A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GLORIOUS MARTYRDOM OF XII. REVEREND Priests, executed within these twelve months for confession and defence of the CATHOLIC FAITH. But under the false pretence of TREASON. With a note of sundry things that befell them in their life and imprisonment: and a preface declaring their innocency. Set forth by such as were much conversant with them in their life, and present at their arraignment and death.  
Occidistis, sed non possedistis.  
that is  
You have slain them, but you have not gotten possession.  
1582.   

THE NAMES OF THESE GLORIOUS MARTYRS WITH the day and year of their suffering.  

FATHER Edmund Campion of the society of JESUS. the j of Decemb. 1581.  
M. Ralph Sherwin. the same day.  
M. Alexander Bryan. the same day.  
M. Thomas Ford. the xxviij. of May, 1582.  
M. john shirt. the same day.  
M. Robert johnson. the same day.  
M. William Philbee. the thirty. of May, 1582.  
M. Luke Kirbie. the same day.  
M. Laurence Richardson aliâs johnson, the same day.  
M. Thomas Cottam. the same day.  
M. john Paine. the ij. of April, 1582.  
M. Euerard Haunse. the last of july, 1581.    

THE PREFACE TO the Reader.  
IT was ever the fashion of the heathen, but much more of Apostatats and Heretics revolted from the Church: when they deadly hated and persecuted the CATHOLIC CHRISTIANS, and specially GOD'S PRIESTS: being the guides and Pastors of that flock they seek to destroy, yet of purpose and policy, pretend other causes of their punishment more hateful to the world than matter of faith and conscience.  
So did the Arrian Emperors and their Bishops accuse Holy Athanasius of Necromancy, 
Ruffin histo.  advolterie and conspiracy. So did the precedent of Pontus an officer of Valens the heretical prince, 
Naz. orat. De Basilio.  persecute S. Basil for his religion, but under pretence of an other crime, in so much that to the wonder of the world, he caused his chamber which the Angels of God (as S. Gregory Nazianzen writeth) did reverence for purity, to be sought by his officers for a woman. So did julianus the Apostata, 
Tripart. lib. 6. c. 27.  endeavouring to extinguish the Christian faith, and to prefer Paganism, condemn the Clergy to death and exile: under pretence of divers crimes, and namely of sedition falsely forged against them So did the Vandals being Heretics also, 
Victor de persecut. Vandalic.  extremely plague the Catholics in afric: accusing them that they had secret conference by messengers and letters with the Romans against them. So did the Empress Theodora a woman of the Eutychian heresy, cruelly persecute Pope Silverius and the Clergy: saying that her counsel had intercepted their letters whereby they called in the Goths and foreign power to invade the City of Rome & the Empire, 
So thy now feign interception of letters, for the condemnation of holy men.  when all the world knew she persecuted them for their religion, and that they were neue● guilty of any such offences.  
This shameful subtlety and too foul and broad deceit was never so notoriously used as in the late persecutions and practices of protestants, specially in England against the CATHOLICS: in which, such as are not skilful in the old histories of the Church, may as in a glass behold at once all the miseries that she hath suffered in this kind of calumniation by the Arians, the Goths, the Vandals, the Lumbards', the Donatists, Eutychians, Mahometists, Hussists, Hugonots, and by what other sort in times past or present so ever. I need not put you in mind ho● not many years sithence they arraigned to the great shame and confusion, the most Reverend father and Confessor, 
The arraignment of the Archbishop of Armakan. See the story of his death.  the Archbishop of Armakan for rape: or how the Ministers of Satan charged of late the blessed Martyr & Priest of God M. Thomas Cottam at his execution, with adultery committed in Fish-streat, or such like damnable fictions: which without all free of God or shame of men, the protestants print, preach, and give out wittingly against Priests, religious and Catholics, to beguile the poor people most subject to such trumpery, through their simplicity.  

The meaning of the author in this treatise.  My meaning is specially by God's help to set forth in English & lay before the eyes of all those of our realm that were not present at the deaths or arraignment of the late famous men and Martyrs, M. Campion and his happy fellows: and in latin and other languages to the whole Christian world for a spectacle of heretical cruelty and Machevillian practices, how by colour of contrived treason and conspiracy (the cause in dede-being religion) the enemies of the Christian faith have shed their innocent blood to the infinite shame of our Nation before men, and no less peril of destruction of our whole common wealth, by God's just judgement: who ever revengeth such public iniquity by inducing some great and common calamity: 
NOTE.  from which CHRIST of his mercy, save our country, for their sake (which are innumerable) that have not consented to this iniquity, how soever it seem otherwise to proceed from public authority.  
But to the matter: after that it was agreed upon by such as God hath given power over us, that the holy Confessors whom they had in their hands should be made away, because divers of them were far better learned than any of their sect could withstand: and all so zealous, as none could stir them from their faith and fellowship of the CATHOLIC AND ROMAN CHURCH, thinking it not good to kill them for their religion, they sought out with all art and diligence how to find or feign handsomely any matter that colourably might be drawn to treason, or any capital crime, in the old sense of our laws.  
The causes why they would not put them directly for their faith and conscience to death (Notwithstanding they had not long before made divers laws forcible enough for that purpose, 
The causes why they rather executed them for pretended treason, than true religion.  whereby sundry principles and exercises of CHRISTIAN FAITH were made HIGH TREASON, a lamentable case, that our country is fallen to) were these, partly common to all old heretics, partly peculiar to our country and present state.  
First, the cases of religion are divers, according as every man's conscience is informed where other crimes of what sort so ever are agreed upon of all hands to be punishable. Secondly, religion to worldly men specially to many Atheists now a days whom men call, honestly politics: seemeth not material any farther than as it pertaineth to the preservation or destruction of the civil state. Thirdly, for that it is impossible or exceeding hard to persuade men of any wit or capacity that, to profess that religion should be an offence worthy death, which all our own ancestors and all nations round about us so many hundredth years together were christened in and have lived, died, and been saved in, and is defended at this day as clearly as the sun against the protestants, both in our realm and all the Christian world beside. Fourthly, for that they can not put us to death by any colour of equity as for our religion, having no la nor determination of council, school or parliament, that hath made it heresy, and to call it treason, though themselves have made it so, is to much mockery. Fifthly, for that our heretics hold for their own special safety, that none should be executed for their conscience, & that they would be counted both at home and abroad in such cases meek and clement, and not bloody as they say the Papists were towards them, when the staff was in their hands.  
sixthly, for that the executing of them for the CATHOLIC RELIGION, whereof daily more and more are zealous favourers in England: might bread great dangers and discontentment to the evident peril of the whole state, which they have brought into such strait terms by this new religion, that it can not be upholden but by much injustice. Seventhly, the pretence of other crimes specially of the invasion of the realm, 
Seeking the destruction of both sorts they would put at variance the Catholics amongst themselves.  bringeth the zealous Catholics and namely God's Priests into great hatred not only amongst the protestants, but among others well affected in religion, though not so strong to stand to the loss of their life and goods: whereby they subtilely seek to make a division between the two sorts of weaker and stronger Catholics, for the easier overthrow of them both, in deed hating and fearing no less the close dissembler, then open professor.  
lastly, they thought good rather to charge them with treason then religion, thereby to have better colour to afflict and spoil more deeply all such of the Nobility or worship, as they found or feigned or hereafter shall forge to have harboured and relieved them, or conversed with them. And then to terrify all Priests as they thought afterwards for entering into the realm, & the subjects within for receiving them or sending their sons to be brought up in the society or seminary.  
Upon these and such like worldly considerations they did not only pretend to indite condemn and execute them for contrived treason against the Q. own rial person and realm: specifying for the better couloring of the collusion, days, places, persons and manner of executing their intents: but therewith denounced and protested publicly, both in open court and printed proclamation and books, that they meant nothing in all this bloody pursuit for any matter of religion or conscience.  
But God that straight discovered this cruel stratagem, 
The persecutors put to double shame.  and easily over-reacheth the wisdom of the wise, speedyly hath met with their human counsels and put the persecutors, to double confusion in the sight of the whole world. once for making them away in deed for religion, for which they were neither arraigned nor condemned: & secondly, for killing them for that offence which at the rack, bar, and their death, they invincibly showed themselves in the sight and conscience as well of Protestants as Catholics, to be as innocent as any Saint or Angel in heaven. Whereupon though some few hot Puritans, were well contended to see them by what means so ever out of their way: yet the more prudent of every sort marveled much at that unwonted impolitic proceeding, 
Error in government.  being very sorrowful to see thereby her M honourable justice, and her most grave counsellors actions, so notoriously and colourably subjecteth to reproof, as in no case in man's memory, or in the records of antiquity, hath been lightly marked the like. Whereof I could report the very words and communication of certain principal persons of service the day of arraignment, and actors in that bloody tragedy, complaining after their departure thence one to an other of the matter and of the shame of that days work.  
But I may not name them, lest they should incur danger thereby: though if any of our adversaries stand with me against the truth thereof, I will not stick, though to their some little rebuke, to utter to God's honour and these his blessed Saints, who for the double confusion their persecutors have received, 
By their practice the Saints of God, have received double honour.  are doubly glorified, first with the crown of Martyrdom for confession of their faith, which was the true cause of their death: and also with the noble renome and reward of such, as be innocent of the fault: whereof they were executed, which was the case of Abel, and others murdered through envy or malice of man, specially as Naboth was by false accusation, that he had spoken words against God and the king.  
Which kind of iniquity used against innocent men, maketh their deaths also precious in our Lord's sight. And men also of what religion or conscience so ever, when they see any man (howsoever he otherwise deserveth) to be guiltless of the crime for which he dieth, they pity the case naturally, and condemn in their hearts and detest, that injurious course of proceeding in place where justice and judgement should reign.  
Which also hath drawn many (thanks be to God) to consider better of the true cause of their punishment, which was the CATHOLIC RELIGION, and of the protestants actions and conscienceles faith, 
Protestants conscienceles.  that can not be upholden but by such sinful policy and patchery. Truly for us that through CHRIST'S grace be Catholic, if they had not used this matter in such an odd sort, to bring not only these men of God, 
They themselves have ministered the cause of all these writings in defence of God's Saints.  but the whole Catholic flock of Christ's afflicted CHURCH in our country, into the slanderous suspicion & obloquy of crimes never thought of: but only executed their new laws against them, and made them away for religion without more a do, we should never have complained of any farther iniquity or violence done against us, but have counted it as an act proceeding of their erroneous conscience and unskilful zeal in condemning the professors of truth, for false teachers. But now upon this double witting and wilful iniquity, if we should hold our peace, heaven & earth would condemn us, and we should be partakers of the vengeance that the cry of this innocent and sacred blood calleth for at God's hand against their persecutors.  
Alas we that knew them to the very bottom of their hearts, 
The testimony of Catholics with whom they lived.  with whom they conversed so sincerely and confidently, in whose houses they were harboured so often, what they daily talked in all familiarity and secrecy, heard our confessions, delivered us the holy Sacraments, preached to us so commonly, and yet never heard word nor half word of these supposed intentions against her M. and the state: though their false accusers say it was their proper commission to deal with us for to admit invasion of strangers, and to with draw ourselves from our sovereign's obedience: we therefore for their cleared and our own in that case, and all the Catholics in the realm, call God and his holy Angels to witness, that these men of God were most injuriously, and wilfully murdered.  
And as we their friends in England acquainted with all their actions since their repair into the realm, can testify this upon our own certain knowledge: 
Testimony of foreigners.  and the foreign Princes whose instruments they were feigned to be for invading the land, and the Superiors of their Society and Colleges by whose appointment and direction they came in, can and will, if need be, give authentical intelligence upon their honours and conscience of the truth hereof. So may every man that was present either at their examining, racking, arraigning or death: or that hath heard of the same, or of the strange course of proceeding towards them either before their condemnation or afterwards, clearly behold the same.  

The effect of the inditement.  To prove that they practised the Q. death at Rome and Rheims, and invasion of the realm by foreign powers in the xxij year of her M. reign, the last of March and last of May and divers other times, which was the effect of their inditement: there was neither witness, confession of the parties, probable presumptions, nor any word spoken, or evidence in the world, that was to the point of the inditement, or that could touch any of them that were upon the same inditement arraigned the second day.  
They charged them all with one crime of conspiracy: divers of them never seeing one an other before they came to that bar in their lives, nor never writing one to an other, nor proved by any testimony or presumption that ever any two of them together, or any one alone had any such talk or intention of conspiracy.  
The Q. counsel charged them with no other ●hing all that day long, but with other men's fauts, 
They were charged only with other men's faults.  ●ot being able to prove that they all, or any of them, ●uer consented unto them: yea and with divers ●hings, whereof they could none of them possibly ●e partakers. As the insurrection of the North, the Commotion in Irland, the Pope's excommunication ●f the Q. D. Saunders writings, D. Bristowes motives D. Allens approving the book, letters intercepted of I can not tell whom, of what, or to whom: with ciphers and characters that could not be read, but yet must needs mean some persons, places, and preparations for invasion.  
And when the poor innocent men cried for ●ustice to the Q. counsel that they would not amplify against them to the abusing of the jury, 
These just petitions of the innocent men, were not at all regarded.  other ●ens offences: To the Lord chief justice, that for ●he honour of God and favour of innocency, he would not suffer them to be charged with matters ●hat neither touched them nor the inditement: To the twelve that for discharge of their duties ●nd conscience they would consider maturely whether any of these accusations touched them, & eftsoons desired them for the love of CHEST, when any thing might seem to be said for evidence against them, to mark whether it pertain ●o all or some, & to whom specially, lest all should ●e cast away for one man's offence, or one for an other. Which might easily be done in such con●use huddeling of purpose against them, of all the treason's and trespasses committed in England or with out, for that twenty years.  
Yet little ear was given of any hand to so just a demand, but still they enlarged their accusation and evidence with other men's faults, because the poor men themselves had committed none. Yea such art and conveyance was used in this matte● to make other men's offences to seem to the jury to be theirs, or at  to be true of their fellows, that they purposely took order that some, 
A damnable policy.  whose pretended crimes, conspiracies & confession, were produced for evidence, against those that were arraigned the first day, should not themselves be present, because they could easily have answered and refuted them, but be arraigned an other day, & some, 
As M. Paine was.  in other places, after these should be condemned.  
So M. Hart, if he had been there, could easily have reproved whatsoever they said, he had confessed upon the rack. So if M. Richardson whose name and person was wholly mistaken even till his death, 
They executed one man for an other.  had been arraigned the former day, as he was the later, M. Campion might be like have discharged him. But specially in the matter pretended against M. Paine, 
The iniquity of the judge.  the L. Chief justice that should have been indifferent betwixt her M. and these desolate persons, committed notorious partiality and injustice to suffer evidence to be brought in, and an oath to be ministered to a witness for proof thereof, when it concerned only one absent, and touched none of them present: which shameful wrong was committed to make that odious matter whereof the evidence was given, in the sight of the jury to pertain to those that then were arraigned: counting all guilty that there were at the bar, of what crime soever was thereof any man absent discovered.  
The most pietiful practiz that ever was heard of to shed innocent blood by face of public justice. Which is a thousand times before God more damnable and punishable by his divine power, 
Public injury far more grievous than private.  then if man's life were taken from him by private murder.  
Moreover many of them were arraigned and condemned for a fact feigned to be committed in ●ose places (that is to say at Rome and Rheims) ●d times, ●●●ln the xxij of her M. reign, 
They were condemned for things done where they never were.  and such day of March and of May, of which some were 〈◊〉 neither place in their life, as M. Ford and M. Col●gton: some had not been there of some years ●efore, as M. shirt: some not at that time nor many months before, as M. Brian and M. Richardson: and 〈◊〉 M. Collington had not by, God's providence had ●e present to testify for him that he had been in ●ngland long before that time when the conspi●cie was feigned to be made, he had died as the rest. ●nd some of the rest being as certainly known ●o have been in England that time and before as he ●as, yet were wickedly condemned for that fact ●en there committed, when all the world knoweth ●at they were not there. Yea M. Brian had witness ●ereof as well as M. Collington. (By a note sent us out ●f the register book of the College of Rheims, we ●nd that M. Brian departed there hence towards ●ngland, the iij of August. 1579 which was viii months before the sermon was made, at which ●ledd and Monday affirm M. Brian to have been) ●ut all is one for these that were there in either of ●e places those days of this fiction, all the world knoweth they saw no conspiracy, but Mass, matins, lectures, disputations and such exercises ●s are done every day in the year, or if there had ●een any thing that way contrived, who is such a ●oole to think, that this deliberation was kept among the common scholars and Priests of the places pretended, and that Sledd, Monday, and such ●anel were made prive thereunto.  
What will you more, if the judgement had been ●one in Tindal, and Tividal for wreak of deadly ●eude it could not have been more barbarous and ●niust.  
Consider a little of the witnesses, 
Of the witnesses.  first they were ●uch as never saw, knew, nor scarce hard tell of some of them whom they accused and bare testimony against. Neither Sledd nor Monday ever saw M. Campion, Bosgrave, Ford, Brian, Collington, Richardson, Shirt or Filbie, in their lives, before their troubles neither would nor could they ever have thought of them, if they had not by chance been taken and in prison at the same time that these few of the other whom they knew, were in durance also: but to make them all away, they were contented to swear to the evidence indifferently against them all, as they would have done (their conscience was so at commandment) against all the priests and Catholic men in England if they had been required. Eliot, that was the third person and witness in this bloody play, never saw F. Campion but at his Mass and Sermon the day of his betraying: upon certain words of which sermon, when he gave evidence against the good Father, that he exhorted men to the obedience of the POPE: he was fully confounded, 
Eliot found a false liar.  and found a false liar before all the bench confessing upon the Father's reply, that he remembered not that he spoke of the POPE in all his sermon.  
But let us consider a little of the qualities of these witnesses, that you may see what instruments the protestants are forced for lack of better to use to the affliction of Godly men. They call Priests and Iesuists the POPE'S instruments to advance his intentions: oh good God what difference is there then betwixt the POPE'S instruments and these that the Heretics only use. What are Nicols, Sledd, 
The quality & conditions of the witnesses.  Eliot, Monday, companions known to be of no religion, of every religion, coozeners, dissemblers, espials, yea & some of them to be charged with adultery, murder, and such like crimes, and therefore as well for lack of conscience and religion, as for pardon of their faults, most fit to be corrupted, what I say are these the offal of the world to be compared in truth and verity against such men, most famous for learning, virtue, constancy, contempt of worldly things, and all worthiness, which both enemies and friends saw in them. And yet upon the testimony of one only of these without any other profess or presumptions in the world worthy the herring, was M. Pain against God's laws and the realms, condemned and executed: notwithstanding he alleged both scriptures and acts of parliament and called for justice in the same.  
Wherein the injury was the greater that the Apostle expressly giveth order that no accusation be hard against a Priest, without two witnesses. yea and if the glorious doctor S. Augustine might be heard, none of all these witnesses nor a hundredth such more should be received against these blessed confessors. Thus he saith to Pancarius an officer, and an honourable person before whom a certain Priest named Secundinus was accused of a great crime. 
Heretics are no sufficient witnesses against a catholics Priest by S. Augustins' judgement.  Quod videntur obijcere presbytero non est contemnendum, tantum si Catholici sunt qui obijciunt: nam hereticorum accusationes contra Catholicum presbyterum admittere nec possimus nec debemus. That is, The crime wherewith they charge this Priest must be looked unto, so always if those that be his accusers be Catholics: for against a Catholic Priest we neither can nor aught to admit the accusation of heretics. Ep. 212.  
But now God's true religion being abandoned out of our miserable country through our sins, 
In this irreligious time, Priests most subject to injuries.  the honour of God & reverent respect of his sacred Priests is gone withal: and in steed of privilege and prerogation granted to them by divine and humane laws, they are most subject to injuries, villainies, contempt and calumnies, of all conditions and states of the realm. One profane Doeg, 
2 Reg. c. 22.  now being a sufficient witness to make fourscore and five most innocent Priests traitors, and to be slain on a day.  
But to sift better the worthiness and weight of the forenamed false witnesses as of the chief players in this action. Let us count the notorious and public lies which they have uttered for furnishing their wicked accusation and evidence, wherein to have the more certain knowledge: I have either by word of mouth, if the parties be in England, or by letters, if they continue beyond the seas, had advertisement of most things that these fellows feigned, to make matter of treason appear, that by some plain forgeries you may see of what past the rest are.  

A heap of Notorious lies, feigned by Monday and others.  As of the martyrologue which Monday feigneth to be in print in the college of Rome, wherein the Martyrdoms of all late traitors very largely are written, as of Felton, of Madder, of the norton's and such other: it is known to be a flat lie, no such being there at all: That D. Bristowes Motives are commanded to be read in both the colleges or seminaries of all students, most false: as the superiors of those houses by their letters, and every scholar here in the realm that ever was of the same, do testify, who further more affirm by their faith, that there is not iiij. books as far as they think in both the houses. Of D. Allens Cathecisme, it is a like shameless lie: being well known, that he never made book of that title or argument: of the same D. his sermon in Rome and F. Persons speeches against the Q. sitting a mid-mong the students, they both, the one by his own mouth, the other, by a sure means of advertisement: do protest upon their Christian faith and Priesthood (which weigheth more in any honest man's judgement then a world of Mundays and such graceless boys) that there was never no such thing. And in truth they are both to wise to utter such matter if it were in their breasts in those places. Neither could any such thing be done, but the ●●udents then in the college could remember it as well as these lewed fellows, but every of them as I have met withal, upon their salvation disavoueth it. As they do all other those horrible speeches of the Queen's killing, 
An horrible lie.  that Monday so divilishly deviseth to have been uttered to him there in times of recreation.  
A like lie it is also, 
A palpable lie.  that every scholar in the seminary of Rome, taketh an oath to obey the POPE and to fulfil his will in what soever he commandeth them: for there is no such oath, nor in the college of Rheims any oath at al. And that every one that taketh holy orders is not sworn to the POPE, as the said lying companion feigneth, the very Pontifical will witness. It is an untruth likewise that none can be suffered to tarry in the colleges but such as will be Priests and enter into the same oath or obligation towards the POPE.  
M. Wodward a venerable virtuous Priest, whom Monday feigneth first to have given him knowledge of an invasion as he passed by Amiens: affirmeth upon his salvation, that he never spoke no such word to the ungracious lad, nor could not, because he never knew in deed, nor heard of any such thing.  
What a devilish lie made Eliot when he gave evidence against M. Paine, 
eliot's devilish lie.  that he should report to him of a plat for killing the Q. which he had heard of the Earl of westmoreland, and D. Allen at Doway, when the one of them, he never saw in his life, the other he could not see at his last going over, being then at Rome. Add to these the lies of the Ministers, affirming that M Paine had confessed so much to a certain lady, whom he never saw in his life, and to his own brother which was likewise proved most false.  
As for Sleds' invention 
Sledds inventions.  of conspiracy made in D. Mortons' house, was it not very like that he should be made acquainted with the matter, being and living there as a poor knave, taken up by D. Saunderson of alms, begging of every body, and known of no body, and therefore trusted and used no farther of his master but in servile things. This man of Belial hath many ways uttered himself since his coming from Rome. He confessed to a companion of his, that he had thought to have slain good M. johnson now executed, coming out of Italy with him: he reported in Paris to one Hierom Vain a man of his qualities, that he was the first brotcher of those news in Rome, that the Spanish Armado should be for England, and that there to he had advises out of England, and that of no small babes. Whereby we may see that all these bruits of confederacies of POPE and princes for invasion of the realm, and of other feigned conspiracies, were purposely given out by the art of heretics to take occasion thereby, to afflict the men of God.  

One spy instructeth an other.  Yea the said Sledd gave this Vain above named goodly instructions how he should behave himself in Rome without suspicion. This Sledd, as corrupt as his conscience is can not deny, and by this token he may remember himself the better that it is true, for he told the party aforesaid and an other Gentleman (whose name for good respects I will not bewray) that he had been in Rome for such purposes of policy (as he termed his spiery) thus long, but was ever il paid or considered, of his setters on work. And as impudently as he now boulstereth out lies, yet when he began first, which was with the apprehension of M. Orton in Holborn, he offered the Constable iij. pounds in money not to bring him face to face to M. Orton, for saith he, it would be my utter discredit: and thereupon having descried the party and charged the officer with him, he crept away into a pelting Inn there by, and hid himself under the hay, whither the Constable came and fetched him out with straw about his ears, saying, that if he would not come forth with a good will, he would bring him out upon a coulestaffe.  
I could tell him of his hypocritical suit made in Rheims to be a scholar of the seminary: of the daily frequenting to his damnation, the holy Sacraments both at Rome and afterwards in Paris: when he had delivered his lying intelligences to the Leaguer there, and taking order of him to go to Rheims to take further advertisement of their state, that he might bely them with more probability. And here let any wiseman judge, whether he will fear to swear a lie, that feareth not to receive in fiction, the very B. SACRAMENT, and that went to confession to a godly father, even at the very time, when he was to pass into England to play these judas his parts.  
And themselves that now use his service to our affliction, 
The Lieutenant & Nortons' verdict of Sledd.  know and confess him to be a VERY VILLAIN. The Lieutenant and Norton both, have so reported of him. Nortons' wife told her husband, that Sledd said once that his son was of his complexion, and that all those of that complexion proved wise, to which Norton answered, that all Sledds wisdom did consist in abominable knavery: wishing his son better luck then to be like such a treacherer in conditions. 
Norton was then in the Tower for treason, in the same chamber F. Campion was kept in.  The Lieutenant called him, stark knave, because he told the Counsel, that Nortons' keeper should say, he had now a Devil in his keeping and before a Saint, meaning by F. Campion. and after he had informed the Counsel, & promised to prove it by two witnesses and could not: The Lieutenant said that he had great facility in falsehood and lying even from his cradle. One notable trick Norton and he played together at this arraignment, when Norton read the book at the bar which was pretended to be Sledds, and Sledd sworn to the evidence.  
These lo are the witnesses, such are the false slanders and the palpable untruths feigned by malicious practice against the servants of God. which yet if they vere true, could not for all that touch any of the persons arraigned, none of these false perjured persons being able to avouch, that any of them in particular, had thus spoken, thus conspired, thus done against her M. But the Q. Counsel at the la, could by a consequence make whatsoever was said to be intended or done at Rome or Rheims, 
Traitors by an ill consequence.  to be every of their deeds there at the bar. That day it was good logic, 
Poor logic.  You kissed the Pope's foot, You were students of that College where such talk was, You spoke with D. Allen, You have red D. Bristowes book, You were at prague, and came by Rome and Rheims into England, ergo upon every of these you are every one, and all, guilty of the matter of the inditement.  
O heaven, o earth, o Lord God, that such iniquity should be done in that place, so once renowned for justice in all Europe. but to pass this point. This also is a demonstration of their innocency, that at their first apprehension, 
another demonstration of their innocency.  imprisoning and racking, they were only examined of matters incident to religion: whom they had reconciled, where they said Mass, who harboured & relieved them, 
They rack Catholics for triffeling causes, unwountedly.  what they heard in confession (a barbarous impiety) and such like. for we may not think that they use torments, only for disclosing of great treasons or other crimes, as they had wont to do, and that not without great occasion: but towards Catholics and specially Gods anointed Priests, they stick not now without pity to use all kind of torture, often, rather for a punishment of them, or to make them by pains to forsake their faith, or of malice and despite of the Catholic faith, then for any matter they look to be opened by them.  
So they laid M. Tomson a learned & grave Priest upon the rack before they ever examined him: 
M. T. bachelor of Divinity.  a thing most cruel and disorderly, having nothing to charge him withal, but only to what end he kept certain superaltares which were found in his chamber. As for religion only, having no other pretence in the world, they thrust him as is said v weeks together (after the Lieutenant had spoiled him of v pounds) and Thomas Burschoaghe 
Thomas Burschoagh.  a Catholic young man and learned, a quarter of a year together into a grisly dungeon called Whalesboure, without candle light and water, till by the privy there, they were well near pestered to death.  
So did they afflict john Hemslow, 
john Hemslow.  only for burying his Catholic mother in the Church yard, being cast out of their heretical synagogue for her faith, thrusting him into a filthy vile hole (after they had discharged him of his money, for that is medius terminus ever) all a lent long, without light, fire, or place to ease nature in, till by his own excrements discharged into a dungeon under him, he had like to have been stiffiled with stinch. 
They rack Priests on sundays & holidays specially.  And which is worth the marking, or rather lamenting of all Christian hearts, that for our more affliction, they profanely make choice to give the torture to our brethren, upon sundays and high holidays in God's Church, after the old manner of the heathen persecutors, rather than upon work days. And to feed themselves with our calamities, 
By what cruel means they terrify the Catholic prisoners.  and eftsoons to terrify other confessors the rather to enforce them from their faith, they bring some new racked under their fellow prisoners windows and to their doors, that by hearing their pitiful sighs, groans and complaints, proceeding of infinite pains, they may be moved to relent in religion, yea which is more inhumanity they set some of the confessors, in buy dark corners, when other their brethren are in tormenting.  
And no less torment both of body and mind is it, to be haled and forced against their wills, to their heretical church and sermons, where they must hear blasphemy and wickedness, and if they say nothing: be rated of the Puritans and called dumb dogs, if they reprove their Ministers: they be offered violence and strokes. As namely once a spiteful puritan laying his hand upon his dagger, 
A puritans spirit.  his teeth grinning in his head, his face inflamed with malice, came to one of the reverend Priests and said thus: Before God if it were not for fear of laws, I would presently stab my dagger to thy heart (small evidence would serve a jeurie of such fellows to cast away a thousand honest men) and many dozens of these you may have good cheap in England, and this is our misery now, that we have not only the colour of la against us: but all the wicked of the realm our enemies.  

M. Hart miserably handled for his conscience.  And all these pitiful vexations, are they done unto them for any thing but religion? when after M. Hart, that learned reverent Bachelor of Divinities condemnation, yet they would not let him rest, but caused him to be conferred with all by Rainolds and others, and when he would not yield, miserably afflicted him by dungeon, famine and other miseries. Had they any cause then but religion? or was it ever heard of in our realm, that one already having his judgement should be afterwards so manifoldly tormented?  

M. Lieutenant's courtesy.  For what crime was it that the Lieutenant made a motion to D. Hammon his fellow commissioner, that the Priests last committed to the Tower might be sent to Bridewell to be whipped? o profane irreligious and malicious Atheist. That was a trick of Nortons' spirit who could find in his heart to have 
Norton his counsel.  sent the honourable confessor M. Pound to Bedlam to be treated like a mad man, and had brought the Lieutenant to promise it, before a hall all most full at his own house, but as God's providence hath directed matters sithence, that diet is more fit for Nortons' wife.  
They say the Epistle of persecution hath rethorically amplified the Catholics calamities in England: 
So doth D. Humphrey in his unlearned pamphlet against the Iesuists.  but our Lord JESUS who only seethe through our miseries knoweth, it hath not uttered the least part of our daily distresses. And how great or grievous so ever they be, for religion only, & for no other treasons they are: no other causes at the first pretended, nor after, any thing generally pursued, but how to make them relent in faith, releasing every body what treason soever pretended, if they would condescend unto them in matter of religion. Yea such as so did, though they were these men's companions at Rome, when and where these conspiracies were pretended to be wrought, and some of them sent down in their company and for the same end, yet were they never questioned withal of any such matter, if they once would take the oath of the Q. supremacy over the church of England: as Paschal, nicols, Osborne, Caddey, and such like, as either of fear, or for preferment then or afterwards yielded.  
Who should never have escaped so, if they had been acquainted with such horrible treason: the mistrust or pretence whereof was not as then scarcely form in the Counsel's intention, nor resolved upon until a good while after they had apprehended, examined and racked F. Campion: 
The great desire they had to make a way F. Campion, was the cause of all this action.  whom they were exceeding desirous to put away by some coulorable means, thereby to extinguish this spiritual practice in cases of religion in our country. divers had been racked before that, and nothing found or much mistrusted concerning this pretended conspiracy: but to see their constancy in religion, and patience in their extremest torments, that appalled the commissioners exceedingly: in so much that D. Hammon upon the racking of M. Brian, 
D. Hamon's speech at M. Brian's tormenting.  uttered in great terror of his conscience, That if one were not very well grounded in his faith, this gear might shake him. And when M. Hart was taken from the rack, the commissioners talking with him after a familiar manner: Norton asked him, 
M. Hearts answer to Norton.  saying, Tell truly heart what is the meaning of the coming in, of so many Priests into England? who answered, To convert the land again to her first Christian faith and religion, by preaching and peaceable persuasion, after the manner that it was first planted: 
Norton confesseth their innocency.  to which Norton said: In my conscience heart, I think thou sayest truth.  
This went things then, till the superior powers were resolved for causes before said, to seek out some treason, whereof by any colour or seemly sequel in the world they might be indited.  

Their first pretence of treason.  First tampering about a collection that should be feigned to be made by these Priest's means of the Catholics in England for relief of the Irish: which not holding weight, they then rested rather upon the poursuit of this pretended conspiracy of the Q. death, through the readiness of ij or iij false godless companions, men of sin, prompt to affirm and swear, whatsoever should be agreeable to the practice, and upon a certain overture given before by Nicols in his book and sermon of recantation, 
The authors of Nicols books.  which the mad fellow made not himself, but were penned by one wilkinson (if I hit his name right) as others of his, by other of the Ministry.  
Which Nicols because he might be better believed & seem to do all of conscience, feigned himself by the Lieutenant's counsel (who for that purpose brought certain Ministers to him) to be converted by conference with godly preachers. Where he had confessed to a secret friend, that coming from Rome he meant ever to run that race of Apostasy, 
Nicols intention.  & offered the Lieutenant the first night he came to the Tower, to go to any port of the realm to discover the Priests as they should come on land, giving him up withal, the names of all the students in Rome: so that you see all is a set song. Yet for the honour of the Ministry they give out in print of him and others (relenting this year of plain practice, fear or compulsion, and through both great threats & promises) that the godly learned preachers have converted them. as they did by two husbandmen taken with F. Campion, who by threats of rack and death, were brought to relent or ever preacher dealt with them, and so to do, on named Cooper 
Cooper.  also, being always needy and therefore subject to money, had twenty pounds offered him ●y the Lieutenant. No, No, thanks be to God, Ministers have no great grace nor power these years, to pervert any man.  
But to the purpose again and to Nicols, who in truth in his books and sermons printed and dedicated to the Q. and other her M. Ministers, uttered ●nd invented the very self same false matter of the indictment, whereof the other his companions gave evidence and testimony, 
Why Nicols gave not evidence.  yet himself lest (for some causes the Counsel knew) he should have marred ●l, and have discovered by the mutability they saw in him, the whole practise, was not produced at ●he arraignment: & perchance the miserable man had yet some remorse to be an instrument in the casting away of so many, whom by experience he knew to be innocent, and of excellent qualities. sure it is, that whether as judas came back to the jewas after he had betrayed to them his Lord, or with better repentance and conscience, this fellow came of his own accord to M. Kirbie the holy confessor, to ask him and all his fellows forgiveness, for the great treachery done toward them, protesting that all was false and wicked that had been done or spoken against them touching these supposed treasons, 
Nicols report of his companions Sledd and Monday.  and that he would go to the secretary and signify so much, affirming Sledd and Monday their accusers, to be the falsests and vilests caitiffs' that ever lived, their wicked and devilish lives and practices being well known unto him. whereof see M. Kirbies' letter after the narration of his Martyrdom.  
Eliot also that other wretched man, did never think at the beginning as himself professed, that they would pick matter of death or quarrel of treason towards F. Campion. for he thus spoke afterwards to him. 
eliot's speech to F. Campion.  Sir saith he, I would not for any good have done so much, if I had thought any further harm or trouble then imprisonment, should have happened unto you thereby. Then repent the Eliot for God's sake said F. Campion, 
F. Campions answer.  and all will be to his glory. Then Eliot said, he was in great fear and danger to be killed of the Catholics for his apprehension: you are deceived said F. Campion, Catholics carry no such mind, and yet for your more security, if you like thereof, I will send you to a Duke in Germany where you shallbe safe. Thus all things even their very accusers and persecutors profession, prove them to have been unjustly condemned.  
But above all, their own profession of innocency at their deaths, put all men of any reason religion or indifferency, out of doubt thereof: and therein certainly we dare and do appeal to the enemies own conscience, howsoever for the honour of justice and needful policy they pretend the contrary.  
Commonly men trust every malefactor's asseveration at the time of his departure hence, touching his own or his associates culpableness or innocency of the fact for which he or they were condemned, though by the attestation of the truths, they have no worldy commodity or release of the pains they have to suffer. 
A clear argument of their innocency.  How much less may any man mistrust these men upon their soul and salvation denying the fact: who might have had no less reward for acknowledging the pretended crime, than grace & life, offered to them divers times before they came to execution, and most earnestly tendered and persuaded to them, yea almost thrust upon them at the hour of their extreme agony, yea with great promises of preferment. Can any man think that these men would lie to their damnation, at the very going out of their breath into the judgement of God: whose conscience was so religious, that for all the preferment proffered, and life granted would not do or say one word against the profession of their faith, or that which in conscience they thought not lawful to do?  
How greatly the confession of the supposed fact was desired of the counsel, and to every one of them urged, and with what singular art they used the last of all that was executed, to have him say some words of disagreement from his fellows dead before him, that thereupon they might have carried him back and made the people believe that he had confessed the fact and therefore pardoned, thereupon to have disproved all the rest, it is a world to see.  
Oh M. Cottam saith Sheriff Martin, 
A shameful practise they used, to entangle M. Cottam.  you I perceive came into the realm not as the others did, sent to move sedition, but for your health only: and in hope of this conveyance, took him out of the cart again, saying to him, you were happy that you meddled not in these other perilous matters, that the rest are executed for, telling him that the Q. would extend her mercy to him: for which he heartily thanked her M. thinking in deed by these words, and by his losing from the gallows and taking down out of the cart, they would without any more a do, have carried him back again. At leinghth they said it was requisite he should stand up and speak a few words to the people to signify that he was sent for no such ill purpose, and that he misliked much the POPE'S doings in those matters.  
But God gave him grace to see their legerdemain, and to stand upon the truth and innocency, and so he was executed with more despite than the rest when I written his Martyrdom, being not so near as to hear this communication they had with him after he was let down out of the cart: I could not report it, but sithence one that did here it told me.  
Now as we see the adversaries would have made much advantage of any on's acknowledging of himself guilty, though all the world had seen, it had been done for hope of life: so by the constant denial of so many, so godly, so learned and well qualified persons even to the loss of their lives here, and pledge of their eternal salvation in the world to come. It giveth us an invincible proof of their innocency, 
An invincible argument of their innocency.  & an eternal reproach to all the enemies of God's Church and Priesthood. Truly said the last of the Martyrs, That among so many (if any thing had been committed as is pretended) no one should neither for gain of his life, nor for salvation of his soul, confess it: we were the strangest men that ever lived.  
But not now only, when all and every on severally had taken it upon their death, but upon the like profession of the first three, all the realm almost, and much more all foreign Nations generally, pitied the case, & where well assured of their innocency: whereupon partly for complaint of the injury, partly for the excellency of the persons to whom ●t was done, and specially for the honour of God ●nd glory of their notable Martyrdom▪ divers ●ookes, verses, pictures and such like, came forth in divers languages. whereat the Magistrate, that would gladly have had the fowlnes of their fact buried with the men, were much encumbered, & seeking by all human prudence how to stop the further spreading of the matter, they resolved by force and authority to defend and avouch the injustice done upon them, and to punish with all extreme rigour, whosoever should speak, print or publish the contrary.  
Whereupon, 
Rigour used to all defenders of their innocency. Vallenger lost his ears.  some that had written of F. Campion and his, fled the Universities and realm: some, lost both their ears, as on Vallenger, and others otherwise punished, so audible was this truth: and yet I am sure if all the ears in our country and all nations, that glow at the hearing of this fact, were cut of, half the Christians in England and Europe should be cropped.  
But the better to put all to silence and out of doubt, they caused a proclamation 
A proclamation.  to be made under her M. name and authority, bearing date the first of April, and xxiv of her highness reign: whereby they assure all subjects upon her M. and the Counsels word and knowledge, and so command all men so to take it, that the three first, and then already executed, were la fully indited, arraigned and convicted, as the rest likewise, not then put to death, were, which strange course caused men to suspect far more then, all went not well, that was to be salved so extaordinarily: 
An extraordinary salve.  every body of judgement knowing right well that her M. and Counsel could know no more by them, than was openly at the bar given in evidence, and dilated against them on her M. part: for there was no store made ●hat day, of any thing that might either directly or indirectly touch them.  
All which being fully refelled both there in the sight of all men, and by their profession at the hour of death, though we yield to authority all duty and allegiance, yet we can not, nor may not, because it toucheth God's honour & the glory of his Saints, in conscience acknowledge their guilt in any of the crimes: nor otherwise, but that they died for defence of the CATHOLIC FAITH, without all cogitation of treason against their Prince or country.  
And the rather we can not against our own certain knowledge be led so to think in this case, for that in pledable cases of treason, her M. is a party, and can not by her proclamation or Princely prerogative otherwise give attestation, then as by process of la irreprovably is adjudged. and because we are assured before God that her highness Ministers be by our enemies wrong informed, as in all others, so in some things uttered against our brethren even in that same proclamation. As when they affirm that the like attempts of the Iesuists and Seminary Priests were turned into actual rebellion in Irland, 
Neither Iesuist, nor Seminary Priest in the commotion in Irland.  where as true as God liveth, there was no one jesuit nor any that ever had been of either of the Seminaries of that action in Irland.  

Making all Priests and Iesuists traitors no less than these, proveth these as guiltless as the others  But herein we may be the shorter for that by the same proclamation every man of intelligence may understand, that there were no particular attempts made by these blessed Fathers condemned and executed, nor no other special causes, nor personal crimes why they should be condemned and counted traitors, then are common to all other Iesuists and Priests of the colleges beyond the seas at this present, 
Children unborn made traitors by entering after into the colleges.  though divers be but children: or to such as shall here after enter into any of the said companies, though they be yet unborn. The whole order and both the bodies, and every particular person thereof, how innocent so ever they ●e in themselves (a marvelous inconvenience and absurdity) without any la of the realm therein ●assed, 
A marvelous absurdity.  are made high traitors. So it is you see for original sin, that F. Campion and his fellows ●vere executed, and not for any of their actual and proper demerits. And if this be good la, it will ●ake easier evidence, then to stand upon every on's particular arraignment and trial.  
But these things passing thus, namely against ●e persons partly dead, and partly condemned, ●ut yet alive & at the Q. mercy: & generally against 〈◊〉 of the Catholic societies beyond the seas, the greater opinion of the men's excellency and innocence daily ariseth. And the powers of the realm ●ode still in great perplexity whether it were ●ood to execute the rest that were condemned or 〈◊〉, themselves being not cruel, 
The Q. merciful.  and her M. ever ●uch inclined to mercy: loath they were to put ●em all to death knowing their innocency in the ●atters pretended better than any man else did, and ●eling the affection of the subjects of all sorts, and ●e great mutation of minds that the constant ●eath of so many qualified men were like to make: ●et more loath to seem by pardoning of them without any jot relenting, 
Reasons, why they follow this course.  either touching their ●ith or their supposed fact, as it were to confess ●eir wrongful condemnation, and their own ●rmer error, or to be led out of their intended ●urse, by the out cries of the world, or complaints 〈◊〉 Catholics.  
Therefore even strait after the execution of ●e first, 
Acknowledging any offence, or relenting in religion might have saved their lives.  they sent certain unto the condemned ●rsons, to move them to ask the Q. mercy and ●rgiuenes, and to acknowledge only in general at they had offended her highness: or at least to ●ent any little in religion, and they should live. ●d that they might do it with better pretence, they brought preachers to confer with some of them, and when that would not serve, as is noted before, thrust them into dungeons: but when after uj months they saw nothing could be obtained of those innocent constant confessors: 
As M. Hart was.  they resolved plainly to execute them.  
But least the last error should be worse than the first, and especially for that there were not long before raised new brutes and muttering of uneven dealing in the sending away of M. Paine so far of to be arraigned and executed: 
M. pains sending away bread new concepts.  from whose mouth as they pretended before, the rest were specially accused and condemned. They sought their wits (which are in truth by long exercise and experience very pregnant of subtle invention) how to make them away with less offence to the world: to induce her M. also to be willing they should be put to death, which by a certain pity and natural clemency, she is often hardly drawn unto: they devised away how to make them to seem as well to her M as to the people worthy death, and in appearance plain traitors, though they were not guilty at all of the crimes, for which they were indited, arraigned and condemned.  

A sinful policy.  Which ungodly practice of executing them in the people's sight for causes, whereof they were never directly indited & arraigned, and which in deed is by la no treason at all: do prove again most evidently that of the former offences whereof they were accused and condemned, they were not at all guilty.  
Their devise was to send unto them iiij lawyers, ij. of the common la, who were the Q. Attorney and Solicitor: and two civilians D. Lewes and D. Hammon, To draw out of them by uj articles or interrogatories, not what treasons or trespasses they had committed (which was none) but what they had in their cogitations, what were to be done, what they would do, 
By Ifs, and Ands, they would drive these poor men into the compass of treason.  if such a thing or such a thing should fall: & what if they had been in Irland when the rebellion was there, what would they have done?  
Whether there be any means to depose her M. or any other king? for with these men it was not enough to answer, they all acknowledged her for their lawful sovereign, & that they never committed any thing in word nor deed against her M: but they would know of them for the future time, and for their very cogitations, heart and affection, what they thought to be done, 
Strange interrogatories.  and what they meant to do for any cause hereafter: that is, for any Heresy, Arianisme, or the like, or for Apostasy, turcism or Atheism, (from all which inconvenience CHRIST JESUS defeend her M. and the realm always) whether yet, if for any such crimes that the frailty of Princes is subject unto, she should be deposed: what then would they counsel the people to do, or whether may she for any such matters be deprived.  
To which things being proposed unto them by the said iiij. lawyers the xiii. of May, 1582. in form of vj. articles or demands, they answered in the fear of God and simplicity of heart, as you see set down hereafter severally, together with the articles themselves, even as they were published by authority. which answers, though conceived of her M. and some other her Ministers, as though they were tokens of their ill affection towards her, that thought any cause might ever happen for which she might worthily be deprived, and in some part, seeming at the first sight to the simple to be odious and undeutiful, though in deed by no la nor reason they can be drawn to any treason, and therefore not much urged in their arraignments, though some of them had given the same answers to the like demands before, as they have set down also in the same libel.  
Yet they thought good to publish them, and to make them more audible to the show, they join to them certain passages of D. Saunders and D. Bristow's writings, 
A strong practise.  and a preface to all that, of their own making: which should thus not only pass abroad amongst the subjects for a warning, but specially was to be red and spread as an other little liveret was at the death of the former, but this now with more authority, at the place and time of execution.  
Where there was appointed (the strangest thing that ever we have seen, 
The second arraignment and condemnation even at the gallows.  red, or heard of) as it were a new arraignment, whereat not now xii. men representing the country, but the whole people should be judge: therefore at the days of their death every one there as he was put into the cart, was willed to confess the treason, which being denied of them, every one upon their salvation and death: 
Antony Monday brought to the gallows.  then Antony Monday one of the former false accusers, was brought forth before all the presence, called for by the Sheriff, who was ready to avouch whatsoever you would to their faces: though of the seven executed those two days, he never I think saw none beyond the seas, where the treason was feigned to be contrived, saving only M. Kirbie, of whom in particular he could say nothing neither.  
Yet it served them for a pretty colour, to say in the hearing of the multitude, Lo here is one of your companions, the Popes own scholar to advow it to your face. But when they found the fool in deed could say nothing, than they went to the new evidence and new crime, set forth in the book of their answers, a Minister ever willed to read that answer, that the party there to be executed had made and subscribed, which if it sounded sometimes little or nothing to the purpose, than the Minister was willed to turn the leaf and read the preface of the book (a shift that passed both all wit and folly) that thereby, 
A pretty sport.  or by the allegations of D. Saunders and D. Bristol at least, these poor men might seem to the unadvised multitude, though not guilty of their former pretended crime: úet of il affection towards her M. which was enough in their judgement to make them away.  
And a few of the people set on by the Ministers that use to follow the gallows, gave verdict and aim to the rest that stood farther of, to cry away with them, away with them. Though thousands went home after the sight of so notorious a spectacle, as the constancy of the Martyrs yielded that time, sighing, weeping and lamenting the case.  
Now in all this marvelous proceeding, 
The adversaries have gained nothing. The Cath. church hath gained much  we will not stand to examine what the adversary have gained for their purpose, being enough for our satisfaction, that God knoweth and now all England and a great part of Europe seethe, the innocency of these saints, that our lord is glorified by their deaths, and his Church enriched with new Martyrs of most excellent virtue and constancy.  
Neither becometh it us to fall in consideration of the policy used in renewing again the old sore of the excommunication, 
Themselves have renewed the question of the Q. excommunication.  which hath lain dead, and so might for us Catholics have been dead with Pius quintus the author and publisher thereof for ever: if themselves by unwonted drifts had not sought to call the case in question, and by undewe ways gone about to make us guilty or audible by that, wherewith we were never acquainted.  
Whereupon if further occasion be given to the learned of our side to declare the truth of God's Church, and the opinion of the universities and learned, of aswell Protestants, as Catholics in an other special work already in hand, concerning those vj. articles and questions by them importunly moved: they have no reason to be offended with us, that stand only at our defence and purgation in the same: wherein notwithstanding we will not descend so far as they have provoked us, to dispute particularly of her majesties interest, for the duty we owe to our Prince and sovereign: nor stand upon D. Saunders and D. Bristow's words, 
Small wisdom in setting out, D. Saunders and D. Bristows opinions in this matter.  which we and all wise men marvel they would discover to the people, considering their names in schools are so famous, and so much diwlgated among men of our nation, that it can not in deliberation but make scruple of matter in some men's heads.  
We say nothing of their open declaration of their diffidence towards all Catholics, impeaching them in manner generally of their fidelity & good affection towards their prince and country, which giveth great occasion both at home and abroad, of much discontentment and desperation. Some not well scoled with patience, thinking it all on to be a traitor, and to be reputed for such a one, and for men abandoned out of her M. favour and protection: of whom the latin proverb may perhaps be found true, Quod patientia laesa saepe vertitur in furorem.  

The question of what Queen? is but madly asked.  Neither need I speak of these strange words of demand, first used by one of great authority to F. Campion in his first examination, and afterwards commonly taken up, to ask Catholics (whom they see in all duty & humility to speak well, to wish well, and daily pray for the Q. M.) to ask I say, Which Queen and What Queen they mean by.  
To what advantage of the state these and such like things be done and spoken against us, we will not take upon us to discuss, but refer all to men wise and indifferent: only of the propounding those vj. articles to our brethren, and measuring their loiaultie or fidelity by their answers, 
Of the vj. arcles proposed to these Martyrs.  there unto we must needs in all humble sort complain, and make brief remonstrance of the injury, and their innocency therein also. In the other treatise of these vj. demands more largely.  
For the present it is enough, that all the world see our extreme calamity, that are punished even by most cruel and ignominious death, not only for our pretended deeds, words or any exterior acts, which only are punishable by man's laws, 
Thoughts punished by death.  but for our very cogitations gathered by false suppositions and undewe means: yea and for the future faults which we may commit in time to come, which far passeth all Antichristian tyranny.  
God himself that doth above man's la punish the trespasses even of our heart, 
God only, punisheth men's cogitations. He punisheth not future crimes, as our men do.  which are as open and subject to his sight and judgement as external acts be to men: yet chargeth no man nor searcheth any man for the time to come, nor for sins that he would have committed, or might, or were like to have committed if he had lived, or had had such occasions, provocations or temptations as other men, or he might have had.  
But now confessing the Prince to be our liege and sovereign, 
Unreasonable search of men's consciences.  doing all duties of subjection to her that the laws of God, nature, or the Realm & all nations require, only not making her our God, yet we must be farther demanded by authority, oath or torment, what we will do in such & such cases to come, or perchance never to come. And thereupon if we answer that for the cases contingent and to come, we can say nothing, but will be subject to the laws or punishment of the laws if at that time we shall offend, or as some answered more generally, that they then would do, teach & believe, 
The best answer to captious questions. Men are executed in England for only pretended ill affection without any act committed.  as the Catholic Church should resolve upon such controversies betwixt the Prince and POPE or any other, than they are condemned of a fault or crime of their heart and cogitation, which they call in the preface to the libel set forth against the seven last Martyrs, il affection or ill disposition to the Queen: so that they which offered to procure their pardon for the feigned fact, for which they were condemned, yet will needs have them suffer for their ill affection.  

another argument of their innocency.  But that is a clear demonstration of their innocency touching the heinous pretended conspiracy, which being punishable by all laws & reason, and without any man's offence or scandal, yet was made more pardonable than this supposed ill affection and disposition, which is not, nor can not be punishable by any laws of the Realm.  
And this only search of men's future facts or intentions whereof himself hath neither knowledge nor rule before hand, is unnaturale, intolerable, and to commonwealths exceeding perilous. To examine the wife or children or vassals and tenants before hand, 
An example.  what they would do if her husband, their father, lord and Master, should rebel against the Q. whether they would take their parts or wish well to them, or relieve them underhand, it were pernicious, and unusual proceeding.  
But in our matter a thousand times more unreasonable, to examine whether any case may possibly fall wherein the subject may refuse to obey the Prince, where neither the indirect answer, nor suspense of judgement, no, nor the plain direct resolution any way, is either against the laws of the Realm, or proveth any ill affection towards Prince in the world.  
If the Catholics had been demanded in Q. Mary's days, whether if she should fall to heresy or apostasy or infidelity, 
Queen MARIE.  or generally for any enormities or what cause soever, she might have been either by the Realm deprived, or by the POPE excommunicated and deposed, and had answered as these Priests did here, had they hated the Q. for that, or borne ill affection to her? you say we love the POPE and honour him, and you say truly, for so we are bound to do by Gods la, yet if this demand were made, whether if the POPE, 
The POPE.  or this same POPE Gregory the xiii, to whom we stand in as due obedience for matters of soul & religion, as to this Queen Elizabeth for our civil and temporal state, whether I say, if he fell to heresy he might be deposed by the Church or general Counsel, a thousand divines would answer affirmatively: yet neither the POPE himself, nor no wise man would count them to be of il affection or disposition towards him, though perchance if he were guilty in conscience of some such crime, such a resolution would perhaps prick him shrewdly.  
Nay if the la might proceed upon such supposals and intentions of things to come, 
The Puritans hardly opposed.  what hearts should you find in the Puritans think you, upon this only supposition, if the Queen should but go back to be a Papist: if they were upon their oath demanded what they would do, or wish in their hearts to be done, if it should so happen, if their consciences were so good as to open their cogitations, other manner of sinister affections and dispositions you should find, then in the Catholics. They that could not but utter in most traitorous words and books their cankered stomachs only for a little conference that her M. had of marriage with a Catholic Prince, what affection would they bear to her if she reduced herself and realm to the CATHOLIC FAITH which they so much hate. And yet these Puritans are they that are put to sound our hearts in this kind and to afflict us upon every vain If, 
Upon Ifs, an Ands we are examined.  or impertinent supposal that they can devise.  
Do they not by oaths, interrogatories, and other indewe means, purposely drive simple plain meaning men, that never offended their laws in word, deed, nor thought, into the compass of their treasons? Some that for reverence of her M. high dignity over us, though they knew she erred in religion, yet would never have called her Heretic, Schismatic, or such like: have been notwithstanding so entangled by their captious questioning and drifts, brought by sequel of words to acknowledge her in their opinion, 
So was M. Nelson.  so to be, and thereupon punished by death, as if they had so called her of malice, or by voluntary railing or opprobrious speech. This is to make traitors and not to punish treasons.  
So such quiet godly persons that would never have talked nor thought of the Bull of Pius quintus, nor have dealt in the differences betwixt their two superiors, were driven by course of words to confess that, 
So was M. Haunse.  of her deprivation, which else they had never considered of, & for the same do execute them. Which is not to execute laws, but to make men offend the laws. So to drink their blood.  

A marvelous oversight.  They were evil advised even to the admiration of men of discretion, that they would make any statute about calling the Q. an Heretic, Infidel, or such like: much more those that would examine men what they thought therein, Catholics never using no more before the la then after, any such term towards her M. whereas this particular record of it in statute, breadeth some hard conceits in the subjects heads, and to the posterity, a plain record and suspicion of such a thing: as I could tell them by examples familiarly, but for the respect of the honour of those whom I will not touch.  
But to see the determination of such things and our general affliction, to depend upon a few fantastical novellers, or as they call them parliament men, 
Parliament men.  full of tongue and wit, but without all judgement and wisdom: this is our great torment, and will as we fear be the realms destruction, except God of his grace avert it. From on parliament to an other, such fellows have nothing to do, but to invent how they may by new statutes increase our miseries.  
They say her M. person can not by former laws be sufficiently provided for and preserved, they add new, and the next new again: one year a hundredth Marks for a Mass, an other must double it: once xii pence for not going to the Church, now xx pounds a month. And now Norton is busy to invent how to clog us, 
Norton is still busily occupied.  or rather bereive us of our life, liberties and goods, in the next parliament. He hath written to one of authority, that he was sorry he put not up in the last Session of Parliament, that the Q. was, and aught to be lawful Queen whatsoever she can commit, or the POPE or realm can do or hereafter may do against her.  
Again that it should be treason not to answer directly, what a man thought in his heart, to any supposition by oath or interrogatory made or proponed. Which la I dare say Antichrist himself would not make, because he will not, nor can not, enter into men's thoughts.  
This fellow once in examination of a Catholic prisoner, tendered him an oath to swear to all that he was to demand of him, who refusing, he said in great rage: If thou wert a good subject thou wouldst not stick to take any oath to do thy Prince good, a notable point of Atheism 
A notable point of Atheism.  and Puritanisme.  
Thus they rack not our bodies only, 
They tender oaths to Catholics and yet believe them not.  but our very consciences, ministering oaths for every trifle, & yet they believe our oaths no farther then is for their service and our affliction. for I have heard Norton himself say, that swear they never so fast, he will not trust them, except they go to the Church: meaning their schismatical service.  
This same man not discovered only of ill affection, but justly put into the Tower for seditious words & plain treason (so much as would have hanged an hundredth Catholics & honest men) yet much complained that he was so unkindly dealt withal, 
M. Norton took great unkindness.  that a few rash words which of many wise men were not misliked of, as he saith, could not be forgiven, but with such difficulty. Specially to him that was so necessary for their service, that neither the city of London, to which he was a feed man: nor the parliament, wherein he did many good offices always: nor the Prince in her commissions for religion, wherein he was much employed, could spare him.  
And M. Nortons' wife, if she will be as plain to the Counsel, as she is to some of her neighbours, can tell (if M. Secretary himself remember it not) who put unto this same Norton, being then for the said treasons in the Tower, and justly in disgrace with her M. to pen matters of state, & to set down orders and articles to be treated of against Catholics in the parliament, and other places: the said persons can tell you perhaps, what he meant by these words often uttered in his disgrace:  

Norton his suspicious words.  WORTHY, WORTHY, Marreth all, but GRACIOUS, GRACIOUS, may make WISER WISER to amend al. the rack would pick as good matter out of this, as out of any poor Catholics breast in England. And he to whom he written these words, Defend me, and spare me not, according to the Irish proverb: can read the riddel.  
The said Mistress Norton can tell also, where her husband did lay up Stubbs book 
Stubbs his book.  against her M. for a secret treasure. which gear well sifted, would bewray worse affection and intention to, than they shall ever find in Catholics whilst they live.  
This Stubbs being the Q deadly enemy & then in the Tower for his traitorous book, was of M. Lieutenant's Counsel in all things, 
M. Lieutenant's friendliness towards the Q. enemy.  far better entreated for his comfort and diet, than the earl of klanrickard, uttering to him all examinations of Catholics & what other secrecies soever, to whom also Charke, 
Stubs perused Charkes book.  one that was once put to silence for puritanism, or a worse matter, if worse can be, sent his book against F. Campion to be perused, which things the Lieutenant would never have done or permitted, if he had borne that good affection to her M. as he requireth in Catholics, or if he and his fellows might be posed in their thoughts, and of the time future, and their intentions to come.  
And it may be one of these fellows devices or some other of like spirit and invention, 
another new practice and persecution.  to send the poor Catholics whom they have ruined at home, to Terra Florida, there to exercise their religion and to have freedom of conscience, a strange cozenage and craft, to be rid of the poor gentlemen under pretence of their preferment, but most men of the realm wish rather the puritans there, as an humour that our commonwealth had more need to be purged of.  
Who are also better acquainted in those parts, as being once sent thither out of Geneva by Calvin, when the french made the like attempt with as good success as I fear these shall have, which in truth can not by the la of God and good conscience, if I take it right, possess those parts which by former composition and by decree of Alexander the uj, pertaineth to an other Prince.  
It is the Catholics that have justly possessed England these thousand years, it is no reason they should be thrust into the Indes for their dwelling. but this is their art to weaken our side against the day of their full revenge, which may be reckoned amongst the greatest of our persecutions, and to proceed of a shrewder head than norton's.  
But all these deep distresses, calamities and injuries, 
The conclusion of the preface, with an exhortation & prayer.  which we suffer, not so much at her M. hands, or her gravest Counsellors as by these sinful, irreligious persons, their ill informers, we do from the bottom of our hearts forgive, and desire God of his unspeakable mercy to turn away his heavy hand of justice, from the Realm, and from every one, that either procured, or consented to the deaths of these his blessed Saints, or the trouble of his holy Israel, whose blood and death most dear in our Lord's sight, I pray CHRIST JESUS they call not for vengeance, but for mercy and grace towards their persecutors, that they may rather with penance consider in this life against whom they have pricked, then see and feel it to their confusion in the next.  
But whatsoever fall through this great sin or our other offences either to their enemies, or to us their friends, that are yet left in this wretched world, in the worst days that were this thousand years, and in the heaviest and most doubtful condition of our country that was since the conversion: these Martyrs are blessed, 
The bliss of these martyrs souls.  safe, free, past all mortal miseries, in the hands and guard of God, where the torment of malice can not touch them, nor such reach them, of whom our Saviour said, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more to do.  
They are exceeding happy certs, that live not these dooleful days, but a thousand times more happy, that have the grace and privilege to yield any drop of blood for the appeasing of God's wrath, and assuaging this public rage of sin and heresy. Their deaths precious, their souls in glory, their memories in benediction, their names eternal: 
The honour of their bodies.  yea even their bodies which were the infirm part of these noble Maccabees, though hanging on ports, pinnacles, poles & gibbets, though torn of beasts and birds: yet rest in peace, and are more honourable, sacreed, and sovereign: then the embaumed bodies of what worldly state soever in their regal sepulchres.  
That day and hour they stood in the cart in misery and desolation as it seemed to the simple, yet even then were they more happy than all the multitude that beheld them, never a wise man that there stood thought otherwise, though the present pains and brief ignominy seemed to fools & carnal men to be extreme misery: but all those were so momentaine, that their better part was in heavens bliss, before their bodies were cold or out of the bouchiers' hand, their souls prayed unto both by their happy fellows openly, and by many a good man secretly, before their bonnes were cold. Because S. Augustine giveth us that rule, That we must not pray for Martyrs, but pray to them.  
What honour shall they be in hereafter in God's Church, and in our country specially, 
The honour they be in already.  when malice and envy shallbe worn out, it is easy to conjecture. When even in the days of their persecutors, and in as sharp punishment, diligence and watchfulness, that their memories be not recommendable to the world, as ever was used of the old heathen persecutors, against S. Policarp, S. Albon, and other ancient Martyrs, yet their renown hath passed through all the Christian world, and hath pierced the very heretics hearts in France, Geneva and Germany. No talk, as I am credibly informed, more common there, then of this late double slaughter, first of F. Campion and his two fellows, then of these seven. Maccabees.  
And for the Catholics, of Italy, Spain, France, and namely (which is less to be marveled at) of England, 
The great desire men have of their relics.  more than the weight in gold would be given, and is offered for any piece of their relics, either of their bodies, hair, bones or garments, yea or any thing that hath any spot or stain of their innocent and sacred blood. Wherein surely great diligence and honourable zeal hath been showed by divers noble gentlemen & virtuous people, that have to their great danger obtained some good pieces of them, to satisfy presently the godly greedy appetite of holy persons of divers nations making extreme suit for them  

The devotion of the people towards their bodies already.  Marry that is most notable and memorable, that divers devout people of our nation that can get no part of their sacred relics, yet come as it were on pilgrimage to the places where their quarters or heads be set up, under pretence of gazing and ask whose heads or bodies they be, and what traitors they were, whose heads are set high above others, there, to do their devotion & prayers unto them, whose lives they knew to be so innocent, and deaths so glorious before God and the world.  
JESV! what a pleasure, what honour and blessedness have their enemies done unto them, thus suddenly and everlastingly, to make them numbered in glory amongst the saints: we and all their friends, and all the princes of the world, if they could have yielded to them all the Kingdoms of the earth and the glory thereof, could not have benefited them so much witingly, as their enemies have done against their intention, but by the providence of God, who turneth the wicked injustice of man, to the eternal good and honour of his Church and Saints.  
O good God CHRIST JESUS, give these, thy, their, and our persecutors, for thy death's sake, and for this fresh blood of thy MARTYRS, and for the groans, sighs and tears, of so many thousand thy chained, Imprisoned and afflicted Saints, give them mercy and grace to see that they go not the right way to save our country & themselves from perdition either temporal or eternal, humble their hearts to the obedience of thy Lieutenant general, and to thy holy spouse in earth, that so under thee, and not against or above thee, our Prince ELIZABETH as a member of thy Church, and not as head of the same, may reduce her Realm to the unity of the Christian world, and so rule and govern our temporal & civil state, in long peace, much honour and security. Amen.  Proverb. 17. 
Qui justificat impium & quim condemnat justum, abominabilis est uterque apud dominum.  
that is  
He that justifieth the impious, and he that condemneth the just, both are abominable before God.   

A TRUE REPORT OF the death and Martyrdom of F. Campion jesuite and Priest, M. Sherwin, and M. Bryan Priests.  Boetius li. 1 de consol. philosoph. 
Pro verae virtutis premijs, falsi sceleris poenas subimus.  

And first, of F. Edmund Campion Priest, of the society of the name of JESUS, bachelor of Divinity, and sometime fellow of S. john Baptists College in Oxford.  
THESE three glorious Confessors, learned, meek, godly and constant Priests, upon the first day of December in the year of our Lord 1581., were (under pretence of high treason, most injuriously, to the great lamentation generally of all good men) drawn from the Tower to Tyburn, there to be Martyred for the CATHOLIC FAITH and RELIGION. F. Campion was alone on one herdle, the other two together on an other, all molested by Ministers and others calling upon them by the way for their subversion: and by some also as opportunity served, and as in a case of so great danger it conveniently might be, comforted. and F. Campion specially, by one consulted in some cases of conscience and religion, and the mire wherewith he was all to be moiled most courteously wiped his face.  
When they were come to the place of execution, where divers of her M. honourable Counsel, with many honourable personages, and Gentlemen of worship and good account, beside an infinite multitude of people, attended their coming, F. Campion was first brought up into the cart, where after some small pause, and after the great rumour of so many people somewhat appeased, with grave countenance, and sweet voice, stoutly spoke as followeth.  
Spectaculum facti sumus 
c Mundo in the text.  Deo, Angelis & hominibus, saying, these are the words of S. Paul, Englished thus: We are made a spectacle, or a sight unto God, unto his Angels, and unto men: verified this day in me, who am here a spectacle unto my Lord, a spectacle unto his Angels, and unto you men.  
And here going forward in his text, 
They would not suffer him to speak in religion, lest he should have persuaded the people.  was interrupted and cut of by Sir Francis Knowles' and the Sheriffs, earnestly urging him to confess his treason against her M. & to acknowledge himself guilty. To whom he answered saying, 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 F. Campion) I am a Catholic man & a Priest, in that faith have I lived hitherto, and in that faith I do intend to die, and if you esteem my religion Treason, then of force I must grant unto you, as for any other treason, I never committed, God is my judge.  
But you have now what you do desire, I beseech you to have patience, and suffer me to speak a word or two, for discharge of my conscience. But being not suffered to go forward, he was forced to speak only to that point which they most urged, 
His innocency.  protesting that he was guiltless and innocent of all treason and conspiracy, craving credit to be given to his answers, as to the last answer made upon his death and soul: 
A time, when such a man would never lie.  adding that touching this point, both the jury might easily be deceived, and more also put into the evidence than was true. Notwithstanding he forgave, as he would be forgiven, 
Great charity.  desiring all them to forgive him whom he had confessed upon the rack. (for upon the commissioners oaths, that no harm should come unto them, he uttered some persons, with whom he had been).  

He expoundeth his letter, falsely construed by the adversaries.  Further he declared the meaning of a letter sent by himself in time of his imprisonment, to M. Pound a captive then also in the Tower, in which he wrote, he would not disclose the secrets of some houses where he had been entertained, affirming on his soul, that the secrets he meant in that letter, were not as it was misconstred by the enemy, treason or conspiracy, or any matter else, any way entented against her M. or the state, but saying of Mass hearing of confession, 
Which in these miserable days, must be done as secretly, as murder or treason.  preaching, and such like duties and functions of Priesthood: this he protested to be true, as he would answer before God.  
Then he desired Sir Francis Knowles', and some other of nobility to hear him touching one Richardson condemned about a book of his, and earnestly besought them to have consideration of that man, saying, he was not that Richardson which brought his book, and this he affirmed with vehement protestation upon his death. (This notwithstanding, Richardson was executed, one man for another, quid pro quo, like ill pothecaries.)  

A new practice to colour their injustice.  Then one Hearne a school Master, as I learned after, red the new advertisement openely with loud voice to the people, published only to colour so manifest and express injury: F. Campion all the time of his reading, devoutly praying.  
Notwithstanding which advertisement or defence of theirs, as well because they disinherited their own policy in publication thereof, as that they did also desire some better colour or faster vizard for their proceedings, pressed him to declare his opinion of Pius quintus Bul concerning the excommunication of the Q. To which demand he gave no answer.  
But being asked whether he renounced the POPE, said he was a Catholic. whereupon one inferred, saying: 
Catholicism is treason, in Atheism.  In your Catholicism (I noted the word) all treason is contained. In fine, preparing himself to drink his last draft of Christ's cup, was interrupted in his prayer by a Minister, willing him to say, Christ have mercy upon me, or some like prayer with him: unto whom he looking back with mild countenance, humbly said: 
Catholics may not pray with Heretics.  You and I are not one in religion, wherefore I pray you content yourself, I bar none of prayer, only I desire them of the household of faith to pray with me, and in my agony te say one CREED (for a signification that he died for the confession of the Catholic faith therein contained.)  
Some also called on him to pray in English: to whom he answered, that he would pray in a language that he well understood. 
And God to.  At the upshot of this conflict he was willed to ask the Q. forgiveness and to pray for her.  
He meekly answered: Wherein have I offended her? In this I am innocent, this is my last speech, 
innocency.  in this give me credit, I have and do pray for her. Then did the Lord Charles Howard ask of him, For which Queen he prayed, whether for Elizabeth Q. To whom he answered, Yea for Elizabeth your Queen and my Queen. And the cart being drawn away, he meekly and sweetly yielded his soul unto his Saviour, protesting that he died a perfect Catholic.  
Which his mild death and former sincer protestations and speeches of his innocency, 
In the book printed in Mundays name, of his death.  moved the people to such compassion and tears, that the adversaries in their printed books were glad to excuse the matter.  
So graciously and gloriously this blessed man ended and overcame in Christ all these mortal miseries, now enjoying in heaven the triumphant crown of his happy confession and Martyrdom: 
F Campion martyred by God's providence in the city of his nativity.  made by God's providence before all London, the place of his nativity. That such of his citizens as were not worthy to enjoy the life and labours of one of the famousest persons that their city hath bred in our memory: may yet, either by his sacred innocent blood, 
He prayeth for his friends and enemies.  powered out here among them, or by his holy prayers, which he now doubtless maketh both for his loving friends and deadly persecutors, be converted from their damnable and palpable errors.  

His age.  He lived in this world about forty and two years: after his childhood and education in London, he was brought up in S. john's college of Oxford, passingly beloved for his singular graces, of the founder thereof, Sir Thomas White of worthy memory, at whose burial he made an eloquent oration in latin, having made the like before in English, at the funerals of my L. Dudley, late wife to the Earl of Leicester. Where after he had passed with all commendation through such exercises, degrees and offices, as the university yieldeth to men of his condition: 
He passed through all offices in the university.  though he were never wholly inclinable to the sects of this time, yet by the importunate persuasions of some of his friends. much desirous for his worldly honour and advancement to have him come to the pulpit, and take livings, he suffered himself to be made deacon after their new manner, not well knowing then, how audible to God, that and the rest of their schismatical degrees be:  
But for all that our Lord mercifully with held him from that ambitious course which is the gulf that many goodly wits have perished in, 
He went into Irland & wrote the story thereof eloquently.  in these days. therefore spending some more time in study, and travailing into Irland, the history of which country he wrotte very truly and eloquently, hearing that there was a Seminary not long before begun in Douai, thither he went, where after a years great diligence and many exercises done booth in house and public schools, 
He went to the Seminary at Douay.  he proceeded bachilier of divinity, 
He proceeded Bachelor of Divinity.  to his great commendation, and the honour of our nation.  
Nevertheless all this while, specially, being now of more devotion, zeal, learning and judgement then before, the continual cogitation of that Schismatical order of English deaconship which he had taken, did so sore oppress his mind, 
His trouble of mind for taking schismatical orders.  and the conceit of the greatness of that sin, so burdened his conscience, that no counsel of learned friends could give him satisfaction, nor otherwise deliver him of the fearful conceit of that profane degree, till he entered into religion, by penance and holy profession to wipe a way the same.  
So making his choice of the society of the name of JESUS, he went to Rome, 
He went to Rome, and there entered into religion.  where by the superior of that order he was admitted, and so not remaining in the City much more than a month, he was sent into Beameland, 
He is sent into Beamland.  where he abode viii. years, and was made Priest in prague, continually teaching, preaching, catechizing, writing and travailing for the Church of God. 
Made priest.  Whereby he became so famous, that not only other principal states, 
He preacheth before the Emperor.  but the Imperial Majesty was contented often to hear him preach. Till at length by the suit of such as knew his great graces in dealing with heretics for their conversion, his General called him thence to be bestowed upon his own native country.  
Whitherwarde by long and great travail he came going about by Rome (because his superiors knew him not, 
He is sent home again by his superiors.  nor would not send him before they saw him) and by Rheims, where besides other communication pertaining to the reduction of our country to the Catholic faith, he demanded of D. Allen whether he thought that any service he could do in England the time being as it is, 
His communication with D. Allen.  were like to be worth all these long labours and hazards past and to come: or might countervail the lacks that those should seem to have by his absence from whence he came. To which D. Allen answered.  
Father (quoth he) first, whatsoever you did there, 
D. Allens answer.  may be done by others one or more of your order. Secondly, you owe more duty to England then to Beamland, and to London, then to Prage: though it liketh me well that you have made some recompense to that country for the old wound it received by us. 
In wicliffes time, of whom they learned their heresies.  Thirdly, the recovery of one soul from heresy, is worth all your pains, as I hope you shall gain a great many: because the harvest is both more plentiful and more ripe with us, then in those parts. Finally, the reward may be greater, for you may be martyred for it at home, which you can not obtain lightly there. So he was satisfied, and of this communication I have heard him often speak.  
And at last he happily landed at Dover upon the morrow afser Midsomer-day, 
The day of his arrival in England.  the year 1580. being by God's great goodness delivered out of the searchers and officers hands, who held him with them upon suspicion for certain hours, 
He was stayed at Dover.  upon deliberation to have sent him to the Council.  
That was Christ's special work and providence, to be glorified booth in his preaching a whole year, to the unspeakable good of innumerable deceived souls, and also in his precious death afterwards. Coming therefore to London, he preached there his first sermon upon SS. Peter and Paul's day, which I was at myself, 
His first Sermon.  having a full audience and very worshipful: but afterwards booth there, and in sundry parts of the realm, far greater through the fame and experience of his manifold virtues, great eloquence and learning, many Protestants of good nature at sundry times admitted also to the same, who ever afterwards contemned their vulgar pulpit men in comparison of him.  
The first man of calling to whose house he was conducted in the country, 
The speeches betwixt him and the gentleman, in whose house he first preached in the country.  demanded of the person that brought him thither, being himself of good worship, what he was, and from whence he came, and learning that he was a religious man, and one that had been long in foreign parts: before he would admit him, took him aside and asked the causes of his return home, and repair to him, and whether he meant not under colour of religion to withdraw her M. subjects from their obedience.  
To which he answered, protesting before God, that he had neither other commission of his superiors, nor intention of himself, then to minister the holy Sacraments, preach, and teach the people to salvation: and that he neither could nor would meddle with matter of state. Whereupon the party embraced him, and bid him heartily welcome to his house. Finding afterwards by a little further acquaintance, which all the world might see, that he was no man for worldly matters, but only for the school, Church and pulpit, wherein his gifts were excellent, in the highest degree.  
And from that day, till his apprehension, he preached once a day at the least, 
He preached daily and often. He converted many of the best sort.  often twice, and sometimes thrice. whereby through God's goodness he converted sundry in most shires of the Realm, of most wisdom and worship, besides young Gentlemen students and others of all sorts.  
At his first entrance he made his proffer of disputation for such causes as he alleged in the same, 
His chalendg and his book written to the universities.  and more at large afterwards in his eloquent and learned book to both the universities. Whereby the Protestant Preachers and Prelates, found themselves so deeply wounded in their doctrine and credit, notwithstanding they had patched up a few pamphletes without all grace against him, that they pricked her M. Council to alter the question from controversy in religion, 
The protestants devise to overthrow him.  to the cause of the Prince and matter of state, that so they might defend that by force & authority, which they could not do by all their learning and divinity.  
Thereupon it was given out by divers speeches and proclamations, that great confederacies of POPE and foreign Princes were made for the invasion of the Land, and that the Iesuistes and Seminary Priests were sent in forsooth to prepare their ways: and such like trumpery, to beguile and incense the simple against them. Then all exquisite diligence was used for the apprehension of others, but specially of F. Campion, whom being but one among thousands of the Church's children, 
The folly of the adversary.  nor the chief in England of his order, yet they called the Pope's Champion and right hand.  
At length after he had laboured in God's harvest well near xiii. Months, by the notorious wickedness of on George Eliote a forlorn fellow, 
Eliot the traditor.  such as for affliction of holy men this world commonly useth, after long search and much a do, by God's permission he fell into the persecutors hands the xvij. 
His apprehension.  of july 1581. being found in a secret closet in a Catholic Gentleman and confessors house, called M. Yates of Lyford: 
And in what sort.  two Godly Priests M. Ford and M. Collington being with him, all lying, when the enemy discovered them, upon a bed their faces & hands lifted up to heaven. He offered his ij fellows before in the time of the search, 
His charity.  that if they thought all that a do was for him, and that his yielding might acquit them, he would give himself up to their hands, but they would not suffer that, in any wise: but hearing one an others confession expected Gods good will together, every one having enjoined penance to say thrice, Fiat voluntas tua domine, thy will be fulfilled and Sancte joannes Baptista ora pro me, saint john Baptist pray for me. Which blessed Saint they principally prayed unto, for that the said Father Campion, was delivered as he took it, 
His patron.  out of the searchers hands at Dover, by the holy mediation of that holy prophet, his special patron.  
But F. Campion the man of God, 
His behaviour.  being now in the power of his said traditor, and the officers, and made a spectacle, and matter of mockery to the unwise multitude & ungodly of all sorts, showed such marckable modesty, mildness, patience, and Christian humility in all his speeches and doings, that the good were exceedingly edified, and the enemies much astonished.  
After ij. 
His carrying up to London.  days that he was in the sheriff of Barkeshires' custody, he was carried with the rest aswell Priests as Gentlemen, and other in that place apprehended, towards London. In the way he had many pretty and pleasant disputes, speeches and answers with the Gentlemen that guarded him, & other that came to see him: to their wonderful liking & admiration of his so cheerful and Christian behaviour, in the midst of his destresses, which to the worldly there about him seemed intolerable, but to him that had such an inward man they were nothing.  
At Abington among others, divers scholars of Oxford came to see the man so famous, whereof being told by one M. Lidcote, he said, he was very glad, himself being once of that university, and asked whether they would hear a sermon. There at dinner Eliote said unto him, 
eliot's speech to F. Campion.  M. Campion, you look cheerfully upon every body but me, I know you are angry with me in your heart for this work: God forgive the Eliot (said he) for so judging of me: I forgive thee, and in token thereof I drink to thee, yea and if thou wilt repent and come to confession I will absolve thee: but large penance thou must have.  

M. Filbies' strange dream.  Afterwards at Henly, M. Filby a Priest and one of the prisoners (not found in the house with the rest, but taken in the watch, as he was coming to the house) had in his sleep a significant dream or vision, of the ripping up of his body and taking out of his bowels: the terror whereof caused him to cry so loud, that the whole house was raised thereby, which afterwards in his own, F. Campions, and other his fellows Martyrdom, was accomplished.  
Besides the tying of their legs under the horses bellies, and binding their arms behind them, which was done to others also, the Counsel appointed special punishment and disgraces for F. Campion, 
Disgraces done to F. Campion.  not ever want to be done till the party were convicted of some crime, commanding a paper to be set upon his hat with great capital letters showing him to be CAMPION THE SEDITIOUS JESVIT: as the herodians once revested his Master for the like cause, and in like kind of mockery with kingly rob, crown, and sceptre.  
And to take their further pleasure of him, order was given, they should stay at Colbrucke a good piece of friday and all night that thence they might bring him and his fellows upon Saturday in triumph through the city and the whole length thereof, specially through such places where by reason of the markets of that day, the greatest concourse of the common people was, whom in such matters they seek of policy most to please, which was executed accordingly: 
The wise lament. The simple gaze.  all London almost beholding the spectacle, the simple gazing and with delight beholding the novelty, the wise lamenting to see our country fallen to such barbarous iniquity, as to abuse a sacred man so honourable in all nations for his learning, and of so innocent a life.  
When he came by the Cross in Cheap, 
He doth reverence to the CROSS which in these days there, is odious.  in the best manner he could being pinioned, He christianly made the sign of our Saviour upon his breast: and with like humility, deeply bend his body for reverence towards Christ's image there. Which was a strange sight to the deceived people of that place.  
So that day which was the xxij. of july, 
Committed to prison in the Tower.  he was delivered up to the Lieutenant of the Towere. Where besides the ordinary miseries incident to that kind of imprisonnement, doubled by the inhuman dealing and deep hatred of Catholics, 
The rigour and hatred of the Lieutenant. Often examined and racked. The interrogatories at his first racking.  of the chief officer there, after sundry examinations, terrors, and threats by the L. Chancellor and other of the Counsel and commission, he was divers times racked, to wring out of him by intolerable torments whose houses he frequented, by whom he was relieved, whom he had reconciled, what he knew (a strange case) by their confessions, when, which way, for what purpose, by what commission, he came into the Realm, how, where, and by whom, he printed and dispersed his books and such like.  
At his first racking they went no farther with him, using no great rigour with him in the torment: 
The 2. racking, is for forged Treasons.  but afterwards when they saw he could not be won to condescend somewhat at least in religion, which they most desired, they thought good to forge matter of treason, and framed their demands accordingly, about which he was so cruelly torn and rend upon the torture the two last times, that he told a secret friend of his that found means to speak with him, that he thought they meant to make him a way in that sort & that they demanded him questions of relieving with money the Irish rebels, of conspiring the Queen's death, invasion of the realm, & of the sense of certain words of a letter which he written to M. Pound for answer of his former, 
The infidelity of the Protestant messenger.  which a good fellow promised by oath & his faith (that is the faith of a protestant) receiving an angel for his labour to deliver saffly, but did not. The meaning of the words he both then and afterwards, as well at the bar, as at his death uttered most sincerely: and for the rest if they had torn him in ten thousand pieces or stilled him to the quint essence, in that holy breast they should never have found any piece of those feigned treasons.  
He used to fall down at the rackehowse door upon both knees to commend himself to God's mercy and to crave his grace of patience in his pains. 
His usage before he went to the rack. His patience upon the rack.  As also being upon the rack he cried continually with much mildness upon God and the holy name of JESUS. And when his body was so cruelly distent and streached upon the torment that he did hang by his arms and feet only, he most charitably forgave his torments, 
His charity.  and the causers thereof, and thanked one of the rack men meekly for putting a stone under his back bone. 
A pitiful case.  He said to his keeper after his last racking, that it was a preface to death.  

The communication betwixt him & his keeper.  And his said keeper ask him the next day how he felt his hands and feet: he answered, not il, because not at al. And being in that case benomme● both of hand and foot, he likened himself to an elephant, 
He was merry in God in all his miseries.  which being down could not rise: when he could hold the bread he had to eat, betwixt both his hands, he would compare himself to an ape: so merry the man of God was in mind in all his bodily miseries.  
Now the enemies not contented thus, and by many other unwonted ways of tortures, secretly as is said used toward him to afflict his body, but also no less by a thousand devilish devices and slanderous reports, 
The Ministers false reports and slanders of him.  sought to wrong him in his fame. Opening all the impure mouths of the Ministers in London, to bark against the man of God: sometimes, that there was great hope he would be come a protestant: sometimes, that he had been at the Church, and service: an other while, that he had uttered upon the rack all that ever he knew: yea sometime they blue out of the Tower, that he had therefore killed himself in prison: which no doubt they would further have avouched, if he had died by racking, as it was very like he should have done.  
The Lieutenant at the beginning hoping verily that he might be gained to their side in some points, either by sweet words, 
The Lieutenant's practice.  great promises of promotions, or extreme tormen, extolled the man exceedingly, affirming divers times that he was such an one as England never brought forth: and sure (said he) it is Gods singular goodness that he returned home. No doubt her Majesty will prefer him to great livings.  
And that he might lack no good pretence to yield unto their desires, 
protestants brought to confer with him.  they often brought to him such divines as they had, to confer with him: and to persuade him privately to relent somewhat to their sect but not prevailing that way, they caused under colour of satisfying his former challenge of disputation, divers public disputs, 
Disputations.  or rather certain light skirmishes, to bark at him, and examine him: 4. or 5. of the contrary side, all provided as well as they could, against one void of all helps saving God's grace and learning: 
The disorder of their conference.  now, one snatching and now another, and sometimes all biting together, besides the Masters of the game, that when they saw F. Campion in answering and defending himself (for he was never suffered to oppose) to gripe the adversaries hard, 
The partiality used in the disputations.  than they parted them with their tipstaves, commanding him to silence, and threatening him with laws, authority and punishment.  
Thus they disputed iij several times with the man of God, showing nothing in the world, but barbarous despite, malice, and so deep ignorance in divinity, that truly divers of the protestants themselves were ashamed thereof, 
Their ignorance in divinity.  and marveled exceedingly at the others learning, meekness, patience and humility. But these disputations are to be published, and long sithince should have been, but that having but hard means to print, and few presses and many other books in hand, it could not yet be done.  
And now by this time falling from all hope of his yielding to them, and so from all pity and good affection towards him, they practised how to make him and his fellows away by foam show of justice, and that not for the new made treasons: that is to say, 
No care of religion.  for mere religion, which in truth few of our adversaries have any care of: but for matters of treason, so called of old, and action against the state, meaning by the state (whatsoever they otherwise pretend) not the preservation of her Majesty & the weal-public in deed, which would and might flourish, and more securely stand with the Catholic Religion, then by the sect now allowed, but the wealfare of some few raised and upholden by this new religion. Well they forged matter for their purpose and to English cares most audible: and found out three or four false fellows that would not stick to swear for their sake the same, against him whom they never knew nor saw in their life, before his apprehension. And yet fearing lest nothing which they could feign and forge should be able for any overt act done or passed to touch him, they fraudulently sought before hand to seek his inward intentions and cogitations of future things also, by certain demands concerning the Bull of excommunication put forth against the Queen, or that might be published hereafter, that so at least they might seem to condemn him for his internal ill affection, whom they could not covinct of any traitorous external fact. So they caused an inditement to be drawn against him and a number more of most godly learned Priests, comprising him and them all in one, and together, that whatsoever couloerably might be avouched or witnessed of the rest or any on of them all either present or absent, all might seem to the simple and to the jeury deeply biazed by fear and authority, to touch him also with the rest.  
The 14 day of November an. 1581. he and seven others were brought from the tower to the king's beanches bar, and a bill of their inditement read in the hearing of F. Campion and the rest: how that in the xxij year of the reign of our sovereign Lady the Queen Maij ultimo, 
The inditement.  in the parties beyond the seas, they had practised the Q. deposition and death, and the stirring of rebellion within, and invasion of the Realm from abroad and such like stuff. Whereupon he was arraigned with the other, and commanded as custom is in such cases, to hold up his hand: but being pitifully by his often cruel racking benumbed before of both his arms, and having them wrapped in a furred cuff, he was ●ot able to lift his hand so high, nor in that sor●●s the rest did, and was required of him: one of his fellows humbly kissing his sacred hands, so wroung for the confession of Christ, took of his cuff, and so he lifted up his arm as high as he could pleading not guilty, as the rest did and not much standing upon privilege of their clergy, 
Small respect of Clergy now.  which they knew in this wicked time in that court could have no place, he and all the other agreed to be tried by God and their country. Wherewith F. Campion said as a true Father in the behalf of himself and the rest of his children: 
F. Campions protestation.  I protest before God and his Angels, before heaven and earth, before the world and this bar whereat I stand, which is but a small resemblance of the terrible judgement of the next life, that I am not guilty thereof, nor of any part of treason contained in the indictment, or of any other treason whatsoever. Again (quoth he) to prove any such thing against me, it is merely impossible. And then with great admiration and zealous indignation he lift up his voice. Is it possible to find xii. so wicked and consciencelesse men in this city or land, that will find us guilty together of this one crime, divers of us never meeting nor knowing one the other before our bringing to this bar? And at the same time when they asked the other severally by whom they would be tried, the blessed confessor M. Sherwin, with great courage, 
M. Sherwins protestation.  clapping his hand upon the bar, answered, That they would be tried by God and the country, and by all the trials that be in heaven or earth, that God or man hath. Thus much only done that day, and a quest was empaneled for the next monday: being the xx. day of the same month. But three of the first of that impanel being Squires, 
Some were loath to be of the Quest.  belike fearing God, and doubting that justice should have no free course that day: but that conscience were like to be put to silence in these men's case, whose blood was so earnestly thirsted a●●er, those three I say appeared not when the day came, 
M. Lie foreman of this Quest.  Lie Vtterbarrester in the Inner temple with the rest, made their appearance. In the mean time F. Campion & his fellow confessors, were recarried to the prisons from whence they came.  
They were brought back again to judgement the xx. day of Novembre before mentioned. 
The grea● number of nobles and others, that were present to see the event of this strange arraignment.  where notwithstanding what commandment soever, or order taken to the contrary, there was such a presence of people, & that of the more honourable, wise, learned and best sort, as was never seen nor heard of in that court, in our, or our father's memories before us, or at any arraignment of the greatest dukes or peers of this land (excepting the number of Lords which are there in that case of necessity) so wonderful an expectation there was, of some, to see the end of this marvelous tragedy, containing so many strange and divers acts, of examining, racking, disputing, treacheries, proditions, subornations of false witnesses, and the like: of others, to behold whether the old honour of la and justice, wherein our nation hath of all the world had the praise, could or durst stand, notwithstanding any violent impression of power and authority to the contrary. Whether there were any Markams left in the land that would yield up coif, office and life, 
In Edward the 4 his days.  rather than give sentence against such as they knew in conscience to be innocent, & in truth not touched by any evidence what soever. But this one day gave that assembly and all the world, both present and to come, proof of the pitiful fall, together with the CATHOLIC FAITH, of Equity, la, conscience and justice, in our poor country.  
For nothing there said by the Queen's Attorney, Solicitor or other counsellors of that kind, 
No sufficient proofs brought against them.  either by any of those that were at their racking, either by the suborned false witnesses, could in any well informed man's conscience, touch any of them: as every of the rest, and specially this man of God F. Campion did point by point prove and declare, 
F. Campions actions least subject to calumniation.  as clear as the sun. Yet of all the rest F. Campions innocency & defence was so plain in all men's sight, that what colour soever might be made for the others condemnation, yet for F. Campions none at al. 
The judgement of them that stood by.  In so much that whilst the jeurie were gone forth, divers wise and well learned lawyers and others, conjecturing and conferring one with an other what should be the verdict, they all agreed that it was impossible to condemn F. Campion, although some of the rest perhaps might upon some sequel be declared guilty.  

They sought specially F. Campions death. M. Popham gave them a watch word that the Q. Would have it found.  But it was F. Campion that specially was designed to die, and for his sake the rest. And therefore no defence could serve. The poor xii. therefore did that, that they thought was looked for at their hands, and made them all guilty, which M. Popham told them must needs be found: the unjustest verdict that ever I think was given up in that land, whereat already, not only England, but all the Christian world doth wonder, and all our posterity shall lament, and be ashamed of the same. Thereupon the sentence of like iniquity, 
The sentence.  that all these holy men should be hanged, drawn and quartered, after the usual terms of judgement in the crime of treason, was given: & so that doleful day was spent. F. Campion and his happy associates rejoiced in God, using divers holy speeches of scriptures to their own comforts and other men's much edifying, and so were sent back to their prisons again, where being laid up in irons for the rest of their time, expected God's mercy and the Queen's pleasure.  
And this blessed F. Campion amongst the rest passed his time with such godly spiritual exercises, 
The good opinion of his keeper.  with such patience and sweet speeches to his keeper and others that had to deal with him, who afterwards having the custody of Norton, comparing their conditions together, said plainly, he had before a Saint in his keeping, & now a Devil: for which speech the plain spoken man was shent.  
And all this while, 
His temptations to yield.  they still tempted him to their religion promising life and liberty, notwithstanding his pretended heinous treasons, if he would yield never so little unto them: 
The Lieutenant's proffer to his sister.  in so much as the Lieutenant said to his sister that came to visit him but iij days before his Martyrdom, if he will yet conform himself, I will make him spend a hundredth pounds by the ear. But his grace & excellency could not be expugned by such base proffers, the kingdom of England and all the wealth and glory therein, not being a just permutation for the least of his virtues, much less for his dear soul bought with Christ's precious blood, and adorned with Gods so singular gifts and graces, the crown and reward whereof, he received upon the first of December as is afore said.  
The morning that he was brought forth to die, he meet with M. Sherwin and M. Brian expecting his coming in Coulharbar. Where there passed much sweet speech and embracing one of an other: all which while M. Lieutenant sought for F. Campions buff ierkines, meaning if he could have found it, for the more disgrace of the man of God, to have executed him in it, so base is the despiteful malice of such, who with all the persecutors of God's Saints, shall be doonge and dirt, when these men shall be glorious in heaven and earth. 
The base & malicious spite of the heretic.  When he was brought forth among the people, he said aloud, God save you, God bless you all, and make you Catholics.  
And so was carried away to the ordinary place of execution, and was hanged upon the new gallows, which is now called among Catholics the Gibbet of Martyrs, 
The Gibbet of Martyrs.  because it was first set up and dedicated in the blood of an innocent Catholic Confessor, and afterwards by this man's, and divers Priests and others Martyrdoms, made sacred.  
After he had travailed a good while in the spiritual harvest of our country, he wrote this letter following of the state thereof to his general, which I will set down in Latin as he wrote it, because he had a special grace in that language.  

THE COPY.  

POSTQVAM, divina fretus misericordia, quintum iam mensem in his locis dego, R. P. putavi faciundum, ut qui status rerum sit, quique videatur futurus, literis exponerem. aves enim scire, sat scio, cum pro communi solicitudine, tum pro tuo in me amore, quid agam, quid sperem, quidve proficiam. Priora scripseram Audomaropoli, que deinceps consecuta sunt, paucis accipe.  
Dei consilio factum interpretor, ut quum dies ipsos quatuor, ventos secundos expectassem, quinto demum, qui festus joanni Baptistae fuit, diuo tutelari meo, cui causam iterque sepe commendaveram, vesperi nauigarē. Postridie, summo mane, Dorobernium appulimus, homulus meus et ego. Ibi minimum abfuit quin caperemur. Coram Praetore civitatis iussi comparuimus. Ille multa coniectat, nos esse qui eramus: hostes haereticarum partium, amantes avitae fidei, dissimulasse nomina, religionis causa domo abfuisse, eius propagandae studio redijsse. unum urgebat, Alanum esse me, quod quidem ego, jure iurando, si opus esset interposito, me negaturum profitebar.  
Tandem decernit, idque crebro repetit, cùm certa custodia, ad regni proceres transmitti oportere. Neque scio, quis illi novam mentem iniecerit, preter Deum, cui tacitus interea supplicabam, D. joanne adhibito precatore, cuius auspicijs eo perveneram. repent prodit senex, cui Deus benefaxit. Placet, inquit, vos dimitti. valet. Avolavimus. Haec & hijs similia, quae hîc experior quum apud me reputo, confirmor in sententia, comprehensum iri, cum ea res ad maiorem Dei gloriam spectabit, non prius.  
Londinun attigi. Duxit me bonus angelus nescientem, in eandem domum, quae P. antea Robertum exceperat. Accurrunt nobilissimi iwenes, salutant, vestiunt, ornant, armant, emittunt ex urbe. Partem aliquam regionis obequito pene quotidie. Ingens omnino messis est. Sedens in equo meditor conciunculam, quam ingressus in domum perpolio. Deinde, si qui me adeunt, colloquor, aut confitentes audio. Mane peracto sacro, verba facio. Aures afferunt sitientes, Sacramenta percipiunt frequentissimi.  
In ijs administrandis passim iwamur à sacerdotibus, quos ubique reperimus. Ita fit ut & populo satisfiat, & haec provincia minus laboriosa nobis reddatur. Presbyteri nostrates ipsi doctrina & sanctimonia praestantes, tantam opinionem nostri ordinis excitarunt, ut venerationem quam nobis exhibent Catholici, non nisi timidè commemorandam existimem. Quò magis videndum est, ut subsidiarij, quibus nunc maximè indigemus, eiusmodi sint, qui haec omnia probè sustentent. Ante omnia concionibus habendis exerceantur. Diu evadere manus haereticorum non possumus: tot oculi, tot ora, tot hostium insidiae.  
Habitu dementissimo sum, quem saepe commuto, itémque nomina. Lego ipse literas, in quarum prima pagella scribirur, Campianus captus est. Hoc iam ita decantatum circunsonat aures meas quocunque venio, ut mihi timor ipse timorem excusserit. Anima mea in manibus meis semper. Hoc afferant meditatum, qui supplementi gratia mittentur.  
Verùm quae solatia in hoc negotio miscentur, ea non solùm formidinem poenae, sed etiam poenas quaslibet infinita dulcedine compensant. Conscientia pura, robur invictum, ardor incredibilis, opera insignis, numerus innumerabilis, summi, medij, infimi, omni aetate & sexu. Hîc inter ipsos haereticos, si qui sunt paulò aequiores, proverbium inolevit, Catholicos esse, qui argentum resoluant quod debent: adeóque si qui Catholici iniuriosiùs quempiam tractant, expostulatur eo nomine, quod à talibus minimè isthuc fieri conveniat.  
In summa, haeresis pessimè audit apud omnes. nec ullum genus hominum vulgo vilius, aut putidius est, ipsorum ministris. Meritò indignamur, in tam perdita causa, homines tam indoctos, tam sceleratos, tam dissectos, tam abiectos, cultissimis ingenijs dominari.  
Circumferuntur in nos edicta minacissima. Cautione, & bonorum precibus, &, quod caput est, divino munere, incolumes bonam Insulae partem pervasimus. Plerosque video, oblitos sui, de nobis esse sollicitos. Quiddam ijs diebus acciderat, quod non speraram, Dei voluntate.  
Posueram in scripto, articulatè causas & postulata quaedam aequissima. Fassus me Presbyterum societatis, hoc animo venisse, ut amplificarem fidem catholicam, docerem evangelium, administrarem sacramenta, petebam à Regina & regni principibus audientiam, & adversarios ad certamen provocabam. Decreveram penes me unum exemplar tenere, ut mecum ad judices raperetur: alterum amico commiseram, ut si me meunque prenderent, illud continuò spargeretur.  
Amicus non caelavit, edidit, teritur, adversarij insaniunt. Pro suggestu respondent, se quidem cupere, Reginam nolle, rebus iam constitutis, ampliùs disputare. Nos lascerant maledictis. Seditiosos, hypocritas, etiam haereticos appellant, quod maximè ridetur. Populus ea re noster est. Mirificè nobis hoc erratum profuit. Si iubemur fide publica, dabimus nos in curiam. Sed nihil minus cogitant.  
Omnes custodiae nostrae refertae sunt catholicis, novae parantur. Nunc demum apertè pronuntiant, satiùs esse paucos internecioni dedere proditores, quàm tot animas prodere. De suis martyribus iam tacent. Superamus enim causa, numero, dignitate, opinione omnium.  
Afferimus pro aliquot apostatis aut sutoribus exustis, Episcopos, Regulos, Equites, antiquissimam nobilitatem, spectacula doctrinae, probitatis, prudentiae, lectissimam iwentutem, matronas illustres, reliquos fortunae mediocris planè extra numerum, omnes aut semel, aut quotidie consumptos. Dum haec scribo, immanissima saevit persecutio. Moesta domus. Nam aut mortem suorum praedicant, aut latebras, aut vincula, aut rapinam bonorum: tamen pergunt animosè.  
Etiam nunc plurimi restituuntur Ecclesiae, novitij milites dant nomina: veterani sanguinem profundunt. Hoc sacro cruore, ijsque hostijs promerebitur Deus, & sine dubio brevi vincemus. Vides ergo R. P. quantopere vestris sacrificijs, & precibus, & caelesti auxilio egeamus.  
Erunt in Anglia, qui curent salutem svam, erunt qui prouehant alienam: irascatur homo, saeviat daemon. Tandiu haec Ecclesia consistet, dum pastores ovibus non deerunt. Impedior praesentissimi rumore periculi, ne plura hoc tempore. Exurgat Deus, & dissipentur inimici eius.  
Vale. Ed. Camp.   

THE SAME IN ENGLISH.  
Right Reverend Father.  
HAVING now passed by God's great mercy five months in these places, I thought it good to give you intelligence by my letters of the present stat of things here, and what we may of likelihood look for, to come: for I am sure both for your common care of us all, & special love to me, you long to know what I do, what hope I have, how I proceed. Of other things that fell before, I wrote from S. Omers, what have sithence happened, now I will briefly recount unto you.  
It fell out, as I construe it, by God's special provision, that tarrying for wind four days together, I should at length take sea the fifth day in the evening, which was the feast of S. john Baptist my peculiar patron, to whom I had often before commended my cause and journey. So we arrived safely at Dover the morrow following very early, my little man and I together. 
Little Raph.  There we were at the very point to be taken, being by commandment brought before the Mayor of the town, who conjectured many things, suspected us to be such as in deed we were, adversaries of the new heretical faction, favourers of the old father's faith, that we dissembled our names, had been abroad for religion, and returned again to spread the same. One thing he especially urged, that I was Allen: which I denied, proffering my oath, if need were for the verefying thereof.  
At length he resolveth (and that so it should be he often repeated) that with some to guard me I should be sent to the Counsel. Neither can I tell who altered his determination, saving God to whom underhand I then humbly prayed, using S. john's intercession also, by whose happy help I safely came so far. Suddenly cometh forth an old man, God give him grace for his labour. Well (quoth he) it is agreed you shall be dismissed, far you well. And so we to go apace. The which things considered and the like that daily befall unto me, I am verily persuaded, that one day I shall be apprehended: but that, then, when it shall most pertain to God's glory, and not before.  
Well, I came to London, and my good Angel guided me unwitting into the same house that had harboured F. Robert before. Wither young Gentlemen came to me, one every hand, they embrace me, reapparrel me, fornish me, weapon me, and convey me out of the city. I ride about some piece of the country every day. The harvest is wonderful great. On horse back I meditate my sermon, when I come to the house I poolish it. Then I talk with such as come to speak with me, or hear their confessions. In the morning after Mass I preach. They hear with exceeding greediness, & very often receive the Sacraments.  
For the ministration whereof we are ever well assisted by Priests whom we find in every place, whereby both the people is well served and we much eased in our charge. The Priests of our country themselves being excellent for virtue & learning, yet have raised so great an opinion of our society, that I dare scarcely touch the exceeding reverence all catholics do unto us. How much more is it requisite, that such as hereafter are to be sent for supply, whereof we have  need, be such as may answer all men's expectation of them. Specially let them be well trained for the pulpit. I can not long escape the hands of the Heretics, the enemies have so many eyes, so many tongues, so many scouts and crafts.  
I am in apparel to myself very ridiculous, I often change it and my name also. I read letters sometimes myself that in the first front tell news, That Campion is taken. Which noised in every place where I come, so filleth mine ears with the sound thereof, that fear itself at taken away all fear. My soul is in my own hands ever. Let such as you send for supply preemeditate and make count of this always.  
Marry the solaces that are ever intermeddled with these miseries are so great, that they do not only countervail the fear of what punishment temporal soever, but by infinite sweetness, make all worldly pains be they never so great seem nothing. A conscience pure, a courage invincible, zeal incredible, a work so worthy, the number innumerable, of high degree, of mean calling, of the inferior sort, of every age and sex. Here even amongst the Protestants themselves that are of milder nature it is turned into a proverb, that he must be a Catholic that payeth faithfully that he oweth, in so much that if any catholic do injury, every body expostulateth with him as for an act unworthy of men of that calling.  
To be short, Heresy heareth ill of all men: neither is there any condition of people commonly counted more vile & impure than their Ministers. And we worthily have indignation, that fellows so unlearned, so evil, so derided, so base, should in so desperate a quarrel overrule such a number of noble wits as our Realm hath.  
Threatening edicts come forth against us daily, notwithstanding by good heed, and the prayers of good men, & which is the chief of all, by God's special gift, we have passed safely through the most part of the ●land. I find many neglecting their own security, to have only care of my safety. A certine matter fell out these days by God's appointment unlooked for.  
I had set down in writing by several articles the causes of my coming in, and made certain demands most reasonable. I professed myself to be a Priest of the society, that I returned to enlarge the Catholic faith, to teach the Gospel, to minister the Sacraments, humbly ask audience of the Queen & the nobility of the Realm, & proffering disputations to the adversaries. One copy of this writing I determined to keep with me: that if I should fall into the officers hands it might go with me: an other copy I laid in a friends hand, that when myself with tother should be seized on, tother might thereupon straight be dispersed.  
But my said friend kept it not close long but divulged it, and it was red greedily, whereat the adversaries were mad, answering out of their pulpits, that themselves certes would not refuse to dispute but the Queen's pleasure was not, that matters should be called to question, being already established. In the mean while they tear and sting us with their venomous tongues, calling us seditious, hypocrites, yea, heretics too, which is much laughed at. The people hereupon is ours, and that error of spreading abroad this writing, hath much advanced the cause. If we be commanded and may have safe conduct, we will into the court.  
But they mean nothing less, for they have filled all the old prisons with Catholics, and now make new, and in fine plainly affirm, that it were better to make a few traitors away, then so many souls should be lost.  
Of their martyrs they brag no more now, for it is now come to pass, that for a few apostatats and cobblers of theirs burned, we have Bishops, Lords, kinghtes, the old nobility, patterns of learning piety and prudence, the flower of the youth, noble matrons, and of the inferior sort innumerable, either martyred at once, or by consuming prisonment dying daily. At the very writing hereof the persecution rageth most cruelly, the house where I am is sad: no other talk, but of death, flight, prison, or spoil of their friends. Nevertheless they proceed with courage.  
Very many even at this present being restored to the Church, new soldiers give up their names, whiles the old offer up their blood. By which holy hosts and oblations, God will be pleased: and we shall no question, by him overcome.  
You see now therefore Reverend Father, how much need we have of your prayers and sacrifices, and other heavenly help to go through with these things. There will never want in England men that will have care of their own salvation, nor such as shall advance other men's. Neither shall this Church here ever fail, so long as Priests and pastors shall be found for the sheep: rage man or devil never so much. But the rumour of present peril causeth me here to make an end. Arise God, his enemies avoid.  
Far you well. Ed. Camp.     

M. RALPH. SHERWINE PRIEST, AND MASTER OF ART.  
FATHER Campion having so gloriously triumphed over the world the flesh the devil, and Heresy, and had received his long desired crown: 
M. Sherwins spiritual exercises.  M. Ralph Sherwin a godly, wise, discreet, and learned priest, was brought into the cart, a man so mortified, so feebled with fasting, watching, and such other spiritual exercises, as was wonderful unto such, who had conversed with him before his imprisonment.  

His behaviour in the cart.  He standing upon the cart, with closed eyes, with hands lifted up to heaven in contemplation and prayer, all men marking his demeanur, with mild voice first made this demand: Doth the people expect that I should speak? Being answered of many and some of nobility, yea, yea, with stout courage and strong voice he said.  
Then first, I thank the omnipotent and most merciful God the Father, for my creation: my sweet and loving Saviour CHRIST JESUS, for my redemption: and the holy Ghost, for my sanctification: three persons and one God.  
After this thanks giving unto the holy and blessed Trinity, entering into the discourse of his faith, his condemnation and death, was interrupted and stayed by Sir Francis Knowles' and the Sheriffs, saying: you have declared your faith, and we know it, come to the point, and confess your treason & disloyaultie towards your Prince.  

innocency.  Whereupon he constantly said, I am innocent and guiltless. And being still urged, answered, I will not bely myself, for so should I condemn my own soul. And although I have confusion in this world, yet I doubt not of my salvation in CHRIST JESUS, in whom only I look to be saved, and in whose death, Passion, and blood I only trust: and so made a sweet prayer to JESUS acknowledging the imperfection, misery, and sinful wretchedness of his own nature, 
The cause of his going beyond the seas.  still protesting his innocency from all Treasons and traitorous practices, & that his going out of this Realm beyond the seas, was only for his soul's health, to learn to save his soul.  
And being again interrupted by Sir Francis Knowles' he answered in this wise, Tush, tush, you and I shall answer this before an other judge, where my innocency shallbe known, and you see that I am guiltless of this. Whereupon Sir Francis said, 
By consequence quoth he?  we know you are no contriver or doer of this treason, for you are no man of arms, but you are a traitor by consequence.  
But M. Sherwin boldly answered, If to be a CATHOLIC only, if to be a perfect Catholic, be to be a traitor then am I a traitor. After which words being by authority debarred of further speech, he said, I forgive all who either by general presumption, 
His charity.  or particular error have procured my death, and so devoutly prayed unto JESUS: 
They batie this Bull wonderfully.  after which prayer he was urged to speak his opinion touching POPE Pius his Bul. to which point he gave no answer.  
Then being willed to pray for the Q M. he answered, I have, and do. at which words the L. Howard again asked, which Q. he meant, whether Elizabeth Queen? 
He smileth as their folly.  to whom somewhat smiling he said, Yea for Elizabeth Queen, I now at this instant pray my Lord God to make her his servant in this life, and after this life coheir with CHRIST JESUS.  
When he had thus prayed, there were there, 
A heinous treason, to wish the Q. salvation.  which said openly, that he meant, to make her a Papist, to whom he boldly replied, Else God forbidden. And so collecting himself to prayer, died patiently, constantly, and mildly, crying, JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, esto mihi JESUS.  
Thus this blessed man was delivered of this corruptible body. of whose life I thought good ●o set down some few lines also. He was a Master of art, 
He was Senior in the act.  and so well learned, that he was Senior of his act or commencement, which is a school charge of honour, and done by him in the presence of the Earl of Leicester, and divers other of the nobility that came from the court, then lying at Wodstocke, to their great liking and his commendation. 
And skilful in the tongues. Left the university. Went to Douai.  He was also very skilful in the three tongues. And leaving the University, and the condition he had in his college, for conscience sake, went over to Douai to the Seminary that was then there: and after some years study in Divinity was made Priest the twenty-three of March the year M.D lxxvij. together with M. Laurence johnson, 
Was made Priest.  that was martyred under the name of Richardson, and the ij. of August the same year, 
He went to Rome.  he was sent to Rome in company with M. Rishton who was condemned with him also, where he studied in the Seminary, till the year M.D.LXXX. at what time he returned homeward, and came to Rheims where he stayed certain days after his fellows (who then by divers ways and ports were entered into the Realm) upon this occasion.  

A motion made to the Pope, of a Suffragan for England.  There was not long before special suit made to his Holiness, that as we had of priests to all spiritual purposes good store for our country, so we might have at least one Suffragan or Bishop to supply divers necessary functions that could not be done by the inferior clergy, as amongst other things the sacrament of Confirmation, 
Great lack of Confirmation.  which being specially ordained of our Saviour to give strength and constancy to stand in defence of the faith in such times of persecution as this is, was much necessary for our country, and could not be had, by reason all our true Bishops were either dead in prison, or so restrained that they could not exercise that, or other their holy ministries.  
The POPE though he deliberated thereupon some days, 
Causes why the Pope would not grant it.  yet in the end upon very many wise considerations, and specially for that he would not have any of that high calling to fall into the hands of the enemy, not doubting but that they would use such an one as barbarously, as any other Priest or Catholic, did not think it good at that time to create any such.  
But afterwards the right Reverend in God Thomas Goldwel Bishop of S. Assaph, 
The cause why the Bishop of S. Assaph came out of Italy.  a most Venerable and ancient Confessor, that hath suffered banishment for his conscience half his life, though he be well near lxxx years of age, hearing the marvelous zeal of so many Godly Priests, and their heroical endeavours for the salvation of their country, was stirred in spirit, and much desired to end the remnant of his old years in the service of his country, & went to his Holiness to desire his leave and benediction in that behalf: and with much ado, for that great respect was had of his dignity and old age, it was granted him.  
Whereupon the old honourable Father adventured down as far as Rheims in all the heat, where he gave to the Seminary the greatest comfort, and the same yielded to him all the contentment in the world. Consulting there how to gain our country to salvation by any office of life, or by glad suffering of death itself.  
Which meeting, 
What the Counsel imagined of his, and others coming down.  and specially that old and Reverend Confessors coming down for England as they all deemed, put marvelous concepts into the Counsels heads, that there was some great and new attempt or invasion toward: for worldly men standing only at the watch of the temporal state, could not imagine that for gaining of a soul or two, or for conversion of a kingdom either, such men would be so diligent and venturous as to come upon their picks and roopes without some worldly succours.  

The cause of the Bishop's stay and return.  Now it so chanced by God's providence that the said Lord of S. Assaph for other causes and specially for that he fell into a very dangerous ague with the contagious cough which then reigned in Rheims, he could not pass on in his journey so speedily as other of the Society and Priests did, and therefore for his more honour & comfort some other & specially this man of God. M. Sherwin offered to tarry with his Lordship during his sickness, and then when God should send him strength to be one of his chapliens and conductors into his country, but it was resolved at length that for the uncertainty of his recovery, M. Sherwin should pass forward toward Rouen, and there rather to expect him as he did.  
But the good Father now much weakened by his sickness, and otherwise not well appointed, nor in deed fit for to take the pains, nor any ways by reason of his markable person, very great age and feebleness, long like to escape the persecutors hands, was in fine altered from that purpose, and after his recovery he thought good, rather to return into Italy again, as he did.  

His apprehension.  And M. Sherwin went forward towards England, where after his arrival he occupied himself in all functions belonging to Priesthood, with great zeal and charity, and soon after he was taken in M. Roscarrokes' chamber in London, 
How he was used in prison.  and committed to the marshalsea, where he lay night and day in a great pair of shakles for the space of a month.  
In November after his emprisonement, there came word from the Knight Marshal to the keeper of the marshalsea, to understand of him, whether there were any Papists in his prison that durst or would maintain their cause by disputation, 
A motion of disputations.  and if there were any such, that then they should send him such questions as they would defend, subscribed with their hands, and make them ready to dispute, for they should understand from him shortly, of the manner, time and place, how and where to dispute.  
This motion was so well liked of the Catholics, 
Accepted by the Catholics.  that this M. Sherwin and two other Priests that were condemned with him afterwards, M. Hart & M. Bosgrave offered themselves to the combat, drew out questions, subscribed their names, and sent them to the said. K Marshal. But their questions pleasing him not, they do accept and allow of other questions sent unto them from the said K. Marshal, and do expect with joyful mind the day appointed to dispute.  
But lo, 
He is removed to the Tower.  even the day before they should have disputed, M. Sherwin was removed to the Tower. where he was at sundry & several times examined and racked.  
In his first racking he was asked where F. Campion and F. Parsons were, 
His racking, and the interrogatories.  why he and they came over into England, what acquaintance he had here in England, whether he had said Mass in M. Roskarokes' chamber, and whether he had of him at any time money. 
His conferences with the Ministers did much good.  He was close prisoner almost a whole year, in which time he had divers conferences with Ministers both privately, and in some open audience both of honourable and worshipful, to the honour of God, the benefit of his afflicted Church, and to the admiration of most of the hearers. He was after his first racking, fet out in a great snow, and laid upon the rack, 
Great cruelty.  and the Gentleman in whose chamber he was taken, was kept in a buy dark corner, to hear his pitiful groans and complaints.  
On Midsomer-day in the year 1581., 
He was dealt with all to go to the schismatical Church.  he was called before the Lieutenant (as likewise all his fellow prisoners were) who demanded of him by commission from the Counsel, whether he would go to their heretical service, who refusing, the Lieutenant told him the danger of a late statute made in that behalf, and that farther he should be indited upon that statute with in ij or iij days, so that at that time as it should seem, 
The treason as then not hatched.  they had no such matter to lay against him as after was pretended, for it was not as then, thoroughly hatched.  
The order of his life in his spare diet, his continual prayer and meditation, 
Even the Protestants did admire his virtues.  his long watching with oft & sharp discipline used upon his body caused great admiration to his keeper. who would always call him, a man of God, and the best and devoutest Priest that ever he saw in his life.  
When he came out of the Lieutenant's hall (with other of his fellows, two days or there about before he was Martyred, having talked with a Minister, who was never so holden up to the wall in his life, 
His notable speech to F. Campion.  by report of such as stood by) he uttered these words, Ah F. Campion, I shall be shortly above yonder fellow, pointing to the sun, with such a courage, that some said he was the resolutest man that ever they saw.  
He will never be forgotten in the Tower, for some words which he spoke when he was ready to go to execution, attending F. Campion, who was lodged further of. Charke the Minister can best report them, 
The very Ministers judge him innocent.  who stood hard by him. Some of Charkes fellow Ministers said, those words could not come from a guilty conscience.  

THE COPY OF A LETTER WRITTEN out of the Tower by M. Sherwin to his friends. iij or iiij of the latter lines, are wanting.  
BEING weary of well doing, and yet desirous not to do nothing (my dear companions) I chose rather by writing unto you to perform my duty then otherwise to recreate my head with cogitations less necessary.  
Your liberality I have received, and disposed thereof to my great contentation, when hereafter at the pleasure of God we shall meet in heaven, I trust you shallbe repaid Cum foenore. Delay of our death doth somewhat dull me, it was not without cause that our Master himself said, Quod facis fac cito.  
Truth it is I hoped ere this, casting of this body of death, to have kissed the precious glorified wounds of my sweet Saviour, sitting in the throne of his fathers own glory. Which desire as I trust descending from above, hath so quieted my mind, that since the judicial sentence proceeded against us, neither the sharpness of the death hath much terrified me, nor the shortness of life much troubled me.  
My sins are great I confess, but I flee to God's mercy: my negligences are without number I grant, but I appeal to my redeemers clemency. I have no boldness but in his blood, his bitter passion is my only consolation. It is comfortable that the Prophet hath recorded, which is, that he hath written us in his hands. Oh that he would vouchsafe to writ himself in our hearts, how joyful should we then appear before the tribunal seat of his Father's glory: the dignity whereof when I think, my flesh quaketh, not sustaining by reason of mortal infirmity the presence of my creators Majesty.  
Our Lord perfect us to that end whereunto we were created, that leaving this world, we may live in him, and of him, world without end. It is thought that upon Monday or Tuesday next we shall be passable, God grant us humility, that we following his fotesteps may obtain the victory.   

AN OTHER LETTER WRITTEN BY him the day before his Martyrdom, to his uncle M. john Wodward, a venerable Priest, abiding at Rouen.  Absit ut gloriemur, nisi in CRUCE Domini IESV CHRISTI etc. 
MY dearest uncle, after many conflicts and worldly corrasies, mixed with Spiritual consolations, and Christian comforts, it hath pleased God of his unspeakable mercy to call me out of this vale of misery. To him therefore for all his benefits at all times and for ever, be all praise and glory.  
Your tender care always had over me, and cost bestowed on me, I trust in heaven shall be rewarded. My prayers you have still had, and that was but duty, other tokens of a grateful mind I could not show, by reason of my restrained necessity.  
This very morning, which is the festival day of S. Andrew, I was advertised by superior authority, that tomorrow I was to end the course of this life, God grant I may do it, to the imitation of this noble Apostle and servant of God, and that with joy I may say rising of the herdle: Salue sancta CRUX etc.  
innocency is my only comfort, against all the forged villainy which is fathred on my fellow Priests and me. Well when by the high judge God himself this false vizard of treason shall be removed from true Catholic men's faces, then shall it appear who they be that carry a well meaning, and who an evil murdering mind, in the mean season God forgive all injustice, and if it be his blessed will to convert our persecutors, that they may become professors of his truth.  
Prayers for my soul procure for me my loving patron, and so having great need to prepare myself for God, never quieter in mind, nor less troubled towards God, binding all my iniquities up in his precious wounds, I bid you far well, yea and once again the lovingest uncle that ever kinsman had in this world, far well.  
God grant us both his grace and blessing until the end, that living in his fear, and dying in his favour, we may enjoy one the other for ever. And so my good old john far well. Salute all my fellow Catholics, and so without farther troubling of you, my sweetest benefactor, farewell. On S. Andrewes day. 1581.  
Your cozen, Ralph Sherwin Priest.    

M. Alexander Brian Priest, and graduate.  
AFTER these two glorious martyrs, was brought unto his martyrdom M. Alexander Brian, a man not unlearned, 
M. Brian's rare gifts.  of a very sweet grace in preaching, but of passing zeal, patience, constancy and humility, of whose pressures in prison and tortures (strange I dare say among heathens, more monstrous among Christians) I will speak a none.  
Being in the cart prepared to death, he began first to declare his bringing up in the Catholic faith and religion, his being in Oxford, upon which word he was stayed by one saying: what have we to do with Oxford? come to the purpose, and confess thy treason. 
innocency.  Whereupon he answered, I am not guilty of any such death, I was never at Rome, nor then at Rheims, when D. Saunders came into Irland. To this end he spoke and protested, as he would answer before God.  
He spoke not much, but where as he was urged more than the other to speak what he thought of the said Bull of Pius quintus, 
This Bull is still revived.  he said he did believe of it as all Catholics and the Catholic faith doth, and thereupon protesting himself to die a true Catholic, as he was saying Miserere mei Deus, was delivered of the cart with more pain by negligence of the hangman then either of the other, who after his beheading, himself dismembered, his heart, bowels, and entrails burned, to the great admiration of some, being laid upon the block his belly downward, lifted up his whole body then remaining from the ground: and this I add upon report of others, not mine own sight.  
Of this man's life we will not speak, though it was always for all virtue & grace most spectable, but add only a few words of the things that he endured for his faith in the time of his imprisonment.  

He is taken and his chamber riffeled.  About the 28. of April he was apprehended in his chamber at midnight by Norton, his chamber riffeled, three pounds of money taken from him (for that is a principal verb in all apprehensions of Catholics) his apparel and other things, especially a trunk wherein was a silver Chalice, & much other good stuff, which was not his, but committed to his custody taken away also, and he sent close prisoner to the Counter, with commandment to stay all that asked for him, 
He was almost famished.  & that he should have neither meat nor drink, who in such order continued until he was almost famished.  
In fine by friendship or what means. I know not, he got a penny worth of hard cheese, and a little broken bread, with a pint of strong bear, which brought him into such an extreme thirst, that he assayed to take with his hat the drops of rain from the house eves, but could not reach them.  
The morrow after the Ascension day he was removed to the Tower, where he verily thought, 
He is removed to the Tower.  he should have been utterly famished, & therefore carried with him a little piece of his hard cheese, 
His fear of famine there.  which his keeper in searching him found about him, but M Brian humbly entreaded his keeper not to take it from him. His ordinary allowance in drink, which was at every meal a potel-potful, could not for a great while suffice him, such was his exceeding thirst.  
Within two days after his coming to the Tower, he was brought before the Lieutenant, 
His examination.  M. D. Hammon, and Norton, who examined him after their common manner, first in tendering an oath to answer to all etc. And because he would not confess where he had seen F. Parsons, how he was manteined, where he had said Mass, 
A cruel kind of Torment.  and whose confessions he had hard: they caused needles to be thrust under his nails, whereat M. Brian was not moved at all, but with a constant mind and pleasant countenance said the Psalm Miserere, desiring God to forgive his tormentors. Whereat D. Hammon stamped and stared, as a man half beside himself, saying, What a thing is this, if a man were not settled in his religion, this were enough to convert him.  
He was even to the dismembering of his body rend and torn upon the rack, 
He was pitifully racked.  because he would not cofesse where F. Parsons was, where the print was, & what books he had sold, and so was returned to his lodging for that time.  

His racked again almost to death.  Yet the next day following notwithstanding the great distemperature and soreness of his whole body, his senses being dead, and his blood congealed (for this is the effect of racking) he was brought to the torture again, and there stretched with greater severity then before (supposing with himself, that they would pluck him in pieces, and to his thinking there was a vain broken in his hand, and that blood issued out there apace) he put on the armour of patience, resolving to die, rather than to hurt any creature living, and having his mind raised in contemplation of Christ's bitter PASSION, he sounded, that they were fame to sprinkle cold water on his face to revive him again, yet they released no part of his pain.  

The POPE, not the Queen, is head of the Church.  And here Norton, because they could get nothing of him, asked him, whether the Queen were supreme head of the Church of England or not, to this he said, I am a Catholic, and I believe in this as a Catholic should do. Why said Norton, They say the POPE is. And so say I, answered M. Brian.  

So was CHRIST, and S. Paul used, by the like men.  Here also the Lieutenant used railing and reviling words, and bobbed him under the chin, and flapt him on the cheeks after an uncharitable manner. And all the commissioners rose up and went their way, giving commandment to leave him so all night, at which when they saw he was nothing moved, they willed he should be taken from the torment, 
This is a terrible Dungeon.  and sent him again to Walesboure, where not able to move hand nor foot or any part of his body, he lay in his clothes xv. days together without bedding in great pain and anguish.  
When he went to westminster hall to be condemned, 
He was not ashamed of his Master's Badge.  he made a Cross, of such wodd as he could get, which he carried with him openly, he made shift also to shave his crown, because he would signify to the prating Ministers, (which scoffed and mocked him at his apprehension, saying that he was ashamed of his vocation) that he was not ashamed of his holy orders, nor yet that he would blush at his religion. When he was condemned, irons ●vere commanded upon him, and the rest, as soon as they came home to the Tower, and they were never taken of till they were fetch forth to be martyred.  
These torments and the man's constancy are comparable truly to the old strange sufferings of the renowned Martyrs of the primative Church in the days of Nero, Decius and Diocletian, which he could never have borne by human strength, if God had not given his singular and supernatural grace. Himself confessed that by a vow he made and other special exercises, he had great consolation in all these vexations, whereof I will set down his own words in an Epistle that he wrote to the Fathers of the society in England.  

YET now, sith I am by the appointment of God deprived of liberty, so as I can not any longer employ myself in this profitable exercise: my desire is eftsoons revived, my spirit waxeth fervent hot, & at the last I have made a vow and promise to God, not rashly (as I hope) but in the fear of God, not to any other end, then that I might thereby more devoutly, and more acceptably serve God, to my more certain salvation, and to a more glorious triumph over my ghostly enemy. I have made a vow (I say) that when so ever it shall please God to deliver me (so that once at the length it like him) I will with in one year than next following, assign myself wholly to the fathers of the society, and that (If God inspire their hearts to admit me) I will gladly, and with exceeding great joy thoroughly, and from the bottom of my heart give up and surrender all my will to the service of God, and in all obedience under them.  
This vow was to me a passing great joy, and consolation, in the mids of all my distresses, and tribulations. And therefore, with greater hope to obtain fortitude and patience, I drew near to the throne of his divine majesty, with the assistance of the blessed and perpetual virgin MARIE, and of all the Saints. And I hope verily this came of God, for I did it even in the time of prayer, when me thought, my mind was settled upon heavenly things. For thus it was.  
The same day that I was first tormented on the rack, before I came to the place, ●euing my mind to prayer, and commending myself and all mine to our Lord, I was replenished, and filled up with a kind of supernatural sweetness of Spirit. And even while I was calling upon the most holy name of JESUS, and upon the blessed virgin MARIE (for I was in saying the rosary) my mind was cheerfully disposed, well comforted, and readily prepared and bend, to suffer and endure those torments which even then I most certainly looked for. At the length my former purpose came into my mind, and there with all a thought coincidently fell upon me to ratify that now by vow, which before I had determined. When I had ended my prayers: I revolved these things in my mind deeply: and with reason (as well as I could) I did debate and discuss them thoroughly: I judge i● good, and expedient for me: I accomplished my desire: I put forth my vow and promise freely and boldly, with the condition a for● said.  
Which act, (me thinketh) God himself did approve and allow by and by. ●or in all my afflictions and torments, he of his infinite goodness, mercifully and tenderly, did stand by and assist me, comforting me in my trouble and necessity. Delivering my soul from wicked lips, from the deceitful tongue, and from the roaring lions, then ready gaping for their prey.  
Whether this that I will say, be miraculous or no, God he knoweth: but true it is, and thereof my conscience is a witness before God. And this I say: that in the end of the torture though my hands and feet were violently stretched and racked, & my adversaries fulfilled their wicked lust, in practising their ●ruell tyranny ●pon my body, yet notwithstanding I was with out sense and feeling well nigh of all grief, and p●●ine: and not so only, but as it were comforted, eased and refreshed of the grieves of the torture by past, I continued still with perfect and present senses, in quietness of heart, and tranquillity of mind. Which thing when the commissioners did see, they departed, and in going forth of the door, they gave order to rack me again the next day following, after the same sort. Now, when I heard them say so: It gave me in my mind by and by and I did verily believe and trust, that with the help of God, I should be able to bear and suffer it patiently In the mean time (as well as I could) I did muse and meditate upon the most bitter passion of our saviour, and how full of innumerable pains it was. And whiles I was thus occupied: me thought, that my left hand was wounded in the palm, and that I felt the blood run out, but in very deed there was no such thing, nor any other pain then that, which seemed to be in my hand.  
Now then, that my suit and request may be well known unto you: for so much as I am out of hope, in short time to recover and ●●love my former liberty so as I might personally speak unto you, And whether happily I shall once at length speak unto you in this world, no moral man doth know. In the mean season I humbly submit myself unto you, and (suppliantly kneeling) I besecht you, to do, and dispose for me, and of me, as shall seem good to your wisdom. And with an humble mind most heartily I crave, that (if it may be in my absens) it would please you to admit me into you. Society, and to register and enrol me among you: that so, with humble men I may have a sense and feeling of hum●●●●ie, 〈◊〉 devour men I may sound out a lowde, the lauds and praises of God, & continually render thanks to him, forms benefits: and then after being aided by the prayers of many, I may run more safely to he mark which I shoot at, and with out peril attain to the price tha● is promised.  
And I am not ignorant that the snares and wiles of our ancient enemy are infinite: for he is the sly serpent, which lieth in the shadow of woods, winding, whirling, and turning about many ways: and with his wiles and subtle shifts he attempteth marvelously to delude and abuse the souls of the simple which want a faithful guide: in so much, as it is not without cause, that we are admonished to try the spirits, if they be of God. To you therefore, because you are spiritual, and accustomed to this kind of conflict. I commend all this business: beseeching you even by the boweles of God's mercy that you would vouchsafe to direct me with your counsel and wisdom. And if in your sight it seem profitable, for more honour to God, more commodity to his Church, and eternal sasuation to my soul, that I be preferred to that Society of the most holy name of JESUS: then presently before God, and in the court of my conscience, I do promise obedience, to all and singular Rectors, and governors established all ready, or to be hereafter established, and likewise to all rules, or laws received in this society, to the uttermost of my power, and so far as God doth give me grace: God is my witness, and this my own hand writing shallbe a testimony hereof in the day of judgement. As for the health of my body, you have no cause to doubt, for now well near I have recovered my former strength and hardness. By God's help, & I wax every day stronger than other. Thus in all other things commending myself to your prayers. I bid you farewell in our Lord, carefully expecting what you think good to determine of me.  
Vale.     

❧ An old fellow of F. Campions would needs satisfy his devotion towards him in these verses, which came to my hand after his life was printed, and therefore I was forced to put them somewhat out of place.  
SIT mihifas EDMVNDE pater, quia mors tua verè  
Sancta est, vitae etiam sic meminisse tuae.  
Novi te Oxonij puerum puer haeret imago  
Primatui cordi non abolenda meos  
Doctus eras, facundus eras, gratissimus unus  
Omnibus ob mores ingeniumque tuum.  
Per quoscunque gradus ires, Seu laurea hacca,  
Sive Magisterij te decoraret honor,  
Primus eras, princepsque gregis, cessere priores  
Partes & palmam caetera turba tibi.  
Post ubi maturis fieres provectior annis,  
Procurator eras: hic honor amplus erat.  
Multorum interea prudens, pius, atque peritus  
Nobilium doctor, Caetera quid memorem?  
Omnia pro Christo, reputas quasi stercor●, n●uem  
Scandis, & angustas traijcis exul aquas.  
Moxque Duacena consistis in urbe, dommoque  
Anglorum, cuius Praeses Alanus erat.  
Totus es in studijs suoris, quorum ante●semper  
Pene tibi puero mirits inhaesit amor.  
Timotheo similis didicisti valde adolescens  
Quae peritura fore●t non aliquando bona.  
Accessit sacris studijs sacer & gradus: illum  
Sacra Duacenae iura dedere scholae.  
Pergis & ascendis caelestia versus, honores  
Nec petis humanos aemplius: alta magis  
Et divina petis. Domus est celeberrima, JESV  
Nomine dicta, illi te sociare cupis.  
Is Romam: factus socius de nomine JESV,  
jussus es Arctoas mox peragrare plagas.  
Bruna tibi primùm, post est habitata Vienna,  
Tertia p●stremò mansio ●●●ga fuit.  
Hic tibi crevit honor, crevit nomenque decusque.  
Famaque Teutonico grandis in orb tua est,  
Multa doces, scribis, loqueris: Rectore iubente,  
Omnia tam facílè, quàm jubet ille, facis.  
Sive perorares rhetor, facundia qualis!  
Seu metra conficeres, quis meliora dedit!  
AMBROSIA est testis, sic dicta tragaedia, cuius  
Applausum, incessit tota theatra tremor.  
Sed tamen excellens inter tua talia multa,  
Festo quoque die Sermo latinus erat.  
Obstupuere homines docti, quae maxima turba  
Adfuit: attonitus Caesar & ipse fuit.  
Os tibi mellifluum, faci●i grat● venustas,  
Vox dulcis, lenis, plena, s●nora, gravis.  
Res sacrae, eloquium sanctum, divina loquel●●  
Spiritus accensus totus amore Dei.  
Haesere astantes in te vultúque manúque,  
Inque tuas voces pendula turba fuit.  
Quid multis? multas animas lucraris ab orco,  
Hussum & Lutherum saepe valere iubent.  
Hos inter varios conatus atque labores,  
jussus es ad patrios ire repent lares.  
Anglia mox repetenda tibi est, quae relligionis  
Causa iam pridem terra relicta tibi est.  
Longum iter ingressus pedibus, latéque patentes  
Permensus terras, ad tua vota venis.  
Saluus & incolumis Christo duce littorae prensa●,  
Formidanda alijs, sed tibi tuta satis.  
Haeresis hic regnat, non una aut altera, multos  
Multorum errores insulae parva colit.  
Hanc syluam ingressus variarum hinc inde ferarum,  
Te pugnae contra tot fera monstrá paras.  
Immo ultrò invitas, sed nemo restipulatur:  
Horror erat, tecum disseruisse palam.  
Scribis adhuc modicum sed magno pondere librum:  
Ecce novus metus, & maior in hoste furor.  
Interea peragrans regionem ultróque citróque,  
Atque docens veram C●●●olicamque fide●●  
Omnia tr●xisti tecum; liquefacta fluebant  
Ligna, Petrà, montes ignibus icta tuis.  
Magnatum ipsorum mollescunt corda, tu●rum  
Fulmine verb●rum, caetera turba magis.  
Poenituit vitae pariter fideique prioris,  
Et se tam miseros ante fuisse pudet.  
Ardor inest animis, devotio pectora complet,  
jamque colunt mira relligione Deum.  
Post annum captus, vinctus, ductúsque triumph●,  
Tortus, & in mortem judicis o●e datus.  
Denique perpossus quacunque habet iste libellus,  
Inter tot fratres MARTY● ad astra migras  
O foelix vitae cursus, finisque beatus:  
Fortiter in domino pro Dominoque mori.  
Sis mihi quasò tuo facilis patronus alumno,  
Nec cesses pro me saepe rogare Deum.  
 
Thus far of the three first, which only of the xiv condemned the xx and xxi of November 1580, were as you have heard together executed.  
Now how after long tract of time, strait handling, and much art used, to make them either confess the feigned fact, or deny their faith: Seven more of them were Martyred, after their examinanation in these articles following, & their several answers subscribed with their own hands, and with the iiij commissioners attestation of the truth of the act, we will briefly report.   

THE ARTICLES MINISTERED TO THE 7 PRIESTS, AND OTHERS CONDEMNED WITH THEM, WITH the answers of these 7 to the same. 13. Maij. 1582.  
WHETHER the Bull of Pius quintus against the Queen's Majesty, be a lawful sentence, and aught to be obeyed by the subjects of England?  
2 Whether the Queen's Majesty be a lawful Queen, and aught to be obeyed by the subjects of England, notwithstanding the Bull of Pius quintus, or any other Bull or sentence that the Pope hath pronounced, or may pronounce against her Majesty?  
3 Whether the Pope have or had power to authorize the Earls of Northumberlande and Vvestmerland, and other her majesties subjects, to rebel or take arms against her Majesty, or to authorize Doctor Saunders, or others, to invade Ireland, or any other her dominions, and to bear arms against her, and whether they did therein lawfully or no?  
4 Whether the Pope have power to discharge any of her highness subjects, or the subjects of any Christian prince from their allegiance or oath of obedience to her Majesty, or to their prince for any cause?  
5 Whether the said Doctor Saunders, in his book of the visible monarchy of the Church, and Doctor Bristowe, in his book of Motives (writing in allowance, commendation, and confirmation of the said Bull of Pius quintus) have therein taught, testified, or maintained a truth or a falsehood?  
6 If the Pope do by his Bull or sentence pronounce her Majesty to be deprived, and no lawful Queen, and her subjects to be discharged of their allegiance and obedience unto her: and after, the Pope or any other by his appointment and authority, do invade this Realm, which part would you take, or which part ought a good subject of England to take?  

Luke Kirbyes' Answer.  
LUKE KIRBY. To the first he saith, that the resolution of this article, dependeth upon the general question, whether the Pope may for any cause depose a prince: wherein his opinion is, that for some causes he may lawfully depose a prince, & that such a sentence ought to be obeyed.  
To the second, he thinketh that in some cases (as infidelity or such like) her Majesty is not to be obeyed against the Pope's Bull and sentence, for so he saith he hath read, that the Pope hath so done, de facto, against other princes.  
To the third he saith, he cannot answer it.  
To the fourth, that the Pope (for infidelity) hath such power, as is mentioned is this article.  
To the fifth, he thinketh, that both Doctor Saunders, and Doctor Bristowe, might be deceived in these points of their books, but whether they were deceived or not, he referreth to God.  
To the last he saith, that when the case shall happen, he must then take counsel what were best for him to do.  
Luke Kirby. 

john Popham.  
Thomas Egerton.  
Da. Lewes.  
john Hammond.     

Thomas Cottoms Answer.  
THOMAS COTTOM. To ye first, in this & all other questions he believeth as the Catholic Church (which he taketh to be the Church of Rome) teacheth him. And other answer he maketh not, to any of the rest of these articles.  
By me Thomas Cottom Priest, 

john Popham.  
Thomas Egerton.  
Da. Lewes.  
john Hammond.     

Laurence Richardsons' Answer.  
LAWRENCE RICHARDSON. To the fifth article he answereth, that so far as Doctor Saunders, & Doctor Bristowe agree with the Catholic doctrine of the Church of Rome, he alloweth that doctrine to be true. And touching the first, and all the rest of the articles he saith, that in all matters not repugnant to the Catholic religion, he professeth obedience to her Majesty, and otherwise maketh no answer to any of them, but believeth therein as he is taught by the Catholic Church of Rome.  
Laurence Richardson. 

john Popham.  
Thomas Egerton.  
Da. Lewes.  
john Hammond.     

Thomas fords Answer.  
THOMAS FORD. To the first he saith, that he cannot answer, because he is not privy to the circumstances of that Bull, but if he did see a Bull published by Gregory the thirteenth, he would then deliver his opinion thereof.  
To the second he saith, that the Pope hath authority to depose a prince upon certain occasions: and when such a Bull shallbe pronounced against her Majesty, he will then answer what the duty of her subjects, and what her right is.  
To the third he saith, he is a private subject, and will not answer to any of these questions.  
To the fourth he saith, that the Pope hath authority upon certain occasions (which he will not name) to discharge subjects of their obedience to their Prince.  
To the fift he saith, that Doctor Saunders, and Doctor Bristowe, be learned men, & whether they have taught truly in their books mentioned in this article, he referreth the answer to themselves, for himself will not answer.  
To the last he saith, that when that case shall happen, he will make answer, and not before.  
Thomas Ford. 

john Popham.  
Thomas Egerton.  
Da. Lewes.  
john Hammond.     

john Sherts Answer.  
JOHN SHIRT. To all the articles he saith, that he is a Catholic, and swerveth in no point from the Catholic faith, & in other sort to any of these articles he refuseth to answer.  
john Shirt. 

john Popham.  
Thomas Egerton.  
Da. Lewes.  
john Hammond.     

Robert johnsons Answer.  
ROBERT JOHNSON. To the first he saith, he can not answer.  
To the second, he cannot tell what power or authority the Pope hath in the points named in this article.  
To the third, he thinketh that the Pope hath authority in some cases, to authorize subjects to take arms against their Prince.  
To the fourrh, he thinketh that the Pope for some causes, may discharge subjects of their allegiance and obedience to their natural Prince.  
To the fifth he saith, the answer to this article dependeth upon the lawfulness of the cause for the which the Pope hath given sentence against her: but if the cause was just, than he thinketh the doctrine of Doctor Saunders, and Doctor Bristol to be true. Whether the cause were just, or not, he taketh not upon him to judge.  
To the last, he saith, that if such deprivation and invasion should be made for temporal matter, he would take part with her Majesty: but if it were for any matter of his faith, he thinketh he were then bound to take part with the Pope.  
Robert johnson. 

john Popham.  
Thomas Egerton.  
Da. Lewes.  
john Hammond.     

William Filbee his Answer.  
WILLIAM FILBEE. To the first he saith, the Pope hath authority to depose any prince: and such sentences when they be promulgated aught to be obeyed by the subjects of any prince: but touching the Bull of Pius quintus he can say nothing, but if it was such as it is affirmed to be, he doth allow it, and saith that it ought to be obeyed.  
To the second he saith, it is an hard question, and therefore he can not answer it, but upon further advisement, he answereth as to the first.  
To the third, he knoweth not what to say thereunto.  
To the fourth he saith, that so long as her Majesty remaynerh Queen, the Pope hath no authority to warrant her subjects to take arms against her, or to disobey her, but if he should depose her, than he might discharge them of their allegiance & obedience to her Majesty.  
To the fifth he saith, he will not meddle with the doctrine of Doctor Saunders and Doctor Bristowe.  
To the last, when this case happeneth, than he saith he will answer: & if he had been in Ireland, when Doctor Saunders was there, he would have done as a priest should have done, that is, to pray that the right may have place.  
William Filbee. 

john Popham.  
Thomas Egerton.  
Da. Lewes.  
john Hammond.      

THE MARTYRDOMS OE THE REVEREND PRIESTS M. THOMAS FORD, M. john shirt & M. Robert johnson, the XXVIII. of may, 1582.  

And first of M. Thomas Ford, priest and Master of art.  
THEY were all trailed upon herdles from the Tower of London along the streets thereof unto Tyburn, betwixt uj & seven of the clock in the morning. first, M. Ford being set up in the cart, he blessed himself with the sign of the Cross, being so weak as he fell down in the cart, & after he was up, he said: I am a Catholic, and do die in the catholic religion. and therewith he was interrupted by Sheriff Martin, 
They can not abide, the confession of the Catholic faith.  saying, you come not hither to confess your religion, but as a traitor and malefactor to the Queen's Majesty and the whole Realm, 
They harp always upon one string, th●t will not sound.  moving and sturing of sedition. And therefore I pray you go to and confess your fault, and submit yourself to the Queen's mercy, and no doubt but she would forgive you.  
Whereunto he answered. That supposed offence whereof I was indicted & condemned, was the conspiring of her majesties death at Rome and Rheims: 
Neither was he ever as Rome or Rheims in all his life.  whereof I was altogether not guitly, for the offence was supposed, for conspiring the Queen's majesties death in the 22 year of her majesties reign, at which time I was in England remaining & long before that, for I have remained here for the space of uj or seven years, and never departed this realm: whereof I might bring the witness of an hundredth, yea five hundredth sufficient men, and had thereupon been discharged at the bar, 
A notable charity, and worthy such a priest.  if I would have disclosed their names with whom I had been, which I did forbear only for fear to bring them in to trouble. Then Sheriff Martin said, here is your own hand writing, with the testimony of worshipful men, 
Nothing will serve to prove their condemnation to be just.  as the Queen's Attorney, D. Hammon, D. Lewes & others, and if that will not serve, here is one of your own companions that was the Pope's scholar, to testify your offence. To the which M. Ford answered, that notwithstanding, I am altogether not guilty what soever you have written.  
He continued for the most part in prayer secretly to himself, during the time that the Sheriff or any other spoke to him. Then was a scroll of his examination red by a Minister, to some articles he said nothing, but to others he said that the POPE for some causes may depose a prince of his estate & dignity, & discharge the subjects of their duties & allegiance. for (quoth he) this question was disputed xiv years since, at Oxford by the divines there, 
Though not determined by whom, the prince might be deposed.  before the Queen's Majesty, and there it was made and proved to be a most clear case in her own presence. And here being interrupted, 
A notable companion for their purpose: that will bear witness of that which he never saw nor hard in his life.  Monday the Pope's scholar being called as a witness, said, That Ford was privy to their conspiracies, but was not able to affirm that ever he saw him beyond the seas, this his assertion, M. Ford utterly denied upon his death. And being asked what he thought of the Queens M, & withal willed to ask her & the whole realm, whom he had stirred to sedition, forgiveness. He said, that he acknowledged her for his sufferaine and Queen, and that never in his life he offended her, 
innocency.  & so praying secretly, desired all those that were of his faith to pray with him: & ended with this prayer, JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, esto mihi JESUS. and hanged until his fellow M. Shirt (belike to terrify him the more) might see him.   

M. john Shirt Priest.  
M. SHIRT being brought from the herdle, and seeing his fellow M. Ford hanged before him, with a confident courage, smile countenance, and with his hands lifted up, he spoke as followeth, O happy Tom, happy àrte thou that didst run that happy race, 
His martyrdom and innocency proved him to be a Saint, & as to such a on he prayed.  O benedicta anima, thou art in good case. That blessed soul pray for me. And being lifted into the cart, he desired all Catholics to pray for him. and turning to the place of execution (by the commandment of the Sheriff) seeing his fellow boweled and beheaded, he kneeled down, and cried  
O Tom, o happy Tom, o blessed soul happy art thou, thy blessed soul pray for me. And being found fault withal, because he prayed to those that were dead, he said, O blessed lady mother of God pray for me, 
They can not abide our Lady to be prayed unto neither. A marvelous constancy  and all the Saints of heaven pray for me, the Sheriff finding fault with this as with erroneous doctrine, he answered that it was booth sound and true doctrine, which he would now seal with his blood. & after began as followeth.  
O blessed Lord, to thee be all honour and praise. First, I give the most hearty thanks, 
A● goodly speech worthy such a Martyr.  for that thou didst create me of nothing, to thy likeness & similitude. secondly, for my redemption by the death of thy sweet son JESUS CHRIST my Saviour and redeemer. And lastly that thou wilt bring me thy poor servant to so glorious & happy a death for thy sake, all though in the eyes of worldlings contumelious and reproachful, 
They seem in the eyes of fools to die Sap. 3.  yet to me most joyful and glorious, and for the which I yield the most hearty thanks, and therewith was letted to proceed further by the Sheriff, 
M. Sheriff loveth not such good talk.  who said to him, ask the Queen forgiveness for these treasons whereof thou art condemned, who answered, The ask of forgiveness doth imply an offence done, 
doubting themselves of the unjust condennation, were forced to seek new matter.  for me to charge myself being innocent, it were not my duty, and we have been racked and tormented for these things, and nothing hath been found. also we have been twice examined since our condemnation, which hath not been seen heretofore in any malefactor: those supposed treasons whereof I am condemned, I leave between God and myself, and upon my death I am altogether innocent and faultless, and I utterly refuse to ask her forgiveness, for this fact whereof I am condemned, for that I am not guilty: but if in any other private matter I have offended, I ask her and all the world forgiveness, for it is impossible for me to be guilty of the conspiracy at Rheims or Rome, being in England long time before the said supposed treasons committed, and continuing here still sithence (the which Monday being his accuser did not much deny) for he said he never knew him beyond the seas neither at Rome nor at Rheims.  
Then Sheriff Martin requested a Minister that stood beside to read his examination. Who answered that as the man is obstinate now, so upon his examination was he as obstinate, for he uttered nothing that is to be red, but that notwithstanding he read the preface of the book, 
A pretty trick  containing, as is there to be seen, which being red, the Sheriff desired M. shirt again, to knowledge his offence seeing that it was so manifest, and to ask the Queen forgiveness, 
It was manifest by the preface of their own making. What a mockery is this?  affirming, that the Queen would deal very 
c They knew he was as in nocent as the Q. merciful. A markable saying.  mercifully with him, and that he had authority himself, if he did acknowledge his fault, to stay his execution and to return him back without more a do, and as even not long since I found fault with you for swearing, & you cried God mercy therefore, so now here confess your offences and be sorry for them, who answered, should I for saving this carcase condemn my soul? God forbidden. Being asked what he thought of the Queen's Majesty, answered: I acknowledge her for my sovereign lady & Queen, for whose prosperous estate and well doing in prison and at liberty, 
innocency.  I did always pray. And being demanded whether he thought her to be supreme governor under Christ of the church of England? he said: 
When they can find no temporal & old treasons they flee to the spiritual treasons of their own making.   
I will give to Caesar, that which is his, & to God, that, that belongeth to God: She is not, nor cannot be, nor any other, but only the supreme pastor. What do you mean, that whore of Babylon the Pope, said the Sheriff? Take heed M. Sheriff (quoth M. shirt) for the day will come when that shall be a sore word for your soul, & then it shall repent you, 
A worthy admonition.  that ever you c●lled CHRIST'S VICAR GENERAL in earth, Whore: when you & I shall stand at one bar, before that indifferent judge, who judgeth all things a right, than I say, will you repent your saying, & then must I give testimony against you. And the hangman making ready at the importunate clamour of the people, who cried to dispatch, 
As the jews cried against christ & S. Steven, at the instigation of the Pharisees, so now moved by the Ministers. England can have no excuse, being so notoriously warned. Have not Catholics confidence in Christ's passion?  saying, that he had lived to long. He delivered his handkercheefe to the hangman with two shillings therein, saying, take this for thy hire, & I pray God forgive thee, leaving this warning and testimony to the whole people in a loud voice that all might hear him, denouncing as followeth.  
Whosoever dieth out of the CATHOLIQVE CHURCH he dieth in the state of damnation. Therewith, turned almost round about, held up his hands wagging them to the people. and then began to pray as followeth: Domine JESV Christ fili Dei vivi, pone passionem, crucem et mortem tuam etc. with his Pater noster, ave Maria, and other like prayers. And when the cart was trailed away, his hands being before on high, in the putting them down, he light upon the rope, and so held it, and the officers pulled them down. The Sheriff then said, 
A malicious & foolish interpretation, for a man dying, naturally, taketh hold of any thing he lighteth on.  notwithstanding his obstinacy, see how willing he is to live. so he hanged till he was dead. But it seemed to me that his hands by chance, as he was putting them down, fell upon the rope which he by chance held fast in his hands, as (in that case) he would have done any other thing if he had chanced upon it.   

M. Robert johnson priest.  

A new inhuman practice, to terrify them, and to force them by horror to confess the things where of they were innocent.  M. JOHNSON being brought from the herdel, was commanded to look upon M. shirt who was hanging, and then immediately cut down. And so being helped into the cart, was commanded again to look back towards M. shirt who was then in quartering. And after he turned him, and signed himself with the sign of the cross, saying, In nomine patris et filii et spiritus sancti. Dispatch, 
Crosses troubleth them. The mildness of the Martyr.  quoth the Sheriff, & speak quietly.  
I would be sorry answered M. johnson, to trouble or offend your worship. You shall not offend me saith the Sheriff, so that you offend not God. johnson. I am a Catholic, and am condemned for conspiring the Queen's majesties death at Rheims: with the other company who were condemned with me. I protest, that as for some of them, with whom I was condemned to have conspired with all, 
Plain innocency.  I did never see them, before we met at the bar, neither did I ever write unto them, or receive letters from them. and as for any treasons I am neither guilty in deed nor thought. Sheriff. your own hand subscribed to your examination taken by men of good consciences, 
God make them his servants, for divers of them do against their conscience. When all faileth Monday is ready to help at a pinch with his oath & testimony.  the servants of God. M Poppam attorney general, M. Egerton the solicitor, M. Lewes and M. Hammon doctors of the civil la, seal be laid against you. Also if that will not serve, you shall have him who was the Pope's scholar & a companion amongst you to testify your treasons viva voce, one Monday, whereunto M. johnsons examination now in print, was red, his answers to the uj articles proposed, are as above. But they urged him further touching the fifth and the sixth articles. And the Minister red his answer to the fifth article to be, That he allowed of Saunders & Bristowes doings and writings. To the which he answered & said, my answer was not so as you read it (neither in truth was it so in the book) but I answered, and so I say now, 
These Ministers can do nothing sincerely.  that as for the doings of D. Saunders & D. Bristowe, I am altogether ignorant of, neither was I ever privy to their facts, and how then could I approve or disallow them? this was my answer then, and now also I say the same. To the last article his answer was red, and now being demanded of the same, he said he was of the same mind still, and would die in the same mind, Sheriff. well that is high 
c He was not condemned for this treason. He is in deed a companion, but was never his companion.  treason, but you shall hear also what your own companion named Monday, can say against you, whereupon Monday was called, and came nigh to the cart.  
johnson. Monday, did thou ever know me beyond the seas, or was I ever in thy company? Monday. I was never in your company, neither did I ever know you beyond the seas, But I was privy to your most horrible treasons, 
Mundays conscience, may be turned in to a proverb.  whereof you were most clearly convicted, I speak this with safe conscience. And were not priests sent from 
b A most impudent and foolish lie.  Avignon for that purpose? I pray God you may repent you thereof, and that you may die a good subject. johnson. Monday, God give the grace to repent thee of thy deeds, truly thou art a shrewd fellow, but there is no time now to reason these matters with thee, only I protest before God, I am not guilty of any treason. Sheriff. Dost thou acknowledge the Queen for lawful Queen? repent thee, and notwithstanding thy traitoros 
c How gladly they would have them to confess that which never was, to save their credits for murdering of the rest. A necessary admonition  practices, we have authority from the Queen to carry the back. johnson. I do acknowledge her as lawful as Q. Marie was, I can say no more, but pray to God to give her grace, & that she may now stay her hand from shedding of innocent blood. Sheriff. Dost thou acknowledge her supreme head of the church in ecclesiastical matters? johnson, 
They flee to matters of religion.  I do ackonwledge her to have as full and great authority as ever Q. Marie had, and more with safety of conscience I can not give her. 
How prove you that?  The Sheriff & other said, thou art a traitor most obstinate. johnson. If I be a traitor for maintaining this faith, them was king Henry, and all the kings & Queens of this realm before time, and all our ancestors traitors. for they maintained the same. Sheriff. what? you will preach treason also if we suffer you? johnson. I teach but the CATHOLIC RELIGION.  
One demanded, what do you mean by Catholic religion? johnson. I mean that religion whereof the POPE is supreme pastor. Then a Minister asked him, what, was Athanasius a catholic? what held he? to whom M. johnson answered I am not so well red in Athanasius to know all his opinions. The other said, I am sure you have read Quicunque vult & c.? whereunto M. johnson gave no great attention. but he said again, what? have you not red Athanasius creed Quicunque vult & c? yes said he that I have, and I believe it to be good and catholic. But in all that, said the Minister, you can not find the Pope once named. 
An argument meet for a Minister.  It it not necessary (quoth M. johnson) the Pope should be named in every thing that appertaineth to the CATHOLIC FAITH. Whereupon the rope was put about his neck, and he was willed to pray, which he did in latin. They willed him to pray in english that they might witness with him: he said I pray that prayer which Christ taught, 
But God doth, to whom he prayed, neither needeth he any witness there of. The Ministers speeches are ever like themselves.  in a tongue I well understand. Sheriff. But we do not understand it. johnson. I do think your w. doth understand it. Sheriff. If I do, others do not: wherefore pray in english that others may testify it, and pray with you. another Minister cried pray as Christ taught. johnson. what? do you think that Christ taught in english? M. johnson prayed in latin, saying his Pater noster his ave and Creed and In manus tuas etc. & so the cart was trailed away, and he finished this life as the rest did: all hanged until they were dead, and so cut down and quartered.    

THE MARTYRDOMS OF the Reverend Priests, M. William Filbie, M. Lucas Kirbie, M. Laurence Richardson whose right name was johnson, and M. Thomas Cottam the 30 of May 1582.  

And first of M. William Filbie, native of OXFORD.  
ON wenesday being the 30 of May these 4 venerable Priests above named were trailed from the Tower of London along the streets to Tyburn, about seven of the clock in the morning, when they were come to the place of execution, William Filbie (being the youngest, not above xxvij years of age) was first taken from the herdle, and being lifted into the cart, he blessed himself with the sign of the Cross, saying, In nomine patris & filii & spiritus sancti. and so proceeded with these words: Let me see my brethren, looking to the other which lay on the herdle. & there withal holding forth his hands to them, said, Pray for me. Then speaking to the company, said: I am a Catholic, and I protest before almighty God, that I am innocent of all these matters, whereof I am condemned, and I hope to be saved by the merits and death of our Saviour JESUS CHRIST: beseeching him to have mercy on me, and to forgive me my offences. And therewithal a proclamation was red for keeping the Peace, and at the end thereof was said, God save the Queen, to which he said, Amen.  
The people ask him for what Queen he prayed for, 
innocency.  he answered, for Queen Elizabeth, beseeching God to send her a long & quiet reign, to his good will, and make her his servant, and preserve her from her enemies. With that M. Topcliff and others willed him to say, God save her from the Pope. To whom he answered he is not her enemy, therewith the Minister of S. Andrew's in Holborn said, Note, that he saith the Pope is not the Queen's enemy. 
A ministers note.  And then a preacher called Charke, yes said he you are a traitor, for, you are sworn to the Queens sworn enemy. M, Filbie looking aside, said, what do you mean, I never took oath in all my life. What said Charke, then are you not a Priest, you are deceived, said M. Filbie, 
A promise of obedience to his ordinary: but therein is no mention of the Pope.  it is a vow and not an oath. After that on of the Sheriffs men standing in the cart with M Filbie, said unto him, what hast thou there in thy handkercheefe, and therewithal taking the handkercheefe from him, found a little Cross of wood with in it, which he holding up in his hands said, o what a villainous traitor is this, 
He was no more ashamed of this his saviours banner, them of his crown, the which he made shift to shave.  that hath a Cross, diverse times repeating it, and divers of the people saying the same. Whereunto M. Filbie answered nothing, only smiling at them.  
Then the articles, with the preface of the book printed by authority, was red, and his answers unto them. It was replied against him by some urging him further upon the same answer: if you hold this, than you can not be but a traitor to the Queen's Majesty, for that the Pope hath deposed her by his Bul. M. Filbie said, that that Bull was perchance called in again by this Pope Gregory the 13. to the sixth article he answered, that if he had been in Irland, he would have done as a Priest should have done, that is to pray that the right might take place, to whom some replied did Saunders well in that fact of Irland, I know not (quoth he) I was not privy to his doings, I never saw him or spoke with him, let him answer for himself. Then Shreife Martin called upon the hangman to dispacth, and the rope being about his neck, the Sheriff said, Filbie, the Queen is merciful unto you, and we have authority from her, to carry you back, if you will ask her mercy, 
innocency.  & confess your fault do not refuse mercy offered, ask the Q. forgiveness, to whom M. Filbie answered, I never offended her, well then said the Sheriff make an end, & thus desiring all Catholics to pray for him he prayed, saying his Pater noster, his ave, & In manus tuas etc. and when the cart was trailing away, he said Lord, receive my soul. & so hanged knocking his breast several times till some pulled down his hands, and so finished his life.   

M. Luke Kirbie Priest, and M. of art.  
THAN was M. Luke kirbie brought to see his fellow hang, and being lifted up to the cart, he began thus: O my friends, o my friends, I am come hither for supposed treason, although in deed it be for my conscience, & after prayed thus, O my Saviour JESUS CHRIST by whose death and passion I hope to be saved, forgive me sinful sinner, my manifold sins and offences etc. and being commanded to torn towards the place of execution, his fellow M. Filbie being beheaded, and as the manner is, the executioner lifting his head between his hands, he cried, God save the Queen, to the which M. kirbie said, Amen. & being asked what Queen, 
An undiscrete question putting a scruple into the people's heads.  he answered, Queen Elizabeth, to whom, he prayed God to send a long and prosperous reign, and preserve her from her enemies. Charke willed him to say from the Pope his curse and power. Kirbie, If the Pope levy war against her, or curse her unjustly, God preserve her from him also, and so to direct her in this life, as that she may further & maintain Christ's CATHOLIC RELIGION, & at last inherit the kingdom of heaven.  
And after, he made a solemn protestation of his innocency in that, whereof he was condemned, adding, that if there were any living that could justly accuse him in any one point of that, whereof he was condemned, he was ready to submit himself to her majesties clemency. And seeing Monday present, he desired he might be brought in, to say what he could. Who being brought in, said, that being at Rome he persuaded him & an other young man named Robinson, to stay there, and not to come to England, for that shortly some stir or trouble was like to come, and seeing that could not stay him, he said, that he willed him to persuade those that were his friends to the Catholic religion again the great day. to which M. Kirbie answered, that it was unlike that he, who knew before his departure from Rome how he was affected in religion, would utter any such words to him, to persuade the people. To which Monday replied, that it was like, because he delivered him some hallowed pictures to carry with him. To the which M. Kirbie answered, that because he mistrusted him he would deliver, nor did deliver him any but he said, he did deliver him two julies' to buy pictures, and that now he was very ingratefully dealt with all, being by him falsely accused: he being such a benefactor to all his countrymen, although he knew them to be otherwise affected in religion then himself was. for he said he spoke to some of the Pope's chiffest officers, and was like through them, to come to trouble. to others, he said he delivered the shirt of his back, and travailed with others, forty miles for their safe conduct, and only for good will: and said further, that unwitting to Monday, he wrote a letter to one in Rheims to deliver him fourteen shillings, which he never received, because he never went to receive it. And he urged Monday again in the fear and love of God to say but the truth, alleging farther how one nicols, who in his books uttered much more of him then Monday did, yet his conscience accusing him, he came to his chamber in the Tower and in presence of four, whereof he named his keeper to be one, recanted and denied that, which before he had affirmed in his book. One Topcliffe said how do you know that nicols hath recanted. M. Kirbie answered, he came into my chamber in the Tower, and there before four he said these words. (See M. Kirbies' letter at the end of this tragedy.)  
Then the Sheriff enterrupted him, and said: 
Then, he accused him falsely, and so there is no cause why he should confess it.  even as he hath recanted his error, and is sorry for it, so do you. M. Kirbie not regarding his words passed on, and showed likewise, that this Monday in presence of Sir owen Hopton and others, did say, that he could charge him with nothing. Which Monday denied. But he affirmed it again, and said, that then one that was present said, that upon that confession he might take advantage. Then the Sheriff asked who that was? and he after a while answered that it was one Coudridg. After this, his answer to the foresaid articles was red: where to the first, bein examined, he said, that the excommunication of Pius Quintus was a matter of fact, wherein the Pope might err, the which I do leave to himself to answer for. And where he said that the POPE for some causes might depose a prince. now he doth explain it, that it was a question disputable in scholles, whether the POPE might depose princes? And being asked by Topcliff, whether he would die for a matter disputable in scholles? he said, he did only yield his opinion. To the second, he added further, that he thought, some of the learned that were there present would affirm that also. Whereat divers with on voice said, No. Whereupon M. Kirbie called for one M. Crowley Once or twice. 
By this Minister's argument the Emperor could not have deposed Pilate from his presidentship.  And a Minister brought a place out of Solomon, which saith, By me kings rule and Tyrants are exalted, and an other out of the Gospel, where it is said, unto Pilate, Thou shouldest not have any power against me, unless it were given the from above. Proving, that because their authority was from God, no man might have authority to displace them. And one Minister there argued thus to the same poorpose, That every soul must be subject to superior powers, 
As though the Queen were not a soul also, & the Pope in higher superiority than she.  & therefore (quoth he) the Pope himself if he be a soul must be subject, and consequently can not depose others of their sovereignty. And M. Kirbie being about to answer, was interrupted by an other Minister, who alleged the practice of the primitive Church. when, notwithstanding that Christians lived under heathen princes, yet they did obey them. To which M. Kirbie said, 
The Church hath no authority over infidels: but over all Christians.  that the case did differ, for where the Prince is once a Christian, and after falleth to infidelity, there he may be disobeyed, but where he was never Christian, the case is otherwise. To the fourth answering as before, notwithstanding (faith he) I acknowledge to my Prince and Q. 〈◊〉 much duty and authority as ever I did to Q. Marry, or as any subject in France, Spain, or Italy, do acknowledge to his king or prince: and more I can not nor ought not of duty give her. And thereupon Topcliff demanded, 
Wisely.  what if all they be traitors, will you be a traitor to? to which he answered, what? be they all traitors? God forbidden. for if all they be traitors, than all our ancestors have been traitors likewise. And as for D. D. Saunders and Bristol they might err in their private opinions, the which I will defend no further than they do agree with the judgement of Christ's CATHOLIC CHURCH.  
Being demanded. Whether he thought the Queen to be supreme governess of the Church of England, he answered, he was ready to yield her as much authority as any other subject aught to yield his prince, or as he would yield to Q. Marry, and more with safety of conscience he could not do. Then Sheriff Martin told him, that the Q. was merciful and would take him to her mercy: so he would confess his duty towards her, and forsake that man of Rome, and that he had authority himself to stay execution & carry him back again.  
Who answered, that to deny the POPE'S authority was a point of faith: 
O marvelous constancy.  which he would not deny for saving of his life, being sure to damn his soul. Then was it tendered him, that if he would but confess his fault and ask the Queen forgiveness, she would yet be merciful to him. He answered again, that his conscience did give him a clear testimony that he never offended, and therefore he would neither confess that, whereof he was innocent, neither ask forgiveness, where no offence was committed against her Majesty. Well, 
By these numbers of proffers, it is plain they judged them innocent in their conscience.  (than said Sheriff Martin) do but acknowledge those things which your fellow Bosgrave hath done, such as appeareth by his examination, and I will yet save your life. who denie● likewise.  
Then the people cried away with him, and he began to pray in latin, the Ministers and others desired him to pray in English, and they would pray with him. Who answered, that in praying with them, he should deshonor God, but if you were of on faith with me, than I would pray with you. But he desired all those that were Catholics to prey with him, and he would pray with them: and as for any other that was a Christian, and desirous to pray for him, he would not let them: although he would not pray with them. And so after that he had ended his Pater noster, & began his ave, the cart was drawn away and there he hanged until he was dead, and until his two fellows Richardson and Cottam, did take the view of him. His speeches were very intricat, for that many did speak unto him, & of several matters: but here are the principal things by him uttered to my remembrance.  

A true copy of a letter sent by that constant confessor Maistre Kirbie to certain his friends.  
MY most hearty commendations to you and the rest of my dearest friends. If you send any thing to me, you must make haste, because we look to suffer death very shortly, as already it is signified to us. yet I much fear lest our unworthiness of that excellent perfection & crown of martyrdom, shall procure us a longer life. within these few days, john nicols came to my chamber window, with humble submission, to crave mercy and pardon, for all his wickedness and treacheries committed against us, and to acknowledge his books, Sermons, and infamous speeches to our infamy and discredit, to be wicked, false and most execrable before God and man, which for preferment, promotion, hope of living, and favour of the nobility, he committed to writing, and to the view of the world, whereof being very penitent and sorrowful from his heart, rather than he would commit the like offence again, he wisheth to suffer a thousand deaths. for being pricked in conscience with our unjust condemnation which now hath happened contrary to his expectation, albeit he offered matter sufficient in his first book of recantation, for our adversaries to make a bill of indightement against us, yet he minded then nothing less, as he now protesteth. He knoweth in conscience our accusations, and evidence brought in against us, to be false, and to have no colour of truth but only of malice forced by our enemies: and for Sledd and monday, he is himself to accuse them of this wicked treachery & falsehood: and of their naughty and abominable life. of which he was made privy, and which for shame I can not commit to writing. In detestation of his own doings and their wickedness, he is minded never here after to ascend into pulpit, nor to deal again in any matter of religion, for which cause he hath for saken the ministery, and is minded to teach a school (as I understand by him) in Norfolk, in proof whereof he showed me his new disguised apparel, as yet covered with his Minister's weed. I wished him to make amends for all his sins, and to go to place of penance, and he answered me, he was not yet conformable to us in every point of religion, nor ever was, but lived at Rome in hypocrisy, as he hath done ever since in his own profession. Again he thought, that if ever he should depart the realm, he could not escape burning.  
He offered to go to Master lieutenant, and to Master Secretaire Walzingham, and to declare how injuriously I, and the rest wear condemned, that he himself might be free from shedding Innocent blood, albeit he was some what afraid to show himself in London, where already he had declared our Innocent behaviour, and his own malicious dealing towards us in his book and Sermons.  
To give my censure and judgement of him, certain I think that he will within short time fall into infidelity except God of his goodness in the mean time be merciful unto him, and reclaim him by some good means to the Catholic faith: yet it should seem he hath not lost all good gifts of nature, when as in conscience he was pricked to open the truth in our defence, and to detect his own wickedness and treacheries of others, practised against us to our confusion.  
Now I see, as all the world hereafter shall easily perceive, that the doings of this man do confirm, the old saying: That rather than God will have wilful murder to be concealed, he procureth the birds of the air to reveal it.  
I am minded to signify to Sir Francis Walzingham this his submission unto us, except in the mean time I shall learn that he hath (as he promised faithfully to me) already opened the same. Master Richardson and Master Philbie have now obtained some bedding, which ever since their condemnation have lain upon the boards. Master heart hath had many & great conflicts with his adversaries. This morning the x. of januarie, he was committed to the dungeon where he now remaineth, God comfort him, he taketh it very quietly & patiently: the cause was, for that he would not yield to Master Reignoldes of Oxford, in any one point, but still remained constant the same man he was before and ever. Master Reignoldes, albeit he be the best learned of that sort, that hath from time to time come hither to preach and confer, yet the more he is tried and dealt with all, the less learning he hath showed. Thus beseeching you to assist us with your good prayers, whereof now especially, we stand in need, as we by God's grace shall not be unmindful of you. I bid you farewell, this x. of januarie. 1582.  
Yours to death and after death. Luke kirbie.    

M. LAURENCE RICHARDSON whose right name was johnson, and M. Thomas Cottam, Priests and graduates.  
THESE two were brought together to look upon M. kirbie which was then hanging, and being cut down, they were put up into the cart, where with cheerful countenances they signed themselves with the sign of the Cross, saying: 
Here he blesseth the people, & never cursed them, as lying Monday writeth in his discovery of Ed. Campion etc.  In nomine patris & filii & spiritus sancti. M. Cottam turning him about said, God bless you all, our Lord bless you all: with a smiling countenance. M. Richardson being commanded by the sheriffs man to look upon his fellow; who was in cutting up, said: o Gods will be done. With that one Field a preacher said, dispatch, dispatch. to whom M. Cottam said with smiling countenance, what are you an executioner or a preacher, fie, fie. 
His mirth in God, proceeded of a sincer, conscience and courage.  A Minister standing by said, leave of those jests, it is no time to ●east, he is a preacher, and not an executioner, he cometh to exhort you to die well. Cottam. Truly by his words he seemed to be an executioner, for he said dispatch, dispatch. Field, 
A wise answer.  I did not say these words to any such intent, but that they which were about the other should be quiet. Cottam. I cry God mercy for all my idle words, and I beseech you M. Sheriff, that you will not be offended with me, for truly I would lie under your horse feet to be trodden upon, before I should offend you.  
Then M. Richardson being placed right under the place where he should hang, divers moved speeches to him all at one time. To whom he answered, I pray you do not trouble me, if you demand any questions of me, let them be touching the matter whereof I was condemned, and do not move new questions, and thereupon he was turned back to look upon M. Kirbie. who was then in quartering, which he did, and the head being cut of, they held it up, saying: God save the Queen, & he being demanded what he said, I say, Amen, I pray God save her. 
innocency. O happy men that die in the fellowship of all our holy ancestors.  And further said: I am come hither to die for treason, and I protest before God I am not guilty in any treason more than all Catholic Bishops that ever were in this land since the conversion thereof, till our time: & as well (if they were a live) might they be executed for treason, as I am now. To whom a Minister replied thus: the case is not like, for then Popish Priests lived under Popish Princes, 
As though not to obey a prince in causes of religion, were treason.  and did not disobey them, & so were no traitors. In the mean time many words and sentences were uttered by M. Cottam. And a Minister amongst other things, willed him to confess his wicked and lewd behaviour which he had committed in fish-streat about four years since. 
A devilish slander raised by the Minister to disgrace the man of God.  Cottam. What do you mean? Sheriff. He would have you to confess the filth you committed in fish-streat. Cottam. O blessed JESV, thy name be praised, is this now laid here to my charge? the Minister said, no we do not charge you with it, but we would have you to descharg you thereof if there be any such thing. another Minister answered, 
He is charged with this act as truly, as with treason.  no, it was not he, but his brother. Cottam. You shall here, you accuse me for filth committed about four years since in fish-street and I was not in London this seven years, and if I had done any such thing, what do you mean to lay it to my charge. With that ij or iij of them said that it was not he but his brother. After that whilst they were talking with M. Richardson M. Cottam took Bul the hangman by the ●leue and said to him, 
A very zealous & charitable act.  God forgive the and make the his servant, take heed in time, and call for grace, and no doubt but God will hear the, take example by the executioner of S. Paul, who during the time of his execution, a little drop of blood falling from S. Paul upon his garment, white like milk, did afterwards call him to remembrance of himself, and so became penitent for his sins, and became a good man: whose example I pray God thou mayest follow, and I pray God give the of his grace. The Minister of S. Andrew's said, what, did milk fall from his breast? Cottam. No, blood fell from his neck or head, in likeness of milk. 
The wrangeling of a Minister.  Minister of S. And. what? do you say he was saved by that blood which fell upon him? Cottam. No. I marvel what you mean, and so was interrupted by some others to proceed. Then the articles were red and his answers to them adding that as touching the doctrine of D. D. Saunders and Bristol he alloweth of it so far forth as they agree with the true CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ROME. Topcliff and some other ministers said, he builded his faith upon Saunders. To whom he answered I build not my faith upon any on man whatsoever, but upon the whole CATHOLIC CHURCH.  
Then the rope being put about both their necks and fastened to the post. The Sheriff said, Now Richardson if thou wilt confess thy faults and renounce the Pope, the Queen will extend her mercy towards thee, & thou shalt be carried back again. M. Richardson answered, I thank her majesty for her mercy, but I must not confess an untruth or renounce my faith. All this while M. Cottam was in prayer, and uttering of divers good sentences, saying, all that we here sustain, is for saving of our souls, and therewithal lifting up his eyes to heaven, said: O Lord thou knowest our innocency. Then he was willed to confess his treasons. o Lord (said he) how willingly would I confess, if I did know any thing that did charge me, and if we had been guilty of any such thing, 

A most notorious evidence, of all their innocency.  
In the most barboroust place whereof, he had found better entertainment, than here at home.  
How gladly they would have had any one of them, to confess the pretended fault.   surely on or other of us either by racking or death, would have confessed it, or else we had been such people as never were hard of. And I protest before God that before my coming into England I was armed to go into Indea: and if I might be set at liberty, I would never rest but on the journey towards that country. with that the Sheriff said, the Queen willbe merciful to thee, if thou wilt thyself, he answered I thank her grace, saying farther, do with me what you think good and therewithal the Sheriff commanded that the rope should be loosed from the post. And he removed down from the cart.  
Then M. Richardson was willed once again to confess and ask pardon of the Queen: he answered, that he never offended her to his knowledge. Then Topcliff said, the like mercy was never showed to any offender, and if you were in any other common wealth you should be torn in pieces with horses. 
That were strange.  Then he was willed to pray, he prayed, desiring all Catholics to pray with him, he said his Pater noster, his ave, and his Creed. and when the cart passed, Lord, receive my soul. Lord JESV, receive my soul. And even as the cart passed away, M. Cottam said, o good Laurence, pray for me. Lord JESUS, receive thy soul, which he repeated several times. All this time M. Cottam was with the Sheriff and the rest of the Ministers upon the ground, having the rope style about his neck.  
I could not well hear what persuasions the Sheriff and the Ministers had with him. But I do conjecture that if he would renounce his faith, he should have his pardon. For I heard him well utter these words, I will not serve a jot from my faith, 
A notable constancy.  for any thing, yea if I had ten thousand lives I would rather lose them all, then forsake the CATHOLIC FAITH in any point. And with that he was lifted up into the cart again. And the Sheriff said withal, dispatch him, since he is so stubborn.  
Then he was turned backward to look upon M. Richardson who was then in quartering, which he did, saying. Lord JESUS, have mercy upon them: Lord, have mercy upon them. O Lord, give me grace to endure to the end. Lord give me constancy to the end. which saying, he uttered almost for all the time that M. Richardson was in quartering: saving once he said, Thy soul pray for me and at the last said, O Lord, what a spectacle hast thou made unto me? the which he repeated twice or thrice. and then the head of M. Richardson was holden up by the executioner, 
innocency.  who said (as the manner is) God save the Queen, to which M. Cottam said, I beseech God to save her and bless her & withal my heart I wish her prosperity as my lieage and sovereign Queen & chief governess. 
By this it is evident, that all was for religion, and not at all for treason.  They willed him to say, and supreme head in matters ecclesiastical, to whom he answered, If I would have put in those words, I had been discharged almost two years since. Then the Sheriff said, You are a traitor if you deny that. M. Cottam said, No: that is a matter of faith, and unless it be for my conscience and faith, I never offended her Majesty. & with that he looked up to heaven, and prayed secretly, and uttered these words. 
That is, 〈◊〉 Lord, thou hast suffered more for me.  In te domine speravi, non confundar in eternum. O domine tu plura pro me passus es etc., twice more repeating plura.  
Then the Sheriff said to him. Yet Cottam call for mercy and confess, and no doubt the Q. will be merciful unto you. Who answered, my conscience giveth me a clear testimony, that I never offended her: to whom he wished as much good as to his own soul, whose estate he so favoured and honoured, that for all the gold under the cope of heaven he would not wish that any on hear of her head should perish to do her harm. And that all that here he did suffer, was for saving his soul, desiring almighty God for his sweet sons sake, that he would vouchsafe to take him to his mercy, saying, that him only he had offended desiring God, that if there were any more unspoken which were convenient to be spoken, that he would put it into his mind now. And then he prayed, desiring all the whole world of forgiveness, and that he, did from the bottom of his heart forgive al. 
A warning, That the shedding of innocent blood, crieth vengeance against the realm.  Adding that the sins of this realm hath deserved infinite punishment and Gods just indignation: desiring him of his mercy, that he would turn his wrath from them, and call them to repentance to see and acknowledge their sins. And desiring all Catholics to pray with him, after he had said his Pater noster, and in his, ave, the cart was driven away, and so hanged till he was dead: and being stripped naked as he hanged, within his shirt he did were a shirt without sleeves of very course canvas down beneath his middle. Which belike was a shirt of here, for the punishment of his body: wherewith England is not now acquainted.  

The manner and order of his apprehension.  And because the order and manner of M. Cottams first apprehension will clear him from all suspicion of treason and treachery, and yield an invincible argument of loyalty and innocency: I will set it down briefly, but yet truly, to the great contentation and satisfaction of all good Catholics, and to the confusion and ignominy of all our bloody persecutors and adversaries.  
SLEDD that Notorious varlet, and infamous judas (I will not say wicked homicide) having intended to work some mischief: came from Rome in the company of divers English men, whose names and marks he took very diligently: & being come to Lions, found M. Cottam there (who having entered into the society of the name of JESUS at Rome; and being there fallen into a consuming and linger sickness, was by his superiors sent to Lions, to try if by change of air he might be recovered, 
The cause of M Cortams coming out of the Society, & of his return to England.  but the sickness so grew & increased upon him, that he was made an unable and unfit man for them, and thereupon they dismissed him) and travailing in his company for some days ioruneis, understood of him belike that he meant very shortly to repair home to his native country: whereupon Sledd took his marks more exactly and precisely, and being arrived at Paris, there he presented the L. Ambassador, with the names and marks he had taken. Who sent them over to the Q. Counsel, and from them they were sent to the searchers of the ports. M. Cottam son after his arrival at Rheims, being a Deacon, and a good preacher long before, was made Priest, & hearing of company that were ready to go into England, made great haste to go with them, and earnest shoot to have leave, partly for his health, & specially for the great zeal he had to gain & save souls. He arrived at Dover about the xuj or xviij day of june in the year 1580, in the company of M. john Hart & M. Edward Rishton two learned Priests (which both are also condemned) and an other lay man.  
After these iiij had been searched unto their skins, and nothing found upon them, 
M. Cottam stayed at the port.  and M. Harte stayed and taken for M. Orton (to whom he nothing at all resembled) M. Cottam was likewise stayed, by reason the marks which Sledd had given of him, were in deed very clear & apparent in him. And for the avoiding of charges, one Allen than Mayor of Dover, & Steuens the searcher requested the lay man M. Cottams companion, who named himself Hauard, to carry him as a prisoner to my L. Cobhame: who agreed very easily thereunto. But assoon as they were out of the town, I can not in conscience, nor will not (quoth Hauard) being myself a Catholic, deliver you a Catholic Priest, prisoner to my L. Cobham. But we will strait to London, and when you come there, shift you for yourself, as I will do for myself. Coming to London, M. Cottan repaired incontinent to one of the prisons and there conferred with a Catholic a friend of his, recounting unto him, the order and manner of his apprehension and escape. his friend told him, that in conscience, he could not make that escape, & persuaded him, to go & yield himself prisoner. Whereupon he came to his friend Hauard and requested him, to deliver him the Mayor of dover's letter to my L. Cobham. What will you do with it (quoth Hauard) Mary (quoth Cottam) I will go and carry it to him, 
He was a man of a marvelous zeal, and of a timorous conscience.  and yield myself prisoner, for I am fully persuaded, that I can not make this escape in conscience. why (quoth Hauard) this council that hath been given you proceedeth I confess from a zealous mind, marry I doubt whether it carrieth the weight of knowledge with it: you shall not have the letter, nor you may not in conscience yield yourself to the persecutor and adversary having so good means offered to escape their cruelty. But M. Cottam persisting still in his demand, well (quoth Hauard) seeing, you will not be distorned from this opinion, let us go first and consult with such a man (naming one but newly cummen then into the realm, whom M. Cottam greatly honoured and reverenced, for his singular wit and learning, for his rare virtues, and other gifts both of body and mind) and if he be of your opinion, you shall have the letter and go on God's name. When they came to this man he utterly disliked of his intention, and dissuaded him from so found a cogitation. M. Cottam being aflwaged but not altogether satisfied, went quietly about his business, and never voided London for the matter. The Mayor of dover's letter being sent back unto him again, with in ij or iij. days after cometh up the host of the inn where M. Cottam was taken.  
This host by chance met with (Hauard) and taking him by the shoulder said, Gentleman you had like to have undone me, because the prisoner you promised to deliver is escaped. Wherefore you must come with me to one M. Andrew's my L. Cobham's Deputy who lieth at the star in new fish street, and give him satisfaction in the matter. This good fellow Hauard, was somewhat amazed at this sudden summoning, but after a while being come again to himself, saith: why my host if I do deliver you the prisoner again, you will be contented yes saith the other, deliver me the prisoner, & I have nothing to say to you: upon this they went to M. Cottams lodging, but he was removed the folks of the house knew not whither. The host would feign have had this Hauard, so called for the time, to go with him to the said Andrew's. & Hauard sought all means to avoid his company, being sure, that if he had once cummen with in the persecutors paws, he should not have escaped them so easily, & being as then loath to fall into further trouble, saith to the other, My host there is no such necessity why I should go to M. Andrewes, for if I did, peradventure he would pick some quarrel unto me by reason of the prisoners escape, & I might come by trouble, & you should reap no gain or profit thereby. I would be loath therefore to go unto him.  
But this I will do for your discharge, I will bring you to a merchant, who I think will give you his hand, that I shall bring you the prisoner by iiij of the clock, or else, that I shall deliver you my body again. I am content saith he, so that I have the one of you two. to the merchant they come who at his brother law Havards request, gave his hand and promise for the performance of the condition before specified (which promise albeit, it was performed, yet it cost the merchant viii months imprisonment afterwards: but how justly, will be one day examined before the just judge) this Hauard leving his host in the merchants house went forth into the city with another in his company to see if he could meet with M. Cottam.  
And coming into cheapside there by chance he meet him. and after ordinary salutations he said, M. Cottam such a man is come to town, and hath so seized upon me for your escape that you or I must needs go to prison: you know my state and condition, 
A charitable deliberation, & most charitable resolution.  and may guess how gently I shall, be entreated if I once appear under my right name before them, your own state also you know. Now it is in your choice whether of us shall go, for one must go there is no remedy, and to force, you I will not, for I had rather sustain what punishment soever. M. Cottam lifting up his eyes and hands to heaven said these words: Now God be blessed, I should never while I lived have been without scruple and grudge of conscience if I had escaped from them, nothing grieveth me, but that I have not dispatched some business that I have to do, why (quoth Hauard) it is but x of the clock yet, and you may dispatch your business by iiij of the clock, and then you may go to them. Wither is it saith he that I must go? to the sign of the star (quoth Hauard) in New fish-streat, and there you must inquire for one M. Andrew's my L. Cobham's deputy, to him you must yield yourself. I will quoth he. and so they departed and never saw one the otherafter.  
And so at iiij of the clock after he had dispatched all his business, he went himself all alone to the place appointed, 
This doth prove his innocency invincibly.  & there yielded himself prisoner, and was carried to the Court lying then at None such or Otlands, from whence (after five days conference with divers ministers that laboured, but in vain, to subvert him) he was sent to the Marshalsee for religion, and not for treason. and from thence to the Tower, there to be racked, not for to reveal any secret treason as the adversaries pretend full falsely, but tormented because he would not confess his private sins unto them, as he both confidently and truly affirmed to their faces at his arraingment. and so lead to westminster & there unjustly condemned: and as you have heard trailed to Tyburn where he & the rest, were cruelly murdered. ending this miserable life by a constant & glorious Martyrdom. & now doth follow the immaculate Lamb. To whom be all honour & glory for the constancy of these his Saints. Amen.    

The order of the arraingnement and martyrdom of M. john Paine Priest. 2. Aprilis. 1582.  
THE 20. of March 1582. Sir Owine Hopton Lieutenant of the Tower, came to M pains chamber door, and by knocking raised him out of h●s bead: who had much watched before and provoked him half ready to come forth, not telling him to what end: but afterwards advertised how the matter stood, and perceiving that he was to be removed, 
The key of the door was taken from the keeper, and the L. Hopton after her fashion seized on the purse per usucapionem.  he desired leave to return into his chamber to make himself ready and to featch his purse, which he had left behind him, but it would not be granted, but he commanded him to be delivered to certain officers there attending, as he said for his conducting to Essex, appointed by the chief of the council. M. Pain in his cassock only, went forward with them, being the more gently dealt with, that he was not bound at al.  
On Thursday at night his name was recited with about 13. witches, 
As our Saviour, Cum iniquis deputatus est etc.  other murderers and thieves. On Friday about 10. of the cloak, he was arraigned after this manner.  
First his endightement was read viz. that M. Paine should utter to Eliot at a certain Christmas lying with him in his chamber, that many devices have been heretofore concerning the change of religion, and yet none have prosperously succeeded: but of all others this seemeth the best, which I have heard (quoth he) sometime mentioned of the Earl of Westmoreland, D. Allen, and D. Bristowe, that 50. men well appointed with privy coats, and dags, 

As though the Catholics would care for these, if her M. were dead.  
This poor captive lady is touched in all these forgeres of purpose to make her odious.   should espy some opportunity when the Queen were at progress, and slay the Queen's Majesty, the E. of Leicester and M. Walsingham, and then to proclaim the Queen of Scots Q. also that it should be no greater an offence to kill the Queen, then to dispatch a brute beast.  
This being read, M. Pain denied the endightement, and defied all treason. Protesting that he always in mind & word honoured the Queen's Majesty above any woman in the world, that he would gladly always have spent his life for her pleasure in any lawful service; that he prayed for her, as for his own soul: that he never invented or compassed any treason against her Majesty or any of the nobility of England.  
Then M. Morice the Queen's counsellor, on the part of her Majesty began to prove M. Pain to be a traitor two ways, by presumption and deposition. The presumption was gathered, for that about v. years past, 
Either great simplicity or great deceit, to say that in taking orders they swear to the Pope Persons are named that the lie may seem more probable.  he went beyond the seas and returned again speedily. Secondly, because he was made Priest of the bishop of Cambray, and so had sworn himself to the Pope, who is our most open enemy. Thirdly, that he had speech with traitors in Flaunders, with the E. of Vvestmerland D. Allen, and D. Bristowe. Fourthly that he travailed with a traitor's son, M. William Tempest. The deposition was of eliot's oath, and his own confession on the rack. Consequently eliot's sworn that the endightement was true, and M. pains confession was read.  
This being done, M. Paine answered to the presumptions, saying, that to go beyond the seas was not a sufficient token of a traitor, neither to be made Priest of the bishop of Cambray: for so were many others, 
When he was of the seminary, it had no pension of the Pope.  nothing at all thinking of treason, confessing also that he was not the Pope's scholar, neither had any maintenance of him. To the third he answered, that he never talked with the Earl of Westmoreland, and that D. Allen and D. Bristowe never talked to his knowledge of any such things. To the fourth, That M. Tempest was an honest gentleman, and never talked with him about treason, neither was it unlawful to keep him company, seeing that he was servant to a right honourable counsellor, Sir Christopher Hatton.  
He refelled eliot's deposition, first, taking God to witness, on his soul that he never had such speech with him. Secondly he brought two places of Scripture, and a statute to prove, that without two sufficient witnesses, no man should be condemned. the scriptures are. Io. 8. v. 17. 
1 Elizab. 6.13 Elizab. 1.1 Ed. c. 12.  The testimony of two men is true. and Deut. 17. v. 6. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall he perish, which shallbe put to death. let no man be put to death one only bearing witness against him. Thirdly, 
What kind of men the persecutors procure to be witnesses against God Priests.  he proved Eliot insufficient to be a witness, for oppression of poor men even to death, for a Rape, and other manifest lewd acts with women, for breach of contract, for cozoning the L. Peter of Money, for changing oft his religion, for malice against himself, for being attached of murder, and such like acts. after he made a long discourse of eliot's dissembling, when he came to M. moors for him with a warrant, inducing him to warwicksheere about his marriage.  
Hereupon a jury was impanneld, who on friday after dinner brought evidence that he was guilty. Upon Saturday a little before dinner coming again to the bar, judge Gaudy asked M. Pain what he could say for himself. Who answered that he had said sufficiently, alleging that it was against the la of God and man that he should be condemned for on man's witness, notoriously infamous. Then the judge said that if he were not guilty the country would have found it. M. Pain answered, that those men of the jury were poor simple men, nothing at all understanding what treason is, and that he had demanded the definition of conspiracy before of M. Morice and them, which they would not give, but if it please the Queen and her council, 
A blessed resolution.  that I shall die, I refer my cause to God. Then the judge said that his own words made most against him, and if Eliot had sworn falsely, 
Nether eliot's oath, nor the juries verdict shall excuse the judge before God.  his death should be required at his hands, the which no man knew but God and himself. M. Pain said, that all was but treachery in seeking of his blood. In fine judge Gaudy pronounced the sentence of condemnation: and afterward exhorted him to repent himself, although said he, you may better instruct me herein. 

The people are made believe, that Catholics put not their whole trust in Christ.  
Thos men are no fit matter for Ministers ●o work on: persons laden with sin are subject to their persuasions.   M. Pain demanded the time when he should suffer, it was answered, on Monday following about 8 of the clock.  
After that he was returned to prison, the high Sheriff and others came to him and demanded. Whether he made JESUS CHRIST the only cause of his salvation, to whom he answered affirmatively, professing unto them the Catholic verity. All sunday till v. of the clock, one D. Withers, and D. Sun were with him, persuading him earnestly to ch●ng his religion, the which (said they) if you will alter, we doubt not to procure mercy for you This M. Paine told me himself, for no body was suffered to come unto them, saying that the Ministers by their foolish babbling did much vex & trouble him. I amongst many coming unto him about x. of the clock with the officers, he most comfortably & meekly uttered words of constancy unto me, and with a loving kiss took his leave of me.  
The next Morning the ij of April about 8. of the clock he was laid on the hurdle, and brought to the place of execution, where kneeling almost half an hour, he earnestly prayed, arising, and viewing the galloes, he kissed it with a smiling countenance, ascended, and the halter being applied, he lifted up up his eyes and hands towards heaven a pretty while them began to speak to the people: first, he made unto them a declaration of his faith (because he was before informed by me, 
By such lying means the ministers beguile the people.  that the common people thought him to be a jesuit, whose opinion they say is, That Christ is not God) confessing one God in essence or substance, and Trinity in persons, and the WORD to be incarnate for man's redemption, with other Catholic words. Secondly, he desired God to forgive him his life past, and to have mercy on all sinners. Thirdly, he forgave all which ever had offended him, naming Eliot, 
 Charity.  whom he desired God most earnestly to make with him a companion in heavenly bliss. Fourthly, 
innocency.  he said that his feet did never tread, his hands did never write, nor his wit did never invent any treason against her Majesty: but that he always wished unto her as to his own soul, desiring almighty God, to give her in earth a prosperous reign, and afterward eternal felicity.  
The Lord Rich willed him to confess that he there died a traitor● and to be sorry therefore. 
He confessed a true confession of his innocency before.  To whom very patiently he answered, that he defied all treason, and to confess an untruth was to condemn his own soul. I Confess truly said he that I die a Christian Catholic Priest. And desired the L. Rich to bear witness of his death, 
Good Lord give her his grace & her counsel to consider of the matter.  saying, Sweet my Lord certify her Majesty thereof, that she suffer not hereafter innocent blood to be cast away, seeing it is no small matter. Then a Minister with an admirative reply, said to the people, that in these words he showed himself a great traitor, because (quoth he) this man saith, 
These Ministers truly are mad fellows.  that if the Queen touch the anointed of the Pope, she sheddeth innocent blood. M. Pain turning unto him said, Truly you deal very uncharitably with me, for saith he, I desired my lord to speak unto her Majesty, that she suffer not innocent blood to be cast away, and then uttered his great affection to the Queen. In course of talk, my L. Rich said: Pain have you not had always desire to spend your life, 
A pretty conceit to entrap the innocent man? they sport them sel●es with innocent men's blood.  for the Queen's death? M. Pain then was in contemplation, and not hearing, answered not: if perchance he had answered affirmatively (not thinking of the word death, put so sophistically in the last place, but of health) than God (to whom all men's intentions lie open) knoweth what the adversary would have gathered thereof. A Minister said, that although he denied this treason, 
The Ministers spoke.  yet for all that he was a traitor, for said he, Campion and his company denied their treason, and yet it was by more than two witnesses proved unto them. 

There was nothing proved but that thee were false witnesses.  
The devil is a liar & the author of thes lies that his ministers utter.   M. Pain answered, that immediately before their execution he demanded of them if these accusations of treasons had any ground? they said by their faith that it was never imagined, nor hard of by them. Then the Minister said M. Harte had confessed it: he answered that he would defend no man's doings but his own and that he knew not thereof: strait ways they affirmed that he confessed such treason to the L. Poole, he said that he knew her not. Then the Minister inferred that his brother confessed to him in his chamber seven years a go that he talked of such an intention. To this he answered being somewhat moved: Bone Deus? My brother is, and always hath been a very earnest protestant, whom yet I know will not say so falsely of me, and then desired that his brother should be sent for: they called for him, but then he was in the town (when a sort of us came from the execution we found his brother in our Inn, of whom we asked if this was true, uttering unto him all the matter: he sworn unto us with great admiration, that it was most false, and told us that he would so certify my L. Rich, immediately he was sent for to my lord, and I took horse to ride away, and thereof as yet here no more.)  
To conclude they would not tarry so long till his brother should be sent for M. Paine often confessed that he died a Christian Catholic Priest. 
If heretics had any religion they world never desire to pray with one of an other faith.  They desired M. Pain to pray with them in English but he was attentive to his end in contemplation, and being often called on, by the Ministers to join with them in the lords prayer, he said, that he had prayed in a tongue which he well understood: and again when he was praying, repeating their former requests, one answered that he then prayed in English, perhaps to satisfy the people: for he heard not a word. After M. Paine told them that he said our lords prayer three times, and told them that he would say the Psalm Miserere, and said it forth. 
A wise question.  The Minister asked him whether he repented not that he had said Mass, but he heard him not, being in contemplation.  
After all, very meekly when the ladder was about to be turned, he said, JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, and so did hang not moving hand or foot. They very courteously caused men to hang on his foots, and set the knot to his ear, and suffered him to hang to death, commanding Bul the hangman of Newgate to dispatch, lest he should as they said revive, and rebuked him that he did not dispatch speedily. All the town loved him exceedingly, the keepers and most of the Magistrates of the shear. No man seemed in countenance to mislike with him, but much sorrowed and lamented his death, who most constantly, catholicly patiently and meekly ended this mortal life, to rise triumphantly his innocency known to all the world.  
He had been long in prison very il used, cuelly handled, and extremely racked, he was once or twice demanded whether he would go to their church (for that would have made amends for all these treasons) why? said he, you say I am in f●r treason, discharge me of that, and then you shall know farther of my mind for the other. All fair means, all foul means, all extremity, all policy, were used to find that which was not. After his racking the Lieutenant sent to him for his farther examining or rather tormenting, his servant with this letter following.  
I have here with, sent you pen, ink, and paper: and I pray you writ what you have said to Eliot and to your Host in London, concerning the Queen and the state, and thereof fail not, as you will answer at your uttermost peril.  

M. pains answer.  
RIGHT worshipful my duty remembered, being not able to writ without better hands, I have by your appointment used the help of your servant: for answer unto your interrogatories I have already said sufficient for a man that regardeth his own salvation, and that, with such advised asseverations uttered, as amongst christian men ought to be believed, yet once again briefly for obedience sake.  
First touching her Majesty, I pray God long to preserve her highness to his honour and her hearts desire, unto whom I always have and during life will wish no worse, then to my own soul. If her pleasure be not, that I shall live and serve her as my sovereign Prince: then will I willingly die her faithful subject, and I trust God's true servant.  
Touching the state, I protest, that I am and ever have been free from the knowledge of any practice whatsoever, either within or without the realm intended against the same: for the verity whereof, as I have often before you, & the rest her grace's commissioners called God to witness: so do I now again, and on day before his Majesty the truth now not credited, will be then revealed.  
For Eliot, I forgive his monstrous wickedness, and defy his malicious inventions: wishing, that his former behaviour towards others, being well known, as hereafter it will, were not a sufficient disprose of these devised slanders.  
For host or other person living, in London or else where (unless they be by subornation of my bloody enemy corrupted) I know they can, neither for word, deed, or any disloyaultie justly touch me, and so before the seat of God, as also before the sight of men, will I answer at my uttermost peril.  
Her majesties faithful subject and your worship's humble prisoner john Paine Priest.    

THE ARRAIGNMENT AND Martyrdom of M. Euerard Haunse Priest: who was arraigned the xxviij Day of julie 1581. and Martyred the xxxj of the same month.  
M. EVERARD HAVNSE sometime a Minister of the Heretical service, and well beneficed, fell, by God's providence and mercy towards him, into a grievous sickness, in which as well by that chastisement, as by some special miraculous admonitions from above, he began to consider of his former life, and the damnable state & function he was in. Whereupon calling for a Catholic Priest, he reconciled himself to the Church, forsook the sacrilegious function of the Ministry, abandoned his wrongfully gotten and holden benefice: 
The heretics say he could not get learning enough to be a Priest so quickly, and yet they thought him learned enough to be a Minister 4. or 5. years before.  and so passed over to Rome's. Where having lived near ij years in most zealous and studious sort, and by that time through continual exercise well instructed in cases of conscience, and all duties of Priesthood: he was for the unspeakable desire he had to gain both others, but specially some of his dearest friends into the unity of the Church and salvation, much moved to be Priest and to return home.  
He had his intent, and so came into England. Where he had not been long, but adventuring one day to go visit certain prisoners in the Marshal see: there he was apprehended, & being examined by an Officer, what he was, and from whence he came, without more ado confessing boldly himself to be a Catholic, a Priest, and a Seminary man of Rheims: was thereupon cast into Newgate amongst thieves and laden with irons. And a few days after, when the gail delivery of that prison was holden, he was brought to the bar with other malefactors. Where M Flitwod the recorder sitting in judgement, asked him where he was made Priest, what was the cause of his coming into England, and the like. Which the man of God marvelous resolute without fear or dissimulation told him. affirming the cause of his return to be to gain souls, and that he was made Priest at Rheims. Then (saith he) you are a subject to the POPE? so I am sir saith M. Haunse, to which M. Flitwod replied, than the POPE hath some superiority over you, that is true quoth he: what in England said the Recorder? 
It is no temporal la that can take from him the right that Christ hath given him.  yea in England saith he, for he hath as much authority and right in spiritual government in this realm as ever he had, and as much as he hath in any other country, or in Rome itself.  
Upon which most true and sincere confession, the Heretics (as their fashion is to falsify allthings and by contrived slanders to to make odious the servants of God) gave out afterwards in print that he should say, 
How heretics belly the Catholics.  That Princes had not any supreamicie or sovereignty in their own realms but the POPE only: which was far from his and every Catholic man's mind. But upon his former answer, to bring him by course of question into the compass of some of their new statutes of treason, they asked him further, whether he thought the POPE could not err? to which though he expressly answered, that in life and manners he might offend, 

How, where and when, the Pope is free from error.  
another forgery of the protestants.   & as in his private doctrine or writing err also, yet as in judicial definition and deciding matters of controversy he did never err. this plain speech notwithstanding, the enemies gave out, that he should say, The Pope could not sin.  
Then they proceeded with him further: and demanded whether the POPE did not judicially proceed in the deposition of the Queen. And thereupon red a piece of the Bull of Pius qnintus, those words specially, in which he declared her to be an Heretic, and a fautor of Heretics, and deprived her of all regal authority & pretended right of these dominions, 

In a matter of fact the Pope may be misin form, or do sometimes things, that are not profitable for the Church, though it be a good man's part to trust that his chief pastor doth all things with good consideration.  
another snare.   absolving all her subjects from her obedience. did he not err quoth they in this? I hope said M. Haunse he did not. which term (I hope) he used purposely in this matter, and not any other asseveration, because Pius quintus his act was in this case not a matter of doctrine, but of fact. Wherein he did not affirm, that the POPE could not err. But to go on step forward, and to bring him into the compass of the first statut of the last parliament, whereupon they intended straight to end it him, M. Recorder asked whether he spoke the foresaid thing to persuade other men that heard him, to be of his mind. I know not what you mean by persuading saith he, but I would have all men to believe the Catholic faith as I do.  
That being done and said of each sid, order was given to one present, that was learned in the Law to draw an endightement of treason against M. Haunse, upon the new statut made in the last parliament which was out of hand done. The effect whereof was, that the said Haunse, being on of the Pope's scholars and made Priest beyond the seas, was returned to seduce the Q. M. subjects from their obedience, and that he had affirmed the Pope to be his Superior here in England, and had as much authority in spiritual government with in this realm as ever he had before: saying further, that he hoped Pius quintus, erred not in declaring her to be an Heretic, excommunicating & deposing her M. and discharging the subjects from their oath and obedience towards her, acknowledging, that he uttered so much to have others think therein as he did etc. Which endightement being openly red, and M. Haunse thereon arraigned, he was willed to hold up his hand: he held up his left hand, whereupon the Recorder blamed him, attributing it to some pride or superstition, that being a Priest h● would not vouchsafe or might not hold up his anointed right hand, but the truth was, he did it for that his right hand was occupied in easing himself by holding up the great bolts wherewith the blessed man was exceedingly laden for being admonished, he forth with streached forth his right hand.  
And being asked whether he was guilty of the things contained in the endightement, after a few words, wherein he said that he was not altogether guilty in those things as they there were set down, he yet acknowledged the substance & the sense thereof with great courage and constancy. Whereupon the sentence of death was pronounced against him, in form well known to all men. This done he was returned to the prison from whence he came: whether Minister Crowley, and others came to assay his constancy, but after much talk and many persuasions to relent in some point of religion, and to acknowledge hi●●●ul● tov●●rds her M. When they saw they could not prevail against the blessed Confessor, the● forged to his disgrace, and to make him odious, That he should affirm to the● in talk, That treason to the Q. was no sin before God. Which slander they were not ashamed to put out in print.  
Upon the last of july 1581. he was drawn to Tyburn where being put into the cart, with cheerful countenance he professed himself to be a Catholic Priest, and most glad to die for testimony thereof. And being willed to ask the Q mercy, and demanded whether he took her for his prince and sovereign: he answered, that he did take her for his Q. and that he never offended her M. otherwise then in matters of his conscience, which they have drawn to matters of treason. And whereas saith he, I understand it hath been given forth that I should say, Treason was no offence to God: I protest, I neither meant nor said any more, but that these new made treasons, which are nothing else in deed, but the confession of the Catholic points of religion, were no offences to God howsoever they were treasons to man.  
Then the Ministers called upon him to pray with them, and to desire the people to assist him: he answered, that he might not pray with Heretics, but desired humbly all Catholics to pray for him, and with him. And so praying devoutly to himself, the cart was drawn away, and before he was half dead, the rope was cut, and he bowelled alive, and afterwards quartered, a spectacle of great edification to the good, and a wonder to every one that looked upon it.  

The Copy of a letter sent by the said Martyr to his brother.  
BROTHER, I pray you be careful for my parents, see them instructed in the way of truth, so that you be careful for your own state also. What you shall take in hand that way, think no other, but God will send good success, my prayers shall not be wanting to aid you by God's grace. give thanks to God for all that he hath sent, cast not yourself into dangers wilfully, but pray to God when occasion is offered, you may take it with patience.  
The comforts, at the present instant are unspeakable, the dignity to high for a sinner, but God is merciful. Bestow my things you find ungeven away, upon my poor knisfolkes. A pair of pantoffls I leave with M. N. For my mother. Twenty shillings, I would have you bestow on them from me, if you can make so much conveniently, some I have left with M. N. I owe Ten shillings, and two shillings, I pray you see it paid, M. N. will let you understand how, and to whom, if you want money to discharge it, send to my friends you know where, in my name. Summa Conciliorum I pray you restore to M. B. the other books you know to whom.  
Have me commended to my friends, let them think I will not forget them. The day and hour of my birth is at hand, and my Master saith, 
After we had ended the history of these xii MARTYRS, which at the beginning we meant only to writ of, we were desired to add also iij others that suffered for the same quarrel these years past.  Tolle crucem tuam & sequere me. Vale in domino.  
Yours Euerard Haunse Pridie obitus.    

THE ARRAIGNMENT AND Martyrdom of M. Cuthbert Maine Priest, and Bachelor of Divinity: Martyred the 29 of novemb. 1577.  
IN the year 1577 and the month of june the superintendant of Execeter being in visitation at a town called S. Trurie, was requested by the sheriff of the sheer and other busy men, 
The order of his apprehension.  that he would aid and assist them to search M. Tregians house, where M. Maine did lie: after some deliberation it was concluded that the sheriff, the B. Chancellor, with divers gentlemen and their servants should take the matter in hand.  
Assoon as they came to M. Tregianes' house the sheriff first spoke unto him, saying, that he and his company were come to search for one M. Bourne which had committed a fault in London, and so flod into Cornewal; and was in his house as he was informed. M. Tregian answering that he was not there, and swearing by his faith that he did not know where he was, further telling him, to have his house searched, he though it great discourtosie, for that he was a gentleman as he was, for he did account his house as his castle, also stoutly denying them, for that they had no commission from the Prince.  
The sheriff being very bold, because he had a great company with him, swore by all the oaths he could devise, that he would search his house or else he would kill or be killed, holding his hand upon his dagger, as though he would have stabbed it into the Gentleman.  
This violence being used he had leave to search the house, 
M. Tregians house searched.  the first place they went unto was M. Maines chamber, which being fast shut, they bounsed and beat at the door, M. Maine came & opened it (being before in the garden, where he might have gone from them) assoon as the Sheriff came into the chamber, he took M. Maine by the bosom and said unto him, what art thou, he answered, I am a man, whereat the Sheriff being very hot, asked whether he had a coat of mail under his doublet, and so unbuttened it, and sound an AGNUS DEI case about his neck, which he took from him and called him traitor & reb●●, with many other opprobrious names.  
They carried him, his books, Papers and letters, 
M. Maine carried to the superintendant.  to the superintendant who when he had talked with him and examined him of his religion: he confessed that he was learned, and had gathered very good notes in his books, but no favour he showed him Thence the Sheriff carried him from one gentleman's house, to an other, until he came to Lanstone, 
Cruelly imprisoned.  where he was cruelly imprisoned, being chained to his bed posts with a pair of great gives about his legs, and straight commandment given that no man should repair unto him.  
Thus he remained in prison from june till Michaelmas, at what time the judges came their circuit, 
His arraignment.  the Earl of Bedford was also present at M. Maine arraignment and did deal most in the matter. He was indited for having a Bull, Holy grains and an Agnus Dei, which was against their heathenish statutes. M. Maine answered negatively to every point of the inditement, and did prove it very well, if they had not been blinded with malice and envy. The jury that went upon him were chosen men for the purpose, and thought him worthy of death whether there came any proof against him or no, because he was a Catholic Priest, such is their evangelical conscience. 
The sentence.  After the twelve had given their verdict guilty, the judges gave sentence on him that he should be executed within xv. days, but it was deferred until S. Andrew's day upon what occasion I know not.  
The Sheriff in the mean time went to the court where he was made knight for this notable piece of service, and there he procured a commission that M. Maine might be executed, which he sent into the country to the justices. Three days before he was put to death, there came a serving man unto him, and willed him to prepare for death, for saith he, you are to be executed within these three days at the farthest. 
He taketh the advertisement of his death. thankfully. His spiritual exercises.  Which gentle admonition M. Maine took very thankfully, and said to the serving man, that if he had any thing to give, he would rather bestow it upon him, then on any other, for he had done more for him then ever any man did.  
After that advertisement he gave himself earnestly to prayer and contemplation until his death. The second night after he gave himself to these spiritual exercises, there was seen a great light in his chamber, between twelve & one of the clock, in so much that some of the prisoners that lay in the next rooms, called unto him to know what it was for they know very well that he had neither fire nor candle) he answered; willing them to quiet themselves, for it did nothing appertain unto them.  
At the day of his execution many justices and Gentlemen came to see him, 
The Ministers dispute with him.  & brought with them two proud Ministers, which did dispute with him, whom he did confute in every point: but the justices and Gentlemen who were blind judges in their doings, would hear nothing of that, but they affirmed that the ignorant Ministers were much better learned than he, albeit they confess he died very stoutly, whereat they did much marvel, saying to the ignorant people, that he could avouch no scripture for his opinion, which was most untrue: for I know by the report of honest men that were present, that he did confirm every point in question with testimonies of scriptures and doctors, and that abundantly.  
This ended, he was to be drawn a quarter of a mile to the place of execution, and when he was to be laid on the fled, 
A barbarous request.  some of the justices moved the Sheriffs deputy, that he would cause him to have his head laid over the car, that it might be dashed against the stones in drawing: 
M. Main humility.  and M. Maine offered himself that it might be so, but the Sheriffs deputy would not suffer it.  
When he came to the place of execution he kneeled down and prayed: as he was on the ladder and the rope about his neck, he would have spoken to the people, but the justices would not suffer him, but willed him to say his prayers, which he did very devoutly. And as the hangman was about to turn the ladder, one of the justices spoke to him in this manner. Now villain and traitor thou knowest that thou shalt die, 
A Protestant's spirit.  and therefore tell us whether M. Tregian and Sir john Arrundel did know of these things which thou art condemned for, and also what thou dost know by them.  
M. Maine answered him again very mildly, saying, I do know nothing by M. Tregian and S. john Arrundel, out that they be good, and godly Gentlemen, and as for the things I am condemned, for, they were only known to me and to no other, than he was cast of the ladder, saying, In manus tuas etc., and knocking his breast.  
Some of the Gentlemen would have had him cut down strait way that they might, 
No gentleman's blood in such cruel hearts.  have had him quartered alive, but the Sheriffs deputy would not, but let him hang till he was dead. After he was quartered, one quarter was sent to S. Probus where he was taken, an other to wade-brig, the third to Bastable in Devonsheir where he was borne, the fourth and his head remain in Lanstone where he was executed.  
This B. man M. Maine borne in Bastable in Devonsheir, had an old Schismatical Priest to his uncle, and well beneficed, who being very desirous to leave his benefice to this his Nephew, brought him up at scholle, 
He was made Minister.  & when he was xviij or nineteen years old, got him to be made Minister: at what time (as M. Maine himself with great sorrow and diep sighs did often tell me) he knew neither what Ministry nor religion meant. Being sent after to Oxford, he heard his course of logic in Alborne hall, and there proceeded bachelor of Art.  
At that time S. john's College wanted some good fellow to play his part at the communion table, 
His degrees in school.  to play which part M. Maine was invited and hired. in which College and function he lived many years, being of so mild a nature, and of such sweet behaviour, that the Protestants did greatly love him, & the Catholics did greatly piety him, seeing so honest a nature cast away upon so contemptible a function, in so much that some dealing with him, and advertising him of the damnable ●●ate he stood in, he was easily persuaded their doctrine to be heretical, and withal brought to lament and deplore his own miserable state and condition.  
And so being in heart and mind a persuaded Catholic, continued yet in the same College for some years and there proceeded M. of Art: and every sunday gave them a dry communion. 
The dry communion, A weet supper rightly handled.  for as I think he never gave them the weet supper but once, at what time all the communicants put that profane bread into their bosoms and did cast it afterwards, either to dogs or upon the dunghill. As M. Read then a hot Protestant and one of these communicants, now a great preacher and my L. Treasurer's chaplain can best tell you.  
Some of his familiars being already beyond the seas for their conscience, did oft solicit him by letters to leave that damnable function of the Ministry, and invited him to come to Douai: one of these letters by chance fell into the superintendents hands of London, who dispatched a pursuivant strait to Oxford for M. Maine and some others, the rest appeared, and were sent to prison, but by chance M. Maine was then in his country, and being advertised by his countreiman and friend M. Ford (than fellow of Trinity College in Oxford, and of late Martyred) that there was process out for him, he took shipping on the coast of Cornwall and so went to Douai when the Seminary there was but newly erected. 
He went to Douai.   
Where falling to Divinity, and keeping the private exercises within the house diligently, and doing the public exercises in the scholles with commendation, after some years proceeded Bachelor of Divinity, 
Made Bachelor of Divinity.  & was made Priest. & desirous partly to honour God in this sacred order, and to satisfy for that he had dishonoured him by taking the sacrilegious title of Ministry, partly inflamed with zeal to save souls, he returned towards England together with M. john Pain who was since Martyred the 14 of April in the year, 1576. M. Maine placed himself in his own country with a Catholic & virtuous Gentleman M. Tregian, where he had not been a full year but he was taken in the order above specified.  
When the adversary made M. Maine this proffer, to have his life, if he would swear upon a book that the Q. was supreme head of the Church of England, and if he did refuse, then to be hanged drawn and quartered: he took the Bible into his hands, made the sign of the Cross upon it, kissed it, and said, The Queen neither ever was, nor is, 
A most true oath.  nor ever shall be, the head of the Church of England.   

The Arraignment and condemnation of M. john Nelson Priest, who was Martyred the ●iij of February the year M.D.lxxviij.  
THIS virtuous Priest M. Nelson was taken in London upon the first of December in the year M.D.lxxvij, 
His apprehension.  late in the evening, as he was saying the Nocturne of the Matins for the next day following, and was presently sent to prison upon suspicion of Papistry, as they term the Catholic faith.  
And after v or uj days, 
He is examined of his faith. He refuseth the oath of the supremacy.  he was brought forth to be examined, before the high commissioners, and there they tendered the oath of the Q. supremacy unto him, the which oath he refused to take, and being asked why he would not swear, answered because he never had heard or read that any lay Prince could have that pre-eminence: and being further demanded who then was the head of the Church, he answered sincerely and boldly. That the Pops Holiness was, 
He maketh a true confession.  to whom that supreme authority in earth was dwe, as being Christ's vicar and the lawful successor of S. Peter.  

The English religion is schismatical and heretical. Schism.  Secondly they asked him his opinion of the religion now practised in England, to which he answered promptly, that it was both Schismatical and heretical. Whereupon they bid him define what schism was, he told them that it was A voluntary departure from the unity of the Catholic Roman faith.  

They seek to entrap him.  Then they inferred, what, is the Queen a schismatic or no? he answered he could not tell, because he knew not her mind in setting forth or maintaining of the religion now publicly used in England. The commissioners replied, that the Q. did both promulgat it, and maintain it, and urging him, that if she so did, then whether she were a schismatic and heretic or no?  
M. Nelson paused a while, as being loath to exasperate his prince if he might have chosen, but yet more loath to offend God and his own conscience, or to give scandal to the world, answered conditionally after this sort: If she be the setter forth (quoth he) and defender of this religion now practised in England, 
They drive men into the compass of treason, of purpose. His arraignment.  than she is a SCHISMATIC and an HERETIC. Which answer when they had wrong from him, they said he had spoken enough, they sought for no more at his hands.  
And so he was desmissed and sent back to prison: And about seven weeks after, he was brought forth to his arraignment, and the same interrogatories propunded again, and he answering still the self same to every question, as he had done before, sentence of death was prononced against him, as against one guilty of treason, the first day of february, the year 1578.  

His constancy of mind.  When the sentence was prononced against him, he never changed his countenance, nor there never appeared in him any sign of a troubled mind, but took his condemnation very meekly, and prepared himself with a good courage for death. The gailours wife, moved with compassion, offered him wine, thereby as she thought to assuage the heaviness of his mind, but he would not cast it, 
He did voluntary penance, after his condemnation.  saying he rather desired a cup of cold water, as more meet for him. And from the hour the sentence was prononced against him, till the hour of his death he took no other food but bread and small beer. 
His mind only upon heavenly things.   
He was so delighted with prayer and secret meditation, that he would not hear of any other things willingly. Especially if they were worldly matters. In so much that when a friend of his (for his greater comfort and the more to animate him against the terrors of death) wished him to read and meditat upon the lives and deaths of Martyrs, as they are set down in the service according to the use of Rome, 
He was full of spiritual comforts  albeit he misliked not of the counsel, answered yet, that he had enough to occupy his mind withal and to meditat upon full well.  
And being put in mind by the same friend, with what alacrity and joy of mind many thousand Martyrs had suffered exquisite torments for Christ's sake, and that they never complained of shrunk thereat, he answered, 
In what things he specially to● comfort.  that that cogitation came oft to his mind, and that he took such comfort thereof, that he doubted nothing but that he should find and feel the grace of God's consolation in the midst of his agony.  
And surely this resolutnes of mind, and willingness to die, came of this, that the Thursday before his arraignment and death, he had cleansed his conscience by confession, 
The chief causes of his comforts.  and had fortified himself by receiving the B. SACRAMENT of the ALTAR. For a priest coming to visit him, with others in his company, desirous to communicate at M. Nelsons hands, wishing it might be upon Candelmas day because of the solemnity of the feast. but after they had considered on the matter a while they saw it was no fit day, because such festival days are more subject to suspicion then other days are, 
It was Gods special providence that he should so resolve.  and therefore they concluded to difer it till the day after Candelmas day, but M. Nelson wished rather to prevent the feast, and to communicate upon the Thursday before, which was done. Though that neither he himself, nor any of his friends, had any the least conjecture, that he should so shortly come to his martyrdom. And behold the very next day after, word was brought him that on the morrow he should be arraigned, and undoubtedly condemned, if he did not revoke his former words, and so it fell out in deed as you have hard.  
Upon Monday the iij of February being the day of his Martyrdom, 
His demeanour the day of his death.  he came, very early before day, up to the higher part of the prison: whereas from saturday till then, he had been kept in a low dungeon. Two of his nearest kinsmen coming unto him, found him earnest at his prayers with his hands joined together and lifted up, in so much that the other prisoners there present, did both mark it and wonder at it much.  

His cheerfulness in God.  When they had talked a while together, & he seeing them so full of sorrow, that they had much a do to abstain from weeping, yet for all that was nothing moved himself, neither gave any sign or appearance of sorrow either in voice or countenance. but rebuked them saying, that he lookeh for some comfort and consolation of them in that case, and not by their tears be occasioned to grief and sorrow of mind. Willing them farther, to lament and weep for their own sins and not for him. for he had a sure confidence that all should go well with him.  
When his kinsmen took their last farewell of him, they fell into such immoderate tears and lamentations, that he was somewhat moved therewith, but stayed and repressed nature by and by, and so dismissed them. And they were no sooner gone, 
The devils Ministers, had no power ou●● him.  but two proud Ministers of Satan came unto him, seeking by all means to remove him from his faith, but in vain. for he utterly refused to have any talk with them, willing them to let him be in quiet, and so they did, and departed from him.  
When he was brought forth of the prison, and to be laid upon the herdle, some of the officers exhorted him to ask the Q. M. whom he had highly offended, forgiveness, he answered, 
His innocency.  I will ask her no pardon, for because I never offended her. At which words the people that stood about him raged, and threatened him, that if he would not, he should be hanged like a traitor as he was, well (saith he) Gods will be done, I perceive that I most die, 
His willingness to die.  and surely I am ready to die with a good will: for better it is to abide all punishment be it never so grievous here, then to suffer the eternal torments of hell fire.  
Being come to the place of execution, and put into the car●e the first words he spoke were, 
His prayers at his death.  In man as ●●as domine. etc. then he besought such of the standars by as were Catholics, to pray 〈◊〉 him, and for him, saying either in Latin or English, the Pater noster, the ave Maria, and the Creed. which he himself said in Latin, adding thereto the Cōsti●●r, and the Psalms Miserere, and De profundis. which finished turning himself round above to all the people, said unto them in this sort: I call you all this day to witness, 
A notable profession & his prayer.  that I die in the unity of the CATHOLIQVE CHURCH, and for that unity do now most willingly suffer my blood to be shed. And therefore I beseech God, and request you all to pray for the same, that it would please God of his great mercy, to make you and all others that are not, true Catholic men, and both 〈…〉 and die in the unity of our holy mother the C●THOLIK● ROMAN CHURCH.  

The deceived people's clamour.  At the which words the people cried out, hence, away with thee and thy Catholic Romi●h faith: but this notwithstanding he repeated the same prayer again. Then he requested to be forgiven of all men aswell absent as present, 
He prayeth for his persecutors.  if he had offended any protesting that he forgave all his enemies and persecutors, desiring God also to forgive them. Here again he was willed to ask the Q. forgiveness, the which he refused to do for a while, at the last he said, If I have offended her or any else, I ask her and all the world forgiveness, as I forgive al.  
And so the hang man being willed to dispatch, M. Nelson prayed a little while to himself, and then requested such of the assembly as were Catholics to pray with him, That CHRIST by the merits of his bitter PASSION would receive his soul into everlasting joy. 
His last prayer.  When the cart was drawn away, a great number cried with loud voice, Lord receive his soul.  

He was cruelly executed.  He was cut down before he was half dead, dismembered and ripped up, and as the hangman plucked out his bare; he lifted himself up a little, and a● some tha● stood near report, spoke these words, I forgive the Q. and all that were cause●s of my death. But I though I saw his lips move, yet heard not so much and the hangman had iij or iiij blows at his head before he could strick it of. His quarters were hanged on four gates of the city, and his head set upon London-Bridge: and thus he changed this mortal life with immortality. God be blessed for him, and blessed be the memory of this his Martyrdom amongst men in all our posterities. Amen.  
This man from his youth had the ●el● of God & of his house exceedingly, detesting ever 〈…〉 had the knowledge of the truth, specially sin 〈◊〉 was made priest and instructed beyond the seas, t●e f●rst great negligence that most men of our Co●●●●●y eue● Catholics, 
Note this point well.  in the beginning of this Q. reign committed, in going to the communion, Church, and service of heretics, much glorifying God, that he vouchsafed afterwards to open that error to the people, and to give to so many the grace of reconciliation and constance to resist that wickedness: and to follow the example of their chief pastors therein, the holy Bishops and Confessors, that then were deprived and in prison for the same.  
After his death it is credibly reported, that some sick persons were restored miraculously to health by his holy Relics. And a man worthy of all credit, riding down from London north ward straight upon his execution, spoke these words, to a grave person that told me the story, It is now come to pass (said he) that john Nelson foretold me seven years since: That he should die for the Catholic faith. 
He foretold his own death, and this persecution.  And divers others may well remember, how he would oftentimes say. That the Catholic religion would never be restored in England, until many should shed their blood for confession and testimony of the same.  
Which we may undoubtedly take, both for a prophecy of this great persecution, and also for the conversion of our country, through the acceptable cry of so much holy innocent blood, so meekly yielded on the one side, and so unjustly spilled on the other. Which God grant for his sons sake, the Head and rewarder of all these blessed Martyrs.   

The Martyrdom of Thomas Sherwod, 1578. the seven of February.  
THIS was a lay man and young of years, but by the special grace of God and his fathers, a holy Confessors example and instruction, exceedingly given to the Catholic faith, piety & great penance. He was apprehended in the streets of London ready to go over to the seminary at Rheims, by the wickedness of Martin Tregonian. Who by ill company and education became a Caluinist, and upon suspicion that this young man brought Priests to say Mass in his mother's house, who was a good Catholic lady, meeting him by chance in London cried. A traitor, A traitor, stay, stay the traitor.  
Whereupon the people durst do no less, but ishew out of their shops and apprehend him: so they brought him to the Recorder, his accuser having nothing in the world to charge him with all; but because it was for suspicion of religion, they quickly entrapped him by enterrogatories of Pius quintus. Bul, of the excommunication, of the Q. religion, and whether she was an heretic, and of her spiritual sovereignty: unto all which when he answered like a true Christian man, ●oth then and afterwards at this arraignment, after about uj months miraculous constancy, suffering of most cruel dungeons, irons, famine and racking, almost to death, being the first that was racked for near matter of faith in our memories, a● length, the day and year above specified, he was ●●●●en to Tyburn, hanged cut down boweled a live, and so divided and set up his head and quarters, he gloriously took his leave of the world, and is received into the eternal tabernacles in glory and felicity eternal.   

GENTIL READER,  
CONSIDER OUR difficulties in printing, and bear with the faults escaped us.  
FINIS.