¶ A Discovery of Edmund Campion, and his Confederates, their most horrible and traitorous practices, against her majesties most royal person, and the Realm. Wherein may be seen, how thorough the whole course of their Arraignment: they were notably convicted of every cause. Whereto is added, the Execution of Edmund Campion, Ralph Sherwin, and Alexander Brian, executed at Tyburn the 1. of December. Published by A. M. sometime the Pope's Scholar, allowed in the Seminary at Room amongst them: a Discourse needful to be read of every man, to beware how they deal with such secret seducers. Seen, and allowed. Imprinted at London for Edward White, dwelling at the little North door of Paul's, at the sign of the Gun, the 29. of Ianua. 1582. To the right Honourable Sir Thomas Bromeley Knight, Lord chancellor of England: William, Lord Burleigh, and Lord Treasurer: Robert, Earl of Leicester, Thomas, Lord Chamberlain, and Frances, Earl of bedford, with the rest of her majesties most Honourable Council: continuance of health, increase of Honour, and all heavenly wisdom. IT hath been always seen (right Honourable) that the Peaceableste Prince hath had the priviest enemies, the most civil government, some uncivil adversaries: whose tedious natures, could not live within the compass of vert●e and modesty, and therefore they were at continual war with them, who established and maintained a thing of such excellency within their Dominions. I need not travail for circumstances, to approve what I have said: for that it hath been manifested here in our Realm of England. Her Majesty, under whom we have been so godly, graciously & famously governed, herself being a spectacle to the whole world, for virtue and modesty of life: how greatly she is defamed, contemned, and despised therefore, of those whom iniquity and error hath perversely blinded, I leave to your Honourable judgements, my humility & unfeigned loyalty remembered. But fearing to entangle myself in any such matters, as may either seem tedious to your Honours, or troublesome to any modest mind: I betake myself to such a simple course of brevity, as may discover my true intent, and the dutiful reverence I own to so Honourable personages. It is not unknown to your Honours, how not long since I witnessed my faithful service to her Majesty, to the disproving of such, as were both her professed and sworn adversaries: at which time, how notably they were approved guilty of every objection, both by their own writings, sufficient evidence, & unreprovable witnesses: it were needless here to rehearse, for that the matter is yet apparent. Since that time (right Honourable) there hath been cast abroad, by the secret favourers and friends, of these so sufficiently convicted: such reports, libels, & traitorous speeches in the behalf of the aforenamed, both against me, and the other of the witnesses: as many have been enforced to muse & marvel, they have been delivered forth after such spiteful and unjust manner. Wherefore, at the earnest entreaty of divers, godly and well disposed men, as also to discharge myself of the manifest vnt●●●ethes, (to such as have heard and seen them published against me:) under your Honour's favour I hau● been so bold, to discover these Traitors, and their treacherous practices, that it may be seen and known, how falsely and untruly they have accused me, and that they may well understand, how I have been in those places, where I ha●● heard and seen more than I will here report, to the confounding o● them, and 〈◊〉 such as they are, though in their Libels, they give forth otherwise of me. My request is therefore to your Honours, under whose favours I confess myself both safely and sufficiently defended: that this my good intent may attain your Honourable likings, which will cross all the 〈…〉, wherewith I have been endangered and discouraged by many. Thus remaining the most affectionate in dutiful service to her Majesty, and an humble and obedient servant to your Honours: I cease at this time, beseeching God long to preserve her Majesty, and your Honours in continual happiness. Your Honours in all humility and duty. A. Monday. To the Courteous and friendly Reader. HOw precious a thing (courteous Reader) faithfulness to our Prince and Country is, cannot be so much spoken of, as it doth worthily deserve: for that as Cicero Cicero. defineth, it is the only foundation of justice, and without which, Prudence is but Deceitfulness, Temperance but Luxuriousness, Fortitude mere Cowardice, and justice herself, plain cruelness. The Heathen and other, failing in this so commendable virtue, would esteem themselves unworthy to use the company of men: how much more than ought we Christians, to reverence and honour such an especial or●ament? The Romans would take a Hog, A notable example of the Romans. and break it to pieces in a Mortar: wishing their own bones might so be broken, if they did prove false of their faith. The Medians and the Arabians were w●nt to pri●● their fingers, Medians and the Arabians. and each of them should 〈◊〉 thereof signitying 〈◊〉, that their blood should be spilled th●● kept not their ●aithe. Among the Scythians, Scythians. if any were sound to 〈◊〉 their ●aithe: they were by the law presently adjudged to death. Cicero writing to Trebatius, Cicero▪ epist. 12. li. 7 Epist. famil. reporteth a notable custom among 〈◊〉 people, how they would take jupiters' Stone in their hands, uttering these words: Even as I cast this Stone from me, so ●et jupiter cast me out of the society and company of all men, if willingly I break my faith. The Egyptians Egyptians. could never abide such persons, as were 〈…〉 their faith: and therefore they that so offended, no redemption might seem to save their lives. Gaudentius Merula reporteth, Gaudentius Merula, de Memorabilibus. li. 3. Chap. 3. that in Bithynia there is a River called Aleos, and of some Olochas: of which if any one taste, that hath broken his faith to his Prince and Country: his entrails are presently set on fire within him, and so he endeth his life marvelous miserably. I would such a River were in all Cities in the world: for then less Treason and impiety would be practised among men, against their Prince and natural Country. You see of late how it hath happened by our own Countrymen, borne and bred here among us, how they neither regarding their duty to God, or faithful love they ought to bear their Princess and Country: wilfully yielded themselves to the enemy of the whole world, with him to practise the destruction of their lawful Sovereign and her dominion: which being manifestly proved to their faces, is nevertheless misreported by some of their secret favourers. Wherefore, that thou mayst beware, how thou givest credit to any of them all, whose wicked minds kick and spurn against the truth: read this Discourse, and thou shalt evidently see into the depth of their secret and traitorous dealings. And if thou find in some places, such words as modesty can hardly suffer: bestow such reverence in the reading, as thou mayst be warned by them, to remain ever a loyal and faithful subject. Thine to use, A. Monday. These faults good Reader, where thou shalt find them escaped in the Book, I desire thee friendly to correct. In the first Page of B. among the names, thou shalt find james Bosgrave by misadventure left out: I desire thee to bear with the Printers fault, and to allow the name there. In the 11. page of C. 3. line, for, aught to be committed, read, ought not to be committed. In the 15. page of C. 8 line, for, aforenaned, read, aforenamed. In the 16. page of C. 9 line, for, your ●wayne, read, you twain. In the 5. page of F. 16. line, for, Edward Bishton, read, Edward Rishton, as also in the Margin. All other faults whatsoever, escaped unwittingly, and not wilfully: I desire thee friendly, to amend as they should be. A Discovery of Edmund Campion, and his Complices, their most traitorous practices, against her Majesty, and the Realm. Edmund Campion, Ralph Sherwin, Lucas Kerbie, Edward Rishton, Thomas Coteham, Henry Orton, and Robert johnson, all these aforenamed persons, were brought on Monday, the 20. of November to the high Bar at Westminster: where they were severally, and all together, indited upon high Treason, the sum whereof, followeth in brief as thus. THAT these persons, contrary both to love and duty, forsook their native Country, to live beyond the Seas, under the Pope's obedience, as at Room, Rheimes, and divers other places: where, (the Pope having with other Princes practised, the death and deprivation of our most gracious Princess, and utter subversion of her seat and kingdom, to his devilish and abominable Religion) these men, having vowed their allegiance to the Pope, to obey him in all causes whatsoever, being there, gave their consent, yea uttermost furtherance they might, to aid him in this most traitorous determination. And for this intent and purpose, they were sent over, to seduce the hearts of her majesties loving Subjects, and to conspire and practise her Grace's death, as much as in them lay, against a great day, set and appointed, when the general havoc should be made, those only reserved that joined with them. This laid to their charge, they boldly and impudently denied: whereupon a lewrie was impaneled, their own confessions, their own writings, and credible witnesses, Viva voce, produced to their faces, approving them guilty of the former allegations, as hereafter followeth. After the Endightment was read unto them, and their answer, that it was beyond their power to prove them faulty in any such matters, so stiffly they stood in their apparent impudency: first was moved to them, sundry Treasons passed, attempted against her Majesty, by those of their sect and disposition, yet notwithstanding the uttermost of their malice and cruelty: how mightily God had defended his chosen Elizabeth, returning their dealings to their own destruction. Among sundry these Treasonable practices, The rebellion in the North, only through the Pope's means. which the Pope, the ancient adversary to her Majesty: hath at divers times set abroach, the rebellion in the North may remain as a witness, of his exceeding malice & spite against her Grace and government. Whereto let us add, the Bull sent over by john Felton, The s●m of the Pope's Bull, which our English men beyond the Seas, hold as their authority, to rebel against her Majesty. which Traitorously he placed on the Bishop of London's gate: in which Bull, the Pope utterly excommunicated her Majesty, she was an Heretic, he had dispossessed her of her Crown and Dominion, she was not the lawful Queen of this Realm, and her Subjects were not bound to obey any of her Laws or Decrees: but they were all free, and perfectly discharged of their allegiance to her, so that they might lawfully, when time served so convenient for them, both stir rebellion against her, and also enter into Arms against her Majesty. The Pope's will in this, hath been put in execution, as through the ill demeanour of divers persons to him affected, it was moved in the North: where, maintaining themselves on the authority of the Pope, and his traitorous Bull, secretly dispersed abroad, they entered into a plain and manifest rebellion. Doctor Saunders his rebellion in Ireland, through whom the people were seduced to fight against their lawful Princess. The like was put in practice in Ireland, through Doctor Saunders, and other Traitors, who there joined themselves together, under the Pope's standard, to bring to pass● their secret appointment in this Realm. Through their persuasions and dealings, the people were moved in the Pope's name, to fight against their lawful Princess under his Banner: and to rebel against her, so notoriously as they might. The encouragement to this great disobedience, they received through Doctor Saunders, a Fugitive and rank Traitor to his Prince and Co●ntrey: as also through divers jesuits, both English and Irish, whose hypocritical show of holiness, & devilish persuasions on the behalse of the Pope, their Master and head: enticed a multitude of the people there, to change their profession in Religion, and to yield themselves to the Pope's authority, whereby they should renounce the most certain and just title of her Majesty, and when foreign forces should be assembled there, they to join with them in their intent, and so traitorously rebel against their lawful Sovereign. All these practices took their original from the Pope, as well by sending his secret Messengers, as also by his traitorous Bull: This Bull remaineth in his former force, by this Pope, only a toleration for the s●raitnes to the Subject therein amended. which being sent by Pius Quintus, is nevertheless confirmed (in the former authority) by this Pope Gregory, xiii. and remaineth in hope to take effect at some time or other, for which he doth watch opportunity as conveniently as he may. But God, the just avenger of all causes, as he hath hitherto preserved her Majesty, and this little Island, from all their malicious attempts and practices, and hath deservedly thrown the yoke of their shame, on their own necks: so will he, no doubt, continue his fatherly care, that his Children shall be preserved, and their adversaries confounded. But sayeth Master Campion: Master Campion destreth not to hear, how their Treasons took their original, & how from time to time they have been enterprised and confounded: wherefore to blind the people's ●yes, he maketh this counterfeit answer. what is this to us here present? what appertaineth this to our endytement? we are here both severally and altogether indited on high Treason, and for that that is objected against us, we must answer. Let not other men's offences be laid to our charge, that we should answer for other men's faults committed long since: some of us were then but novices here in the Universities, and were altogether ignorant of these matters. What have we to do with any thing that they did? they that were offenders, let them answer to what you can lay against them. For us that be here at this instant, you must either say: thou Campion didst this thing, or thou (naming some of the other) committedst this offence, and thereupon bring your proofs and witnesses, otherwise you shall never be able to touch us. As for these assertions, for the strength they have against us, I will not esteem it worth a penny worth of Pippins: and therefore to your endytement. This answer, so smoothly delivered, and with such coy looks, and protestation of action jested: to all the standers by gave perfect notice of the man, both of his nature and disposition, as also of his prompt and ingenious capacity, to shadow an absolute truth, with a show of great wisdom and learning. For this he knew● right well, that before he came to that place, he had w●n a marvelous goodly report, to be such a man, In the Libel against me, was made this report of Campion, to be a man of so rare learning & excellency. etc. as his like was not to be found, either for life, learning, or any quality that might beautify a man, so that by his favourers & friends it was blown abroad: that we had neither Doctors nor other, that were worthy to enter disputation with him, he was so far above them all, that they might not deal with him. Now being brought unto a public trial, it stood him upon to argue somewhat of the praise that had been given him: wherefore, in very acquaint and familiar eloquent gloss, he stood upon quirks and fine devise of speech, thinking, as he had deluded many before, so at that present, he might blind the eyes of justice, and acquit himself of his horrible treasons. But as truth showeth most brave, when she goeth naked and bare, and deceit finest, when he is cunningly flourished: even so, the poor habit of the one, discovered the proud heart of the other, and confounded his boldness with her sacred brightness: giving all men to understand, that Veritas vincit omnia. And because Master Campion would have made such a cunning conveyance of the matter, as though it neither might or could attaint him or any of them: it was given him to understand, that they would not alone touch him in the sequel of the former causes, but them all, and he that supposed himself the clearest. Whereupon, Doctor Saunders, and Doctor Bristol, Doctor Saunders and Doctor Bristow'S books, were there read unto them, wherein, most traitorously they defended the rebellion against her Majesty. their traitorous writings in defence of the Pope's Bull exhibited against her Majesty, was read unto them, how they both allowed it, and also the Rebellion in the North. afterward, it was manifestly proved to their faces, that Bristow'S book in allowance thereof, named his Motives, was especially commanded to be used amongst them both at Room, and at Rheimes, every one being expressly charged not to be without one of these Books. This with open mouths, they altogether denied, some that they had never seen it, and some that they never heard of any such commandment: They denied what one of their own fellows had confessed▪ and subscribed to, and what every one of the witnesses knew to be most certain. when as john Hart, one of their own fellows, had avouched it, and thereunto subscribed. Besides, myself when I came to Rheimes, saw them as common amongst them, as the little Catechism here among Children, the inequality of the number considered. Again, at Room they were as common likewise, in the Seminary, and among the Englishmen in the City, for myself had it, and one of Doctor Allens Catechismies delivered me, with great charge to embrace it as my chief instruction. My Companion that went with me, he had one likewise: the rest of the witnesses, they had seen how common they were, and in what reverence and authority they esteemed them: yet these men would with shameless faces deny it, yea, and if they might have been so credited, would have sworn against it. This manifest reproof, they would not grant unto: but Master Campion taketh upon him to wrest it according to his humour, by answering that the book was not so ill as they took it for, nor deserved any such judgement of prejudice. Now he thought he could not be taken tardy, but supposed his argument to pass unreprovable. For that in the new imprinting of this Book, such matters as did most sharply touch them, Master Campion answered this point subtly: because in the last edition of the book, the chief matters against themselves were abridged. were abridged, thinking none of the former books should come to light: but herein Master Campion overshot himself, for so sly an answer could not cover so foul a blemish. When they had notably convicted them of these matters, which with obstinacy they still denied: they came to the intent of their secret coming over into this Realm, which was for the death of her Majesty, and overthrow of the whole Realm, which should be by domestical rebellion, & foreign hostility, the sum whereof, in brief is thus. This little Island, God having so bountifullie bestowed his blessings upon it, that except it prove false within itself, no treason whatsoever, can prevail against it, & the Pope being hereof very well persuaded, by reason that all his attempts have proved of no effect: he hath found out a mean, whereby he assureth himself to speed of his desire. Secret rebellion must be stirred here at home among ourselves, The general determination, how to bring to pass theyrecret intent in this Realm. the heart's of the people must be obdurated against God & their Prince: so that when a foreign power shall on a sudden invade this Realm, the Subjects thus seduced, must join with these in Arms, and so shall the Pope attain the sum of his wish. But now let us examine each matter with ourselves, & see into the bowels of this traitorous action: yea, let us before we pass any farther, resolve ourselves how this secret Sedition should be brought to pass. The people must be first reconciled from their religion, to embrace the laws & decrees of the Pope, then, they must be persuaded to forsake their duty and allegiance to her Majesty, because she is excommunicated out of the Pope's Church, and he hath freed them of any obedience they should use to her: so that they may lawfully resist against her, and take weapons of defence in this behalf. But now, what are they that must take upon them, to win the hearts of the people in this sort? they are no strangers, for if the Pope should send them on this business, he might hap to fail, as he hath done before: for, the simple and unlearned, ignorant in their language, doubtful of their intent, and beside hard to be won by those they know not, would rather appeach them openly, then agree with them in this privily. And if so be they might light upon some, easy to be entreated, because their Faith is not stayed: they might chance upon some again, whose faithful hearts to their Sovereign, would embolden them rather to die upon such a Traitor, than once they would hear a motion, to offer them disobedience. No, no, the Pope was well assured, that these affairs would not be so slightly dispatched, and therefore such a doubtful matter, required far more diligent Messengers. The only cause why the Pope hath kept his two Seminaries at Room and at Rheimes so long: for that none might better move secret rebellion in England, than they. He hath not kept his two Seminaries, the one at Rheimes in France, the other at Room, all this while for nothing, he hath not loved them, cherished them, and so fatherly provided for them, but that he had some farther intent in his dealings: these are they must do the deed, this is the ready string to his bow, and through them he hopeth to speed surely. These being our own Countrymen, sworn to him in all causes whatsoever, well schooled and instructed in these affairs: they can with more dexterity order these matters, because they know their Host before they come over, they can disguise themselves for being known, & to be brief, are more privy to our nature then any stranger can be, therefore this is the only mean. To this end and purpose are our English men there maintained, A sure way, to make all Englishmen they can get out of England, to ioy●e with them in this traitorous intent. For none but such as will be Priests, must stay there. there receive they their Préesthoode, and then they are apt to serve the turn. As for such as shall come thither, not minding to be Priests: there is no place for them, there are excuses sufficient, so that he must be a Priest, or else departed thence. And good reason have they for this, for when they enter into priesthood, they are sworn dutiful and faithful to the Pope, to obey him in all causes what soever, and to do what soever their Superiors shall command them: now if any one should remain among them, not entering into this oath, their secret practices might be discovered, and beside, that man unsworn, to be sent about these matters, might choose whether he would fulfil his charge or no. As for those that be Priests, and are sworn to this obedience: they must, what ever happen to them, do their uttermost, or else they fall into the Pope's curse, and are excommunicated, beside, their sins (breaking their promise with him, Their persuasion on the Pope's behalf, to urge our Englishmen to fulfil the Pope's mind, what ever comes of them. who is Christ's Vicar on earth) shall never be forgiven them (say they) neither in this world, nor in the world to come. With such threatenings, lies of miracles of their Church, and styncking Relics they show: they make our English men bewitched unto them, so that they stand in as much aw● to offend him, as they do God, which is in Heaven. For thorough his Indulgences granted to their Agnus De●s, their Beads▪ Crosses, and Medalles: they as verily think that they redeem so many souls out of Purgatory, as the Pope doth set upon them at his blessing them, even as verily do they credit it, as we hope to go to heaven. And for this intent, A thing to be looked unto, for thorough their secret friends, they have here, a number are brought to ioyn● in this action. they have their persuaders here, who, if they know any young Gentleman or other, that is willing to travail: they will both proffer him such sufficiency of money, as shall bring him to their Seminary at Rheimes, beside Letters for his entertainment there, shall be given him, that when he cometh thither, he shall not only be welcomed gratefully, but also esteemed equal with any of the other. Then when they have studied there a while, that they are brought within the compass of their determination: they shall be sent to Room, to receive their priesthood, if so be their minds serve them to travail so far, otherwise they receive it at Rheimes, and this is the continual dealings between the two Seminaries, to be sure of store for maintenance of their matter. These men thus made Priests, priests yeer●ly appointed, and sent for England. are appointed yearly by their Superiors, so many of them as shall be thought convenient, to be sent into England, to make preparation for the Pope's former intent. They have their charge delivered them, how wary and circumspect, how faithful and diligent they must be, in execution of so great a cause: they are pardoned for so many days as they cannot say Mass, by reason of the danger here in England, and therefore they may let their Crowns alone unshaven, where if they stayed there, they must be shaven duly every week. But, if when they are here, in such a man's house where they may say Mass: they do not daily do it, than they sin mortally, and for want of some other Priest to absolve him, he writes down all such sins as he daily committeth, till he may attain unto confession. But nevertheless, himself hath authority to reconcile, confess and absolve, so many of her majesties Subjects as he can win from their obedience. Then with them they bring Agnus This, The Pope's Merchandise, that his Commissioners bring with them into England. hallowed Grana, and Beads, sanctified Images, holy girdles come from S. Peter'S Chair, Crosses and Medalles, and a number of such paltryes. The Agnus Dei, is included within a case made fit for the purpose, and the virtue of it is, that the Devil dare not come near him, so long as he hath it about him, nor any sprights, or evil motions may attempt to fray him: for that say they (most traitorously and blasphemously) he hath the very Lamb of God about him, which is the stinking Agnus Dei, made of War, chrisma, spittle, salt, Oil, and such trumperies, whereof I have seen abundance made in the Pope's Palace, and they be nothing worth, till he have said a few Enchanting words over them, where they stand great Chests full, Sacks and Baskets. Yet they allow no holiness to the Chest, Basket or Sack, which receiveth as much blessing as they. It were too tedious to discourse here, the manner and order of all these ●ables: wherefore I refer you to a book, which by the grace of God shall come forth shortly, entitled, The English Roman life. Wherein, our Englishmen, and their order of life, shall be truly and not maliciously reported: with so many of their Popish knaveries discovered, as I know will move some both to laugh and lament. To laugh, in that their dealings are so ridiculous and foolish: and to lament, in that they will be governed by so vain imaginations. When they are thus arrived in England, Their own confession, how they behave themselves, when they come into England. they dispearce themselves into such places, where they think themselves to be surest: some in one place, some in an other. And disguising themselves like Gentlemen, Servingmen, or what Apparel they may find meetest for them: they have access to many and sundry places, where having reconciled some, their friends must likewise be of the same stamp, and so, what from Father to Son, Husband and Wife, Kinsmen and acquaintance, a number are seduced & brought into their detestable dealings. For, after they have gotten any little ground within them to build upon, then do they lay unto them, what a general bloody day is toward England, that the Pope & other foreign Princes have fully determined to over run the Realm: then better it wer● for you (say they) to yield yourselves willingly, then to see so horrible a slaughter, both of your Princess, and all that dare presume to take her part. Yourselves, yea, and your friends shall abide the same hard judgement, except you join with us in this action. Thus through terrifying, and a thousand Traitorous fetches they have: one friend bringeth an other, and one Kinsman an other: so that, as they themselves will make their boast, in short time they doubt not to have the most part of all England, yea, and farther they presume, that her Majesty thinking herself in most safety, shall then be soon of all deceived. These are the men that make themselves so sound and substantial, Master Campion coulloreth their com●ing over, ●if●ming it was for the safeguard of souls. that they are as true Subjects to her Majesty, as the best of us. Yea, saith Master Campion, never shall you prove this, that we came over, either for this intent or purpose: but only for the saving of souls, which mere loo●● and conscience compelled us to do, for that we did pity the miserable estate of our Country. But where are your proves, (sayeth he) these are but quirks by the way, our lives I perceive standeth upon points of Rhetoric, you have shown us the Antecedent, now let us have the Ergo. With this continual course of holdness and impudency, Master Campion and his fellows would grant nothing, but stiffly denied every cause: and Master Campion, he took it for a custom, to wrest every thing as pleased him, saying: That the jewrie were not men learned, When he had no other shift, he fell into these words. & therefore causes of conscience ought to be committed to them, neither was that bar appointed to define on causes of conscience: wherefore, all that you do (sayeth he) is but to bring us into odium with the jewrie. After this order he deluded the people, appealing still on the devoutness of his conscience: because he saw the matter brought to the very push, that would generally convict them all, for the witnesses were produced and sworn Hearts confession, and their own writings before them, so that they would remove them from their ordinary illusions. George eliot, one of the ordinary Yeomen of her majesties Chamber, upon his oath gave forth in evidence, as followeth. That he, living here in England, among certain of that Sect, fell in acquaintance with one pain a Priest: who gave him to understand, of a horrible Treason intended against her Majesty and the State, which he did expect● shortly to happen, the order, how and after what manner, in brief is thus. That there should be levied a certain company of Armed men, which on a sudden should enterprise a most monstrous attempt: a certain company of these armed men, should be prepared against her Majesty, as many against my L. of L. as many against my L. T. as many against S. F. W. and divers other, whose names he doth not well remember. The deaths of these Noble Personages should be presently fulfilled, and her Majesty used in such sort, as modesty nor duty will suffer me to rehearse: but this should be the general cry every where, Queen Marie▪ M●●ning the Queen of Scot●. Queen Marry. It was also appointed and agreed upon, who should have this man of Honour's room, and who should have that Office: every thing was determined, there wanted nothing but the coming over, of such Priests and other, as were long looked for. Upon this report, this aforenaned George eliot, took occasion to question with this pain, how they could find in their hearts to attempt an act of so great and horrible cruelty, considering how high an offence it should be to God, beside, great danger might arise thereby. A most traitorous and villainous answer: of every true Subject, to be read with re●erence of the person. Whereto pain made answer, that the killing her Majesty was no offence to God, nor the uttermost cruelty they could use to her, or any that took her part: but that they might as lawfully do it, as to a brute Beast, and himself would be one of the foremost in the executing this villainous and most traitorous action. By this you may perceive, that the death of her Majesty, No ●ote of their good will wanted, if God did not as he daily doth, prevent their purposes. and overthrow of this Realm, was thoroughly agreed upon, and fully determined: there wanted nothing but opportunity, for Priests both then and since, came over continually, to farther it, so much as in them lay. Now that you may be perfectly resolved, that this was a general determination of our Englishmen, dispersed beyond the Seas, that this bloody slaughter and great day, as they called it themselves, was especially provided for, and that both Campion, and the rest of his Complices▪ came all only over for this intent: mark this which I shall now deliver unto you, wherein you shall perceive the full issue of the matter. At what time, I myself went over, accompanied with one Thomas Nowell, whom I left at Room, vowed to be a Priest, and to remain there among them: when we came to Amiens in France, we ●ounde an old English Priest, lying there, named Master Woodwarde, of whom I could report, more than I will do at this present, because I will declare things more at large in my other Book. This Priest, This Priest was the first, that ever I heard to name the treason. having my fellow and me alone in his Chamber, began to open to us the imminent danger towards our Country of England: which he feared would be utterly wasted and spoiled ere long, yea, her Majesty, and all that durst take upon them to defend her. For (quoth he) the Pope's holiness oweth them a payment, which ere long they shall feel, and that surely. And trust me (quoth he) this is the happiest deed that ever you did in all your life, to come from thence, leaving them to the terrible judgement which is towards them, and I would your parents and friends were here with you, not to endure that grievous extremity. As for your twain, the best counsel that I can give you, is to enter into priesthood, and so you may be able to benefit your Country an other day: because it is to be doubted, that there will be great want of men of the Church there. If you can conform yourselves to enter into this holy and blessed kind of life: I will direct you not far hence, to a place called Rheimes, In my other Book, you shall understand more. where you shall be entertained, among a goodly number of our own Countrymen, who live there only for this purpose. We made promise to do as he had willed us, but we deceived his expectation: as because the matter is not incident to this place, I leave to be discovered in my other Book. At Paris we heard the very same matter of danger to be toward England and her Majesty: the Englishmen there, The Englishmen at Paris, rehearsed the same matter that the Priest had done. discoursed it, even as we had heard by the Priest at Amiens. At Lions, we understood hereof again, reported by one of them now condemned, named Henry Orton, Henry Orton, lying in the house of one Master Deacon, ga●e forth notice of the former matter. Gent. he said that her Majesty was no lawful Queen, but an usurper, and that as jezabel was served: even so should she ere long be used, when the chief matter went forward in England. And to his companion he said, that he understood there were Priests appointed for England, and because he saw that I gave out some cross words, of misliking that he had said: he set his Boy to pick quarrels with me, to the end, that if I would have quarreled again, he might have done me some mischief by the way, for he liked every bodies company better thine mine. Yet when I justified this to his face at the Bar: he would not know me, but desired my Lord to examine me where I knew him. Then upon my opening of time, place, and other tokens, he began to deny all, that it was in no point true which I had said. When I came to Room, The common and general speeches in the Seminary at Room. 〈◊〉 with all that we heard by the way. I was allowed the Pope's Scholar, and lived there in the Seminary among them: if I should report all that I heard, it were more than modesty would suffer, wherefore I am constrained to let it pass. But they that have been here convicted, if they would confess and agree to the truth: themselves would say, that I report nothing but their own words: because some of them spoke them, other some were present by when they were spoken, greatly triumphing and rejoicing: and not one of them, but are very well acquainted with them, and a number of such like Traitorous speeches. At what time God str●●ke me with sickness there, and they as was their daily wont, would come to visit me, some of them lying in the Chamber with me: they would sit down on my Bed's side, and other some on Stools by, when as they would enter into such horrible speeches against their Prince and Country: as at every remembrance, my heart doth bleed to think upon them. Quoth one of them▪ there is a Rod in providing, that shall rouse that presumptuous jezabel (meaning our most Gracious Princess) out of her usurped authority, Their only delight to 〈◊〉 and ●ayle against her Majesty, and her honourable Counsel, to whom they give such names, as modesty will not suffer me to report. which she hath so long time held, to our no little grief, and then look how jezabel was served: even so shall she be, yea, worse if worse may be: oh most traitorous words, yet there passing every man's mouth with great laughter and joy. Quoth an other to me, you may be happy, if God take you out of this world here: then shall you never see the bloody ruin of your own Country, which will be shortly, and sooner than some of them looks for: wherefore, if you have any friends in England, which you doubt to be fallen from the faith, and take part in that abominable Religion: send to them so soon as you can, that they may go to some of our Priests, there labouring about the chief cause, to be reconciled by them, and so to conform their lives a new. And then they will deliver them certain Grana Benedicta, Tokens appointed to pass among them, when this great day shall come, which they hope for. that is appointed by the Pope's holiness for them, or else the watch word jesus Maria: for being found without these two, they will be destroyed, as all the rest shall be, that are not so provided. Now they mean to deal surely, because they have sundry ways attempted, yet still have been deceived, and therefore they have appointed a great day, when as the general havoc shall be made thorough all England. Robert Parsons, commonly called among them Father Parsons jesuit, at what time Pater Alfonsus, Rector of the Seminary, was so strooken with sickness, that he could not be conversant among the Scholars as was his wont, but inclined to such means, as might soon restore his health: After what manner▪ Father Parson● used to school and instruct the Scholars (while he was in office. this aforesaid Robert Parsons, by consent of their General, was appointed our Rector, till father Alfonsus was well again. In the time of this his office, it was his often use to have us all assembled together, and then he would come and sit down in a Chair in the midst: when he would open unto us, in what miserable and lamentable estate our Country of England stood, which (quoth he) I bemoan with a bleeding heart, and would to God my death might restore it according as it should be. You see what a bloody and tyrannical Princess hath gotten the Sword in hand, They remember not their own government that call this so 〈◊〉 and cruel, for they say, that then they 〈◊〉 nothing but good deeds. wherewith she s●riketh in such unmerciful sort: that if any of our Priests he taken, which are sent to win our déers Countrymen, from her abominable and heretical religion: they are presently martyred, and entreated more like Dogs than Christians. Yet let not your faiths fail for all their torments, but be you constant and unremovable, for the day will come, when she herself shall taste of the same sauce: and then blood shall be paid with blood, and all that is now wrong, shall (to your own minds) be made right. In the mean while, Meaning the Queen of Scots, whom the Pope hath vowed to restore again. pray for that gracious and thrice blessed Queen, who though she be now held down by that jezabels oppression: shall ere long undoubtedly be the glad Mother of our joy, and though she be kept from that which is her right: she shall have it, when the proudest of them, shall be of two weak power to defend themselves. It is not for me to rehearse the words, The overthrow of England, was daily ●●lked of. that he hath used, to encourage them in their obedience to the Pope, and beside, what he hath said to me, when as I came to confession to him: but this I give you to understand, that the chief cause was never forgotten, the great day was kept in remembrance, and supposed long ere this to have taken effect, if things had fallen out to their expectation. I omit here to rip up, The Scholars themselves, would enterprise the death of her Majesty, & the Lords of her Council. the innumerable traitorous speeches used among the Scholars themselves, whereto they are emboldened by these and such like persuaders, whereof the Pope hath good store. What traitorous causes they dare take upon them, to fulfil themselves by their own hands, upon her majesties most royal person, as also the Lords of her honourable Council. But because they shall not report, that in concealing their speeches (which for the odious and abominable terms I ought to do) I am not therefore able to charge them with any: I will (my humility and duty to her Majesty, and the honourable Personages considered) reveal the words of one or two of them, which although it be most horrible and traitorous, yet is it the simplest that I heard used among them. It chanced, By this, which is the simplest of all their traitorous intentes: judge how horrible the other be. that one day I walked with two or three of the Scholars, to a place without Room, called Petro Montorium, where (as they say) Saint Peter was martyred: and by the way as we went, we fell in our accustomed talk, about the proceeding of matters in England. Among which talk, they entered into appointment & determination with themselves, if all other things failed, as they had good hope they would not: what each of them would do, to accomplish the Pope's long desire. Quoth one of them, while two or three persons be a live, we may stand in doubt of our matter in England. Who be they (quoth I) here I must crave pardon, for that I may not with modesty, name these men of Honour, according as they did and do: but these they were, my L. K. then living, my L. T. whom they called plain C. and S. F. W. Oh (quoth he) had I the hearts of these in my Purse, and their heads in the Pope's holiness hands: I would not doubt but ere long, we should all merrily journey homeward. Nay trust me (quoth an other of them) if you would so feign have their three hearts and heads here: then let me add to the fourth, and then take the whole mess together. I should call her Queen of England (quoth he) but I will not. Read with reverence and regard. for that I know she is but an Usurper, and keepeth that good Queen of Scots from her lawful Seat: for whom our holy Father hath so well provided, as we are credibly informed, that she shall be set up again ere long, or it shall cost the best blood in England. How say you to her? had we but her head here, we would not doubt but in short time to bring the proudest of the other, whether they would or no. My friends (quoth the third) this is the least matter of a hundred, and I durst wadge my life, to bring it to pass of myself. You know that our friends in England will not see us to want any money: if then I have money good store, let me alone to bring this matter artificially to pass. I would (quoth he) make myself very gorgeous and sumptuous apparel, Behold here the 〈◊〉 these Traitors have, against their 〈…〉 Country. and keep two or three men to wait on me as I walk thorough the streets: then would I go to the Court every day, for that I have some good acquaintance there, beside, being so brave and gallant, I should be a companion for every one, so that in their companies I might go into every place of the Court, and be in the presence of the Queen every day. Then would I fain to give some gift unto her, and so on a sudden give her such a gift, as should dispatch her for ever stirring more. Oh villainous words, able to make a flinty heart to gush forth abundance of tears, to think that such a merciful Princess, should have so merciless an enemy, especially, that any Subject should but imagine such a monstrous cruelty. Then (quoth I unto him) admit God did suffer you to do such an horrible deed, what think you would become of you? you could not escape away, but you must perforce suffer the award of Law. Tush (quoth he) what care I for the uttermost cruelty they would use to me: I that could accomplish such a famous thing, would never respect Rack, Rope, nor any torment. He respecte●h ●ore the abominable trumperi●s of the Pope, then either the safeguard of his soul, or wealth of his Princess and Country. For this I know, that the Pope's holiness, would, in the remembrance of me, both give forth Indulgences, and a notable benediction: which should be called after my name, as the benediction for the Queen of Scots is, and those that were given for Stukely, the Bishop of Cork, Doctor Allen, and divers other. Then when any shall have of my Grana, Crosses, Medalles, and Beads, they will say: these were blessed for such a one, that did bring to pass in England, what could not be done in many years before, & then my Beads shall be prayed upon more than any other. Beside, my Indulgences should be Plenaria for ever, I should have remission of all my sins, Masses continually said for me, & all my Country and friends have liberty of their conscience: then what is he that would not adventure the extremest hazard of his life, to gain s●ch a heavenly and blessed reward? I perceive (quoth he to me) you have but a slender stay of your Faith, that would fear to do such a good deed for your Country: where through, your same would be registered for ever▪ both in our Martirilogium, It is not possible for us to imagine so ill, as they do daily report. as divers of our Country are, and also through the whole world. A great deal more talk they had, so traitorous and horrible: that no godly and virtuous minded, can suffer to hear it. So when we came to the Seminary again, because I had been there but a while, the same party brought me their Martirilogium: wherein he read to me the execution of the two Nortons', the death of Doctor Story, and the martyrdom of john Felton, and other, altogether Imprinted in a great Book of their Saints and Martyrs. The least report of these traitors, which they had there Canonised for Martyrs of their Church, contained 〈◊〉 or eight sheeets in Folio, 〈◊〉 of a very small Letter: but in no point true, because I knew myself the contrary, for that before I went over, I saw the execution of them all. There were divers other of their Martyrs, the discourses of their lives and deaths reserved there to be imprinted in the same Book: as of Barlowe, Madder, Wilkinson, the jailor of York, Sherwood and Nelson, sometime Sexton of the English Church in Room, all these executed at Tyburn for high Treason, and there esteemed for their Martyrs. William Filbie, at the Bar would challenge me, that there was no such Book there: when I am sure, not one of the other will attempt to deny it, if they should, they be here in the City that are able to disprove them. A number of such like traitorous speeches and practices, which on my own knowledge I am able to report, but to avoid tediousness, as also not to offend any chaste and discreet mind, I let them pass in silence, desiring pardon for that which I have already set down. And now you may perceive, what affection these fellows, afford their lawful Queen and Country: well is he that can imagine most against her Majesty, and highly is he esteemed that beareth the most traitorous heart to her. Yet Master Campion, Master Campion nor his fello●●●, will grant to any thing: but ray●e & use bold speeches, whereby their guilty▪ consciences were discovered. and the rest of his fellows, they plead ignorance in all these causes, they bolster up one another with large protestations, railing words, and subtle surmises: affirming that they were not sent hither for any such intent, which is as untrue, as we know it for truth, that the Lord God liveth in Heaven. For this I am able to say myself▪ that both then and at divers other times, it was whispered among them in the Seminary: that shortly there should be Priests appointed for England, to win the people against the appointed time, when as a great Army should be ready to join with them: and Master Campion, who was then at Praga in Bohemia, he was spoken off amongst them all, to be a rare and singular fellow, and therefore generally was taken for a meet man, to be sent about such a Message, so that they judged that he should be sent for, to be a chief man in this matter. Well (saith Master Campion) it may be they had such an opinion of me, Master Campion covereth their 〈◊〉 in●ē●s, under the saving of Souls. which in myself I find not to be deserved, and it may be that I was appointed to be sent into England, according as those other Priests were, for the saving of Souls, and benefit of my Country: must it follow then, that we are sent to practise the death of the Queen, and to seek the ruin of our Country? Alas, this is a hard case, and I desire you of the jewrie, to mark it, for these are but shadows without any substance. This you are to note, that we which enter into that blessed society of the jesuits: A holy kind of life▪ were it not for the B. we do, as it were, forsake the world, vowing ourselves to chastity, and sincerity of conscience, to obey our Superiors, and to be ready to go whether they shall appoint us. If they send us to the Indias, or to any such places, where the people have not the true Catholic Faith: we are bound by duty in Conscience, to go whether they appoint us. And shall it then be said, that we come for the destruction of the Prince and Country, where we settle ourselves? Alas, that were a hard case, for Christian charity willeth us to comfort one an other, Note here the perfect Image of hypocrisy. and if we can, to get the Sheep into the Fold, which hath long run a stray. And when we hear confession, we do not persuade them to any disobedience, for that is against the nature of Confession: God forbid that we should once think any such thing. Behold the subtle shifts, that he found out still to fly unto, yea, though the manifest disproof lay before them, yet would he find some cavil or other: for not only the evidence of their general determination beyond the Seas, was shown them, but also the traitorous Articles were there read unto them, 〈…〉 which john Hart had coppyed out for Doctor Allen (concerning the proceeding of these traitorous causes, and for which he went purposely to Room to confer with the Pope about) and subscribed unto, that they were certain and true: as also their own confessions and writings were laid open before them, approving them notably guilty of the matters aforesaid. Charles Sled, who sometime served Master Doctor Morton in Room, in whose house there was many matters determined, both by Doctor Allen when he came to Room, and divers other Doctors living there in the City, as also divers of the Seminary: he likewise understood of the provision for the great day, that it was generally spoken of among the English men, and to be more rertayne, he kept a journal or Book of their daily dealings, noting the day, time, place, and persons, present at their secret conferences, and very much matter hath he justified against them. One Master Cradocke a Merchant, when he was in Room, he understood the aforesaid determination, and how that Doctor Shelley, the English Prior, who is a Knight of the Rhodes, for that he somewhat spoke against such cruelty, to be used to his Native Country: was somewhat misliked of himself, and had almost been turned out of his office. And this aforesaid Master Cradocke, being in prison there, for the space of twenty Months and more: it was said to him, that he might account himself blessed of God, that he was there, because he should not see the grievous ruin of his native Country. He that hath but half an eye, Consider 〈…〉 they concord and agree together. may see how these matters concord and agree together, and noting every thing as it lieth, may plainly see their horrible and traitorous devices. And farther, A Book which they use as their instruction how to answer to every question Sophistically. there was a little Book in Latin, which they themselves brought over with them, it was there openly read unto them: wherein was certain rules and orders prescribed, how they should behave themselves here in England, and how if they were demanded of any thing, they should make answer indyrectlie: or to take the word itself, according as it is mentioned in the Book, they must answer Sophisticae, whereby is meant as thus. If they be examined, as concerning their allegiance to her Majesty: they will make their answer after this manner. She is our lawful Sovereign Lady and Queen, and we do obey her. But then object unto them: will you obey her, notwithstanding the Pope's excommunication, or any thing that he commandeth to the contrary. Then will they answer: we desire you not to charge our consciences, To do their du●tie to a weighty burden to their consciences, and therefore they abide in their obs●●ancie and blindness. and that you would not enter so deep into our consciences, we trust the Pope will not command us any thing against her: and a hundred such like sleeveless answers they make, never agreeing to any certainty, but holding the Pope in more reverence than they do her Majesty. For this consideration they carry with them, that if by their show of humility, and devised order of crafty answering, they might move our Magistrates to have a good opinion of them, and not to deal so strictly, as law and their deserving doth worthily merit: then they might with less suspect go about their holy Father's business, in that their Sophistical answers, covered so foul an abuse. And then so many as comes after them, purposely sent about the same affairs, seeing their passage made before them, and being Schooled after the same manner: they might withdraw the hearts of a number her majesties Subjects, by such means as is before largely expressed, so that destruction should come upon us, before we had discovered their treatcherous dealings. But God be thanked, as all their devices have had their deserved success, this Sophistical order hath sped a like with them for company: and this let them fully assure themselves, that what means soever they seek against their Princess and Country, God will reward them after their own dealings. To Campion himself, Campion his own answer, as concerning his allegiance to her Majesty. the former questions were put forth at the Bar: and this answer he made unto them. She is my lawful Sovereign Lady and Queen, and I do obey her. But when he was demanded, although the Pope did expressly command him the contrary: if he would nevertheless faithfully obey her. Oh than they must not so deeply enter into his conscience, that Bar was not a Bar to define on causes of conscience: that question touched his conscience, wherefore he flatly said he might not answer it. No, no, he knew full well, that the traitorous affairs he came about, would not allow him such a direct answer as they looked for, & gladly would have had, that of a Saul, they might have made him a Paul. Wherefore his secret and guileful behaviour, made perfect appearance of his wicked intent: which he shadowed under the counterfeit cloak of saving souls, and reconciling his Countrymen to the Catholic faith. Here it cannot be greatly amiss to rehearse unto you the cause, The cause why this Pope hath tolerated the former Bull of Pius Quintus why this Pope hath tolerated the former Bull, seeing this Sophistical kind of answering grew chiefly thereby. When any of these secret messengers, should be sent about their holy father's determination, here in England, to reconcile, shrive & win her majesties Subjects to their devilish intent: if such misadventure should happen to them, the their secret dealings came to the ears of justice, than they fell into the danger of law, wherefore, to shadow their subtlety, and to prosecute the effect of their message, the Pope thought good to hearten them by this Sophistical addition. For well we know, and themselves likewise are not ignorant thereof, that being examined, if they should deny the queens Majesty, to be their Supreme Princess and Governess, in all causes: then they fell into condemnation by her laws. Again, if they denied the authority of the Pope, as of force they must needs do, if they will esteem themselves good subjects, and manifest a dutiful and obedient heart to her Majesty: then they break their vow made to the Pope, and so fall into his curse and condemnation likewise, so that this is certainly appointed them, to cleave faithfully to the one, and utterly to forsake the other. Yet that they might have as much favour and friendship, as the furtherance of such a cause required: this hard clause (being well scanned of divers our English Doctors and other, Our English Doctors conferring with the Cardinals found out the mean for this toleration. both at Room and at Rheimes, was through earnest suit, delivered to divers of the Cardinals, who laying their heads together, and thoroughly searching the bottom of every doubt: a toleration for that strict point was found out, which was ordained as you have heard before. Then in all the haste the Pope was given to understand thereof, who respecting what might be for his benefit, and what might turn to his discommodity: authorised them this former toleration, which God be thanked, carried as slender strength as the rest of his practices hath done. Yet all this being known to us, Master Campion and his fellows will grant no knowledge: but pleadeth still their devout consciences. An other of their own Books was there read unto them, Another Book how to handle all manner of persons to win them to their intent. wherein was other orders prescribed them, how they should handle a Noble man, how a Gentleman, and how a poor man: which being openly read before them, gave all there present to understand, how assuredly they had appointed the course for their Treason. A number of invincible proofs passing against them, they came at last to the point of their coming over: how suddenly, how hastily, and all through a general appointment. Master Campion, Master Campion sent for from Praga to go with other priests appointed for England. he had stayed a long time at Praga in Bohemia, and on a sudden he was hastily sent for to Room: by his own confession he knew not wherefore, but the message was in such haste, that he must come thither with all speed. When he came to Room, he stayed there but five days: in which time, receiving the sum of their charge, from the Pope, as is their usual wunte, and their Father General delivering them what he hath in office: he was dispatched from thence with other Priests, who had their Viaticum from the Pope's Treasury, and were all especially appointed for England. These Priests were sent (as all other are) about the chief cause, The priests are there only maintained for this purpose, and none come from thence, but about this cau●e, which proveth them all together guilty. for that none come from thence but only for that purpose: the estate of the cause before expressed, it is too manifest, that Campion and his fellows are guilty of the matters objected against them. For this you are to remember, that none must stay there without they will be Priests, when they receive their Préestehood, they enter into their oath, which oath containeth the sum of the Treason: so that all which come from thence (having taken that oath) come about the execution of the Treason, in that▪ none but they that are especially sent, can have their Viaticum of the Pope, and then he sending them, the case is too evident. Let not a light judgement pass over a matter of so great respect, let the Pope's intent of keeping them there be considered, the great malice and spite that he beareth her Majesty and the Realm, and then their oath to execute his commandments, all these laid together, discovereth the depth of their treachery. But what answereth Master Campion to this? Master Campion granteth, he came as the other Priests did to reconcile and shrive: but he will not allow that he came for any treason. he confesseth that he was quietly settled at Praga, and little expected any such hasty sending for, beside, that he went to Room, with great speed, tarrying there no longer than five days, as is before expressed, and that he received his Viaticum of the Pope, when as he was dispatched thence with other Priests, purposely appointed for England, and that he came no otherwise then they did, nor for any other intent, then for the benefit of Souls, as he still termed it: but he would not grant that he came for any treason. So that to seduce her majesties Subjects, to persuade them from their duty and obedience, and to ioy●e themselves in such sort, as their Princess and Country must be destroyed thereby: this is no Treason in his opinion, Master Campion and his fellows pleaded ignorance still, they saw and would not see, they were so craftily schooled. james Bosgrave, james Bosgrave, his hasty coming from Vilna, when he heard that priests were appointed for England. he was at Vilna in Polonia, and as he confessed himself, he understood that there was Priests appointed for England: upon which report he came away from thence in very great haste. And in his passage, he mentioned to one in the Ship, who was sworn, and confessed the same before certain justices, that there was such matters toward in England, as hath been before expressed: and thereupon he sought to have won him, if his purpose could have taken effect. Master Campion seeing this begun somewhat to touch the quick, and that in truth it discovered the dealings of them all: he taketh upon him to answer on his behalf, for that they all reposed themselves on him. He saith, Master Campion frequenteth his accustomed order of subtle answering. that if Bosgrave did hear such news, that there were Priests appointed for England: why should they take hold on so small a cause? Flying reports are not to be credited, for albeit he heard such news, how knew he, if they were certain or no? Again (quoth he) the man hath been long out of England, and he doth not speak the English perfectly: it may be then, that some word may escape him unawares, which you are not to build upon, considering the defect of the man, for he may peradventure speak he knoweth not what. And where you say, that such a one hath avouched before certain justices, that he used such and such words to him: where is the man, we are not to credit a written Paper, what know we if it be true or no? let us hear himself say so, and then we will believe it. S●e what a number of shifts he had continually, Traitors will never believe any truth, especially, if it touch themselves. to waste the the time, and all to no purpose: the man's own confession was there, whereto himself had subscribed, and four or five justices set their hands to it, for the certainty thereof, yet this was not sufficient to answer them. Robert johnson, he was likewise at Avignon in France, Robert johnson, his coming from from whence he came also in very great haste, upon the report he had heard, Avignon in France. of Priests that were appointed for England. Now there is an other thing to be considered, that these men, settled where they were, by their own confession they must not depart from thence, without they be appointed by their Superiors: than it is easy to be answered, that they came by their Superiors appointment at this present, and as the general determination was, so they came all, for one cause and intent. Edward Bishton, he being here in England, Edward Bishtons' Letter, to Richardson one of the condemned. wrote a Letter to Richardson a Priest, and who is likewise condemned amongst them: which Letter was there openly read to his face. How there were four Goldsmiths of his occupation lately come over, who in deed were Priests, and how all things went successively forward. And Master Campion, being in the Tower, Master Campions' Letter to Master Pound in the Tower. wrote a Letter to Master Pownde there likewise, wherein he gave him to understand, that he was very sorry, that through his frailty he had bewrayed those, at whose houses he had been so, friendly entertained: wherefore he asked God heartily forgiveness, and them all whom he had so highly offended. But (sayeth he) as for the chief matter, Master Campion was resolute in the chief matter. that is as yet unrevealed: and come Rack, come Rope, never shall that be discovered. A number of matters more were brought against them, which to rehearse, would require a far more large discourse: but to be breeze, in the end this was the full and certain issue. That these men, when they were beyond the Seas, the general agreement and determination amongst them: was to work the death of our most gracious Princess, to destroy her Dominion, and to erect such as pleased them, when this aforesaid great day should take effect. And that their coming over, was to seduce her loving Subjects, to win their obedient hearts from her: so that they should be in a readiness to join with a foreign power, and so they should likewise be destroyers of their Princess and Country. And that in the mean while, they themselves sought to accomplish her majesties death, so much as in them lay. This was manifestly proved, by very large and ample evidence, credible witnesses, and their own confessions and writings: whereon the jewrie having wisely and discreetly pondered, and searched and seen into the depth of every cause, worthily and deservedly gave them up all guilty, of the Treasons whereof they were endighted and arraigned. Which being done, after a godly and comfortable exhortation, persuading them patiently to suffer, & abide the death for them appointed, and to be heartily sorry for their grievous and heinous offences: the sentence of death was pronounced on them. That they should departed to the places from whence they came, and from thence to be drawn on Hurdles to the place of execution, where they should be hanged till they were half dead, then to be cut down, their privy members to be cut off, and their entrails taken forth, and to be burned in the fire before their eyes: then their heads to be cut off, their bodies parted into four quarters, to be disposed at her majesties pleasure, and the Lord God to receive their souls to his mercy. afterward they were conveyed from thence with Boats, to a place of landing for them appointed, from whence they were conducted to the Tower of London, divers of them giving forth sundry wicked and dishonest speeches: as Thomas Cotehan, seeing so many people to behold them, desired that fire and Brimstone might fall from Heaven, to destroy both the City, and all that were in it: with divers other wicked words, which for modesty's sake I omit here to rehearse, desiring God in mercy to remember them all, and to forgive their souls, their bodies misdeeds. ON the next day, being Tuesday, and the xxi. of November, there was brought to the said high Bar these persons following. john Hart, Thomas Ford, William Filbie, Lawrance Richardson, john Shirt, Alexander Brian, and john Collington. Alexander Brian, A very holy thing, but very meet for his de●●tien, he had shaven his Crown himself, and made him a Cross of a piece of a trentcher, which he held in his hand openly and prayed to: which when he was rebuked for, he boldly and stoutly made answer. That his Crown was of his own shaving, and he had good hope to do it again. In brief, they were all indited on the self same treasons as the other were the day before, and john Hart, his traitorous Sermon which he made at Rheimes against her Majesty avouched to his face: their own writings and confessions, with 〈◊〉 witness produced against them: so that they were found guilty of the treasons, as the other were before them, except john Collington, he was quit of the former high Treason by the jewrie. Thus in brief I have certified you, of the Treasons which Campion and his confederates, conspired and practised against her Majesty and the Realm, how they were manifestly convicted of every cause, and notably approved guilty, notwithstanding all their cullored surmises. I beseech God long to preserve her Majesty and this Realm, and all that bear like false hearts as these did, that he will either turn their hearts, or cut off their traitorous and devilish devices. FINIS. A brief Discourse, concerning the deaths of Edmund Campion, jesuit, Ralph Sherwin, and Alexander Brian, seminary priests: A reigned and condemned for high Treason, and executed for the same, at Tyburn, on Friday, being the 1. of December. 1581. ON Friday, being the 1. of December, Edmund Campion jesuit, and Ralph Sherwin, and Alexander Brian, seminary Priests, being condemned for high Treason, against her majesties most royal person, as also for Traitorous practices, touching the subversion of the true and undoubted Religion here maintained, with the utter ruin and overthrow of this Realm of England: were drawn from the Tower of London on Hurdles, to the place of execution appointed, being guarded with such a sufficient company, as might express the honour of justice the larger in that behalf. Being come to the place of execution, where divers of her majesties Honourable Counsel, with many honourable Personages, and Gentlemen of worship and good account, beside a multitude of people, not here to be numbered, attended their coming: Edmund Campion was first brought up into the Cart, where, after the great rumour of so many people somewhat appeased, he began to proceed in his confession. first he began with a phrase or two in Latin, when seen after he sell into English as thus. I am here brought as a Spectacle, before the face of God, of Angels and of men, satisfying myself to die, as becometh a true Christian and Catholic man. As for the Treasons which have been laid to my charge, and I am come here to suffer for: I desire you all to bear witness with me, that thereof I am altogether innocent. Whereupon, answer was made to him by one of the counsel, that he might not seem to deny the objections against him, having been proved so manifestly to his face, both by sufficient witness and evidence. Well my Lord (quoth he) I am a Catholic man and a Priest, in that faith have I lived hitherto, and in that faith I do intend so die, and if you esteem my religion Treason, then of force I must grant unto you as for any other Treason, I will not consent unto. Then was he moved as concerning his Traitorous and heinous offence to the queens most excellent Majesty: whereto he answered: She is my lawful Princess and Queen, there somewhat he drew in his words to himself, whereby was gathered, that somewhat he would have gladly spoken, but the great timerity and unstable opinion of his conscience, wherein he was all the time, even to the death, would not suffer him to utter it. Here is with judgement, a deep point and high matter to be considered, that this man, always directing the course of his life to a vain glorious imagination, and always covetous to make himself famous: at this instant made a perfect discovery of himself. For being somewhat learned, all matters whatsoever, as you have heard before, he bore away with a majestical countenance, the visor of vanity, aptly fitting the face of only hypocrisy: what was sound he would make Sophistical, what was the infallible truth of itself, he would carry in his own conceit, and delude the people with a pleasant quirk, or some such stuff, only to purchase him credit and affection. And he was not to learn, to set a courageous countenance on every such slight reason: whereby he perverted many, deceived more, and was thought such a Champion, as the Pope never had the like. But now behold the man, whom neither Rack nor Rope should alter, whose faith was such as he boasted invincible: fear had caught hold on this brave boaster, and terror entered his thoughts, whereby was discovered his impudent dissimulations. Now let it with patience be moved a little, that the outward protestations of this man, urged some there present to tears, not entering into conceit of his inward hypocrisy: to make a plausible definition of this perilous deceiver, not by conjecture, but by proof it shall be thus answered. Edmund Campion, as it is by men of sufficient credit reported, at what time he spent his study here in England, both in the Hospital, and also at the university of Oxenford: was always addicted to a marvelous suppose in himself, of ripe judgement, prompt audacity, & cunning conveyance in his School points, wherethrough, he fell into a proud and vainglorious judgement, practising to be eloquent in phrase, and so fine in his quirks and fantastical conjectures: that the ignorant he won by his smooth devices, some other affecting his pleasant imaginations, he charmed with subtility, and choked with Sophistry. The learned, who beheld his practices and peremptory order of life, pitying his folly, & wishing him a more stayed determination: loathed his manners, yet loved the man, because Christian Charity willed them so to do. Now this glorious Thraso, having by his Lybeiles made himself famous, and under show and suppose of great learning, (though in deed being approved, found very simple, to the speeches given of him) subdued many to affect him very much: when he was taken, he knew it stood him upon, not to lose the credit openly he had won secretly, wherefore in his former ridiculous manner, both in Prison, at his Arraignment, yea, and at his death, he continued the same in all points, which the foulness of his Treasons blemished every way. Now indeed, as our English nation is both loving and pitiful: so, many seeing the gifts of God, so well bestowed on the man, and by him applied to so great abuse, through natural kindness bemoaned his case, wishing be had not fallen in so traitorous a cause. This point, lest some should have used to a worse conjecture, I thought good in brief somewhat to manifest. Then was moved to him again his Treasons and heinous offences against the queens Majesty, which impudently he still denied, seeming to utter words on the behalf of one Richardson, one likewise of the condemned Traitors, taking upon his conscience that it was not he: which hath been proved to the contrary, for that it is known, how this Richardson is he, who distributed Campions Libels and Books abroad, & when he was put to his oath, whether it was he or no, he refused to swear on his behalf. Pray with them in English, as he was desired, he would not, but said his Pater noster in Latin, & desired all those of the household of Faith, to say one Credo for him. Many indirect answers he made, as when he was moved to ask the Queen forgiveness, and when the Preacher requested him to show some sign of a penitent sinner, when shortly he replied: You and I, we are not of one Religion. After a few silent prayers to himself, the Cart was drawn away, and he committed to the mercy of God. There he hanged till he was dead, when being cut down, he was bowelled and quartered, according as it was appointed by justice. Ralph Sherwin seemed a man of better judgement, more learned, and more obedient, he said the lords Prayer in English, believing in God that made him, in Christ his son that saved him, and in the holy Ghost that sanctified him: and according to the saying of S. Augustin, desired jesus, that he would be to him jesus, as much to say, as his Saviour and Redeemer. He likewise confessed himself a Catholic man, & a Priest, intending to die in that faith. But when the Treasons were moved to him, he likewise seemed to make denial thereof. He asked the queens Majesty forgiveness, and desired that she might long live and reign over us. Than was read to him the Book of the advertisement, which before had been read to Campion, and after a few prayers he likewise ended his life. Alexander Brian seemed more obstinate and impious, using very little sign of repentance, and hearty humility: he used many prayers to himself, and spoke very little worthy the rehearsal. justice being executed on him, he and Sherwin were quartered, according as Campion had been before them. God grant that the offences of these, may be a warning to all other. God save our Queen Elizabeth. An Admonition, to all true and faithful Subjects. YOU HAVE in this discourse (right courteous) briefly understood the horrible and traitorous intent, of Edmund Campion and the rest of his secret confederates, how both against God and nature's law, they practised and conspired the death of our most gracious and Sovereign Princess, as also the 〈…〉 the sum whereof, how denill●sh and unchristian like 〈◊〉 was intended, I leave to the discreet consideration of 〈◊〉 true and faithful Sub●●●. Let us therefore, that profess ourselves the children of light, faithful Stewards to our heavenly master, and dutiful Subjects to her Majesty, who (by his sacred and Divine will) is authorized to govern us, remember the odious and heinous offences by these our own Countrymen committed, and let them remain as spectacles before our eyes, how dangerous a thing it is for any of us to fall in the like. For of this we may be fully assured, that though we kick and spurn against the truth for a time: he, who is the Author of all trueth●● yea, and the very truth himself, though he suffer us a 〈◊〉 to run in our own folly, yet at length he will strike us so severely, that we shall worthily taste the desert of our trespasses, for he is the only Avenger, and he will reward us in his justice. Learn we● therefore by their example, to abhor and detest that An●echriste of Room, the ancient adversary to God's truth, to beware how we deal with any of his wandering shavelings and Messengers: for he hath choked them with his abominable drifts and devices, and they vowing themselves his obedient children, are prepared to root up love, duty and obedience, both to God, our Princess and Country. Long may his Gospel flourish and spread here among us, and long may her Majesty live in health and quietness to nourish and maintain it: as for her adversaries, God either turn their hearts, or speedily cut them off in their own devices. To him therefore let us commend ourselves, our dealings and thoughts to his will and pleasure; so shall we live in continual happiness, by her, whom God long preserve to our comfort and wealth of conscience. A. Monday. FINIS. Imprinted at London for Edward White, and are to be sold at his shop at the little North door of S. Paul's Church, at the sign of the Gun.