleton, Humphrey;
+  shelters Robert Winter and Stephen Littleton 112,
+  betrays Father Garnett and Fr. Ouldcorne 150,
+  tried at Worcester 267,
+  repents of his treachery 268, 269, 270.
+
+Littleton, Stephen;
+  receives the conspirators 108,
+  escapes for a time 110,
+  Hobadge House 108, 210,
+  taken 112,
+  tried and executed at Stafford 277.
+
+Lopez;
+  his treason 234.
+
+Louvain, St. John's;
+  the first English Novitiate S.J. cxcv.
+
+Louvain, St. Monica's; xxxi, cxcvi.
+
+MALTRAVERS, JAMES LORD;
+  erroneously said to have been converted by Fr. Gerard cclxii.
+
+Manners, Sir Oliver;
+  his conversion clxvi,
+  his letter to Fr. Aquaviva cclv,
+  his return to England cciii,
+  his death cciii,
+  praise perhaps of him as intending to be a Priest cclxi.
+
+Mansel _alias_ Griffin, Richard;
+  Novice S.J. cci.
+
+Markham, Anne Lady;
+  correspondence with Earl of Salisbury about betraying Father Gerard
+              clxxxviii.
+
+Marshalsea Prison; cxxx,
+  Fr. Gerard in xiv,
+  Br. Nicholas Owen in 186.
+
+Mary, Queen of Scots; 21,
+  died because she was a Catholic 16,
+  a martyr 22,
+  confined at Tutbury Castle x, ccliii, 26,
+  Babington's plot for xv, xvii, 26,
+  Sir Thomas Stanley, Sir Thomas Gerard, and Mr. Roulston take her part
+              26.
+
+Maximilian, Duke of Bavaria;
+  sends gifts to new House at Liege cc,
+  endows the College there cc,
+  his children cc.
+
+Mayer, Father, S.J.; cc.
+
+Mayor of London, the Lord;
+  searches Fr. Gerard's house clxxxi,
+  one of Fr. Garnett's judges 226.
+
+Middleton's;
+  Fr. Gerard and Nicholas Owen taken there xliii, xliv, lviii.
+
+Milton;
+  quotation from, on equivocation ccxi.
+
+Miranda, Conde de; 235,
+  Condessa de cxciv.
+
+Molina, Melchior de; cxciv.
+
+Montacute Papers; cclvi.
+
+Montague, Anthony Viscount; xxxiii, cxcix.
+
+More, Thomas, S.J.;
+  last English Provincial before the suppression ccli.
+
+More, Henry, S.J.;
+  lived at St. John's, Louvain cxcv,
+  Socius to Fr. Gerard at Louvain cc,
+  his scholarship cci.
+
+Morecroftes at Uxbridge;
+  Fr. Garnett's house cclv, _perhaps_ xlvi, cxxiv, 181.
+
+Morton, _see_ Talbot.
+
+Motte;
+  his bark xliv.
+
+Mountague, Dean of Chapel Royal; 45.
+
+Mounteagle, the Lord;
+  the letter to 96,
+  his supper 101.
+
+Mountjoy, Lord;
+  seduces Lady Rich xxxiv.
+
+Myller, Ralph;
+  a tailor of Rhemes, his confession cxxxiv.
+
+NELSON, _see_ Gerard.
+
+Nevill, the Lady;
+  died of ill-treatment in a search 39.
+
+Newall, William;
+  a pursuivant xli, ccliii.
+
+Newman, John Henry, D.D.;
+  quotation from ccxi.
+
+Norffooke, Nicholas;
+  Mr. Wiseman's servant xlii.
+
+Northampton, Earl of;
+  reads the letter 97,
+  examines Fr. Garnett 173,
+  speech at conspirators' trial 213,
+  one of Fr. Garnett's judges 226,
+  intercedes for the Vauxes clxxxvi.
+
+Northend, Great Waltham;
+  Mrs. Wiseman's house xxxi.
+
+Northumberland, Earl of;
+  his four daughters xxxvi.
+
+Nottingham, Earl of;
+  one of Fr. Garnett's judges 226.
+
+ORMES; a tailor xlii.
+
+Ostend;
+  boys taken going to St. Omers by lxxix.
+
+Ouldcorne, Edward, S.J.;
+  _alias_ Hall 165,
+  sent to Naples to beg for the English College, Rome, 278,
+  admitted into the Society xvi, 279,
+  goes to England xvi, ccliv, 280,
+  converts Dorothy Abington 283,
+  cured of cancer in the mouth by St. Winifred 284,
+  danger on occasion of renewal of vows xl,
+  betrayed by Humphrey Littleton 150,
+  an escape by ready wit 154,
+  committed to Gatehouse 159,
+  overheard in conference with Fr. Garnett in the Tower 169, 241,
+  tortured 181, 285,
+  taken to Worcester 265,
+  tried 267,
+  his indictment 269,
+  converts a felon in prison 271,
+  martyrdom 274, cclviii,
+  two notable signs after his death 285,
+  his dream 306, cclxii.
+
+Overal, John, Dean of St. Paul's;
+  present at Fr. Garnett's death 290.
+
+Owen, Nicholas, S.J., _alias_ Little John and Little Michael;
+  taken with Fr. Gerard xliv, lviii,
+  makes hiding-places lvii, cxlv,
+  tortured lxiv,
+  receives Father Garnett's letters lxxxix,
+  taken at Henlip 153,
+  committed to the Marshalsea 186,
+  tortured to death in Tower 182,
+  his patience when his leg was broken 185.
+
+Owen, Thomas, S.J.;
+  Prefect of the English Mission cxcv.
+
+PAGE, FRANCIS, S.J.;
+  martyr cxi,
+  surprised at Mass lxxv,
+  is taken when visiting Fr. Gerard in the Tower cx,
+  released for money, becomes a Priest, a Jesuit, and a martyr cxi.
+
+Paget, Lord;
+  attainted 328.
+
+Paley;
+  quotation from, on equivocation ccxi.
+
+Parker, Christopher;
+  in Father Gerard's service clxxxix.
+
+Paschal, Mr.;
+  reaches Douay ccliv.
+
+Peckham, Edmund;
+  Fr. Gerard's brother-in-law ccliii.
+
+Penal laws; 15, 33, 315, _et seq._,
+  James' statutes 29, 328.
+
+Percy, John, S.J., _alias_ Fisher; cclxii,
+  his sufferings at Flushing cxxxii,
+  imprisoned in and escape from Bridewell cxxxiii,
+  in Yorkshire cxxxiii,
+  with Fr. Gerard at Stoke Pogis cxlvi,
+  at Harrowden cxlvii,
+  goes to Sir Everard Digby clxxiv,
+  returns to Mrs. Vaux clxxxiii, cclx,
+  in Belgium cxcvii.
+
+Percy, Lady Mary;
+  her life in England xxxvi,
+  her vocation xxxvii,
+  her sisters xxxvi, xliii, lxviii.
+
+Percy, Thomas;
+  one of the first conspirators 53,
+  connection of Earl of Northumberland 57, 100,
+  married John Wright's sister 57,
+  his early life 57,
+  converted 58,
+  a Gentleman Pensioner 58,
+  hires house by the river 63,
+  and cellar for fuel 71,
+  his office in the Plot 63, 91,
+  shot 110.
+
+Perkises and his man executed at Worcester 277.
+
+Perne, Andrew;
+  his religion xxvi.
+
+Persons, Robert, S.J.;
+  his _Christian Directory_ xii,
+  forbids state affairs 76, 81,
+  effects of his coming to England 131,
+  Prefect of the English Mission xv, cxciii, cclix, 280,
+  admits Fr. Gerard into the Novitiate xvi,
+  praises Father Gerard's behaviour after the Powder Plot cclxi.
+
+Phelips, Sir Edward;
+  opens Powder Plot indictment 196,
+  his papers cclvi.
+
+Philips the decipherer;
+  committed to Tower for correspondence with Mr. Owen cclviii.
+
+Pilgrims' Register at Rome;
+  entry of Fr. Gerard's name ccliv.
+
+Polewhele;
+  his treason xcv.
+
+Pollen, Joseph, S.J.;
+  in hiding cxl, cclv.
+
+Popham, Sir John, Chief Justice;
+  execution of penal laws intrusted to 33,
+  examines Fr. Garnett 164,
+  one of his judges 226,
+  pronounces sentence 263.
+
+Port, Sir John;
+  his three daughters cliii.
+
+Priests;
+  cleared by the Conspirators 128,
+  Queen Mary's xxvii, xxx, 133, 231.
+
+Puckering, Lord Keeper;
+  report made to xxxi, xli, xliv.
+
+Puente, Luis de la, S.J.;
+  his two letters to Fr. Gerard ccv.
+
+Puritans in Parliament 29,
+  and in authority 31.
+
+QUEENHITHE, Conspiracy laid in, in Fr. Garnett's indictment 226, 238.
+
+RECUSANTS given over to enrich courtiers 34,
+  three degrees of, according to King James, 41.
+
+Richard, _see_ Mansel.
+
+Richardson, Richard;
+  in Gatehouse cxc,
+  his examination cclvi.
+
+Rich, Lord;
+  his house xli.
+
+Rich, Penelope Lady;
+  her story xxxiii.
+
+Rigby, John;
+  martyr, converted in the Clink by Fr. Gerard lxxii.
+
+Rookwood, Ambrose;
+  his family 85,
+  joins the conspiracy 86,
+  scorched with powder 108,
+  wounded and taken 109,
+  tried in Westminster Hall 191,
+  farewell to his wife 219,
+  his death 221,
+  when at Lord Vaux's cclvi.
+
+Roulston;
+  took part with Mary Queen of Scots, betrayed by his son 26.
+
+Rouse;
+  at Mechlin cxcvi.
+
+Rydgeley, Mary;
+  marries John Wiseman cclv.
+
+SACCHINI, FRANCIS, S.J.;
+  had the original of Fr. Gerard's Autobiography cclii.
+
+Salesberie, Mr.;
+  in Babington's plot, 26.
+
+Salisbury, Earl of;
+  discloses the Plot 97,
+  examines Fr. Gerard 173,
+  his book _An Answer to certain Scandalous Papers_ 199, 212,
+  speech in answer to Sir Everard Digby 215,
+  one of Fr. Garnett's judges 226,
+  Fr. Gerard's letter to ccxxxiii,
+  correspondence with Lady Markham clxxxix.
+
+Savage, Samuel;
+  Mrs. Wiseman's servant xlii.
+
+Savage, William;
+  tailor, crosses to Middleborough xliv.
+
+Schondonch, Giles, S.J.;
+  Rector of St. Omers cclviii, extract of letter ccxlv.
+
+Scott, _see_ Laithwaite.
+
+Scott, Sir Walter;
+  equivocation ccxvii.
+
+Scudamore _alias_ John Wiseman;
+  at Northend xliii,
+  crosses to Middleborough xliv.
+
+Searches;
+  at Fr. Garnett's xxxix,
+  at Golding-lane xlv,
+  at Northend xli,
+  at Braddocks lii,
+  house in London cxxxvi,
+  at Harrowden for nine days clxxv, 138,
+  at Henlip 151,
+  at Mrs. Jenison's ccliii,
+  manner of in general 35,
+  Lady Nevill's death caused by 39.
+
+Seymour, Lady Jane;
+  daughter of Thomas, Earl of Northumberland xxxvi,
+  a Protestant xliii, lxviii.
+
+Shefford, _see_ Stratford.
+
+Sheldon, Hugh, S.J.;
+  makes hiding-places cxlv,
+  caught, sent to Wisbech and banished cxlvi.
+
+Shelley, Owen _alias_ Titchborn;
+  Novice S.J. cci,
+  Rector of Liege cci.
+
+Sherwin, Ralph;
+  martyr 17.
+
+Sherwood, Father; 234,
+  none such in the Society 249.
+
+Sherwood, John, S.J.;
+  died before he came to be a Priest 249.
+
+Shrewsbury, the Lady;
+  her zeal praised cclviii.
+
+Shurley;
+  Mistress of Novices at St. Monica's, Louvain cxcvi.
+
+Silisdon, Henry, S.J.;
+  Rector at Louvain cxcv,
+  Master of Novices at Liege cc, ccv,
+  his opinion of Fr. Gerard's talent for government ccii.
+
+Silvester, Novice S.J.; cci.
+
+Singleton, Dr.; cciv.
+
+Sion House; Nuns of xxx.
+
+Smith, Anthony;
+  affidavit respecting Fr. Gerard ccxlvii.
+
+Smith, William, Bishop of Chalcedon;
+  Fr. Fitzherbert's letter to cclxii,
+  Fr. Gerard's letter to ccxxxviii, ccxlvi.
+
+Southwell, Robert, S.J.; xxiv,
+  his journeys with Fr. Gerard xxiii,
+  his instructions xxv,
+  surprised at Mass xxxix,
+  lived with Countess of Arundel lvii,
+  maligned by Young lxvii,
+  tortured by Topcliffe 18,
+  invoked by Fr. Gerard cxxiii,
+  his spiritual books 132,
+  date of his martyrdom 282, ccli,
+  betrayed by Anne Bellamy ccxiv, ccxvii,
+  on equivocation ccxiv, ccxviii.
+
+Southworth, John;
+  Fr. Gerard's bailiff, xi.
+
+Squire;
+  his treason 234, 249, xcv.
+
+Standish;
+  Fr. Gerard's pseudonym taken by John Wiseman, S.J. xxx.
+
+Stanhope, Sir Thomas;
+  his wife Father Gerard's aunt ccliii.
+
+Stanley, Sir William; lxii,
+  his wife's death cxcviii,
+  calls Fr. Gerard cousin cxcix,
+  buys the Liege property cxcix,
+  his forces 236.
+
+Stanley, Sir Thomas;
+  took part with Mary Queen of Scots 26.
+
+Stanny, Thomas, S.J.; xl.
+
+Starkie;
+  Fr. Gerard's pseudonym taken by Thomas Wiseman, S.J., xxx.
+
+Staunton, _see_ Gerard.
+
+St. Germain, Marquis of; cclviii.
+
+Stoke Pogis;
+  house at cxxxv,
+  searched cxlvi.
+
+Stone, Marmaduke, S.J.;
+  Father Gerard's MS. received by ccxlix.
+
+Strand;
+  Fr. Gerard's house near clxii, ccxxiii.
+
+Strange, Thomas, S.J.;
+  tortured in the Tower clxxiv,
+  with Fr. Gerard clxxiv, ccxxix,
+  taken in Warwickshire clxxvii,
+  Mrs. Vaux asks his release clxxxii, 140.
+
+Stratford, Arthur _alias_ Shefford; xvii, ccliv.
+
+Stratforde, John;
+  found in Mr. Wiseman's house xliv.
+  Stuart Papers at Rome ccxlix.
+
+Suffield, William;
+  William Wiseman's man, xli, xliv.
+
+Suffolk, Earl of, Lord Chamberlain;
+  marriage proposed between his daughter and Lord Vaux 137,
+  reads the letter 97,
+  searches the vaults 99,
+  examines Fr. Garnett, 173,
+  one of Father Garnett's judges 226.
+
+Sutton, John; lxvi.
+
+Sutton, William, S.J.;
+  Fr. Gerard's tutor xii.
+
+Swetnam, Francis;
+  servant to Mrs. Vaux, examined cclvi.
+
+TALBOT, SIR GEORGE, of Grafton, _alias_ Morton;
+  Fr. Gerard calls him cousin cxcix,
+  friend of Maximilian Duke of Bavaria cc,
+  well received by King James and Archbishop Abbot cc,
+  afterwards ninth Earl of Shrewsbury cc.
+
+Talbot, Thomas, S.J.;
+  Novice Master at Louvain cxcv, cclix.
+
+Tanfield, _see_ Gerard.
+
+Taylor, Jeremy;
+  quotation from, on equivocation ccxi.
+
+Tesimond, Oswald _alias_ Greenway _alias_ Philip Beaumont, S.J.; ccxlviii,
+  Bates' evidence against 136, 211,
+  accused in Proclamation 143,
+  proposed for attainder 165,
+  named by Fr. Garnett 175,
+  cleared by Thomas Winter 220,
+  crossed the sea clxxxii,
+  his narrative cxxvi, ccxlviii, cclv.
+
+Thomson _alias_ Blackburn, Wm.;
+  martyr xv, lxxiii.
+
+Thorpe, John, S.J.;
+  letter to Lord Arundell ccxlix,
+  letter to Father Stone ccli.
+
+Tichburn, Thomas;
+  martyr, betrayed by Atkinson cxxx.
+
+Tierney, Mark Anthony, Canon;
+  on the Communion of the conspirators ccxxiii,
+  on the date of a quoted letter ccxxv.
+
+Titchborn, _see_ Shelley.
+
+Tomson, _see_ Gerard.
+
+Topcliffe, Richard;
+  examinations by lxi, lxxxii, lxxxiv,
+  imprisoned lxxxvi,
+  a prophet lxxxvi,
+  tortures Fr. Southwell 18,
+  describes Fr. Gerard clxxxvii.
+
+Torture in the Tower;
+  manner of xcvii,
+  effects of cv, 189.
+
+Tower;
+  Sir Thomas Stanley, Sir Thomas Gerard and Mr. Roulston in 26,
+  Sir Thomas Gerard in the second time x, 27,
+  Father Gerard removed to xc,
+  Fr. Henry Walpole's cell in xc,
+  torture in xcvii,
+  beasts in cxii,
+  Mass in cxv,
+  Fr. Gerard escapes from cxvii,
+  Fr. Garnett and Fr. Ouldcorne sent to 160,
+  Anne Vaux taken to 172,
+  Ralph Ashley and John Grissold tortured in 181,
+  Nicholas Owen killed by torture in 182.
+
+Tregian, Thomas;
+  condemned for having an Agnus Dei 39.
+
+Tresham, Francis;
+  his family 90,
+  out with Lord Essex 91,
+  joins the Plot 91,
+  suspected of betraying it 102,
+  taken. 112,
+  when dying retracts what he had said against Fr. Garnett 260,
+  when at Lord Vaux's cclvi.
+
+Trumbol;
+  English Agent in Belgium cxcviii.
+
+Tutbury Castle;
+  Mary Queen of Scots confined there x, ccliii, 26.
+
+Tyrrel, Anthony;
+  in the Clink lxxxi.
+
+USHER, Bishop of Armagh;
+  his opinion of Powder Plot ccxlviii.
+
+VAUX, ANNE; visits Mrs. Heywood cxxxviii,
+  returns to Lord Vaux's from a long journey 137,
+  her friendly offices to Father Garnett 167,
+  defended by him at his death 293,
+  deceived by the keeper 168,
+  taken to the Tower 172,
+  her confession 259.
+
+Vaux, Edward Lord; cxxxi, 136,
+  marriage proposed with Earl of Suffolk's daughter 137,
+  has two houses three miles apart 138,
+  imprisoned clxxxv, cclv,
+  examined by Lord Salisbury 140.
+
+Vaux, Elizabeth; cxxxi,
+  her courage before the Council clxxxii, 140,
+  imprisoned and found at Mass clxxxv.
+
+Vaux, George;
+  marries Elizabeth Roper cxxxii,
+  at Hackney cxxxiv,
+  his mother cxxxv.
+
+Vaux, Sir Ambrose; clxxiv.
+
+Villa Mediana, Conde de;
+  Spanish Ambassador, cxciii, cclvii,
+  had Father Garnett's straw in his keeping 303.
+
+Vitelleschi, Mutius, General S.J.;
+  sends to the Bishop of Chalcedon to clear Fr. Gerard cclxii.
+
+WADE, SIR WILLIAM;
+  Secretary to Privy Council lxxx,
+  examines Fr. Gerard xciii, ccxvi,
+  while under torture c,
+  professes to bring message from the Queen ci,
+  shows his knowledge of Fr. Garnett's house in Spital cxliii,
+  reviles Fr. Garnett 162,
+  brings him for trial 225,
+  takes Mr. Tresham's man 261.
+
+Wales, Prince of; 63, 85, 91.
+
+Walley, _see_ Garnett.
+
+Wallis, Richard and Wm.;
+  found in Mr. Wiseman's house xliv.
+
+Walpole, Henry, S.J.;
+  martyr 18, xcv,
+  his cell in Tower xc,
+  invoked by Fr. Gerard cxxiii, his constancy 132.
+
+Walpole, Michael, S.J.;
+  serves Fr. Gerard lxv,
+  reconciles a knight clxvi,
+  extract of a letter from ccxlv.
+
+Walpole, Richard, S.J.;
+  at Valladolid, Vice-prefect of the English mission cxciv.
+
+Walsyngham, Sir Francis;
+  his daughter marries Lord Dunkellin and is converted clix, clxi,
+  examines Br. Emerson ccliv.
+
+Waltham, Great;
+  Northend in xxxi.
+
+Watson's;
+  his treason hindered by Jesuits 73,
+  specially by Fr. Gerard 74,
+  and by Fr. Garnett 250,
+  he begs pardon of the Society at his death 132,
+  James' promises to him 214.
+
+West;
+  a messenger between Priests ccliii.
+
+Westmoreland;
+  no such of the Society 165.
+
+Weston, William _alias_ Edmunds, S.J.;
+  wears clerical dress in prison lxxxi, in Wisbech xxiv, 282,
+  his virtue 132.
+
+Whitmore, Novice, S.J.; cci.
+
+Whyneyard, Keeper of Wardrobe;
+  lets the vaults 99.
+
+Whyte, Andrew, S.J.;
+  writes to Fr. Gerard for Green cxciii.
+
+Wilkinson, John;
+  finds Father Garnett's straw 302.
+
+Williams, _see_ Ellis.
+
+Williams; his treason 234, 249, xcv.
+
+Williamson, Ralph;
+  found in Mr. Wiseman's house xliv.
+
+Willis, Ralph;
+  goes to Lady Gerard's xxxv,
+  attends on Fr. Gerard xlii, xliii,
+  made Priest at Rome lxv.
+
+Wilson;
+  author of _English Martyrology_ ccxlix.
+
+Wimbish;
+  Braddocks in, xxx.
+
+Winchester Nuns; xxxvii.
+
+Winifred's (St.) Well;
+  Fr. Garnett's journey 78, 240, 258, cclxii,
+  Fr. Ouldcorne cured 284.
+
+Winsor, the Lord;
+  his armoury at Warwick 107.
+
+Winter John;
+  tried in Westminster Hall 191,
+  sent to Worcester 266,
+  converts a felon in prison 271,
+  execution 276.
+
+Winter, Robert;
+  his estate and marriage 70,
+  joins the Plot 71,
+  escapes for a time 110,
+  taken 112,
+  tried in Westminster Hall 191,
+  his death 216.
+
+Winter, Thomas;
+  one of the first conspirators 53,
+  of Huddington 58,
+  his scholarship 58,
+  a friend of Catesby 59,
+  is sent to the Constable of Spain 61, 236, 251,
+  wounded and taken 109,
+  his confession ccxxiv, 112, 200, and _passim_,
+  taken to Westminster Hall for trial 191,
+  his death 220,
+  not at Lord Vaux's cclvi.
+
+Wisbech;
+  prisoners at famished 79.
+
+Wiseman, Anne;
+  a Nun of Sion xxx.
+
+Wiseman, Anne;
+  a widow xlii.
+
+Wiseman, Barbara;
+  Abbess of Sion xxxi.
+
+Wiseman, Bridget;
+  an Augustinianess at Louvain xxxi,
+  crosses the sea xliv.
+
+Wiseman, George;
+  of Upminster, Justice of Peace xlii.
+
+Wiseman, Jane;
+  an Augustinianess at Louvain xxxi,
+  crosses the sea xliv.
+
+Wiseman, Jane;
+  daughter of Sir Edmund Huddleston xxxi,
+  her character lxxviii.
+
+Wiseman, Jane;
+  the widow xxx,
+  her house at Northend xxxi,
+  her pilgrimage to Wisbech xxxi,
+  condemned to _peine forte et dure_ xxxii,
+  her house searched xli,
+  in the Gatehouse lxxxii,
+  confronted with Fr. Gerard lxxxii.
+
+Wiseman, John, S.J.;
+  entered the Society in Rome and died there xxx,
+  pseudonym of Scudamore a Priest xliii.
+
+Wiseman, Mary;
+  daughter of Anne, a recusant xlii.
+
+Wiseman, Mary;
+  daughter of George, a recusant xlii.
+
+Wiseman, Robert;
+  in the Clink xlii,
+  died in battle in Belgium xxxi.
+
+Wiseman, Thomas, S.J.;
+  entered the Society in Rome and died at St. Omers xxx.
+
+Wiseman, William;
+  his house, Braddocks, in Wimbish, xxx,
+  knighted xxxi,
+  his descendants cclv,
+  visits Lady Gerard xxxv,
+  his arrest xlvii,
+  his examination xlviii,
+  Braddocks searched lii,
+  his book written in prison lxxvii,
+  released for money, lives near the Clink, returns to Braddocks lxxviii.
+
+Woodroff, Lady Elizabeth; xxxvi.
+
+Woodward;
+  a Priest cxxviii.
+
+Worcester, Earl of;
+  one of Fr. Garnett's judges 226.
+
+Worsley;
+  a pursuivant xli.
+
+Wright,
+  Christopher; enters the conspiracy 70,
+  entrusts money to Bates 210,
+  sent to Flanders 236,
+  shot 109.
+
+Wright, John;
+  one of the first conspirators 53,
+  his early life 59,
+  shot 109,
+  taken to Westminster Hall for trial 191.
+
+YELVERTON, SIR CHRISTOPHER;
+  his sister converted xxvi,
+  one of Fr. Garnett's judges 226.
+
+Yorke;
+  his treason 234, 249.
+
+Yorke, Sir John;
+  brief for his prosecution cclvii.
+
+Young, Richard;
+  examines John Frank xl,
+  William Wiseman l,
+  Fr. Gerard lxi, lxvii,
+  Brother Emerson ccliv,
+  takes a bribe lxix,
+  forswears himself lxvii, ccxviii,
+  dies miserably lxxix.
+
+ZUNIGA, DON PEDRO DE;
+  Flemish Ambassador clxxxiv, cxciii, cclvii,
+  Donna Maria de cxciv.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+
+    1 "William Gerard, son of William who died at Eton-hall in 26 Edward
+      III. [1352], by his marriage with Joan, daughter and heiress of Sir
+      Peter Bryn de Brynhill, convertible into Sir Peter Brynhill de Bryn,
+      became possessed of Bryn, Ashton, and other estates, which have
+      remained in the Gerards of Bryn ever since." ... "This family have
+      had four seats within the township of Ashton, viz., Old Bryn,
+      abandoned five centuries ago; New Bryn, erected in the reign of
+      Edward VI.; Garswood, taken down at the beginning of the present
+      century; and the New Hall, the present residence of the family,
+      built by the Launders about the year 1692, and purchased by the
+      Gerards forty years ago" (Baines, _Hist. of Lancaster_, 1836, vol.
+      iii., pp. 637, 639).
+
+_    2 Infra_ p. 27.
+
+    3 Tutbury is in Staffordshire, on the borders of Derbyshire, near to
+      Etwal.
+
+    4 Public Record Office, _Domestic, Elizabeth_, vol. 215, n. 19.
+      "Return of Prisoners in the Tower," endorsed in Lord Burghley's
+      hand, "2 Julii, 1588" [an error for August]. "April 1, 1585.
+      _Imprimis_, the Earl of Arundel, prisoner three years four
+      months.... August 23, 1586. Sir Thomas Gerard, Knight, prisoner one
+      year eleven months: indicted for treason." At the end of the list
+      are the names of five Priests "committed for religion." From the
+      Tower Sir Thomas Gerard was removed to the Counter in Wood-street
+      (_Domestic, Eliz._, vol. 217, n. 27).
+
+    5 Sir Gilbert Gerard was of the family of the Gerards of Ince, a
+      younger branch of the Gerards of Bryn. His eldest son, Sir Thomas,
+      was the first Lord Gerard of Gerards Bromley.
+
+_    6 Domestic, Eliz._, vol. 187, n. 48, viii.
+
+    7 P. R. O., _Domestic, Eliz._, vol. 251, n. 14. Feb. 3, 1595.
+
+    8 Probably Edmund Lewckener, who appears in the College books as one
+      of the new fellows on Sir W. Petre's foundation in 1566.
+
+    9 Prece vel pretio (MS.).
+
+   10 John Elmer, Bishop of London from 1576 to 1588.
+
+   11 There were 47 Catholics in the prison, of whom 11 were Priests,
+      amongst whom were William Hartley and John Adams, future martyrs,
+      and William Bishop, the first Vicar Apostolic (P. R. O., _Domestic,
+      Eliz._, vol. 170, n. 11).
+
+   12 In a letter dated October 3, 1614 (Stonyhurst MSS., _Angl. A._, iv.,
+      24), Father Gerard says that "7 florins of Liege make but 6 of
+      Brabant, 12s. English." So we may turn his florins into pounds by
+      taking off the last cypher.
+
+   13 Another occasion may present itself for placing before the reader
+      the many anecdotes of the English Martyrs related in the
+      Autobiography, that are now passed over.
+
+   14 Father Gerard was present, he says, at the martyrdom of William
+      Thomson, who suffered at Tyburn, April 20, 1586. Father Holt became
+      Rector of the English College at Rome, October 24, 1586; and the
+      name of John Gerard is the first entry for 1587 in the College
+      Catalogue.
+
+   15 When Father Gerard has occasion, in his Narrative of the Powder
+      Plot, to relate what he knows of Father Ouldcorne's history, he
+      gives an account of this journey (_infr._ p. 279).
+
+   16 P. R. O., _Domestic, Eliz._ vol. 217, n. 81.
+
+   17 P. R. O., _Domestic, Eliz._, vol. 199, nn. 95, 96.
+
+_   18 Ibid_, vol. 217, n. 3. The Calendar gives for its date Oct. 1,
+      1588. The postscript of the letter bears the date "8 Septembris."
+
+   19 They both suffered in Fleet Street; Christopher Bales on March 4,
+      1590, and George Beesley on July 2, 1591. They were condemned under
+      the statute 27 Elizabeth, for being made Priests beyond the seas and
+      exercising their functions in England.
+
+   20 Ad subcuratorem pacis, et ad censorem (MS.). The above are
+      conjectural renderings. These seem to have been only village
+      officials.
+
+   21 Irenarcha aut curatore pacis (MS.).
+
+   22 Ut vanitas veritatem occultet (MS.).
+
+   23 Father William Weston, commonly called Father Edmonds.
+
+   24 The name "Yelverton" is added in the margin. Sir Christopher
+      Yelverton was at this time Queen's Serjeant, and subsequently
+      Speaker of the House of Commons, and Puisne Judge of the King's
+      Bench. He died in 1607. His son, Sir Henry Yelverton, Judge of the
+      Court of Common Pleas, condemned Father Edmund Arrowsmith in 1628,
+      and died in the January following.
+
+   25 Dr. Andrew Perne, Master of Peter-house, Cambridge, and second Dean
+      of Ely. He is incidentally mentioned by Miss Strickland as having
+      changed his religion four times (_Lives of the Queens of England_,
+      vol. vii., p. 208).
+
+   26 "It [Braddocks] seems to have been formerly moated round, and two
+      sides of the moat remain at present" (Morant, _History of Essex_,
+      London, 1768, vol ii., p. 559).
+
+   27 Their names appear in 1580, among the signatures of the thirty Nuns
+      of Sion, then at Rouen, in a petition to the Catholics of England,
+      praying them not to allow "the only Religious Convent remaining of
+      our country" to perish for want of support (Public Record Office,
+      _Domestic, Eliz._, vol. 146, n. 114). The convent reached Lisbon in
+      1594, and in 1863 returned to England and settled at Spetisbury,
+      near Blandford. It is the only Religious House in England that can
+      trace an unbroken descent from a foundation made before the
+      Reformation. Sion House was founded by Henry V. in 1413.
+
+   28 William is said to have been knighted at a later date. Three
+      baronetcies were conferred on various branches of the family,
+      William of Canfield (1628), Richard of Thundersley (1628), and Sir
+      William Wiseman, Knight, of Riverhall (1660). The two last mentioned
+      are extinct. The Wisemans of Braddocks were descended from John
+      Wiseman, Esq., ancestor of the present baronet, who purchased the
+      estate in Northend about 1430, and was the first of the family who
+      lived in Essex.
+
+   29 P. R. O., _Domestic, Eliz._, vol. 247, n. 3.
+
+   30 "While the house at Sawston was erecting, Sir Edmund resided on his
+      estates in Essex, and served the office of Sheriff for that county
+      in 20, 21, [1578-9] and 30 Elizabeth" [1588] (Burke's _Landed
+      Gentry_, 1850, vol. i., p. 602).
+
+   31 The relationship is by affinity and half-blood. Jane, daughter of
+      Sir William Dormer, by his first wife, Mary Sidney, married Don
+      Gomez Suarez, Count of Feria; and Dorothy's father, Robert Lord
+      Dormer, was a son of Sir William, by his second wife, Dorothy
+      Catesby (Burke's _Peerage_).
+
+   32 Lady Penelope Devereux, daughter of Walter first Earl of Essex, wife
+      of Robert third Lord Rich, afterwards Earl of Warwick.
+
+   33 Charles Blount, eighth Baron Mountjoy, who in 1603 was created Earl
+      of Devonshire. He was married December 26, 1605, to Lady Rich, after
+      her divorce, and in the lifetime of her husband, by William Laud,
+      afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury. The Earl of Devonshire died in
+      a few months after this marriage, April 3, 1606.
+
+   34 William Wiseman, Richard Fulwood, and Ralph Willis were with Father
+      Gerard at Lady Gerard's house before Michaelmas, 1592 (P. R. O.,
+      _Domestic, Eliz._, vol. 248, n. 103).
+
+   35 Thomas Percy, Earl of Northumberland, was beheaded at York, in 1572.
+      He had four daughters: Elizabeth, wife of Richard Woodroff; Lucy,
+      wife of Sir Edward Stanley; Jane, wife of Lord Henry Seymour; and
+      Mary, the second Abbess of the English Benedictine Convent at
+      Brussels.
+
+   36 This venerable Community was transferred in 1794 to Winchester, and
+      in 1857 to East Bergholt, in Suffolk. This was the first English
+      Convent founded after the Reformation, and the first to come to
+      England at the French Revolution.
+
+   37 When this was written, the strict laws of Urban VIII. had not yet
+      been made, which forbid the introduction of any public religious
+      veneration except by the authority of the Holy See.
+
+   38 Defecerunt scrutantes scrutinio (MS.).
+
+   39 P. R. O., _Domestic, Eliz._, vol. 248, n. 103.
+
+   40 P. R. O., _Domestic, Eliz._, vol. 247, n. 3.
+
+   41 "Robert Wiseman, her other son, is also an obstinate recusant and
+      will by no means take the oath. He is prisoner in the Clink."
+      (Young, Apr. 14, 1594. P. R. O., _Dom. Eliz._, vol. 248, n. 68).
+
+   42 The Lady Mary Percy, of whom mention has been previously made. She
+      "was a devout Catholic, and had come to London a little before my
+      imprisonment, to get my help in passing over to Belgium, there to
+      consecrate herself to God. She was staying at the house of her
+      sister," who had lost the faith, Jane, the wife of Lord Henry
+      Seymour, with whose Protestant servants Father Gerard was confronted
+      later on. "I dined with them on the day the witnesses mentioned. It
+      was Lent; and they told how their mistress ate meat, while the Lady
+      Mary and I ate nothing but fish " (_infr._ p. lxviii.).
+
+   43 He had previously said that "between Midsummer and Michaelmas last,
+      Scudamore the Priest was there by the name of John Wiseman and
+      stayed there one night." John was apparently the name of the younger
+      Jesuit, who died in the Novitiate at Rome.
+
+   44 Amongst the letters seized at Braddocks in a search apparently in
+      1592, was one "sent by Dolman the Priest to Mrs. Wiseman, dated 28
+      die Jun., advertizing her of her son Thomas and her son John their
+      healths, and of his going to Wisbech, and that he was sorry her
+      daughter Jane had no warning whereby she might have wrote an epistle
+      in Latin to the Priests at Wisbech, that they might have understood
+      her zeal" (P. R. O., _Dom. Eliz._, vol. 243, n. 95).
+
+   45 P. R. O., _Dom. Eliz._, vol. 248, n. 68.
+
+   46 Young adds, "Mr. Wiseman and his mother had many more servants, both
+      men and maids, all which were recusants, and none of them would come
+      to church, to the great offence and scandal of all Her Majesty's
+      good subjects in that country."
+
+   47 Stonyhurst MSS. _P._, ii., p. 550.
+
+   48 Mr. "Homulus" is Ralph Emerson, the Lay-brother, of whom Father
+      Campion wrote to the General, "Homulus meus et ego" (_infr._ p.
+      lxx). It was of the greatest consequence that no names to strike the
+      eye should appear in letters, in case they were intercepted.
+
+   49 Probably White Webbs in Enfield Chase, called "Dr. Hewick's house"
+      (P. R. O., _Gunpowder Plot Book_, n. 70).
+
+   50 P. R. O., _Dom. Eliz._, vol. 248, n. 36.
+
+   51 In the original the words "is Richard Fulwood" are interlined, and
+      "he will not tell" underlined or erased.
+
+   52 Being learned. _Erased in Orig._
+
+   53 It was of the last importance for the friends of a prisoner to know,
+      if possible, what replies he had really given, not only that they
+      might take measures, if necessary, for their own safety, but also
+      that they might know how far to go in their own answers when
+      summoned. The persecutors were constantly in the habit of publishing
+      all sorts of pretended replies which they said had been given by
+      prisoners in their secret examinations, so that prisoners seized
+      every possible opportunity of communicating the truth to their
+      friends, often, as we shall see, in the most ingenious way.
+
+   54 It will be noticed, both from this passage and many others, that the
+      persecuted Catholics followed that common doctrine of theologians,
+      maintained also by many Protestant moralists, that an unjust
+      oppressor has no right, by the law of God, to exact or expect true
+      answers from his victims, if such true answers would help his unjust
+      designs, except where the question is of the faith of the prisoner.
+      It is quite likely that many will be startled now-a-days at such
+      direct denials, owing to our present freedom from those extreme
+      circumstances in which such denials were then made. Their own lives
+      were at stake, or those of other innocent persons, whom it would
+      have been a sin to betray; and for those persons' sake, if they held
+      such denials to be lawful, they were bound to make them. The English
+      law, with a tenderness then unknown, would now protect a man from
+      all efforts to make him criminate himself. The persecutors
+      themselves, who showed so great indignation at their victims'
+      falsehoods, told lies systematically _in order to ensnare the
+      Catholics_; a thing which no code of morality ever countenanced,
+      whether Catholic or Protestant. We propose to discuss this subject
+      more fully in the sequel.
+
+   55 This was the unfortunate Countess of Arundel, whose husband, Philip
+      Howard, Earl of Arundel, was at this time (1594) in the tenth year
+      of his imprisonment in the Tower. He died the following year in the
+      same prison, the noblest victim to the jealous and suspicious
+      tyranny of Elizabeth, _non sine veneni suspicione_, as his epitaph
+      still testifies.
+
+   56 This holy martyr's true name was Nicholas Owen. Father Gerard gives
+      an interesting account of him in the Narrative of the Powder Plot
+      (_infra_ p. 182).
+
+   57 We learn from Frank that it was called Middleton's.
+
+   58 Sir Thomas Egerton, afterwards Lord Ellesmere and Viscount Brackley,
+      was Attorney General at this date, 1594, and Lord Chancellor in
+      1609, when this was written. His having been a Catholic is not
+      mentioned by his biographers.
+
+   59 Father Gerard was first confined in the Counter, as he tells us
+      later. Father Garnett in one of his letters speaks of the Counter as
+      "a very evil prison and without comfort." There were in London three
+      prisons of this name: the Counter, a part of the parish church of
+      St. Margaret in Southwark; the Counter in the Poultry, "some four
+      houses west from the parish church of St. Mildred"; and the new
+      Counter in Wood-street, removed from Bread-street in 1555 (Stow's
+      _Survey of London_, ed. Thoms, pp. 99, 131).
+
+   60 Even the gentle Father Southwell could not but show his estimate of
+      this reprobate man. We translate the following from Father More's
+      _History of the English Province_, l. v., n. 15. "Though he readily
+      answered the questions of others, yet if Topcliffe interposed he
+      never deigned him a reply; and when asked the cause of this, he
+      answered: 'Because I have found by experience that the man is not
+      open to reason.' "
+
+   61 Stonyhurst MSS., _Angl. A._, vol. ii., n. 27; _P._, vol. ii., f.
+      604.
+
+   62 This was a prison in Southwark, adjoining the palace of the Bishops
+      of Winchester. In Father More's Latin Narrative it appears as
+      _Atrium Wintoniense_. "It was a small place of confinement on the
+      Bankside, called the Clink from being the prison of the 'Clink
+      liberty or manor of Southwark,' belonging to the Bishops of
+      Winchester" (Brayley, _History of Surrey_, vol. 5, p. 348).
+
+   63 Father Garnett writes, Nov. 19, 1594: "Sir Thomas Wilks goeth into
+      Flanders, as it is thought for peace; whereupon the arraignment of
+      the three Jesuits, Southwell, Walpole, and Gerard, is stayed. Gerard
+      is in the Clink, somewhat free; the other two so close in the Tower
+      that none can hear from them" (Stonyhurst MSS., _P._, ii., p. 550).
+
+   64 "There is a little fellow called Ralph, who is in England for Father
+      Persons, is a great dealer for all the Papists; he is a very
+      slender, brown little fellow" (Confession of Ralph Miller. P. R. O.,
+      _Domestic, Eliz._, vol. 173, n. 64).
+
+   65 John Rigby suffered at St. Thomas' Watering, June 21, 1600, for
+      having been reconciled by a Catholic Priest.
+
+   66 Ann Line executed at Tyburn, Feb. 27, 1601, for harbouring a
+      Catholic Priest. "She told her confessor, some years before her
+      death, that Mr. Thomson (Blackburn), a former confessor of hers, who
+      ended his days by martyrdom in 1586, had promised her, that if God
+      should make him worthy of that glorious end he would pray for her,
+      that she might obtain the like happiness" (Challoner, from
+      Champney's MS. History).
+
+   67 Francis Page, S.J., suffered at Tyburn, April 20, 1602, for his
+      Priesthood.
+
+   68 These words are given in the MS. in English.
+
+   69 Roger Filcock, S.J., _alias_ Arthur, executed for his Priesthood,
+      with Mark Barkworth, _alias_ Lambert, O.S.B., and Ann Line, at
+      Tyburn, Feb. 27, 1601.
+
+   70 John Jones, _alias_ Buckley, suffered at St. Thomas' Watering, July
+      12, 1598; and Robert Drury at Tyburn, Feb. 26, 1607, for being
+      Priests in England.
+
+   71 Tres valedictiones mundo datae a tribus in diverso statu morientibus
+      (MS.).
+
+   72 Qualis vita, finis ita (MS.).
+
+   73 "Morbum regium" (MS.). Consumption is a form of scrofula, or King's
+      evil, and seems to be the form most likely to be brought on by the
+      causes here mentioned. In classical Latin, however, _morbus regius_
+      signifies _jaundice_; and this may be the meaning here.
+
+   74 Father Bartoli, in his _Inghilterra_ (bk. v., ch. 13), has the
+      following passage about Father Gerard, whom he knew personally at
+      Rome: "At his first entrance into this prison (the Clink) he
+      procured himself a habit of the Society, and continued to wear it
+      from that time forward, even in the face of all London when he was
+      being taken to his different examinations; so that the people
+      crowded to see a Jesuit in his habit, while the preachers were all
+      the more exasperated at what they thought an open defiance of them."
+
+      Father Weston in his Narrative (Father Laurenson's copy, p. 93)
+      gives it as one of the signs that warned Catholics that Anthony
+      Tyrrel was wavering in his faith, that without any necessity, in the
+      Clink prison, he would wear secular dress. His own clerical costume
+      in prison he mentions as a matter of course. "Egressus sum sequenti
+      die, mutato habitu in saecularem" (p. 98).
+
+   75 The Gatehouse prison, near the west end of the Abbey, "is so called
+      of two gates, the one out of the College court towards the north, on
+      the east side whereof was the Bishop of London's prison for clerks
+      convict; and the other gate, adjoining the first, but towards the
+      west, is a gaol or prison for offenders thither committed" (Stow, p.
+      176).
+
+   76 The celebrated theologian and controversialist, Dr. Sanders, was
+      sent as Papal Legate into Ireland by Gregory XIII. in 1579.
+
+   77 Gabriel Goodman, Dean of Westminster from 1561 to 1601.
+
+   78 William Atkinson, the apostate Priest, in a letter to Blackwell the
+      Archpriest, dated Apr. 9, 1602, said that he was in prison with
+      Father Gerard (Bartoli, _Inghilterra_, p. 416). This man dared to
+      offer to poison the Earl of Tyrone in a host (P. R. O., _Domestic,
+      Eliz._, vol. 251, n. 49).
+
+   79 Henry Walpole, S.J., was executed at York, April 7, 1595, for his
+      Priesthood.
+
+   80 It was Father Walpole's custom to make notes of his conferences with
+      ministers. In the Public Record Office (_Domestic, Eliz._, vol.
+      248., n. 51) there is an interesting record in his own hand of his
+      discussions while he was in the custody of Outlaw, the pursuivant.
+
+   81 Edmund Campion, S.J., suffered at Tyburn, Dec. 1, 1581, for a
+      pretended conspiracy at Rome and Rhemes. The Act of 27 Elizabeth
+      (1585), which made the mere presence of a Priest in England high
+      treason, had not yet been passed.
+
+   82 This was said, of course, because it was dangerous to mention the
+      names of any friends who were still at liberty. It could do no harm
+      to mention those already in prison.
+
+_   83 Domestic, Eliz._, vol. 262, n. 123.
+
+   84 As he supposed. _Erased._
+
+   85 Denieth that. _Erased._
+
+   86 Denieth that. _Erased._
+
+   87 Thinketh that some _substituted for_ knoweth who.
+
+   88 Care _substituted for_ charge.
+
+   89 Maintenance of, &c, _interlined_.
+
+   90 The name ... person _interlined in place of_ to whom.
+
+   91 By what name _substituted for_ to whom.
+
+   92 The spelling in those days was simply reckless. Father Gerard signs
+      this Examination "Jhon Gerrard;" it is endorsed "Jo. Jerrard;" and
+      Sir Edward Coke's note on it is "Jarrard." It becomes difficult to
+      know how to print proper names; _e.g._, Campion or Campian, Persons
+      or Parsons, Garnet or Garnett, Ouldcorne or Oldcorn. In the
+      Narrative of the Gunpowder Plot the form of name is adopted that is
+      most prevalent in the autograph from which it is printed.
+
+   93 On the back of a playing card (the seven of spades), which is
+      attached to the original document, is written in Sir Edward Coke's
+      handwriting:
+
+      "Polewhele  1
+      Walpole     1
+      PatCullen   1
+      Annias     31
+      Willms      1
+      Squier
+      Jarrard     1."
+
+      Polewhele, Patrick Cullen or O'Collun, Williams, and Squire were all
+      executed for high treason, the latter on the accusation of having,
+      at Father Walpole's instigation, poisoned the pommel of Elizabeth's
+      saddle. Annias apostatized after two years' imprisonment.
+
+   94 Scirpicula quaedam duo vel tria ex juncis facta (MS.). It is not
+      easy to understand exactly what these were.
+
+   95 Father Gerard's great stature could not be more clearly indicated.
+      This would of course involve a greater weight of body, and
+      consequently greater severity in this mode of torture. "Erat enim,"
+      says Father More, in his History, "pleno et procero corpore."
+
+   96 Stonyhurst MSS., _P._, vol. ii., f. 547.
+
+_   97 Ibid._, _Angl. A._, vol. ii., n. 27; P., vol. ii., f. 604.
+
+_   98 Ibid._, _P._, vol. ii., f. 548.
+
+   99 Stonyhurst MSS., _P._, vol. ii., f. 601.
+
+  100 These arguments are purposely omitted in this place, and they are
+      reserved for insertion later, when we propose to examine into the
+      morality of the answers made by Father Gerard and others in their
+      judicial interrogations.
+
+  101 We find from an extract of one of Father Garnett's letters in the
+      Stonyhurst MSS. that this gentleman's name was Arden. "Oct. 8, 1597.
+      Upon St. Francis' day at night broke out of the Tower one Arden and
+      Mr. Gerard the Jesuit. There is yet no inquiry after him" (_P._,
+      vol. ii., f. 548). Father Bartoli, also, and Father More mention
+      Arden as the name of Father Gerard's companion. Francis Arden was
+      committed to the Tower, Feb. 22, 1584. He was probably a relation of
+      Edward Arden, who was hanged Dec. 23, 1583, "protesting his
+      innocence of every charge, and declaring that his only crime was the
+      profession of the Catholic religion" (Rishton's _Diary in the
+      Tower_).
+
+  102 The number of piers in Old London Bridge was so large, and offered
+      so great an obstruction to the water, that it was always a service
+      of danger to pass under the arches while the tide was running, and
+      often the river formed a regular cataract at this part.
+
+  103 The distance would be something over half a mile.
+
+  104 Our readers will remember that at this time each side of the bridge
+      was lined with houses, which looked sheer down into the river.
+
+  105 Oct. 4, 1597, says Father Bartoli (_Inghilterra_, p. 426) quoting
+      Father Garnett's letter of Oct. 8.
+
+  106 Quod differtur, non aufertur (MS.).
+
+  107 This may very likely be White Webbs in Enfield Chase.
+
+  108 Atkinson was not always so unsuccessful. Sir Robert Cecil endorsed
+      the letter quoted in a former note, "Atkinson's letter, the Priest
+      that discovered Tychburn and was brought me by Mr. Fouler." Thomas
+      Tichburn suffered at Tyburn, April 20, 1601, for his Priesthood.
+
+  109 The Knight Marshal had jurisdiction within the precincts of the
+      Court, that is, twelve miles from the lodging of the Sovereign, even
+      on a progress, though not a chase. The Marshalsea was the prison
+      originally attached to the King's house, and at first was intended
+      only for the committal of persons accused of offences within the
+      jurisdiction of the Knight Marshal. It stood in High-street,
+      Southwark, on the south side, between King-street and Mermaid-court,
+      over against Union-street (Cunningham's _Handbook of London_, p.
+      316). Queen Elizabeth's Knight Marshal was Sir Thomas Gerard,
+      already mentioned as created by King James Lord Gerard of Gerard's
+      Bromley.
+
+  110 About this time Father Garnett thought of sending Father Gerard out
+      of England, evidently from fear lest, owing to his zeal, he should
+      be recaptured and be still more hardly dealt with, for on March 31,
+      1598, he wrote to Rome, probably to Father Persons: "Father Gerard
+      is much dismayed this day when I wrote to him to prepare himself to
+      go. He came to me of purpose. Indeed he is very profitable to me,
+      and his going would be wondered at. I hope he will walk warily
+      enough.... You know my mind; if you think it good, I desire his
+      stay. All the rest are well" (Stonyhurst MSS., _P._, vol. ii., f.
+      551).
+
+  111 P. R. O., _Domestic, Eliz._, vol. 233, n. 3.
+
+  112 "He was sent to Tournay for his Noviceship in 1594, and towards the
+      end of his second year over-application had so injured his head that
+      he had to be forbidden to use any kind of prayer. Sent to recruit in
+      his native air, he passed through Holland on his way to England. At
+      Flushing he was taken by some English soldiers. The letter he was
+      carrying showing who he was, they threatened him with torture unless
+      he would say who had brought him over from Rotterdam. He was ready
+      to confess anything about himself, but he would say nothing of any
+      one else; so, instead of offering, as he had hoped to do that day,
+      the Sacrifice of the Body of Christ, he offered that of his own, to
+      undergo anything rather than injure others. They hung him up by the
+      hands to a pulley, and then tortured him by twisting a sailor's rope
+      round his head. During the torture he fixed his mind on the eternity
+      of either pain or joy, and uttered nothing but 'O eternity!' The
+      harm the soldiers tried to do him turned out a remedy; for the
+      head-ache and singing in the head, from which he had suffered in the
+      Noviceship, diminished from that time and gradually ceased. He was
+      taken to London in custody and committed to Bridewell, where his
+      cell was an utterly unfurnished turret. He bed was the brick floor
+      and a little straw, till he was helped by the care and charity of
+      his Catholic fellow-prisoners, and of our Father Gerard. The latter,
+      who was in the Clink, kept up a secret correspondence with him, and
+      came to his help both with his advice and money. After about seven
+      months he succeeded in making his escape through the tiling,
+      together with two other Priests and seven laymen" (Father More,
+      _Historia Provinciae_, l. viii., c. 23).
+
+  113 The confession of Ralph Myller (9 Oct. 1584) gives us an insight
+      into the late Lord Vaux's London house: "This examinant did
+      afterwards meet one Robert Browne, who hath an uncle a Priest with
+      the Lord Vaux, who is a little man with white head, and a little
+      brown hair on his face, goeth in an ash-colour doublet coat and a
+      gown faced with cony, and he was made Priest long sithence at
+      Cambray as this examinate thinketh. This examinant spoke with the
+      Lord Vaux and with his lady at Hackney, after that his son, Mr.
+      George, and the said Robert Browne had told him that this examinant
+      was a tailor of Rhemes; and on Sunday was fortnight this examinant
+      did hear Mass there, whereat were present about xviii. persons,
+      being my lord's household, and the Priest last before named said the
+      Mass. The said Priest lieth in a chamber beyond the hall, on the
+      left hand the stair that leadeth to the chambers, and the Mass is
+      said in the chapel, being right over the port entering into the
+      hall; and the way into it is up the stair aforesaid, on the left
+      hand, at the further end of the gallery: and there is a very fair
+      crucifix of silver" (P. R. O., _Domestic, Eliz._, vol. 173, n. 64).
+
+  114 Anne Vaux and Eleanor, widow of Edward Brooksby, daughters of
+      William third Lord Vaux, by his first wife, Elizabeth, daughter of
+      John Beaumont of Gracedieu, in Leicestershire, Esq. The mother of
+      George Vaux was Mary, sister of Sir Thomas Tresham, of Rushton, in
+      Northamptonshire, Knight.
+
+  115 Sir Christopher Hatton, who died childless, November 21, 1591, had
+      built a country house at Stoke Pogis, Bucks (Campbell's _Lives of
+      the Chancellors_, 3rd edit., vol. ii., p. 180).
+
+  116 Patrem Pulvium (MS.). We give the English form of the name on the
+      authority of Dr. Oliver, in his _Collectanea_, s.v. Pullen.
+
+  117 In the Public Record Office there is a letter, dated July 22, 1599,
+      purporting to be from Francis Cordale to his partner Balthasar
+      Gybels, at Antwerp, which says, "I wrote to you of one Mr. Heywood's
+      house searched and a man there taken. I have learned his name since
+      to be John Lilly. He is sent to the Tower upon suspicion of helping
+      Gerard the Jesuit out of the same place" (_Domestic, Eliz._, vol.
+      271, n. 107).
+
+  118 Tali loco qui vocatur _Spitell_ (MS). Spitalfields, a district
+      without Bishopsgate, once belonged to the Priory and Hospital of St.
+      Mary Spital, founded in 1197, in the parish of St. Botolph
+      (Cunningham's _Handbook of London_, p. 463).
+
+  119 John Lilly entered the Society Feb. 2, 1602, aet. 37 (Bartoli,
+      _Inghilterra_, p. 429).
+
+  120 In the margin of the MS. is written "Digbaeus," in the same hand as
+      the text.
+
+  121 George Abbot was appointed Dean of Winton in 1559, in 1609 Bishop of
+      Lichfield and Coventry, from which in about a month he was
+      translated to London, and thence in 1611 to Canterbury. In July,
+      1621, as he was shooting at a deer with a cross-bow, he shot the
+      keeper, for which King James gave him a dispensation. In 1627 he was
+      sequestered from his office, and his metropolitan jurisdiction put
+      into commission, but about a year after he was restored. He died at
+      Croydon, Aug. 4, 1633, aet. 71.
+
+  122 Richard de Burgh, commonly called Richard of Kinsale, from his
+      conduct at that place, Baron of Dunkellin, succeeded his father as
+      fourth Earl of Clanricarde, May 20, 1601. He was subsequently made
+      Earl of St. Albans, and died Nov. 12, 1635. He married Frances,
+      daughter and heiress of Sir Francis Walsyngham, Knight, widow of
+      Robert second Earl of Essex. She died in 1632. Thus Walsyngham's
+      only child became a Catholic.
+
+  123 Qui nunc in rure est (MS.). An evident mistake of the copyist for
+      "in turre," as is clear from a former passage, where Father Gerard
+      says, "Father Thomas Strange is at present suffering imprisonment in
+      the Tower of London, where he has had to undergo many grievous
+      tortures, and a long solitary confinement. This solitude indeed, if
+      we look only to his natural disposition, cannot but be very irksome
+      and oppressive to him; but _he_ is not solitary who has God always
+      present with him, consoling him, and supplying in an eminent degree
+      and full abundance all those comforts which we are wont to go
+      begging for from creatures."
+
+  124 Sir Ambrose Vaux, Prior of St. John of Jerusalem.
+
+  125 This name is written "Lathuilli" in the MS. English names frequently
+      suffer at the hands of this copyist. We have restored the true name
+      by the aid of Dr. Oliver's _Collectanea_.
+
+  126 Father Gerard here gives a summary of his Narrative of the Gunpowder
+      Plot.
+
+  127 In a letter addressed by Father Ouldcorne to the Council, dated
+      March 25, 1606, in which he relates all that had passed in the Tower
+      between Father Garnett and himself, but in a way that could not be
+      hurtful to either, the following passage occurs. "Also Mr. Garnett
+      told me that while he was in the Gatehouse he received a note
+      written in orange (but he told me not from whom) whereby he
+      understood that Father Tesimond was gone over sea, and that Father
+      Gerard would presently follow him after he had recovered a little
+      more strength: 'whereby' (said Garnett) 'I gather he hath been
+      lately in some secret place, as we were; but by this I hope he hath
+      recovered his strength, and is also past over the sea' " (P. R. O.,
+      _Gunpowder Plot Book_, n. 214).
+
+  128 Both Father Bartoli and Father More remark that Father Gerard was
+      admitted to the solemn vows of a Professed Father by a special
+      favour, as his learning, owing to the short course of study through
+      which he had passed, fell short of that which the Society requires
+      as a condition of Profession. Father Bartoli says that this "most
+      rare but most just privilege" was conferred on him, "as virtue, in
+      which he exceeded the standard, supplied for the studies in which he
+      fell short of it" (_Inghilterra_, p. 586).
+
+  129 Bartoli, _Inghilterra_, pp. 586, 592.
+
+  130 Stonyhurst MSS., _Angl. A._, vol. iii., n. 111.
+
+  131 P. R. O., _Domestic, James I._, vol. 68, n. 67, and vol. 71, n. 24;
+      Chamberlain to Carleton.
+
+  132 P. R. O., _Domestic, James I._, vol. 70, nn. 25, 46, 55; dated
+      August 3, 12, and 20, 1612.
+
+  133 P. R. O., _Sign. Man._, vol. iii., n. 6.
+
+  134 Rymer's _Foedera_, t. xviii., f. 44.
+
+  135 P. R. O., _Proclamation Book_, p. 121.
+
+  136 P. R. O., _Domestic, Eliz._, vol. 165, n. 21.
+
+  137 P. R. O., _Domestic, James I._, vol. 18, n. 19.
+
+  138 P. R. O., _Domestic, James I._, vol. 47, n. 96.
+
+  139 P. R. O., _Domestic, James I._, vol. 16, n. 88; vol. 18, n. 4.
+
+  140 P. R. O., _Domestic, James I._, vol. 18, n. 19.
+
+  141 Bartoli, _Inghilterra_, p. 586.
+
+_  142 Hist. Prov._, lib. vii., n. 43, p. 339.
+
+  143 Archives of the English College at Rome, _Scritture_, vol. 30; 1632.
+
+  144 Stonyhurst MSS., Father Grene's _Miscell. de Coll. Angl._, p. 19.
+
+  145 Stonyhurst MSS., _Angl. A._, vol. iii., n. 70.
+
+  146 More, _Hist. Prov._, lib. vii., cap. 3, p. 291.
+
+  147 More, _Hist. Prov._, lib. viii., n. 8, p. 355.
+
+  148 Stonyhurst MSS., _Angl. A._, vol. iv., n. 5.
+
+  149 This is Father Thomas Laithwaite, also called Kensington (More,
+      _Hist. Prov._, lib. ix., n. 1, p. 391; _supra_ p. clxxvi).
+
+  150 In 1617, Sir Thomas Leeds was Prefect and Sir Ralph Babthorpe
+      Secretary of the Congregation of the Blessed Virgin at Louvain
+      (Stonyhurst MSS., _Angl. A._, vol. iv., n. 47). A considerable
+      number of Catholic families had settled in Louvain, and in 1614 they
+      were disturbed by a summons to appear in England under pain of
+      losing their possessions. On a remonstrance being made by the
+      Spanish Ambassador, King James disclaimed the summons, on which the
+      magistrates of Louvain expelled the pursuivant from the town (More,
+      _Hist. Prov._, lib. ix., n. 10, p. 406).
+
+  151 Stonyhurst MSS., _Angl. A._, vol. iv., n. 6.
+
+  152 The Archduke Albert, Governor of Flanders.
+
+  153 Stonyhurst MSS., _Angl. A._, vol. iv., n. 7.
+
+  154 Stonyhurst MSS., _Angl. A._, vol. iv., n. 17.
+
+_  155 Ibid._, n. 22.
+
+  156 Father Gerard bought a house and ten acres of land; and the price
+      was less than "200_l._ in present money and the rent of 30_l._ with
+      which the house and grounds are already charged, which then we may
+      redeem by little and little, as we get friends to buy it out"
+      (Stonyhurst MSS., _Angl. A._, vol. iv., n. 23). As the rent could be
+      redeemed at fifteen years' purchase, the whole price was thus under
+      650_l._
+
+  157 More, _Hist. Prov._, lib. ix., n. II, p. 406.
+
+  158 "Sir Basil Brooke telleth that our German friend is very well at his
+      house, and in protection of the King, that Canterbury has used him
+      very kindly, and entreated him, as one whose scholarship is famous,
+      to make use of his library [as] it shall please him." Father
+      Silisdon to Father Owen, August 25, 1614. Endorsed by Father
+      Owen--"Sir Geo. Talbott well entertained by K. and Cant." (Stonyhurst
+      MSS., _Angl. A._, vol. iv., n. 17).
+
+  159 More, _Hist. Prov._, lib. ix., n. 15, p. 414.
+
+_  160 Ibid._, pp. 415, 424. Maximilian had two sons by his second wife,
+      Mary Anne of Austria, when he was over 60 years of age, and the
+      eldest he named Ignatius.
+
+  161 The Priory of Watten, with its revenue of 3000 florins of Brabant,
+      was transferred to the Society in 1611 by James Blase, O. S. F.,
+      Bishop of St. Omers. The proposal had been approved of by the King
+      of Spain in 1604, and by Pope Paul V. in 1607, but the jealousy of
+      the English felt by the Archduke Albert delayed the establishment of
+      an English Novitiate there till his death in 1622 (More, _Hist.
+      Prov._, lib. vii., nn. 5-7, lib. ix., n. 17, pp. 294-298, 416).
+
+  162 Stonyhurst MSS., _Angl. A._, vol. iv., n. 20.
+
+  163 They soon increased in numbers, for in 1617 Father More says there
+      was a Community at Liege of 45, of whom 30 were Novices (p. 424).
+
+  164 Stonyhurst MSS., _Angl. A._, vol. iv., n. 29.
+
+_  165 Ibid._, n. 23.
+
+_  166 Infra_ p. 110.
+
+  167 Stonyhurst, MSS., _Angl. A._, vol. iv., n. 29.
+
+_  168 Ibid._, n. 31.
+
+_  169 Ibid._, vol. iii., n. 107.
+
+  170 This would appear to be a mention of the death of the "son and
+      brother of an Earl," Sir Everard Digby's great friend, who was
+      converted when holding some office in personal attendance on King
+      James, and, after his conversion, received the King's leave to go to
+      Italy (_supra_ p. clxvi.). The intermediate link is furnished in
+      Father Gerard's letter to Father Aquaviva, Louvain, August 17, 1612
+      (Stonyhurst MSS., Angl. A., vol. iii., n. 111). "Now at length our
+      friend Oliver has passed over from Paris to England, for the
+      Treasurer is gone, his and all good men's enemy." [Robert Cecil,
+      Earl of Salisbury, died May 24, 1612] "and others are about to
+      succeed him, who, as we hope, entertain for Oliver an ancient and
+      particular affection. Besides, his eldest brother is dead, and the
+      second brother left inheritor of all the honours and wealth, so that
+      a manifold occasion is offered to this our friend of helping himself
+      in temporal affairs, and others to some extent in spiritual and
+      greater goods. Summoned by his family he has left in haste, humbly
+      asking your Paternity's benediction; in the efficacy of which he
+      disregards all that heretical fury or perverse malice can invent
+      against him. The King is going this summer to his brother the new
+      Earl's castle, to remain there awhile for hunting. Perhaps Oliver
+      will take that occasion of presenting himself to the King, who liked
+      him when he was in his service before he entered the service of God,
+      and whom he has never offended in anything, except in choosing to be
+      an abject in the House of God, rather than to dwell in the
+      tabernacles of men." We have here the necessary data for determining
+      that the convert in question was Sir Oliver Manners, fourth son of
+      John fourth Earl of Rutland, knighted at Belvoir Castle, April 22,
+      1603, by James I. on his coming from Scotland. The eldest brother
+      Roger, fifth Earl, married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Philip Sidney,
+      and died without issue, June 26, 1612, when he was succeeded by his
+      brother Francis.
+
+  171 Father Edward Coffin was Confessor of the English College for nearly
+      twenty years. He was succeeded by Father Gerard, who held the same
+      office for the last fifteen years of his life.
+
+  172 Dr. Oliver has misread this date 1611. Cardinal Bellarmine was born
+      October 4, 1542, so that he would be in his seventy-seventh year in
+      1618-9.
+
+  173 Dr. Oliver says that Father Silisdon succeeded Father Gerard as
+      Rector and Master of Novices in 1620, and transferred the Novitiate
+      to Watten in 1622. Father More (_Hist. Prov._, p. 416) may certainly
+      so be understood, but it is clear from the _Florus Anglo-Bavaricus_
+      (p. 11) that Father Gerard was Rector in March, 1622, and that the
+      transfer to Watten took place in 1625. And in the Archives of the
+      English College at Rome (_Scritture_, vol. 30), in a notice of him
+      written in 1632, he is said to have been Rector of the English
+      Noviceship at Liege for eight years.
+
+  174 Stonyhurst MSS., _P._, vol. ii., f. 532.
+
+  175 Fiat in me, de me et per me, et circa me, sanctissima et dulcissima
+      voluntas Tua, in omnibus et per omnia, nunc et semper ac in aeternum.
+      Amen (MS.).
+
+  176 An allusion, no doubt, to one of the Belgian Sanctuaries of our
+      Blessed Lady, perhaps that at Montaigu.
+
+  177 Stonyhurst MSS., Father Grene's _Miscell. de Coll. Angl._, p. 19,
+      quoting "Baines his diary."
+
+_  178 Supra_ p. xxi.
+
+_  179 Supra_ p. cxl.
+
+_  180 Infra_ p. 244.
+
+_  181 Apologia pro Vita sua_, by John Henry Newman, D.D. London, 1864, p.
+      418. The reader's attention is earnestly called to Dr. Newman's
+      treatment of this subject, both at the page quoted, and in the
+      Appendix, p. 72. To the Protestant authors quoted above may be added
+      Mr. Froude (_History of England_, vol. ii., ch. vi., p. 57, note).
+      "It seems obvious that a falsehood of this sort is different in kind
+      from what we commonly mean by unveracity, and has no affinity with
+      it.... Rahab of Jericho did the same thing which Dalaber did" [a
+      Protestant, who gave false answers and swore to them, to save
+      Garret, his fellow] "and on that very ground was placed in the
+      catalogue of Saints."
+
+_  182 Supra_ p. li.
+
+_  183 Supra_ p. lxviii.
+
+_  184 Supra_ p. lxxxii.
+
+_  185 Supra_ p. cxiv.
+
+  186 Ostendi non esse hoc falsum dicere (MS.).
+
+  187 This was the wretched Anne Bellamy, a young Catholic gentlewoman,
+      who for some overbold denunciation of the persecutors was given into
+      the custody of the ruffian Topcliffe, and was so deeply depraved by
+      him, as to be brought to the almost incredible infamy of serving as
+      his tool to inveigle and betray Priests.
+
+  188 In subornata gubernatione Reipublicae (MS.). There is clearly some
+      blunder here. Probably we ought to read "subordinata;" yet, even so,
+      the phrase is not very intelligible. We have judged of the sense
+      intended, by the context.
+
+  189 Sir Walter Scott's words have been often quoted, and they are fair
+      specimens of what an honourable man considers lawful. As they were
+      no hasty and unconsidered expressions, they are deserving of
+      insertion in this place. Lockhart calls them "a style of equivoque
+      which could never seriously be misunderstood." To John Murray Scott
+      wrote: "I give you heartily joy of the success of the Tales,
+      although I do not claim that paternal interest in them which my
+      friends do me the credit to assign me. I assure you I have never
+      read a volume of them until they were printed, and can only join
+      with the rest of the world in applauding the true and striking
+      portraits which they present of old Scottish manners. I do not
+      expect implicit reliance to be placed on my disavowal, because I
+      know very well that he who is disposed not to own a work must
+      necessarily deny it, and that otherwise his secret would be at the
+      mercy of all who choose to ask the question, since silence in such a
+      case must always pass for consent, or rather assent. But I have a
+      mode of convincing you that I am perfectly serious in my
+      denial--pretty similar to that by which Solomon distinguished the
+      fictitious from the real mother--and that is, by reviewing the work,
+      which I take to be an operation equal to that of quartering the
+      child." And, in a letter written two years later, he says: "I own I
+      did mystify Mrs. ---- a little about the report you mention; and I am
+      glad to hear the finesse succeeded. She came up to me with a great
+      overflow of gratitude for the delight and pleasure, and so forth,
+      which she owed to me on account of these books. Now, as she knew
+      very well that I had never owned myself the author, this was not
+      _polite_ politeness, and she had no right to force me up into a
+      corner and compel me to tell her a word more than I chose, upon a
+      subject which concerned no one but myself--and I have no notion of
+      being pumped by any old dowager Lady of Session, male or female. So
+      I gave in dilatory defences, under protestation to add and eik; for
+      I trust, in learning a new slang, you have not forgot the old. In
+      plain words, I denied the charge, and as she insisted to know who
+      else _could_ write these novels, I suggested Adam Fergusson as a
+      person having all the information and capacity necessary for that
+      purpose. But the inference that he _was_ the author was of her own
+      deducing; and thus ended her attempt, notwithstanding her having
+      primed the pump with a good dose of flattery" (Lockhart's _Memoirs
+      of Sir Walter Scott_, 1844, pp. 338, 389).
+
+  190 We translate partly from Bartoli, _Inghilterra_, lib. v., c. 9, and
+      partly from More, _Hist. Prov._, lib. v., c. 29.
+
+  191 Father Bartoli here asks us to contrast the pious horror expressed
+      by the officials at Father Southwell's doctrine with the fact
+      related by Father Gerard (_supra_ p. lxvii.) of the magistrate Young
+      swearing on the Scriptures to what he knew to be false, that Father
+      Southwell had expressed a desire to confer with a Protestant
+      minister with the view of abandoning the Catholic faith.
+
+  192 This last consideration applies, of course, not to the general
+      question of equivocation (for in that case it would involve a
+      _petitio principii_), but to the sub-question whether supposing a
+      simple equivocation lawful (_i.e._, allowing it to be no violation
+      of veracity in some cases), it could ever be lawful to add to it the
+      confirmation of an oath. Father Southwell maintains reasonably, that
+      whatever it is lawful to say, it is lawful also to swear to,
+      provided the other conditions for an oath are present.
+
+_  193 Infra_ p. 244.
+
+_  194 Gunpowder Plot Book_, n. 217A.
+
+  195 Cowetry (MS.). If this word is read thus correctly, it is a curious
+      proof of the antiquity of the phrase "being sent to Coventry."
+
+  196 "One necessary condition," says Father Garnett in another paper (P.
+      R. O., _Domestic, James I._, vol. 20, n. 2), "required in every law
+      is that it be just. For if this condition be wanting, that the law
+      be unjust, then is it _ipso facto_ void and of no force, neither
+      hath it any power to oblige any. And this is a maxim, not only of
+      divines, but of Aristotle and all philosophers. Hereupon ensueth
+      that no power on earth can forbid or punish any action which we are
+      bound unto by the law of God, which is the true pattern of all
+      justice. So that the laws against recusants, against receiving of
+      Priests, against confession, against Mass, or other rites of
+      Catholic religion, are to be esteemed as no laws by such as
+      steadfastly believe these to be necessary observances of the true
+      religion.
+
+      "Likewise Almighty God hath absolute right for to send His preachers
+      of His Gospel to any place in the world. 'Euntes decete omnes
+      gentes.' So that the law against Priests coming into the realm
+      sincerely to preach, is no law, and those that are put to death by
+      virtue of that decree are verily martyrs because they die for the
+      preaching of true religion.
+
+      "Being asked what I meant by true treason, I answer that that is a
+      true treason which is made treason by any just law, and that is no
+      treason at all which is made treason by an unjust law."
+
+  197 Dodd's _Church History_, ed. Tierney, vol. iv., p. 44, note.
+
+_  198 History of England_, ed. 1849, vol. vii., p. 44.
+
+_  199 Supra_ p. clxii.
+
+_  200 Supra_ pp. clxxiv., clxxvii.
+
+_  201 Supra_ p. clxxvi.
+
+  202 Faulks' confession, P. R. O., _Gunpowder Plot Book_, n. 54.
+
+_  203 Infra_ p. 59.
+
+  204 In the King's own hand. P. R. O., _Gunpowder Plot Book_, n. 17.
+
+_  205 Calendar of State Papers_, by M. E. Green. James I., 1603-10, p.
+      247.
+
+  206 P. R. O., _Gunpowder Plot Book_, n. 164.
+
+  207 Dodd's _Church History_, by Tierney, vol. iv., p. cii.
+
+  208 Vol. viii., p. 543.
+
+  209 Tierney's _Dodd_, vol. iv., p. cv. The original letter is now in the
+      archives of the Archbishop of Westminster.
+
+  210 Vol. iii., p. 37, note.
+
+  211 Tierney's Dodd, vol. iv., p. cvi.
+
+  212 Vol. vii., p. 542.
+
+  213 See Narrative, _infra_ p. 79.
+
+_  214 Domestic, James I._, vol. xviii., n. 35.
+
+_  215 Supra_ p. clxxix; _infra_ p. 208
+
+  216 Here the paper is torn, and three or four words are consequently
+      illegible.
+
+_  217 Inghilterra_, lib. vi., cap. 6, p. 513.
+
+  218 He was then Confessor in the English College at Rome.
+
+  219 Lib. vii., n. 44, p. 339.
+
+_  220 Angl. A._, vol. iv., n. 92.
+
+_  221 Inghilterra_, pp. 510, 512.
+
+  222 Bartoli, _Inghilterra_, lib. vi., c. 6, p. 510.
+
+_  223 History of England_, ed. 1849, vol. vii., p. 549.
+
+  224 There is a letter extant from Father Blount, the Provincial, to the
+      General, dated Feb. 10, 1632, which has been understood to relate to
+      the accusation against Father Gerard, or to a similar accusation
+      against some other member of the Society. It must, however, relate
+      to some other matter, as it says, "Vivit enim adhuc author ipse
+      criminis," and that the alleged offence took place five years before
+      the entrance into the Society of the Father in question.
+
+  225 Oliver's _Collectanea S. J._
+
+  226 Father Martin Grene wrote a letter (Stonyhurst MSS., _Angl. A._,
+      vol. v., n. 69) to his brother, January 1, 1665, addressed, "for Mr.
+      Christopher Grene, at Hilton" [Hilton, _i.e._, Hill-town, meant
+      Rome, as in the same language _customer_ was the Archpriest,
+      _physicians_ were Priests, _workmen_, secular Priests, _journeymen_,
+      Jesuits, &c.]. His brother had asked him to give what help he could
+      to Father Bartoli. Speaking of the Gunpowder Plot, he says, "I had
+      once occasion to inform myself of that history, and I found none
+      better than the two books of Eudaemon Johannes, the one _Ad actionem
+      Edouardi Coqui Apologia pro P. Hen. Garnetto_, the other,
+      _Parallelus Torti ac Tortoris_. Though the things be there spread
+      and scattered, yet they are (if collected) very pertinent to clear
+      Father Garnett and ours; for example, among other things this is
+      one, that the traitors had among themselves made an oath that they
+      would never speak of their designs to any Priests, because they knew
+      they would not allow of it; also, that they were specially offended
+      with the Jesuits for preaching patience and submission. There are
+      divers other circumstances which manifestly excuse ours. I had a
+      relation made me by one of ours who had it in Civil [Seville], which
+      clearly shows that the whole Plot was of Cecil's making; but it
+      being only told by an old man, who forgot both times and persons, I
+      believe I shall never make use of it. Yet I have heard strange
+      things, which, if ever I can make out, will be very pertinent. For
+      certain the late Bishop of Armagh, Usher, was divers times heard to
+      say that if Papists knew what he knew, the blame of the Gunpowder
+      Treason would not lie on them. And other things I have heard, which,
+      if I can find grounded, I hope to make good use of. It may be if you
+      write Civil to my brother Frank, he will, or somebody else there,
+      give you some light in this business."
+
+  227 This Philip Beaumont was Father Oswald Tesimond, _alias_ Greenway,
+      (More, _Hist. Prov._, l. vii., n. 40, p. 336).
+
+  228 For our translation we are indebted to the pen of Father Kingdon.
+      Portions of it have appeared in the _Month_, and, rendered into
+      French by Father Forbes, in the _Etudes Theologiques_ at Paris.
+
+_  229 Collectanea M_, f. 52 h.
+
+  230 "For whom He foreknew, He also predestinated to be made conformable
+      to the image of His Son" (Rom. viii. 29).
+
+  231 "If we be dead with Him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer,
+      we shall also reign with Him" (2 Tim. ii. 11).
+
+  232 "As you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the
+      consolation" (2 Cor. i. 7).
+
+  233 "The flesh of Thy saints and the blood of them they have shed round
+      about Jerusalem, and there was none to bury them" (1 Mach. vii. 17).
+
+  234 "They were stoned, they were cut asunder, ... they were put to death
+      by the sword, they wandered about in sheep-skins," &c. (Heb. xi.
+      37).
+
+  235 "No man cometh to the Father but by Me" (St. John xiv. 6).
+
+  236 "Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and so to enter
+      into His glory?" (St. Luke xxiv. 26).
+
+  237 "You shall lament and weep, but the world shall rejoice, and you
+      shall be made sorrowful.... In the world you shall have distress"
+      (St. John xvi. 20, 33).
+
+  238 "And your joy no man shall take from you" (St. John xvi. 22).
+
+  239 "The gates of hell shall not prevail" (St. Matt. xvi. 18).
+
+  240 "A great tempest arose in the sea, so that the boat was covered with
+      waves" (St. Matt. viii. 24).
+
+  241 "There came down a storm of wind upon the lake, and they were filled
+      and were in danger" (St. Luke viii. 23).
+
+  242 "I sleep and My Heart watcheth" (Cant. v. 2).
+
+  243 "Stones, polished smooth by blow and pressure, are fitted together
+      each in place by workman's hand, and set in order, ever to abide in
+      the sacred fane."
+
+  244 The passages in this Preface enclosed in brackets are alterations in
+      the original MS. made in another but contemporary handwriting. The
+      erasures in the original are given in the footnotes.--ED.
+
+  245 I say. _Orig._
+
+  246 Such a Lord and so true and liberal a paymaster. _Orig._
+
+  247 Whip. _Orig._
+
+  248 To be inflamed. _Orig._
+
+  249 "For I mean not that others should be eased and you burthened, but
+      by an equality. In this present time let your abundance supply their
+      want, that their abundance also may supply your want" (2 Cor. viii.
+      13, 14).
+
+  250 "Take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in
+      the evil day and to stand in all things perfect" (Ephes. vi. 13).
+
+  251 Catholics. _Orig._
+
+  252 For. _Orig._
+
+  253 Contrary party. _Orig._
+
+   M1 Sir Everard Digby in clearing the Society.
+
+  254 Actors. _Orig._
+
+  255 Until the whole matter was plotted and prepared and had been without
+      doubt. _Orig._
+
+  256 This discourse following. _Orig._
+
+  257 But the contrary from. _Orig._
+
+  258 But. _Orig._
+
+  259 "True justice hath compassion, but that which is false indignation."
+
+  260 Should. _Orig._
+
+  261 No impatience but zeal. _Orig._
+
+  262 Desperate. _Orig._
+
+  263 "Let us all die in our innocency, and heaven and earth shall be
+      witnesses for us that you put us to death wrongfully." "If we shall
+      all do as our brethren have done, and not fight against the heathen
+      for our lives and our justifications, they will now quickly root us
+      out of the earth." 1 Mach. ii. 37, 40.
+
+  264 But said one to another. _Orig._
+
+  265 This might seem to have come into their minds if we shall judge.
+      _Orig._
+
+  266 That they will follow the rule of the Apostle, saying, "Fratres, si
+      praeoccupatus fuerit homo in aliquo delicto, vos qui spirituales
+      estis hujusmodi instruite in spiritu lenitatis." This is not to
+      condemn them severely, to cry out against them, to inveigh bitterly
+      against the men and their minds and intentions whatsoever: oh no,
+      "in spiritu lenitatis," saith the Apostle. We that be Catholics in
+      England do all with one voice grant the fact to be evil, we neither
+      did nor would for a world have concurred with the action; but we
+      pity the persons whom we knew to be otherwise wise and circumspect
+      as any they left behind them; yea, devout and zealous men as any one
+      shall see in a kingdom, and divers of them of so tender consciences
+      that they would not to save their life have deceived their neighbour
+      of a penny, or wittingly have admitted the least offence to God.
+      _Orig._
+
+  267 Not only "in the sun and dust" but "in blood" also and "many
+      wounds."
+
+  268 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so you shall fulfil the law of
+      Christ" Gal. vi. 2.
+
+  269 "The abomination of desolation standing in the holy place" (St.
+      Matt. xxiv. 15).
+
+  270 "Caesar's friend" (St. John xix. 12).
+
+  271 "I wished myself to be an anathema from Christ for my brethren"
+      (Rom. ix. 3).
+
+  272 "Of whom the world was not worthy" (Heb. xi. 31).
+
+  273 "Lift up your heads because your redemption is at hand" (St. Luke
+      xxi. 25).
+
+  274 "The son of such great merits could not perish."
+
+  275 The passage within brackets is erased in the original.
+
+  276 Sir Thomas Gerard. _Erased in orig._
+
+  277 Sir Thomas Gerard. _Erased in orig._
+
+  278 Underlined _in orig._ probably for erasure.
+
+  279 This whole paragraph is marked in the original.
+
+  280 Were first beat till they cried, and then beaten for crying. _Erased
+      in orig._
+
+   M2 Execution of penal laws upon Catholics.
+
+_  281 Interlined_ 80 crowns _and in another hand_ 88 at least.
+
+   M3 The violent manner of searches.
+
+  282 "I will search Jerusalem with lamps" (Soph. i. 12).
+
+  283 "For if in the green wood they do these things, what shall be done
+      in the dry?" (St. Luke xxiii. 31).
+
+  284 "For the time is that judgment should begin at the house of God. And
+      if first at us, what shall be the end of them that believe not the
+      Gospel of God?" (1 St. Peter iv. 17).
+
+  285 "They have searched after iniquities: they have failed in their
+      search ... and God shall be exalted: the arrows of children are
+      their wounds" (Psalm lxiii. 7, 8).
+
+  286 "For how can he otherwise appease his master, but with our heads?"
+      (1 Kings xxix. 4).
+
+   M4 The L. Chancellor, his speech in the Star Chamber.
+   M5 Sir Edward Coke, now L. Chief, in his 5th part of Reports.
+
+  287 "Knowest thou not that it is dangerous to drive people to despair?"
+      (2 Kings ii. 28).
+
+  288 "The whole head is sick and the whole heart is sad" (Isaias i. 5).
+
+  289 "Who hath not forsaken them that hope in Him" (Judith xiii. 17).
+
+  290 "Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are
+      able, but will make also with temptation issue, that you may be able
+      to bear it" (1 Cor. x. 13).
+
+  291 "Who after you have suffered a little, will Himself perfect you and
+      confirm you and establish you" (1 St. Peter v. 10).
+
+  292 "She reacheth from end to end mightily and ordereth all things
+      sweetly" (Wisd. viii. 1).
+
+  293 "We must not do evil that good may come."
+
+  294 Where this kind of mark ¶ is found, my meaning is to have a new line
+      begin. _Orig. in marg._
+
+  295 "Eructare verbum malum." _Orig._
+
+  296 "That, as the right of hand to hand defence is of the Natural Law,
+      the Superior cannot take it away, or enjoin the contrary."
+
+  297 "For they that will become rich, fall into temptation, and into the
+      snare of the devil" (1 Tim. vi. 9).
+
+  298 "Though we be cast into bonds as evil doers, and be brought before
+      Kings and rulers as not being Caesar's friends."
+
+  299 "Can peace be hurtful to religion?"
+
+  300 "We have received your letters and accept them with all the
+      reverence due to His Holiness and your Paternity. For my part four
+      times up to the present I have hindered disturbances. Nor is there
+      any doubt that we can prevent all public taking up of arms, as it is
+      certain that many Catholics would never attempt anything of this
+      sort without our consent, except under the pressure of a great
+      necessity. But two things make us very anxious. The first is lest
+      some in some one province should fly to arms, and that then very
+      necessity should compel others to like courses. For there are not a
+      few who will not be kept back by a mere prohibition of His Holiness.
+      There were some who dared to ask, when Pope Clement was alive,
+      whether the Pope could prohibit their defending their lives. They
+      further say that no Priest shall know their secrets; and of us by
+      name even some friends complain that we put an obstacle in the way
+      of their plans. Now to soften these in some way, and at least to
+      gain time, that by delay some fitting remedy may be applied, we have
+      advised them that by common consent they should send some one to the
+      Holy Father, which they have done, and I have sent him into Flanders
+      to the Nuncio, that he may commend him to His Holiness, and I have
+      sent by him letters explaining their opinions and the reasons on
+      both sides. These letters are written at some length, as they will
+      be carried very safely. And this for the first danger. The other is
+      somewhat worse, for the danger is lest secretly some treason or
+      violence be shown to the King, and so all Catholics may be compelled
+      to take arms. Wherefore, in my judgment, two things are necessary:
+      first, that His Holiness should prescribe what in any case is to be
+      done; and then, that he should forbid any force of arms to the
+      Catholics under censures, and by Brief publicly promulgated, an
+      occasion for which can be taken from the disturbance lately raised
+      in Wales, which has at length come to nothing. It remains that as
+      all things are daily becoming worse, we should beseech His Holiness
+      soon to give a necessary remedy for these great dangers, and we ask
+      his blessing and that of your Paternity."
+
+  301 This date is an interlineation. Father Gerard has not noticed that
+      the passage "I have a letter from Field," &c., is taken from the PS.
+      of this letter, and that the PS. bears date 21 Octobris. For this
+      omission he has been severely blamed by Mr. Tierney.--ED.
+
+  302 "Hitherto thou shalt come, and shalt go no further, and here thou
+      shalt break thy swelling waves" (Job xxxviii. 11).
+
+  303 "All that take the sword, shall perish with the sword" (St. Matt.
+      xxvi. 52).
+
+  304 "Lest perhaps gathering up the cockle, you root up the wheat also
+      together with it" (St. Matt. xiii. 29).
+
+   M6 The letter sent to the Lord Mounteagle.
+
+  305 "Every best gift and every perfect is from above" (St. James i. 17).
+
+  306 Is above 60. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  307 Neither friends to their persons, nor friends to their religion.
+      _Erased in Orig._
+
+  308 But this bruit, indeed, had been the likeliest way to increase their
+      number by the resort of other Catholics from other countries, if the
+      fact itself had not disliked other Catholics, and their minds had
+      not been well prepared beforehand to refuse all such attempts by the
+      persuasion of Father Garnett and others by his direction, according
+      to the order sent from His Holiness and the like commandment also
+      from Father General and Father Persons, as before hath been
+      declared. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  309 But expecting belike that divers Catholic gentlemen of those
+      countries (where there be very many, and some of great worth and
+      large estates) should have come unto them. And Mr. Thomas Winter was
+      sent unto one of the greatest (whose daughter Mr. Robert Winter
+      aforesaid had married), but he caused his gates to be shut against
+      him and would not so much as hear him speak. And yet the said
+      gentleman was afterward in great trouble and had like to have lost
+      all his estate, as bearing good-will unto them. _Erased in Orig. The
+      lines of erasure extend over the following sentence also._
+
+  310 This must be in. _Orig. in marg._
+
+  311 Compare the German "Lohe," a flame. Some English dictionaries give
+      "Low," a local and obsolete word, with the same meaning.--ED.
+
+  312 He also protested there was no more the conspiracy than those who
+      had there published themselves by that public rising in arms.
+      _Erased in Orig._ This is not good to be in, because of Mr. Tresham,
+      who was one, and not with them. _In marg. in another hand._
+
+  313 If he lived so many days, he should have carried from that place and
+      examined, etc. _In marg. in yet another hand._
+
+  314 And got to some friends' houses, where they lived safe for a month
+      or more, but afterwards were discovered and taken. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  315 Let all this be in and stand for the end of this chapter, until you
+      come to that which is blotted out. _Orig. in marg._
+
+  316 This must be in. _Orig. in marg._
+
+  317 All unto this place must be in. _Orig. in marg._ They affirmed
+      constantly there were no other conspirators than were taken. And as
+      for Priests, they did both then and at their death protest there was
+      none in the action, insomuch that it was generally voiced and
+      believed through England that there was no Priest accused or could
+      be touched with the treason, which gave generally great satisfaction
+      both to Catholics and others. And so in right it should still have
+      continued; but the Puritans did much envy that they should be free
+      from blame, upon whom they wished rather that all might light. And
+      therefore they began to practise and work the contrary opinion,
+      first in the King, and afterwards in public show unto the country,
+      as shall afterwards appear. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  318 Who had much laboured to possess the King with that opinion as being
+      most for their advantage. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  319 By which we may gather that their grief and motives were chiefly for
+      the common cause, as was gathered before out of their own words and
+      protestations. _Erased in Orig._
+
+   M7 The Puritans so ready to execute severity upon all Catholics that
+      they were restrained by the King.
+   M8 The first chief point of the King's speech.
+
+  320 Concerning his opinion of his Catholic subjects. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  321 Upon this occasion of the disobedience in these few gentlemen.
+      _Erased in Orig._
+
+   M9 The second chief point of the King's speech.
+
+  322 "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebr. xi. 6).
+
+  323 "For other foundation no man can lay but that which is laid" (1 Cor.
+      iii. 11).
+
+  324 "Which unless every one shall believe faithfully and firmly, he
+      cannot be saved: and unless a man shall keep it whole and inviolate,
+      without doubt he will perish for ever."
+
+  325 "The pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Tim. iii. 15).
+
+  326 "My people have been silent because they had no knowledge; because
+      thou hast rejected knowledge, I will reject thee" (Osee iv. 6).
+
+  327 "Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it" (Ps. lxxx. 11).
+
+  328 "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can an evil tree
+      bring forth good fruit" (St. Matt. vii. 18).
+
+  329 "Not serving to the eye ... but ... as to the Lord" (Col. iii. 22,
+      23; Eph. vi. 6).
+
+  330 "The pride of them that hate Thee ascendeth continually" (Ps.
+      lxxiii. 23).
+
+  331 Father William Weston was known by this name.--ED.
+
+  332 To be lions within when they seem lambs without. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  333 Bates was a very honest and devout man. _Orig. in marg. in another
+      hand._
+
+  334 Poor. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  335 Earl of Suffolk. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  336 Of his ordinary abode. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  337 So that you are now in the King's mercy. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  338 And searching they will fail in their search.
+
+  339 Whensoever it should please God to permit it. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  340 "Horribly and speedily will He appear to you, for a most severe
+      judgment shall be for them that bear rule" (Wisd. vi. 6).
+
+  341 One thing was observed by many at that time as markable in respect
+      of the event, although the foresight were but casual, which was a
+      prediction by one of their kind of prophets, one Gresham, a man of
+      special fame amongst them for skill in astrology and making of
+      almanacs, with certain predictions of events, not only of the
+      weather, but of other accidental matters depending of man's
+      free-will, and therefore far past his skill to divine of. Yet this
+      man, in an almanac which he had set forth for that year of 1605, had
+      assigned for every particular day some special event of things that
+      should then happen. Amongst the rest, the mark which was set upon
+      the day of the date of this proclamation, and in which it was
+      published in London, was this, "Might against right;" which, seeing
+      it was prepared and printed before the proclamation was thought of,
+      it gave many cause to think that the pen of this man was guided by a
+      better foresight than his own, and directed to set down the truth by
+      the same power that could make the beast that Balaam rode upon to
+      reprehend his master, and afterwards caused that covetous Prophet to
+      bless the people of God and to foretell the truth, much against his
+      own inclination and the intention of his coming. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  342 "For the anger of man worketh not the justice of God" (St. James i.
+      20).
+
+  343 "No one can snatch them out of the hand of My Father" (St John i.
+      29).
+
+  344 They are "delivered out of the hand of Herod, and from all the
+      expectation of the people of the Jews" (Acts xii. 11).
+
+  345 But his hour was come.
+
+  346 "What will you give me?" (St. Matt. xxvi. 15).
+
+  347 "What accusation bring you against" these men? (St. John xviii. 29).
+
+  348 "For envy they had delivered" them (St. Matt. xxvii. 18).
+
+  349 If they were not malefactors, the royal power would not have
+      delivered them up.
+
+  350 Greenway. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  351 "Perverting our nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar"
+      (St. Luke xxiii. 2).
+
+  352 "It is enough for the disciple that he be as his Master" (St. Matt.
+      x. 25).
+
+  353 Which was their "hour and the power of darkness" (St. Luke xxii.
+      53).
+
+  354 If this be particularly set down in the former chapter, it may be
+      here left out. _Orig. in marg. in another hand._
+
+  355 "With swords and clubs" (St. Matt. xxvi. 47).
+
+  356 Into the hands of those that sought their life.
+
+  357 Fed "with bread of affliction and water of distress" (3 Kings xxii.
+      27).
+
+  358 That they may suffer together in this world, who are to reign
+      together in the world to come.
+
+  359 We "have fought a good fight," we "have finished the course," we
+      "have kept the faith" (2 Tim. iv. 7).
+
+  360 The crown of justice which was laid up for them, and for those also
+      who love the coming of Christ.
+
+  361 From this delation and accusation of his brother.
+
+  362 Who must needs have a fling at it, because his place was not to
+      speak much before, when the Council did examine him. _Erased in
+      Orig._
+
+  363 "Their feet are swift to shed blood" (Psalm xiii. 3).
+
+  364 According to the measure they have meted.
+
+  365 As Job to the accusing enemy, to persecute by bloody interrogations
+      and other vexations also, as they should find it needful, reserving
+      his life. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  366 And God infatuated "the counsel of Achitophel" (2 Kings xv. 31).
+
+  367 "I was in prison and you came to Me" (St. Matt. xxv. 36).
+
+  368 "Which believeth all things, hopeth all things" (1 Cor. xiii. 7).
+
+  369 This letter was so cunningly counterfeited that it could not be
+      distinguished from Fr. Garnett his own hand, and it was signed also
+      and so licensed to pass with the lieutenant his brand unto it. Yet
+      all such necessaries as the Father writ for and the other sent were
+      seized upon by the Lieutenant, and the Priest himself brought after
+      in great trouble for returning this charitable answer. _Erased in
+      Orig._
+
+  370 "Who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto Him" (St.
+      Matt. xxvii. 55).
+
+  M10 The hole in the wall where the FFrs. were overheard.
+
+  371 "The world shall rejoice and you shall be made sorrowful, but your
+      sorrow shall be turned into joy ... and your joy no man shall take
+      from you" (St. John xvi. 20, 22).
+
+  372 "Woe to you that now laugh, for you shall mourn and weep" (St. Luke
+      vi. 25).
+
+  M11 The trouble of Mrs. Ann Vaux.
+
+  373 "The sensual man perceiveth not these things that are of the Spirit
+      of God" (1 Cor. ii. 14).
+
+  374 Which no man knoweth but he who receiveth it.
+
+  375 But the time we cannot certainly learn. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  376 In so great a cloud of witnesses.
+
+  377 To enlarge or restrain the seal of the secret.
+
+  378 Being no causer of it himself, he should not have left them to
+      themselves without seeking to divert them from their purpose; not
+      knowing whether. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  379 And the confession being only of his knowledge what others had
+      opened unto him of their intentions so long time after they had
+      begun the practice. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  380 Of his knowledge thereof from him, and. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  M12 All others of the Society apparently cleared from any knowledge of
+      the Plot.
+
+  381 The seal of the secret of confession.
+
+  382 Ralph Ashley, for eight years Father Ouldcorne's servant, is
+      believed, like Nicholas Owen, to have been a Lay-brother of the
+      Society.--ED.
+
+  383 18 or 19. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  384 "The beginnings of sorrows" (St. Matt. xxiv. 8).
+
+  385 But God "will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will
+      make manifest the counsels of the hearts" (1 Cor. iv. 5).
+
+  386 Now I must set down their proceedings by course of law against the
+      gentlemen that were the conspirators in the treason (of which I
+      formerly treated), and this I will do in this chapter following.
+      _Erased in Orig._
+
+  387 This great diligence and often iterated examinations of Father
+      Garnett continued so long that it was almost the end of March before
+      they could bring matters to that pass which hath been declared, and
+      so that they might have any little show to prove the Father guilty
+      against the laws of the realm for his only concealing of that which
+      by the laws of God he could not reveal. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  388 The 27th.--ED.
+
+  389 Greeneway. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  390 As in the last chapter hath been declared. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  391 And with divers others. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  392 For with the same measure with which they shall have meted, it shall
+      be measured to them again.
+
+  M13 The Attorney his Speech.
+  M14 Father Gerard false accused and fully cleared.
+
+  393 And namely Fr. Gerard. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  394 Related in that discourse set forth by His Majesty, as I said
+      before, was concluded of amongst themselves and. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  395 And that after they went into another chamber to confess and to
+      receive the Blessed Sacrament: so that it appears most evidently by
+      His Majesty's own narration of the conspirators their confessions
+      that Mr. Attorney did that public audience speak _or_ deliver, &c.
+      _Erased in Orig. The following passage in the text from_ For these
+      be the words _to_ he doth not know _are in the margin of the Orig._
+
+  M15 The speech of the prisoners at the bar.
+
+  396 The sixth.--ED.
+
+  397 The ninth.--_Ed._
+
+  398 The ninth.--ED.
+
+  399 When he meant to publish those foresaid letters he had sent unto the
+      Council, and did withal. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  400 That the craftsmen of death should perish by their own craft.
+
+  401 As the Earl of Salisbury now is placed in. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  402 Of his knowledge touching Father Gerard his innocency. _Erased in
+      Orig._
+
+  403 This clause may be omitted in this place, and serve better to be
+      alleged in the last chapter. _Orig. in marg._
+
+  M16 Sir Everard Digby his death.
+
+  404 Who returned from the execution full of pity towards so worthy a
+      man, yea, so full of admiration of his fortitude and great opinion
+      of his devotion that they could talk almost of nothing else all that
+      day. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  405 Here wants something. _In another hand, erased in Orig._
+
+  M17 Mr Robert Winter his death.
+  M18 Mr. Thomas Winter his death.
+
+  406 This sentence in the original is underlined, and marked with crosses
+      in the margin.
+
+  M19 Mr. Rookwood his death.
+
+  407 Impugn the known truth.
+
+  408 In hatred of the Catholic faith.
+
+  409 But the Commission was not read, which was expected as needful.
+      _Erased in Orig._
+
+  M20 The speech of Mr. Crooke, the King's Serjeant.
+
+  410 "There is nothing hid, that shall not be revealed; nor secret that
+      shall not be known" (St. Matt. x. 26).
+
+  411 God "disappointeth the counsel of the wicked" (Job v. 13).
+
+  412 Of many names but of no good name.
+
+  413 Speaking signs, the testimonies of circumstances, and the confession
+      of the accused.
+
+  M21 The speech of the Attorney-General.
+
+  414 For that can never be said too often which cannot be sufficiently
+      well learnt.
+
+  415 Public praise is private blame.
+
+  416 It is a mistake to use many means when a few will suffice.
+
+  417 The author of an evil is more guilty than the actual perpetrator.
+
+  418 The Ninth.--ED.
+
+  419 (So the Attorney, and truly it is a grief to pass forward in this
+      narration and not to refute such absurd speeches as a man findeth
+      therein, but if I should do so this chapter would be much too long,
+      and it is already sufficiently done by others. He proceedeth:).
+      _Erased in Orig._ The passage is in a different hand.
+
+  420 "With the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Rom. x. 10).
+
+  421 While circumstances should remain as they were, and until it should
+      be fitting to carry out the Bull.
+
+  422 O well beloved of God, for whom the very air fights, and the winds
+      conspire to come to the trumpet call.
+
+  423 Prefect. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  424 To the Catholic Princes and Nobles of the whole Kingdom of England.
+
+  425 When it shall happen that that miserable woman shall depart this
+      life.
+
+  426 Whatsoever be the nearness of blood on which his claim rests.
+
+  427 Unexceptionable.
+
+  428 Of a cunning and subtle wit and profound perfidy.
+
+  429 Take away the faithless people from the boundaries of the Faithful,
+      that we may joyfully give due praises unto Christ.
+
+  430 This was the hymn of that time, being the Feast of All Saints, and
+      so applied by Father Garnett to the hindrance of heretics in making
+      heretical laws intended against Catholics. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  431 Thus he. But he did not know that my Lord of Salisbury would
+      afterwards tell the case truly that it was done of policy. So we see
+      that Mr. Attorney can add and diminish like a cunning orator.
+      _Erased in Orig._
+
+  432 (Either mistaking or misreporting the state of the question).
+      _Erased in Orig._
+
+  433 Loses the right of reigning.
+
+  434 Dreamed of. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  M22 Father Garnett his speech.
+
+  435 His long discourse. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  M23 1. Concerning Catholic doctrine in general.
+
+  436 "Of that day or hour no man knoweth, neither the Angels in heaven,
+      nor the Son, but the Father" (St. Mark xiii. 32; Cf. St. Matt. xxiv.
+      36).
+
+  437 "Go you up to this festival-day: but I go not up to this
+      festival-day" (St. John vii. 8).
+
+  438 "Then He also went up to the feast, not publicly, but as it were in
+      private" (St. John vii. 10).
+
+  M24 2. Concerning recusants in general.
+
+  439 In divinis. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  M25 3. The Jesuits in general.
+  M26 4. Father Garnett in particular.
+
+  440 Albeit I must acknowledge. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  441 Long since. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  442 "Thou shalt gain thy brother" (St. Matt. xviii. 15).
+
+  443 Upon means made unto me. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  444 This part may be omitted. _In marg. against this sentence._
+
+  M27 The case concerning innocents, answered by Father Garnett.
+  M28 The prayer objected to Father Garnett answered by him.
+
+  445 Agreeing together against the anointed of the Lord (_Vid._ Psalm ii.
+      2).
+
+  446 Indirect. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  447 Not to prohibit when possible, is to order.
+
+  448 This may be left out. _In marg._
+
+  449 Which was indeed. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  450 In every place. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  451 That they might be crowned with mercies and compassion (Cf. Ps. iii.
+      4).
+
+  452 Ralph Ashley, for eight years Father Ouldcorne's servant, is
+      believed, like Nicholas Owen, to have been a Lay-brother of the
+      Society.--ED.
+
+  453 The Lord Mounteagle's sister. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  454 As you might read in the beginning. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  455 Where it is ever found by those that seek it with a penitent heart,
+      which he did, and acknowledged his fault to be exceeding great in
+      betraying those Fathers. And both there publicly in the Shire Hall
+      did ask Father Ouldcorne publicly forgiveness and again at the time
+      of his execution, acknowledging that he had done both them and all
+      the Catholics of England great wrong in being cause of their
+      apprehension. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  456 I am uncertain whether he was condemned of felony or treason,
+      because of harbouring a proclaimed traitor. _In marg. in another
+      hand._
+
+  457 And the Bishops of Worcester in particular (whose prisoner he had
+      been before that). _Erased in Orig._
+
+  458 But none of these causes could they prove, the Father showing that
+      he had not sinned in anything, either against the law or against the
+      King.
+
+  459 In which case the gravest casuists of this time. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  460 But God, in Whom we can do all things, does not forsake them that
+      hope in Him (Cf. Jud. xiii. 17).
+
+  461 Being under the same condemnation, and not as yet fearing God (Cf.
+      St. Luke xxii. 40).
+
+  462 Blinded soul. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  463 The great blindness of heart. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  464 Are elected and. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  465 Believe and. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  466 Must needs be very. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  467 In the same place and. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  468 After the old account. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  469 Choosing rather without offence to fall into the hands of men than
+      to sin in God's sight, and dying for justice's sake, they have
+      gained the Kingdom of Heaven.
+
+  470 Father Ouldcorne suffered April 7, 1606, aet. 45. So Dr. Oliver.
+      Father Gerard, _infra._ p. 285, says that he was "near fifty years
+      old."--ED.
+
+  471 Seven, according to Father Henry More.--ED.
+
+  472 Shippers. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  473 And finding it so in two or three trials. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  474 Father Southwell was executed February 21, 1595, aet. 34.--ED.
+
+  475 Father Weston was apprehended in 1586, and, after imprisonment in
+      the Clink, was sent to Wisbech Castle in 1587. In 1598 he was
+      prisoner in the Tower of London, and he was banished in 1603.--ED.
+
+  476 The place where he remained. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  477 Her name is given by Father More as Dorothy Abington.--ED.
+
+  478 He founded and governed nearly all the domestic churches in those
+      parts.
+
+  479 (As himself did constantly affirm unto me). _Erased in Orig._
+
+  480 And his head full of grey hairs, the rather occasioned by his much
+      loss of blood before mentioned. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  481 Our Lord doing the will of those who fear Him.
+
+  482 "I am come to send fire on the earth, and what will I but that it be
+      kindled?" (St. Luke xii. 49).
+
+  483 How "God is wonderful in His Saints" (Ps. xxii. 36).
+
+  484 And of the signs by which it hath pleased God to show his innocency
+      and martyrdom. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  485 To draw some other great person into. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  486 This may be considered whether it be convenient to be left out. _In
+      marg. in another hand._
+
+  487 And he gloried in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in Whom is his
+      salvation, life, and resurrection, by Whom he is saved and
+      delivered.
+
+  488 Dinner. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  489 Side. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  490 Dr. John Overal, afterwards Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, and
+      Dr. George Abbot, afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury.--ED.
+
+  491 Staying for him. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  492 And perceiving that there was no place of retiring, he began to
+      speak of the present festivity of the Cross. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  493 In the matter. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  494 Further to be touched than he is. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  495 Went to the side of the scaffold. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  496 "We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee, because by Thy holy
+      Cross Thou hast redeemed the world."
+
+  497 "Mary, Mother of grace, Mother of mercy, protect us from the enemy,
+      and receive us at the hour of death."
+
+  498 "Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit."
+
+  499 Again, "Maria mater gratiae, Mater misericordiae, tu nos," etc.
+      _Erased in Orig._
+
+  500 "By this sign of the Cross, may all that is wicked fly far away. Fix
+      Thy Cross in my heart, O Lord."
+
+  501 (Unto which he was so much devoted). _Erased in Orig._
+
+  502 With a happy death. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  503 The chapter is unfinished.--ED.
+
+  504 And makes "with the temptation issue, that" we "may be able to bear
+      it" (1 Cor. x. 13), bringing forth for us "water out of the rock"
+      (Ps. lxxvii. 16), "and oil out of the hardest stone" (Deut. xxxii.
+      13).
+
+  505 Making "the yoke" to "putrefy at the presence of the oil" (Is. xi.
+      27).
+
+  506 The memory of the prisoner. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  507 Whosoever but he. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  508 Which "was a burning and a shining light" (St. John v. 35).
+
+  509 "Saying, Indeed this was a just man" (St. Luke xxiii. 47).
+
+  510 "We suffer tribulation, but are not distressed: we are straitened,
+      but are not destitute: we suffer persecution, but are not forsaken:
+      we are cast down, but we perish not" (2 Cor. iv. 8, 9).
+
+  M29 Of the miraculous straw.
+
+  511 This was John Wilkinson, who afterwards became a student at St
+      Omers, and on his death-bed in that College dictated a narrative of
+      Father Garnett's execution and the finding of the straw, which is
+      given by Father More, _Hist. Prov. Angl. S. J._, lib. vii., n.
+      35.--ED.
+
+  512 Is now a scholar in the English College at St. Omers. _Erased in
+      Orig._
+
+  513 In such sort as it might not be espied. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  514 Her name was Griffin.--ED.
+
+  515 Two or three months. _Interlined in Orig_. Wilkinson himself says,
+      "Paucis post diebus."
+
+  516 Father More says it was the Spanish Ambassador, and he gives an
+      attestation of the Baron de Hobocque, dated in 1625, attesting that
+      he had seen it in 1606, when he was in London as Ambassador of the
+      Princes of the Netherlands.--ED.
+
+  517 Dr. Richard Bancroft.--ED.
+
+  518 The gentlewoman's. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  519 "Was one of them that were at table" (St. John xii. 2).
+
+  520 Father Richard Blount, in a letter dated Nov. 8, 1606, says--"A
+      Catholic person in London having kept, since the execution of Mr.
+      Garnett, a straw that was embued in his blood, now these days past,
+      being viewed again by the party and others, they espy in the ear of
+      the straw a perfect face of a man dead, his eyes, nose, beard, and
+      neck so lively representing Mr. Garnett, as not only in my eyes, but
+      in the eyes of others which knew him, it doth lively represent him.
+      This hath been seen by Catholics and Protestants of the best sort
+      and divers others, who much admire it, &c. This you may boldly
+      report, for, besides ourselves, a thousand others are witnesses of
+      it." And in another letter, dated March, 1607, "It cannot be a thing
+      natural or artificial. The sprinkling of blood hath made so plain a
+      face, so well proportioned, so lively shadowed, as no art in such a
+      manner is able to counterfeit the like." Father More, whose history
+      was published in 1660, says that the straw was kept in the Jesuit
+      College at Liege. The last mention we have met of it is by the Abbe
+      Feller, in his _Dictionnaire Historique_, which was published at
+      Liege in 1797, and therefore after the suppression of the Society,
+      "L'epi est aujourdhui entre les mains d'un de mes amis, qui le
+      conserve soigneusement" (Art. Garnett).
+
+  521 Our. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  522 Who is "the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, Who
+      comforteth us in all our tribulation" (2 Cor. i. 3, 4).
+
+  523 "A wall for the house of Israel" (Ezech. xiii. 5).
+
+  524 Party. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  525 He desired "conditions of peace" (St. Luke xiv. 32).
+
+  526 "All that" saw it began "to mock him" (St. Luke xiv. 29).
+
+  527 But could he deceive or escape God?
+
+  528 He who would save his life, lost it (Cf. St. Luke ix. 24).
+
+  529 And in his folly did not foresee that that night they would require
+      his soul of him (Cf. St. Luke xii. 20).
+
+  530 Enjoying. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  531 Worthy. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  532 Supra. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  533 He "will not suffer" us "to be tempted above that which" we "are
+      able; but will make also with temptation issue, that" we "may be
+      able to bear it" (1 Cor. x. 13).
+
+  534 Secret and. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  535 "Out of the abundance of the heart" (St. Matt. xii. 34).
+
+  536 Beholding St. Stephen's conflict.--_Erased in Orig._
+
+  537 Nor even the gates of hell shall prevail (Cf. St. Matt. xvi. 18).
+
+  538 Woe unto those who are chosen for the works of the strong, and are
+      not fed with the food of the strong.
+
+  539 Who remembered Daniel in the lions' den, and feeds even "the young
+      ravens that call upon Him" (Ps. cxlvi. 9).
+
+  540 Whose very hairs are numbered (Cf. St. Matt. x. 30).
+
+  541 Here must be added the oath, and some few words after, to bring in
+      the other chapter. _In marg._
+
+  542 Establish and. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  543 Usually. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  544 "We have found" these men "perverting our nation" (St. Luke xxiii.
+      2).
+
+  545 "And forbidding to give tribute to Caesar" (_Ibid_).
+
+  546 In Roma. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  547 And saying that they have another Christ and King.
+
+  548 Which Himself denied not to Pilate to be in the world, though it
+      were not a kingdom of the world. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  549 To speak "against Caesar" (St. John xix. 12).
+
+  550 "Caesar's friend" (_Ibid_).
+
+  551 "Crucify, crucify" (St. Luke xxiii. 21).
+
+  552 Our Prince. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  553 By. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  554 Cite. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  555 Heresy. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  556 As by the contents of that book, &c. _Erased in Orig._ Elizab. cap.
+      1 deg..
+
+  557 And abettors. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  M30 Month's Recusance.
+
+  558 So keeping. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  559 According to. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  560 Foreign countries. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  M31 The Statute of confinement.
+
+  561 Authority. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  562 This. _Erased in Orig._
+
+  563 "My little finger is thicker than the back of my father. And now my
+      father put a heavy yoke upon you, but I will add to your yoke: my
+      father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions" (3
+      Kings xii. 10, 11).
+
+  564 Here must be added the chief laws made in the third year of the
+      King's reign. And after that some few lines to show how much
+      Catholics must needs suffer under so heavy a yoke, more than they do
+      under the Turk or any other Government, and how hard it is for
+      Catholics to live in such trials, being so barred the Sacraments and
+      helps, according to that of St. Bernard, "Vae illis qui assumuntur in
+      fortium et non aluntur fortium." _In marg._
+
+
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CONDITION OF CATHOLICS UNDER JAMES I.***
+
+
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