An Exact and Faithful NARRATIVE OF THE Horrid Conspiracy OF Thomas Knox, William Osborne, and John Lane, To INVALIDATE the TESTIMONIES OF Dr. Titus' Oats, and Mr. William Bedlow; By Charging them with a Malicious Contrivance against the E. of Danby, and the said Dr. OATS with an Attempt of SODOMY.  
Wherein are Exemplified from the Originals,  

I. Four Forged Letters dictated by Thomas Knox.  
II. Five False Informations, One Paper of Memorials, and one other Information against Dr. OATES for Sodomy, forged by Knox in the Names of Lane and Osborne.  
III. The Informations, Depositions, Examinations, and Confessions of the said Knox, Osborne, and Lane, taken upon Oath before Sir William Waller and Edmond Warcup, Esq.  
iv An Account of some Depositions taken before the Lords Committees of Secrecy, relating thereunto.  
V The Breviates of the Council for the KING at the Trials of the said Knox and Lane, Nou. 25. 1679. wherein full satisfaction is given to the World of the whole Cause, by the particular Evidences of the Witnesses in behalf of the KING.   
Published by the Appointment of me TITUS OATS.  
LONDON: Printed for Tho. Parkhurst, Tho. Cockerill and Benj. Alsop, at the Bible and Three Crowns at the lower end of Cheapside, at the Three Legs, and at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1680.   

I Do Appoint Thomas Parkhurst, Thomas Cockerill, and Benjamin Alsop, to Print this Narrative, and that no other Print the same.  
TITUS OATES. Decemb. 2. 1679.   

TO HIS Sacred Majesty CHARLES, TWO: BY THE GRACE of GOD OF Great Britain, France and Ireland, KING, Defender of the Faith.  
Great Sr.  
THe highest Ambition this Address dares pretend to, is to Congratulate your Majesty's happy Success in the late famous Cause obtained against the Enemies of your Person, Crown and Dignity; in which Tri●l you have won the Field, and carried the day not by the Justice of the Sword, but by the Sword of Justice: And if the old Roman Consuls rejoiced in these Triumphs decreed to their fortunate Valour by the Senate; wherein the Success was commonly better than the Cause, your Majesty must needs much more Rejoice to have come off Victor by the Law, where you have not the Advantage of the longer Sword, but fight your Enemies with equal Weapons: where 'tis the Glory of your Courts of Judicature, that they are Eagle-eyed to discern the merits of the Cause, but blind in the favour, and respect of Persons.  
Nor will you wonder (dear Sir) that I have Entitled your Name to what may seem my personal and private Concern, since without Vanity I can avow it, they that struck at my Credit, designed the Blow at your Sacred Life; and to Murder the Repute of your Majesty's Evidence against the Traitors, was indeed but a handsome expedient to achieve a more horrid Assassination.  
I have therefore fair Hopes your Majesty will graciously Accept this Dedication, and give it the Protection of your Royal Purple, which will convince the obstinate Unbelief of your Enemies, that Papal Principles bear such a Vatinian Hatred against your Person, Government, and Religion, that they abhor the meanest Creature that crosses them in the way of their Conspiracies.  
But I give them free leave to Storm! and if the Interposition of so inconsiderable a thing as what I am, between your Sacred Person and their Ferry, might intercept the Effect of their raging Malice, I should glory to become your succedaneous Sacrifice, and despair ever to place out my cheap Life to better account, then to pay it down upon the Nale, for the preservation of yours, that is, of three Kingdoms, for seeing I own a Death to Nature, my loyal Heart must interpret it a huge Advantage to swift Martyrdom with Mortality, and make so great a Virtue of inevitable Necessity▪  
You will easily believe Sir! I might have slept out my Dates in inglorious Ease, amongst the Crowds of men of no Name or Noise, could I have satisfied myself to have stood a Spectator in the common Box, of those Tragedies they had contrived, and laid great Briton for the Seen of Action; but when once Duty and Allegiance had conquered the remainders of slavish Fears, worldly Hopes, or whatever of self Respects might fright or flatter me out of honourable Danger, into a base Retreat, to discover their Deeds of Darkness before the Sun, I foresaw, I must draw the Combined Wrath of that whole Faction upon myself, and that all the lines of their Malice would enter at least in the desine of my Destruction, who otherwise fly at higher Games, and do not use to stoop at so Inconsiderable Quarry.  
I accknowledge it was no small Encouragement to me, to see with what Transports your Majesty's loyal Subjects there present, expressed their inward Joys, when the righteous Verdict of the Jury according to full, and clear Evidence of the Fact, at once proclaimed my own Innocence, and the villainous Confederacy of my Popish Enemies, but how would that Joy be multiplied if the grand Engineers of all these Mischiefs, who sit behind the Curtain and direct these Actors, were once brought to a legal Ordeal, which in effect would be condign and exemplary Panishments? the rather because all Essays towards settlement, all approaches towards satisfaction have proved fruitless, and will do so, whilst the great Abettors and Fomentors of Treason, hug themselves in the prospect of not despaired Success, and seem to defy and deride the Justice of the Nation.  
I know well your Majesty's excellent Laws are not like the Spider's Toils, which entangle the lesser Flies, whilst the great Transgressor's by power, and interest broke through them. Nor dare we question but your Wisdom will find a sit juncture of time to let the proudest Delinquents know, if they dare offend, your Justice will dare to punish: That the Sword which the Divine Grace had entrusted you with, is sharp enough to chop off a plotting Head, as well as to pair the Nails of those that would scratch your Royal Honour; that your equal, and impertial Justice will reckon with these Wholesale Traitors who are in Arrear to the Laws for Talents, as well as you have called to account some of the Retail Offenders, which comparatively owed but a few Farthings ..  
And in this Confidence your Majesty's loyal Subjects have waited, and still do, and shall attend your Royal Leisure, resting satisfied that though your Majesty will try, you will not dissapoint their Expectations, and if you suffer their Hope to Gaspe, you will not suffer it to give up the Ghost.  
I am confident there is no Prince in Europe that can Command more real and courageous Hearts than your Majesty may: and when you have made a Purchase of their Hearts, their Hands, and Purses, their Lives, and Estates are but Appurtinances which go along with, and of course are thrown into the bargain, only they are so devoted to your Service that as they would have no foreign Prince, Pope, or potentate govern them, so they desire you may be King of, and to all your Subjects:  
Whilst you shall unite them amongst themselves, and against your, and their common Enemy, they are wholly your own, and whilst you secure to them their religious, and civil Interests, the Fruits of both are entirely in your Excheaquer.  
Which Union of your Protestant Subjects your old inveterate popish Enemies, dread more than all your Naval and Land Forces, who indeed only live by our Divisions, and gather Confidence from our animosities: And this work as 'tis truly glorious, so 'tis exceeding easy, and I hope reserved as the great blessing which England shall receive from your Royal Hand: for you see them all (except some few Bigots) impatiently waiting till your Majesty shall remove the rocks of offence, cunningly by our adversaries laid in the way of our peaceable Coalescence, and command us all to write in the grand Truths of the Protestant Religion, leaving the lesser punctilios a fit matter wherein to exercise charity and mutual forbearance, which otherwise like fire for want of Fuel to feed it would expire. And though those Zealots of all forms and persuasions amongst us, who value their little pretensions at a greater rate than that of the public peace, may seem to discour age your pious endeavours this way, yet believe it (Sr.) the discord of a single string or two, will be drowned in the Harmony of an universal Jubilee.  
All true Protestants are naturally inclined to peace upon conscientious Terms. out of Interest as well as Duty; for if we be so mad as to create troubles in England, we are not so fond as to expect Peace in Italy; If we fire our own houses, Rome will never quench them; we have no foreign, Dependencies, or transmarine expectancies, where ever our Circumference may be by Trade or Travel we Censor in your desired self; though 'tis far otherwise with our Catholics who have a Head at Rome, and an Interest distinct form, and opposed to that of their Natural King and Native Country.  
Whatever Cruelties, and Barbarisms the Papists have acted amongst us, may be paralleled by Instances from other Country's and former Ages, but still from their own Patterns: Their late Ingenious Artifice to divolve the quilt and Odium of their own Treasons, upon the innocent Protestants, may be sampled in the Powder Treason, and the Massacre of Paris; In the former of which (had it succeeded) the Puritans must have born the blame and shame of their Villainies; in the latter Instance, the Hugonots did actually bear it, and Knights of the post were suborned to swear against the valiant Briquemault, and gallant Caviagnes that they with the great Admiral Caligni had conspired the Death of the King, and the Duke of Guise, and accordingly these innocent Persons were Executed; so trite a Method is it for our Catholics to object their own Treasons to their Enemies, and it 's evident that they never contrived a Plot for the Protestants, but at the same time they designed upon the pretence and under the umbrage a general Massacre of them: but now what History can give us an example so contrived, we repeated a project, to Corrupt (if it were possible) the Evidence which divine Providence had brought in against their Treasons or to suborn a company of Rakehells to disparage the Testimony of those, who came in as Volunteers to save a Prince and his People from imprudent destruction.  
I am far from despairing to see your Majesty's Kingdoms once more yet happy, that is, freed from these Pests of all Societies, the sworn Enemies to Peace and Truth, the Priests and Jesuits without which 'tis impossible England should be happy: which is no Conclusion hastily, and rashly drawn from a solitary, or single observation, but the uniform experience of all times since this Island was rescued from Romish Slavery by a Miracle of mercy, no less glorious than that of the Redeeming Israel from Egypt or Balylon.  
The English Soil carries the same Antipothy against the Ignatian Fraternity, that Ireland bears no venomous Creatures and 'tis the happier constitution of the two that we maintain a radicated enmity against the Romish Wolves, then that they can boast of the aversion of their Air or Soil to Spiders, to Adders and Serpents; a temper and natural Complexion, which we own not to any fabulous miroculous power of St. Patrick, but to that more powerful Influence of the grace of God: which cannot be interpreted a sudden flash or hasty ferment of spirit, which will be dashed in a moment, but to the Genius, and Interest of the People, whose Piety has been their best Policy, it being a staple Maxim bequeathed to your Majesty from that Glorious Jacen of eternal and happy Memory, that our only way to secure peace at Home, was to love none with Rome, nor reconciliation with them to be attempted till they shall cease to be what they are, and divest them of their imbred Disloyalty.  
History tells us of a Great Prince that habituated his body to the use of poison, till no poison would work upon him; but that which is the Serpent's Nature is our Disease; If Spain can live with such a Dose of Superstitions and Heresies in its Bowels, we cannot; but must eternally languish; till Nature, or the Poison getteth victory: All those convulsive motions, all those pangs, those gripes, and dreadful symptoms that have been found upon us of late, are entirely due to some fragments of this Popish Poison, which the Nation has unawares licked up, or has been given it in some plausible Vehicle; and all our distortions, struggle and commotions in many parts of the body politic are nothing else but the strainings and Pumping of a strong Constitution to eject the venom that we have unadvisedly contracted.  
I can discern nothing by the pulse of the Nation, but that the heart is yet sound for God, and the King, the vitals are good, and perhaps the true old English Spirit may by the strength of its natural Crasis overcome, and throw off those ill humours which at present oppress it; but yet Nature may want a little help, and when she discovers a willingness to discharge that which burdens it, those indications are to be observed, and her attempts to be encouraged.  
Which your Majesty will have the glory of, when you shall consult your Great College of Physicians, who proceed upon the solid Principles of Art, and listen not to those Empirics who try conclusions with us, and show tricks upon us, to their own shame, and the retarding our hopes of a perfect Cure, and through-recovery.  
God has honoured your Sacred Majesty with a peculiar Grace, to heal that Disease which we commonly call the King's-evil (not that he causes it, but that he cures it) with one Touch of your Royal Hand. Sr. we come to you for one Sovereign Touch, May it please you but to put your Hand to one Bill humbly tendered to you by your loyal Subjects at their next Session, to deliver us from our present Dangers, and secure us against future fears, and you have healed us all.  
I confess that we are not touched, and healed, is not your Majesty's fault but our own, who lie pining, and languishing under our Maladies, and perhaps as uncivilly as unjustly complaining of others, when we should complain of our own sluggishness, that we make not our frequent Addresses to your Majesty's Grace and Favour for this divine Medicine: 'tis past your Majesty's Obligations, and I believe your Skill too, to cure a People whether they will or no: 'tis but decent we complain to, though not of the Physician, that we may learn to prise restored health at greater rates, and testify the gratitude of those that have been at the Shrine of AEsculapius by some Noble Fee, which I dare promise you; for a through-cure would be the most noble that ever a saved Nation tendered to their Preservers.  
I know not how I am fallen into this odd way of expressing myself, I am sure I ought to beg your Majesty's pardon that I have imitated those affected modes of expressions, which your great Soul does justly scorn; But I shall pursue the Humour no further then to represent to your sacred Majesty that as some learned Observators have proved, that English Simples are most congenial to English Bodies, and work more benignly upon us than all the far-fetched and dear-bought Drugs of Pontus, so the Wholesome Laws, and Customs of your own Kingdom, duly and properly applied will work more glorious and admirable effects to the composing all our differences, preventing all recidivations, and relapses, than all your boasted Catholicons of our exotic chemical Empirics, and at once disappoint Hell, and Rome, and preserve your Majesty's Person, and our Religion, if your Majesty pleases.  
Which is the daily prayers and humble petition to the King of Kings.  
Whitehal, Decemb. 4th. 1679. Your Majesty's Most humble Most loyal Subject, and Serant, Titus Oates.   

The Introduction.  
'TIs the great unhappiness of extraordinary surprising evils, that they disarm us at once of Counsel and Self-defence, and render our Reasons, Tongues and Hands most unserviceable, when we have most need of their service. As little griefs are querulous, and talkative, shallow brooks loquacious, when great sorrows, like deep rivers, slide away without noise: Such is the posture of our souls in reference to dangers; if they be ordinary, we know perhaps what to advise upon, what to say, what to do; but if extreme, we are no longer Masters of Wisdom, we lose the freedom of the Tongues to plead our Cause, and the use of our Hands to make a just and vigorous opposition against those evils.  
I know not how, but so it is, our implacable enemies the Papists, have got the Gorgon's Head, or the great secret of the Torpedo, that we seem all to be Petrified and turned into senseless Statues, whilst they cut our throats, and practice at their own leisure our final Ruin.  
Had the Protestants of France burned the smallest Village; had they murdered the meanest Peasant; had they attempted the least disturbance of the Civil or Ecclesiastical Government, they must not have expected due forms of Law, nor the picking out of the guilty Individuals, to be sacrificed to Justice; but Popish fury had let itself lose in some universal Massacre, to the utter extirpation of the name of Hugonots; for they that have once done the same thing without the least provocation, may be presumed ready to do it upon a very slighty occasion: But they must thank the goodness of our Natures, or rather the excellency of our Laws, and Religion, that we have proceeded with them in other methods, and have chosen to oppose Law to violence; Patience to fury; Moderation and Mercy, to malice and cruelty, rather than to slain our Religion with the least blot of precipitated Revenge.  
But were I worthy to be their Counsellor, I would mildly warn them not to provoke English men any further, nor awaken their just indignation with repeated importunities, who knows what an exasperated people may do? there's none can be guarranty against the Rage of a Nation blown up to a flame by the bellows of continued, and renewed, and growing Insolences.  
It had been happy for us and them too, if the unanimous Resolve of the Late House of Commons, had reduced the restless Papists to more moderation in their Villainies: I will remind them fairly of it.  

May 11. 1679.  
Resolved, Nemine contradicente, That this House will stand by His Majesty with their lives and fortunes; and that if it shall happen that His Majesty shall be taken away by any untimely death (which God forbidden) this House will avenge the same to the utmost upon the Papists.   
The wisdom, justice and reasonableness of which Vote, is founded visibly upon that Act of Parliament 27 Eliz. 1. whereby the people are authorised to prosecute with the utmost extremities the bloody Papists, who with unwearied endeavours were contriving the Death of that Queen of famous and blessed memory, in hopes to better their condition by the succession of one who gave proof to the loss of her Head of her addictedness to the Romish Heresy and Idolatry.  
I meet with nothing in story that can parallel the obstinacy of our Romish Conspirators, except perhaps that of the desperate Soldier, who laid hold on the Enemy's Galley, and when his right hand was cut off, yet he seized it with the left; and when that was also topped off, he fastened his teeth to the Vessel, resolving tooth and nail to hold his hold, till his head taken off too, put a period at once to his life and brutish Courage: The Justice of the Nation had already cut off their right hand, the Jesuits, or at least some of the fingers of the right hand; It has not spared their laity, the left hand in their bold and bloody Conspiracies, and yet they proceed at the same undaunted rates of pertinacy, and will do so till the heads of the Faction which influence the whole body with spirit, life and activity be separated by the same stroke of exemplary Justice from it.  
That they have form the most horrid treason against the Person, life, and government of his Sacred Majesty, against the Protestants and the Protestant Religion; that they have endeavourd to corrupt all the evidence which providence has summoned in, to discover their villainies; that they have devilishly suborned Knights of the Post to take away the credibility of their testimony; and with the same malice peculiar to themselves have now at last attempted to devolve the Odium and Gild of their abominable villainies upon the innocent Protestants, is now so notorious as to be past a Question with all mankind whom either Interest, or Impudence has not so far gulled, that they are given up to Infidelity.  
And yet amongst all those worthy persons whom God has raised up as Saviour's, and deliverers to England, there is none against whom their poisoned spleen does more swell than against Him, who being the first, and fullest Evidence against them, had drawn all the lines of their hatred to centre in his destruction. I shall not need to tell the world that I mean Dr. Titus Oates, he is the person against whom they have shot all the Arrows of obloquy and slander; 'tis his life that must be devoted to the raging waves, to appease the Tempest; he is the Ionas, that must be cast overboard; not because he fled from God to Tarsus, but because he forsook Rome for God; Treason for Loyalty, and the Tents of wickedness for the Camp of Israel.  
I have wondered that they, who in the Magazine and Treasury of their Church, have such variety, and with their variety such Stores of Pardons, Indulgencies and Dispensations for Incest, Murder, Adultery, Simony, Assassinating of Princes, dispensed by the hand of their holy Father to all his dear Children, cannot lend one Pardon to him that has been instrumental to serve and preserve his natural King and Native Country: Is this at last discovered to be the unpardonable sin? Has every crime its expiation with them, but Repentance? Is this the only mortal heinous sin, that deserves utter extermination, and excision? Will no sacrifice be accepted but his blood? Must his life pay the price of his Loyalty? I dare aver it, had this Gentleman been really guilty of all those, and ten times more than all these enormities they have falsely and impudently laid to his charge, a slender confession, and slighty penance might have procured a most easy Absolution; provided always he had been true to the Cause, and would have embarked his soul in the same Leaky Bottom of their Pseudocatholick Church with themselves; but the greatest Treason with them is to discover and prevent their Treasons; the highest crime to dilate and impeach their crimes, and nothing renders a man more incapable of forgiveness, than not to need it.  
The Protestants have indeed been under some disadvantageous Circumstances, that have rendered them less capable to defeat the designs of their politic enemies, amongst which none has more encouraged the Papists to proceed in their so often baffled erterprises, than the incredulousness of the Protestants themselves: for the fine and Mercurial wits of the Jesuits and their accomplices had raised a Treason to that superlative height of Impiety, that it was somewhat too big for the bore of our faith; it had almost stranded the belief of those who looked into their own hearts for a footstep of such wickedness, and attended not the precedents upon Record of the like practices, though in some particulars it must be confessed they have outvyed former Ages and themselves: Had it been a modest piece of Roguery, an ordinary Essay of Treason, or some common instance of Jesuitical contrivance, we should have found an ordinary faith for its entertainment, and easily admitted the credibility of it; but when malice is rampant, when villainy is transcendent, and got above all the predicaments, all the Schemes of usual devilishness; this, this is that which poses and puzzles the thoughts of common sized sinners, how to conceive mankind should be so desperately debauched, so horribly degenerated, as to engage in unparallelled unpresidented mischiefs.  
But our Catholics are resolved to cure us for ever of our Infidelity, and to let us know by Antopsie, that henceforward there is no evil so great which their daring towering Inventions cannot excogitate; and when they have done, if we will sit with our fingers in our mouths, execute it too; so that now they have furnished us with a faith even to Plerophory, that they are full as bad as the public Justice of the Nation has represented them.  
Out of the vast Mass of complicated Villainies which adorn the story of this hideous Plot, I have singled out one, and but one particular wherein to gratify the curious, and satisfy the Judicious; And that shall be the Cursed Design of Thomas Knox, William Osburn, and John Lane to invalidate the testimony of Dr. Oates and Mr. William Bedlow, by fixing upon them a Conspiracy against the life of the Earl of Danby Prisoner in the Tower; but especially to charge the former of those worthy Persons, with a Crime, which had it been true, must have rendered him a Person so scandalous, and vicious in his morals, as would have caused a suspicion in the breasts of all that were possessed with the truth of it of the veracity of the said Dr. Oats in all is former, and future Testimonies.  
Why these men of prostituted consciences should only attempt the murder of the Doctor's good name and not dispatch him out of the way by Dagger, Pistol, or Poison, I can ascribe to nothing but to the vigilance of the same never slumbering eye that has hitherto preserved his Majesty and the Protestant Religion, against those Hellish attempts which have been made upon them: but seriously all Protestants must reflect upon it with admiration, that in so long time, they that could in a moment send Mr. Justice Godfrey out of the way, have not been able to destroy one, no not one of those many who have appeared to accuse them, wherein we must adore the goodness of God who by his own hand could, but would not, and by the same hand has restrained them who would, but should not be able to touch them.  
But that I may not make a Porch so unproportionably great that the house may run out at the portal, I shall not move passion or compassion any further, but leave the Reader to his own Impartial thoughts, to make reflections and commentaries upon the ensuing Narrative.  
Farewell.   

A faithful and particular Account of a most horrid Contrivance of the Papists to invalidate the evidence of Dr. Titus' Oats, by representing his Person scandalous, and his veracity questionable, which accursed design was managed by Thomas Knox, William Osburn, and John Lane, as the Instruments, but governed by wiser heads than their own.  
When I have informed the Reader that Mr. Knox, was formerly servant to the Lord Dumblain, Son to the Earl of Danby, he will easily suggest to himself the reason why he was so active an Instrument in this great affair: and when he shall know also that Mr. Osburn, and Mr. Lane were or had been Servants to Dr. Oates, he will easily justify the prudence of the Confederates to draw them by the greatest promises and reward into the Confederacy.  
But it will be necessary to let the Reader know in a few, and but a few more words, that these lesser and lower wheels only moved according to influence, and direction of greater Politicians, that what ever these common seamen had to do with the tackle, yet there were more subtle heads that attended the Steerage and Compass.  
That Mr. Lane had intimacy with Mrs. Cellier, who was the great Agent between the Lords in the Tower, and the small Engineers that were plying abroad, appears from the deposition of Anne Blake, servant to the said Cellier, as I find in Colonel Manfel's Narrative.  
That the Lords in the Tower were mightily concerned for their beloved friend Mr. Lane; Mr. Dangerfield in his Informations of Novemb. 1. 1679 before the Councilb-oard assures us; when Lane (says he) lay at Powis house, that Lord advised he should be sent out of the way, for (said the Lord Powis) Oates searches for him, and if he be found at my house, 'twould ruin us All.  
And this Mr. Lane himself being examined by the Council, Nou. 4. 1679. says, That he lay at Powis-house a month or six weeks by order of Willoughby, and Mrs. Cellier, from whom he had his diet; That he went by the name of Johnson, fearing to be arrested by Mr. Oates, for what he had testified against him, and in that fear he went down to Greys, near Gravesend, and had a pair of shoes given him by Mr. Willoughby, who also got him out of Prison, which was a chargeable work. And being asked by one of the Lords, whether he had not before the House of Lords, made two contrary Affidavits, he acknowledged that out of fear he did so, but that the first drawn by Willoughby, as Mr. Nevil had directed was true, and the other false.  
I shall not need to pursue this point any further: The Lord Powis gives him houseroom; Mrs. Cellier pays for his diet; Mr. Willoughby gives him shoes, and gets him out of prison at great rates, but nothing can be too dear to support so precious an Instrument of a design so near and dear to them.  
Having gotten an Instrument so fit for the business, their next consultation must be how to manage it with prudence; for they had fresh Instances before their eyes of some that had endeavoured to corrupt the King's Evidence, or to take away the Credit of their Testimony, which had miserably miscarried: These examples, though fresh in memory, were not sufficient to deter them from proceeding in so pious a work, but only aught to caution them to proceed with more advice; and therefore Mr. Knox, who like the Mole under ground, was the grand Agent, must not appear by any means, but seem to be haled into the concern by the repeated importunities of Lane and Osborne; and for this end Mr. Knox finds this the only expedient, to indite several Letters, which being written out by them, or one of them, might be sent with great formality to his own worthy self; wherein they are to intimate to him, that knowing him a person that had a due veneration for the Earl of Danby, they judged him the only meet person whom to acquaint with their secrets; they tell him (or rather he tells himself) how they laboured continually under the stings of their own consciences, for concealing that which might clear up the Innocency of the said honourable person; that they had tried several ways to divert these black thoughts, but all would not do; still they were pursued by their guilt, and therefore entreat, beseech and importune him that he would put them in a way to exonerate their consciences.  
'Tis very true, the only real way to have recovered their peace, (if they could be said to lose what they never had) was to have repent of their horrid and hellish Combination against the Innocency of Dr. Oates, and Captain Bedlow; but it was not a Cure they designed, but a greater wound, not to unload their souls of, but further to charge them with guilt: It was agreed Dr. Oats and Mr. Bedlow must be guilty, the Catholic Cause required it; and therefore if they could forge a Conspiracy between Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow against the Earl of Danby, it would prove a fatal blow at the root of the House, and the prosecution of the Plot must needs fall to the ground.  
And if it could be once made out that there had been a Conspiracy against the late Lord Treasurer, it would by consequence go far to prove that all the Evidence that should be given in against the Lords in the Tower, was of the same metal, and would vanish into smoke: And that great man the E. of Danby was so confident of success in the fair promising hopes of Mr. Knox's Agency, that he delivered himself up at the sitting of the Parliament, to the Usher of the Black Rod, not fearing any colours. But I shall not any longer detain the Reader from looking into the mystery of these Letters.  

A true Copy of four Letters, sent from William Osborne and John Lane, to Thomas Knox by the direction of the said Knox, the Original Letters being in the Relators possession.  
(Numb. 1.) Superscribed, To Mr. Thomas Knox, these.  
Apr. 2. 1679. SIR,  
I Had forgot to tell you, that yesterday morning I left Mr. Oates, the wickedness of whose Conversation, and lewdness of his Person, I could no longer bear, though I had some thoughts of going from him to Mr. Dugdale. My resolution is now changed, and I am resolved to go as soon as I can home to my own Country, but I would willingly before I depart, leave London with a good Conscience, and in order to that, I would discharge my mind of what I know concerning the malicious proceed of Mr. Oates, and Mr. Bedlow, against my Lord Treasurer, therefore I do _____ you, if you love my Lord, to put me into a w●y how I may legally discharge my Conscience of that matter which lies heavy on it, and you will eternally oblige him, whom I hope you do believe is  
Your true Friend, William Osborne.  
I do believe this to be Osborne's hand,  
Thomas Knox.  
But it seems (for so he would wheedle us to believe him) Mr. Knox was somewhat averse to engage in a Business, whose issue he could not foresee; Alas! the good man was flesh and blood as well as other men, he loved to sleep in a whole skin, and saw no reason he had to burn his singers in other men's fire, and therefore showed great unwillingness to hearken to them; till Mr. Osborne, and Mr. Lane, with united Forces assault him, and by a second Letter importune him to give some ease to their troubled Consciences, which Letter was dated but two days after the former, so painful was it for these tender-conscienced Gentlemen to lie under the reproaches of their own hearts.  
(Numb. 2.) To Mr. Knox at his Lodgings, this.  
SIR,  
MR. Lane and I are both extremely troubled that we cannot hear from you, and especially in a matter of this high nature, which concerns so nearly the Life of my Lord Treasur●●; for we are both very uneasy, and extremely troubled in our minds for fear we should lose time, and my Lord Treasurer should suffer by our neglect, whilst we can with so safe a Conscience declare to the world, how maliciously he is prosecuted, and what Contrivances are daily practised against him by Mr. Oates, and Mr. Bedlow, as you might easily perceive by those Informations, and other Memorials, we at the first time at our meeting shown you. Sir, It is now three days since our last meeting, and we do now beg you for God's sake, to inform us how we may legally put an end to this matter; for we are in daily trouble, and fear of our lives, lest those our honest intentions should come to the ears of Mr. Oates, and Mr. Bedlow, whose tempers we know so well, and the revenge of whose minds are so great, that they would study all the ways imaginable to ruin us, and take away our good names, rather than so true a matter as we have already declared to you should be proved against them; we therefore once more entreat the favour of you, since you are the only person we dare trust, to do us the justice of a meeting, and we are sure if you have any kindness for my Lord Treasurer, you will not deny it us; and we shall then with the same care that we have done before, endeavour to clear our Consciences to you of all the matter we know spoken either against His Sacred Majesty, the Lord Treasurer, or any other person whatsoever: which is all at present, from  
Your faithful Friends, William Osborne, John Lane.  
Pray do not fail to meet us at the Cloisters, this afternoon at 4 a clock, Apr. 4. 1679.  
I do believe this to be Lane 's and Osborne 's hand,  
Tho. Knox.  
An Endorsement to the foregoing Letter, Memorand. That I met with Mr. Lane and Mr. Osborne, according to the contents if this Letter, and they there told me, that Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow were to sup at the Palsgraves-head.  
All this while Mr. Knox, must seem to keep great state, and to hold off from intermeddling in an affair of so high a nature, and therefore Osborne and Lane resolve to attaque him with a third Letter, wherein they express the trouble of their minds for which they can find no ease, till they have revealed to some person of Honour, and Secrecy, what they knew against Mr. Oates, and Captain Bedlow; that so they might not draw the guilt of innocent blood upon their own heads, which they must inevitably do, if they suffer the Earl of Danby to perish, when they understood so much of the Conspiracy of Mr. Oats and Mr. Bedlow against him, as being revealed, would make him appear to all the world to be innocent.  
(Numb. 3.) Superscribed, To Mr. Knox, these.  
Apr. 6. 1679. SIR,  
SInce our last meeting, we have not any thing new to communicate unto you, by reason that we had suggested all that we formerly knew into those Papers which at our first meeting we shown unto you; And as we are sure there is nothing contained in those Papers and Memorials, but what is really true, and what we may with a safe Conscience swear to; so lest you should suspect our fidelity and steadfastness in this Affair, we do now make it our request unto you, that we may be speedily brought before some Person of Honour and Secrecy, to take our Oaths of what we have already related. And I hope you will pardon us, if we once again press your hastening of this matter, because if it should chance to come by any accident to Mr. Oates, and Mr. bedlow's ears, we are confident they would with as much malice contrive our Ruin, as they have already done my Lord Treasurers; but we hope God will preserve us from their mercy, and the Nation from believing them, which is all at present from  
Your true Friends, William Osborne, John Lane.  
Pray meet us at six a clock at the Cloisters, for we have a great desire to see you, and pay the Bearer.  
I do believe this to be Lane 's hand,  
Tho. Knox.  
Mr. Knox yet thought not these Letters which he had dictated, to be sufficient to clear him from all suspicion of Practice and Confederacy, unless he had also contrived this fourth, wherein the main Artifice lay to answer an Objection, why they had not revealed this great Secret to some other person long before this; to which he invents an Answer for them, that they had already discovered it to one Mr. Thuer of the Guard, but he being a prudent and wary person as well as Mr. Knox, advised them to Secrecy for their own sake; but that indeed their Consciences were so clamorous, that they must needs obey its dictates. The Letter is as follows.  
(Numb. 4.) Superscribed, To Mr. Knox, these.  
SIR,  
THat you may be the better satisfied, that what we have related to you is all truth, and what we have done we have been urged to by our own Consciences, we must needs tell you that we did reveal this matter before we ever saw you, to Captain Thuer of the Guard, who, if you are acquainted with him, would give you an account, that what we say to you, we had formerly told him of, though at the same time he advised us to Secrecy for our own sakes; but our Consciences were so troubled that we could not contain it, and therefore chose you, who Mr. Wiggins told Mr. Lane was a very honest young man, and loved my Lord Treasurer, and he was sorry he was brought to trouble by him, but that it was his Master Mr. Bedlow made him do it: Therefore I hope you think we have no design upon you, but that we will clear you, and ourselves, whenever it shall please God that we shall be called to justify what we have already declared.  
Your faithful Friends, William Osborne, John Lane. Apr. 10 1679. at 10 a clock in the morning.  
I do believe this to be Osborne, and Lane's hand,  
Tho. Knox.  
HAving given a true Copy of those Letters, it will be requisite to let the Reader into the inside of this Conspiracy: Know then, that Mr. Knox and his Crew had beaten their brains long, and used better brains than their own to draw up certain Informations, of the wickedness of Mr. Oates, and Mr. Bedlow, which they kept ready in bank against the good time they should meet with some Justice of the Peace that would serve the Design: They went to Mr. Justice Cheyney, at Chelsey, and humbly prayed him to take their Informations upon Oath, but he desired to be excused, alleging, that it seemed a matter of State, and that it was not proper for his Cognizance: They make an attempt also upon Mr. Justice Dewy, who used the same Plea; but yet turning every Stone, they got an Affidavit lodged at last with Sir James Butler, who owned before the Council-Board, Novemb. 2. 1679. that he took an Affidavit of Lane about Buggery charged upon Mr. Oates, and that a woman came with the same Lane to him.  
These Informations were the life and soul of the whole Intrigue; into which they had emptied whatever of malice they had conceived against the Doctor, or of affection to their grand Patron the Earl of Danby; and that I may not be wanting to the full satisfaction of the Inquisitive, I shall give them a view of all those Informations, which they kept ready cut and dried for service upon all occasions.  

[Numb. 1.] The Information of Thomas Knox sworn before me this _____ day of _____ 1679.  
THIS Informant doth upon his Oath declare, that on the first of this present April, there came one William Osborne to the Informant in the Painted-Chamber in Westminster, and told to him the said Informant, that he had something of moment to reveal to him; and did also desire the Informant to go with him into the Abbey, and he would reveal it to him; upon which the said Osborne, and the Informant being together, the said Osborne did tell the Informant, that his conscience was mightily troubled for that he found the Lord Treasurer was maliciously prosecuted by Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow, for that he having been a servant to Mr. Oates, and had often heard Mr. Oats and Mr. Bedlow consult together, in Mr. Oates his Chamber in Whitehall, and resolve how they might contrive a way whereby to destroy my Lord Treasurer: And that he had chosen to reveal this secret, and ease his conscience to the Informant, rather than to any one else, because he thought he would keep it secret, for his own sake, because he had already suffered by endeavouring to serve the said Lord Treasurer, and thereupon the said Osborne showed to the Informant some Papers written, as he told the Informant, all in his own hand, and which were relating to the said Lord Treasurer, upon which the said Informant told the said Osborne, that he was no servant of the said Lord Treasurers, and did not therefore desire to meddle in it; and that particularly, because he had never spoke with the said Osborne before, and desired to be excused; upon which the said Osborne did press the Informant, and withal did tell him, that if he did not assist him in this Affair, it was resolved both by him, and one Mr. Lane, that they would come in on the day of the said Lord Treasurers Trial, and declare the truth concerning what they knew, concerning the malicious Design of the said Mr. Oats and Mr. Bedlow, against the said Lord Treasurer; for that they could not rest for fear he should suffer innocently, whilst they could with so good a conscience, as they thought, save him: And the said Osborne did withal declare, that the aforesaid Mr. Lane was resolved to speak to the Informant, upon the foresaid matter: And the said Lane did accordingly upon the said first of April, in the evening, meet the Informant, and shown him some Papers, wherein he had taken several memorial, relating to His Majesty, the Queen, my Lord Treasurer, and several other persons, and did withal declare to the Informant, that his conscience was so troubled to see the malicious proceed of the said Mr. Oats and Bedlow against the said Lord Treasurer, that he could not rest in his bed, until he had disburdened it, by telling the Truth; and if he had not met with this Informant, he was resolved to declare it speedily to some one else, or come himself at the day of the said Lord Treasurers Trial, and there declare all that he knew relating to that Affair, and did withal conjure the Informant, as also the said Osborne, to keep all they had told him secret; for if it should come to the Ears of the said Mr. Oats and Bedlow, they would endeavour to poison, or murder them, the said Osborne and Lane, the first time they should see them.  
Tho. Knox.   
That this information was penned with some cunning, will appear to the narrow observer: Let it be noted how the Informant answers tacitly the objections before hand, which he might easily foresee would be made: It would be said, how came Mr. Lane to entrust so great a secret to you, being a mere stranger? This he obviates by saying: That Osborne chose to reveal this secret to him, rather than any one else, because he thought he would keep it secret for his own sake; because he had already suffered by endeavouring to serve the Lord Treasurer. Again it might be objected to Mr. Knox, that he was so nearly related to the Lord Treasurer, that his testimony seemed to savour of partial affection: This he prevents by saying: That he was no Servant of the Lord Treasurers, and therefore did not desire to meddle in it: It might be objected; that this informant Knox, and Osborne, were possibly great Intimates, and therefore might have laid their heads together to contrive this business against Dr. Oates, but this he obviates and wards off the objection by saying, That he had never spoken with Osborne before. But I proceed to the second Information.  

[Number 2.] The Information of William Osborne and John Lane taken, etc.  
THese Informants do voluntarily upon their Oaths declare, that on or about the beginning of March last Mr. Oates being at Dinner in his Chamber at Whitehall, with several other persons, the names of whom the Informants do not well remember, the said Mr. Oates did then say, that We (which was his frequent way of mentioning the King) have not gone to bed sober this four years, and that We did never use to do so before this French Bitch came over, (which was his usual way of mentioning the Duchess of Portsmouth.) And the said Mr. Oats falling into discourse concerning Mr. Cheffins, said, that Mr. Cheffins was a fit companion for the King, but he should not be so for him, for that he is a pitiful beggarly Rogue, and the firstborn Son of a Whore, and that his Father was a Pimp, and his Mother a common Bawd: And the said John Lane can testify that the said Mr. Oates did at the same time say, That the King had kissed Mr. Cheffins' his Tool. And that the said Informants having been one day abused by the said Mr. Oates, and desiring therefore to departed from him; the said Mr. Oates then told the Informants, that though they might perhaps know something prejudicial, to say against him, yet he did not fear what they could do or say, for that the House of Commons, and the whole Kingdom, would be of his side, and believe his word, before their Oaths. These Informants do farther upon their Oaths declare, that the said Mr. Oates is so wicked and lewd a man, that they could not endure to live longer with him, for that he is either perpetually calling them base and scandalous names, or else endeavouring to feel them by the Members, & lewdly kissing them; for which cause, and abhorrency of what might follow, they durst never remain long alone with him, but were willing to leave him at the first opportunity.  


William Osborne.  
John Lane.    
I do believe this to be Osborns hand;  
Tho. Knox.   
The Matters of this Information are so offensive to Pious Ears, and scandalous to others, that it had been unpardonable to exemplify them, but that their Falsehood is their own Antidote; and whoever knows Dr. Oates must confess him a person who has learned the moderation of the Tongue to that exactness, that he could not possibly be guilty of such Extravagancies; all the good that I know in them is this, That the Incredibility of these Stories will teach us to bear little Faith to the Testimonies of Osborn and Lane in other Cases, even when they would obtrude upon our Belief more modest and plausible Falsehoods.  
A few Remarks shall discharge the Reader of this lewd Information.  
And first, It appears that the Consciences of Osborn and Lane were of the same elevation to a degree, to a minute, that they both swore in a Quill; how else could they jump in that Expression; Several other persons whose Names the Informants do not well remember. It was a mysterious Union of Souls, that neither should remember one person in the Company, but withal it was prudently foreseen; for had they mentioned any one single person there upon the place, that person they knew well would have routed the main Body of their Information. But that which satisfies the World that 'twas mere Confederacy, is, That they should both remember or forget to a Hairs breadth; they do not well remember! and this will prove them very unfit Instruments for a cleaver Lye, seeing they had so bad Memories.  
A second thing is this, That it will appear in the sequel of their Informations taken upon Oath, that whereas he was now prepared to swear, That the word We, which these Informants would make to refer to the King, if it referred to any, was to another person of whom it was too great, but too horrid a Scandal.  

[Number 3.] The Information of W. Osborn, Gent. sworn before me this _____ day of _____ 1679.  
THis Informant doth upon his Oath declare, That Mr. Oats and Mr. Bedlow held several Consultations, conspiring how or which way they could contrive something whereby to make my Lord Treasurer appear a Traitor, and thereby to destroy him, and that particularly on or about the beginning of February last; when Mr. Bedlow being in Mr. Oates' Chamber in White-Hall, and then being in some Discourse concerning the Lord Treasurer, the said Mr. Oates did then, in the hearing of the Informant, declare to the said Mr. Bedlow, That he did not doubt but to bring it to pass, that the Lord Treasurer should be tried for his life amongst the rest of the Lords then in the Tower, for he would be revenged on him for advising the King against him and the aforesaid Mr. Bedlow, to which the said Mr. Bedlow did give him Consent and Assistance.  
And not long after the Contrivance  held between the said Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow, Mr. Bedlow came to Mr. Oates' Chamber, in White-Hall, and there did say, That he had now found out a way to do the said Lord's Treasurer's business, and that he had been lately with the Lord Treasurer, with an order for Money, and that he had since contrived with himself that he would now swear that the Lord Treasurer had offered him Money to go beyond Sea, and thereby quash his Evidence; and the said Mr. Bedlow did also at the same time say, that, I will warrant you (at the same time speaking to Mr. Oates) this will do the Rogue's Business for him, and the said Mr. Oates did at the same time reply, You could never have thought of a more complete and dextrous way than this of doing it, and this the Informant doth aver was all said in his hearing.  
W. Osborn.   
The third Information carries its own Confutation in its Forehead, (and it's great pity that all false Accusers have not their Crimes engraven there with a hot Iron) for how bereft of their Understandings must Dr. Oats and Captain Bedlow be supposed, that would contrive this Villainy against the Lord Treasurer, in the hearing of a shabby Servant, who for Bread came into his Service, and for better Fare would quit it at a days warning? It had been equally credible, had Osborn sworn that they had proclaimed it by the Common Crier, for such is every temporary Servant presumed to be, who only waits to make his Market, and mend his Condition upon the next offer of advantages.  

[Number 4.] The Information of John Lane, sworn before me this _____ day of _____ 1679.  
THis Informant doth voluntarily upon his Oath declare, That on or about the first of March last, that Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow being in a Consult together in Mr. Oates' Chamber, in White-Hall, the said Mr. Oats and Mr. Bedlow did call in the Informant into the said Chamber, and demanded of him, Whether any one belonging to my Lord Treasurer had been tampering with him, or offering him Money to reveal to them what the said Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow had designed or contrived to say or do against the said Lord Treasurer; whereupon the said Informant did then declare to them, the said Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow, That there never had been any such thing offered him; upon which Answer of the Informant, the said Mr. Oats and Mr. Bedlow did encourage the said Informant, if hereafter any such Overture should be made of Monies, that he should reveal it unto them, and they would make use of it to the ruin of the said Lord Treasurer, and they would withal give him such Instructions how to manage this Affair, that the Informant should receive the moneys offered him, for his own use, and tell the persons with whom he treated nothing but Lies, which they would readily instruct him in, and let the World say what it would, the said Mr. Oats and Mr. Bedlow vowed to the Informant to stitch the said Lord Treasurer's Arse, and to do his business for him if they lived.  
John Lane.  
I do believe this to be Lane's hand.  
Tho. Knox.   
This fourth Information labours under the same Absurdity with the former, That Mr. Oats and Mr. Bedlow should be in a Consult together, about Mischief, and yet call in this Informant for a Witness; which indeed had been all a-case to them who could as easily swear at a hundred Miles distance, as present in the Room; but that they should advise this Lane to tell Lies and Falsehoods, and openly threaten to do the Lord Treasurer's work for him, was both incredible and vain, for if that Noble Person had not done his own work for himself, all the World could never have done it for him.  

[Number 5.] The Information of W. Osborn, Gent. sworn before me this _____ day of _____  
THis Informant doth voluntarily upon his Oath declare, That on or about the first of March last, that Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow being alone together in Mr. Oates' Chamber, in White-Hall, the said Mr. Oats and Mr. Bedlow did call in the Informant, and did, in a wheedling manner, ask of him whether any Gentleman belonging to my Lord Treasurer, or any other person, had been endeavouring to corrupt him, or offer him any Reward to reveal to them what the said Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow had designed or intended to say or do against the said Lord Treasurer; whereupon the said Informant did then protest to them, the said Mr. Oates and Bedlow, that never any person whatsoever had offered to him any thing of that nature, upon which true Answer of the Informant's, the said Mr. Oats and Mr. Bedlow did encourage the said Informant, that if hereafter any such thing should be endeavoured, either of Money or any other Reward, that he should presently reveal it unto them, and they would make such use of it as would destroy the said Lord Treasurer; and they did withal give him such instructions how to manage this whole Affair, that he might receive the moneys offered him, for his own use, and tell the person with whom he treated nothing but lies and false stories, which they would instruct him readily in; and let the World imagine what it would of them, the said Mr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow vowed, in the Informants presence, to ruin the said Lord Treasurer to all intents and purposes.  
William Osborne.  
I do conceive this to be Osborne's hand.  
Tho. Knox.   

[Number 6.] Several Memorials of John Lane, and William Osborne's, delivered April 2. 1679. Memorial 1.  
ABout the time when Mr. Coleman was tried for his Life, and Mr. Titus' Oats did impeach the Queen, and was therefore confined to his Chamber, and no body suffered to speak to him in private, his Father and I coming about Eight a Clock at Night from Westminster-Hall, he bid me, if possible I could speak to his Son, deliver him words from him to this purpose, that he should not fear, nor be daunted, but cheer up, and Impeach the Woman, since he so well knew that Mr. Bedlow was resolved to assist him in his Evidence against her. (which Woman Old Mr. Oates, Father to Mr. Titus' Oats, did explain afterwards to me to be the Queen) This was written by me, and copied by George Neal, who then served Mr. Titus' Oats, and who told me he delivered those words in writing under a Dish of Meat to Mr. Titus' Oats, who privately put it in his Pocket. This I took notice of, because we all then thought, and Mr. Oates told us, that he had no body to assist him in the Evidence against the Queen.  
John Lane.  
I do believe this to be Lane's hand.  
Tho. Knox.   
These Memorials were the first Papers which Lane and Osborne shown to Knox upon their first meeting (as they have said it in their Notes,) but in truth, were the contrivance of Knox, out of which they might form their Affidavits, when matters were ripe.  
The Design of it seems first to make the Father as wise as the Son, that is, neither of them to have more Wit than they were born with; that an Ancient Gentleman who had seen so much of the world as he had done, and well knew under what Circumstances his Son then was, should reveal his evil designs, if he had any, to a Servant, is something more than improbable, that is, incredible: But the main design was to intimate, that Mr. Oates was but a single Testimony in the case, till Mr. Bedlow by Conspiracy came in to strengthen him.  

Memorial 2.  
WHen the Queen used to go to  to Chapel, and the Drums beat at her going by, Mr. Oates used frequently to go to the Window to see her, he would then frequently say, where is our Gammer, or our Dame Short-Arse going now? She is going to Godfrey-Hall, I'll warrant you, amongst the rest of the Crew, to say Mass, etc. but I will warrant you she will not go long there: This was his usual contemptuous way of speaking of the Queen when ever he saw her; and this we have several times took particular notice of to one another.  


John Lane.  
William Osborne.    
I do believe this to be Lane's and Osborne's hands.  
Tho. Knox.   
The Scandalous Expressions herein falsely imputed to Dr. Oates strike not at the main of the Cause, but were forged to draw the displeasure of their Majesties upon him, under which prejudices they knew he must needs sink, if once they made the desired Impressions upon their Royal Breasts: but the discerning Spirit of his Majesty would soon look through these Cobwebs; nor do we find that Dr. Oats suffered in the gracious thoughts of his Majesty.  

Memorial 3.  
A little after the Election for Parliament-men in Tuttle-fields, his Majesty sent one of his Officers to Mr. Titus' Oats, with Commands not to go out of White-Hall and S. James' Park without leave, which Mr. Oates did promise upon the Faith of a Minister punctually to obey: yet notwithstanding his promise he went out the sametime, and went privately to Southwark in a Coach, with us in his company; and when he came there, great Multitudes of people flocked after him, and there he made Speeches to the Rabble, desiring them to choose whom he would recommend, which should be one that was his Counsel, and assisted him in saving the Nation, and that they were beholding to him for all their safeties; and he was sure that this man (who was Mr. Smith) would stand up for the Cause, and defend their Liberties. This was said in our hearing, and we took notice of it, because he met with one Mr. Collier, of the Guard of Yeomen, and bid him be secret, and not tell that he saw him abroad, and gave him a Bottle of Sack; and this he hath done several other times after he hath engaged not to go without the King's leave.  


John Lane.  
W. Osborne.    
I do believe this to be Lane's and Osborne's hands.  
Tho. Knox.   
Had this been true, it had been in itself neither Felony nor Treason, the greatest Account it could turn to, was obliquely to wound his Reputation, whom they had represented, as a person whose Evidence must be of no weight, seeing he had falsifyed in a promise made to his Majesty in verbo sacerdotis; but the Innocency of the Doctor has scattered thicker Clouds of Obloquy and Slander, than this wretched Calumny.  

The Information of John Lane sworn this _____ day of _____ 1679.  
THis Informant doth voluntarily upon his Oath declare, That on or about the 24th or 25th of March last, about 7 of the Clock in the morning, Mr. Titus Oates sent all his Servants to the King's Chapel in White-Hall, except this Informant; and when they were all gone to Chappel he called this Informant in to him, to help to dress him, and as soon as the Informant had put on the said Mr. Oates' Breeches, and Stockings, and Morning-Gown, he took this Informant into his Bedchamber, and there he told the Informant, That he must take his Penance: whereupon he made the Informant lie down upon the Bed with his Breeches down, and gave him nine lashes with a lash of three small Ropes with a knot at each end, which he usually kept in his Pocket for that purpose, (which usage the Informant durst not deny lest he should call to the Sentinel to take hold of him, and say to the said Sentinel, That the Informant would have offered Violence to him, which was his usual way of threatening the Informant, if he durst at any time resist his Cruel Usage) and after he had severely lashed him, he took the said Informant by the hand, and clapped his hand eagerly about his Neck and kissed him, and put his hand into the Codpiece of the Informant's Breeches, and took him by the Privy-Members, and said that he would be Friends with the Informant; and at the same time when Mr. Oates' hand was in the Informant's Breeches, and held him by the Members, the said Mr. Oats unbuttoned the Informant's Breeches with the other hand, and commanded and forced with an angry Countenance with his hand the Informant to lie down upon his Belly upon the Bed, and the said Mr. Oates laid down by the Informants side, and told the Informant, that he had a mind to see whether his backside were flayed enough, and when he saw that it looked red, he took the Informant about the middle, and kissed him in a lascivious manner; and at the same time the said Mr. Oates thrust his Belly against the said Informant's side, and did with his naked Privy-Members press the said Informant's Body hard: and the said Informant doth further upon his Oath declare, had not a Woman that was sweeping the next Room kept a noise (which made him think the rest of the Servants were come from Prayers) he would grievously have abused the Body of the Informant, and would certainly have buggered him; and the Informant durst not cry out, for fear of being seized by the Sentinels, as aforesaid; and this the said Informant doth swear he had tempted to do several other times before.  
John Lane.  
I do believe this to be Lane's hand.  
Tho. Knox.   
The Information subscribed by Lane, as Knox testifies under his own hand, was after some time made upon Oath before Sir James Butler; for so Lane himself confesses before the Council, Novemb. 4. 1679. for which see Col. Mansell's Narrative, p. 64. and Sir James Butler himself owns the taking an Affidavit of Lane, about Buggery, charged upon Mr. Oates, November the second, see the same Narrative, pag. 50.  
In which Information Lane acted both maliciously against Dr. Oates, and warily for himself; for though he had a great mind the Doctor's Person and Evidence should be sound disparaged, yet he loved himself too well to be hanged; and therefore he lays the Crime not to be committed, (which would have stretched his own Neck,) but only attempted, which was enough to throw Dirt upon the Doctor's Conversation, and blemish his Testimony.  
Now because a Crime of so high and horrid guilt, so contrary to Nature, and above the common Standard of Villainies, would never gain credit amongst those who knew the former method of the Doctor's Conversation, they had drawn the Information with so good advice, that there was an Answer insinuated to the common Objections that might be made against the truth of it: As first, why did not Lane cry out for help upon the Attempt made upon him? to this you are furnished with an Answer, it was this, The Informant durst not cry out for fear of being seized by the Sentinels. It seems he was more afraid of the Sentinels than of the Gallows. But it might be asked, Why was not the Fact committed as well as attempted? to this he hints a fine Answer; that had not a Woman that was sweeping kept a noise (which made him think the rest of the Servants were come from Prayers) he would grievously have abused the Body of the Informant. This old Woman was indeed handsomely contrived, and so the Poets introduce some God from Heaven to salve all Difficulties, when their own Plots have rendered matters intricate; but should we ask Lane, how the Doctors severe whipping and lashing him with Cords was a proper inducement to Lane's yielding to his Lust, which certainly would have raised other passions, and why he did not swear that Dr. Oates gave him Sweet meats, rather than such severe Penance. I know not what he would answer, but that it was an error, and they will rectify it in the next Information.  
It is now time, having exemplified all the Letters, Informations, and Memorials which were drawn up by themselves, and kept ready to serve the occasion, to proceed to those Informations which were taken upon Oath before some or other of his Majesty's Justices for the Peace; only I must leave this Advertisement, That the four Letters, the six Informations, and the Paper containing three Memorials, all of them here transcribed and compared, were by Knox delivered into the hands of Sir William waller, and Mr. Justice Warcup, as he owns upon his Oath before the said Gentlemen.  

The Examination of Thomas Knox, lately Servant to the Lord Dumblane, before us Sir William Waller, and Edmund Warcup, Esquire, two of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County of Middlesex, and City and Liberties of Westminster, taken by us by Virtue of an Order of the Committee of Lords.  
This Examinant saith, That on the 1st of April, walking in the painted Chamber, W. Osborne came to him and told him, that he being informed that he had lived in the E. of Danby's Family for some time, he had something of moment to communicate to him, which might be a means to save the Lord Treasurer, whereupon this Examinant walked with the said Osborne into the Abbey; being in the Abbey, Osborne delivered Papers drawn up by way of Information, being five in number, none of them bearing any date, and one Paper of several Memorials of John Lane, and William Osborne: The next day they brought him to the Cloisters in Westminster-Abby, several meetings they had afterwards, and four Letters they wrote to him: About the fifth of April they went together to Mr. Cheyney at Chelsey, one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace; but he told them, the business being of an high nature, and matter of State, he desired to be excused: About a fortnight after, this Examinant went to Mr. Dewe, upon the same Errand, and received the like Answer as Mr. Cheyney had done; not long after he went likewise to Mr. Secretary Coventrey, who told him, that he being a Member of the House of Commons, by whom the said Lord Treasurer had been Impeached, he could not meddle in that business: None of the forementioned Gentlemen, his Majesty's Justices of the Peace, had a sight of any of the Papers, but only upon the Information (which this Examinant made in his own Name) they, and Mr. Secretary Coventrey, made the same Answer.  
This Examinant being something scrupulous in meddling in the business, they told him, that they had been with Captain Thuar formerly, and had acquainted him with this business; and that he had advised them, it being a nice business, to let it alone, till the heat of the Parliament should be a little over: About a fortnight after that, Will. Osborne and John Lane had communicated these matters to the Examinant, they complaining that they knew not where conveniently to lodge, this Examinant told them he would endeavour to find them Lodgings; and the very same day, by the direction of the Lord Dunblain's Coachman, went to the Sugar-Loaf in Pickadilly, and took Lodgings on his own account, for himself, and two of his Friends, and lay there with them. At the time of their going from the said Lodgings, which was four or five days at most, the said Osborne and Lane paid to this Examinant two Shillings apiece; and during the time that this Examinant was with them, they constantly paid their Club. This Examinant further saith, that he hath communicated this business to the Lord Latimere, and that he had given the Papers  into his hands to be perused, which he hath now delivered into our Custody: He likewise declares neither to have seen or heard of any body coming to them from the Lords in the Tower, or knoweth of their ever having been at the Tower. And further, this Examinant saith, that he never directly or indirectly did supply the said Osborne or Lane with any money, or made them any promise of Reward whatsoever; only he confesseth, that at the Tun-Tavern in S. Martin's Lane, he fling down a Guinney on the Table, the said Lane saying he had no money, and promising to repay it; and further this Examinant saith not.  
Tho. Knox.  
Jurat. coram nobis 29. April, 1679.  
William Waller. Edmond Warcupp.  
Memorand. That after the aforesaid Examination, he confessed to us both, that he had written a Note this Afternoon (being a Prisoner) to Mr. Osborne, to inform him, that he would be examined this afternoon, (with these other words) We always Clubbed, and you paid two Shillings at the Sugar-Loaf : Tear this. He likewise confessed that he had lain in White-Fryers, being again examined, although before he had denied it.  
William Waller. Edmond Warcupp.   

[Lane's first Examination.] The Examination of John Lane, Son of Richard Lane, at this time one of the Yeomen of the Guard in Extraordinary to his Majesty, taken in obedience to an Order of the Lords of the Committee, for examining Discoveries relating to the late Horrid Conspiracy, before us Sir William Waller, and Edmond Warcupp, Esq two of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace, this 29. April. 1679.  
This Examinant saith, that he lived with Mr. Oates nine Weeks; about the seventh of April last he quitted Mr. Oates his service; whilst he lived with the said Mr. Oates, he saith, he daily sent his Servants to Morning Prayers, reserving one only with him, to dress him: This Examinant saith, that whilst he was his Servant, he was never charged by Mr. Oates of opening any of his Letters, or of any other misdemeanour: He further saith, that three Informations marked the numbers (1) (2) (4) and the Memorial marked number (6) were written by Mr. William Osborne, and were by this Examinant subscribed, none saving the said Osborne being present; and three of the Letters marked (2) (3) and (4) were written by the said William Osborne, and were by this Examinants' own hand subscribed, John Lane, none else being present, and thinks that they were truly dated when written. This Examinant confesseth, that he, and Mr. Knox, and Mr. Osborne, lay privately this day fortnight in White-Fryers, from the Tuesday to the Saturday following; and from thence they went and lodged in a paved Alley, leading out of Chancery-Lane into Lincolns-Inn-fields, and there they rested all the next day, which was Easter-day, and the Night: On Monday they removed into Pickadilly, to the Sign of the three Sugar-Loaves, and there continued till Friday last, at which time he was taken. These three forementioned Lodgings were taken by Mr. Knox; and this Examinant, and Mr. Osborne, delivered their share of Charges from time to time, both for Diet and Lodging, to the said Mr. Knox; and then the said Mr. Knox paid all the expenses to the persons to whom it was due, but not in their presence.  
This Examinant saith, that he, Mr. Knox, and Mr. Osborne, once being at the One-Tun-Tavern in St. Martins-Lane, Mr. Knox threw a Guinney on the Table, which this Examinant saith he took up, and put it into his Pocket, Mr. Knox then saying, that it should never be said I gave you any money. And he further saith, that never at any time, either Mr. Knox, or any other person, directly or indirectly, gave him either any money, or promised him any Reward whatsoever, for thus accusing Mr. Oats; neither was he by Mr. Knox, or any other person, ever persuaded to swear for the Lords in the Tower, or the Lord Treasurer, and further this Examination saith not.  
John Lane.  
Jurat. corum nobis,  
Will. Waller. Edmund Warcupp.   
Hitherto we find Mr. Lane keeps close to the Cause, and stands his ground; only the Guinney dropped at the Tun-Tavern in St. Mertins-Lane, and by Mr. Lane put into his own Pocket, administers some suspicion that there was some practice in the business, and especially those words which Knox dropped with the Guinney do greatly confirm it; It shall never be said I gave you any money.  
But we are now entering upon those Informations which testify at once Mr. Lane's relent, though not his repentings, and therefore I shall subjoin two more of Mr. Lane's Examinations, which will discover the depths of this Roguery; though a little out of time-order.  

[Lane's second Examination.] A further Examination of John Lane, Son to Richard Lane, at this time one of the Yeomen of the Guard to His Majesty, taken by me at the earnest suit and request of the said John Lane, this _____ of _____ 1679.  
This Examinant having been this day brought to the door of the Committee of Lords, in order to a further Examination of what he had formerly deposed, being brought back to the Prison without having appeared before the Lords; the Committee having, by reason of the King's being come to the House, adjourned the hearing of the Examinant until Friday morning; this Examinant being touched and pricked in his own Conscience with a real and hearty remorse and sorrow for the great Gild he had contracted, in falsely swearing and accusing Mr. Oats and Mr. Bedlow, desired one Mr. R●cks, one of the Yeomen of the Guard, to endeavour to find out Sir Will. Waller, to beg his pardon, and to let him know that he was now fully convinced of his sin, and should confess the whole naked truth, though he should expose his own Reputation to ruin, rather than increase his Gild by justifying of what in his own Conscience he is convinced to be false.  
This Examinant declareth, that the first time he ever met Mr. Thomas Knox, it was at the Sign of the Hole in the Wall in Duffins' Alley in Kings-street, and that there Mr. Knox advised him what he should say concerning Mr. Oats, in Reference to any discourse either of the King, Queen, or Lord Treasurer; that at this Examinatnt's coming to that House, he was not to ask for Mr. Knox, but for the Number (3) After some discourse there how they should contrive an accusation of Mr. Oates, The said Knox gave this Examinant directions how to do it; and it being late they broke up their meeting: This first meeting happened to be on the Tuesday, or Wednesday, before he left Mr. Oates: The second meeting was agreed to be at the Owl in King-street, on the Sunday following, at three of the Clock in the Afternoon, and whoever should come first, should ask for the Figure of (3) at the Bar, but Mr. Knox, having some other extraordinary business they made no stay, or came to any Resolution; but appointed a third meeting, which to the best of this Examinant's memory was at the Kings-Armes in the Bowling-Alley: but the said Mr. Knox not coming at the appointed time, the Examinant, and Osborn walked in the Cloisters, and had not been there long but Mr. Knox came to them, whereupon, immediately they took Coach, and went directly to Chelsea, to Mr. Cheyney, where they were to swear some things against Mr. Oates, according to Mr. Knox's Instructions, in behalf of the Lord Treasurer: This Examinant, and the said Osborn stayed in the Coach, whilst Knox (as he told this Examinant, and Osborn) went to speak with Mr. Cheyney, who stayed not very long; and at his return told them that Mr. Cheyney refused to meddle in the business, whereupon they returned to White-Hall. This Examinant being yet in Mr. Oates his service: The Monday following this Examinant came away from Mr. Oates; and either on that very day, or the day following, had another meeting with Knox, and Osborne at the One Tun Tavern in St. Martins-Lane, by the sign all of the Number (3) where Knox treated this Examinant with Oysters, and Wine; and after they had eaten their Oysters, Mr. Knox, and Osborne, wrote out the Informations, Knox being the Dictator of them; and at the same time the said Knox made this Examinant, and the said Osborne swear secrecy: what this Examinant's part was to swear, Knox prevailed with Osborne to write down, because the Examinant could not write a good hand. The writings being finished, Knox took them and put them in his pocket and paid the reckoning, offering them before hand, if they would either eat, or drink, they might call for whatever they had a mind to; and told them, because it should not be said, he had given them money, he would contrive in a short time to convey some to them, and appointed the same place to meet at the next day by two of the clock, and according to the agreement, they all met at the said place; where after they had drank a Pint of Sack, he dropped a Guinney on the Table, and told them, that on the next day they should have another; and after they had been by him enjoined secrecy, they parted: The next day Osborne (as this Examinant was told by him) he met the said Knox and received a Guinney according to Knox his promise the day before; the same day as Osborne had received the Guinney of Knox, in the Evening Osborne came to the Examinant's Lodgings in Westminster, and then told this Examinant of the Guinney he had received, and returned him ten shillings, which the day before this Examinant had lent him: A day or two after they had another meeting at the Green Dragon in the Pell-mell, and there dined, after Dinner, Mr. Osborn was desired by Knox to write a letter, according to such a manner as he would direct, and caused him to date the Letter of a latter date, and direct the said Letter to him, which being done he put up the Letter in his Pocket; and having clubbed in the payment of the Reckoning which came to twelve pence a piece, parted for that time, appointing a meeting the same night to be at the Rose Tavern in the Pell-mell, to be at nine of the clock, where accordingly we met, and supped together, and conferred with Knox, ask how things went? to which he answered very well! about ten of the clock at night we parted, and came to Westminster, and agreed the next day to meet in a little Alley near the Rose-Tavern in the Pell-mel, at an Ordinary, about seven or eight in the evening, where we met and had a Supper, and at this House Knox took the first lodging for this Examinant and the said Osborne; and lay there the same night. The next morning after they had broke their fast, Mr. Knox came to this Examinant and Osborne, and told them that he had provided them another lodging at the Cider-house in Leicester-fields at the sign of the Appletree, and at the said Cider-house, this Examinant and Osborne continued from Tuesday or Wednesday to Saturday, during which time Knox caused Osborne to write him a Letter, as he should direct him, which he did, and gave it to Knox, who continually advised both Osborne and Knox, to seem to press him earnestly to engage in this business; on the Saturday this Examinant and Osborne, changed their lodgings which were provided for them by Knox, in a little paved Alley leading out of little Lincolnes-Inn fields into Chancery-lane, and there the said Knox lay with this Examinant and Osborne, in one and the same bed: The next morning Knox with this Examinant and Osborne (their lodgings being paid for by Knox) went together into Whitefriers, and Knox took lodgings next door to a Music house, where they all three lodged for near a week, after which time, Mr. Knox having (as he told this Examinant) paid the Reckoning; This Examinant, and Osborne, and Knox, removed to their forementioned lodgings in the Paved Alley leading out of little Lincoln's Inn fields into Chancery lane, and lay there Easter-eve till Easter-monday, whence the said Knox, and Osborne, with this Examinant removed into Pickadilly to the sign of the three Sugarloafs a Grocer's house, and there this Examinant continued lodged with the said Knox, and Osborne, until last Friday at which time this Examinant was seized at his Father's house at the sign of the Wooll-pack in Westminster: This Examinant farther saith, that all charges for diet and lodging in the said respective places were paid, and cleared by Mr. Knox, unless at the Green-Dragon in the Pell-mell, and the Owl in King-street, where this Examinant and the said Osborne paid their Clubs, which to the best of this Examinants' memory did not exceed eighteen pence a piece. This Examinant doth further say that by way of encouragement the said Knox told Mr. Osborne, in his hearing, that for what he should say in behalf of the Lord Treasurer he should be sure of a considerable reward both of Money, and preferment. And the said Knox did likewise tell this Examinant for his encouragement that he should want neither money nor a good place as long as he should live: And lest any of these proceed should be discovered, either by William Osbrone, or this Examinant, the said Knox, told them, that if either of them should make a discovery of him, he would be sure to dispatch them by one means or other, and if he should discover then he would freely grant them the same liberty. This Examinant likewise saith, that Knox assured him, he should not doubt but that the Lords in the Tower would likewise own his kindness to them in Accusing Mr. Oats and Mr. Bedlow: And further this Examinant saith not, only humbly begs pardon from God, and of their Lordships for the heinous Crime he stands guilty of,  
John Lane.  
Coram  
William Waller.   

A third Examination of John Lane taken by me this third of May, 1679.  
This Examinant having recollected himself further saith, that the very day the Lord Treasurer came into the Black Rod, Mr. Knox made this Examinant, and William Osborn swear they would stand to what he had instructed them to write, and said, that if they should not the Lord Treasurer would die; and that he would not have come in but for them; hoping they would swear, as they had been by the said Knox directed: This Examinant further saith, that on Monday last, the Nurse belonging to the Goal, came to him, and told him, he should do well to stick to Mr. Knox; and that a Gentlewoman very well habited came to the Prison, and bid her tell this Examinant, that he should be sure to stick to Mr. Knox, and not be daunted, and what moneys foever he should require, though it were a thousand pounds, he should have it: Whereupon this Examinant asked the Nurse, who this Gentlewoman was, to whom she replied, she would not discover her name, because she would not have her name brought in question, and further this Examinant saith not.  
John Lane.  
Coram  
William Waller.   
Mr. Lane seems now to be a Penitent, to have by these two last recanted his first Examination; but we must not flatter ourselves too much with his sincerity? let us have but a little patience, and we shall hear him deny, what ever he has now owned, and justify what in his first Examination he had justified: He has degorged himself in those last Papers, but resolves to lick up his vomit again, and though he seems to have become a Convert, will ere long prove himself an Apostate: Whether he thought he should make his Fortune better by telling lies for his Great Master, than by telling truth for the Doctor, or what other Reason may be assigned, Certain it is, that Nou. 4. 1679 before the Lords of the Council, being asked, Whether he had not made two contrary Affidavits before the House of Lords? he acknowledged that out of fear he did so! but that the first drawn by Willoughby, as Mr. Nevil had directed was true and the other false.  
And being fleshed in Wickedness, and hardened to his own ruin, he proceeds to Indict Dr. Oats at the King's Bench Bar, of the horrid and abominable Crimes mentioned in the foregoing Depositions, though the Wisdom of the Jury upon the slightness and Inconsistency of his Evidence threwit out and brought in an Ignoramus.  
I shall now present to the Reader a true Copy of the Examination of William Osborn, which opens much of this accursed design against Dr. Oates, and Mr. Bedlow, which though full of now proved Truth, yet the Examinant it seems desperately resolved to take his part of shame and punishment with his beloved Accomplices, and is since fled from his own Oath, and the Justice due to Perjury.  

The Examination of William Osborn of Cullumpton in the County of Devon, Vintner taken upon Oath in obedience to an Order of the Lords Committees, for examining of Discoveries, relating to the late horrid Conspiracy before Sir William Waller Baronet, and Edward Wareup, Esq two of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace, this 29th day of April, 1679.  
Middlesex and Westminster.  
This Examinant saith, that he served Mr. Titus' Oats from the tenth of December last, to the latter end of March past: That the said Mr. Oats paid this Examinant his Wages very honestly, and his usage was civil, but he sometimes corrected this Examinant for Misdemeanours, at which this Examinant was offended, but never intended any mischief to Mr. Oats for it: And this Examinant farther saith, that Mr. Oates was a passionate man, yet very Religious, and every morning sent all his Servants to the King's Chapel to prayers, only ordering some one of them to stay at home to dress him; and he further saith, that he never heard Mr. Oats say, he had any design to accuse the Lord Treasurer, or any ways to destroy him; nor did this Examinant ever hear any discourse between Mr. Bedlow, and Mr. Oates tending to any Accusation against the Lord Treasurer; but this Examinant did 〈◊〉 the Information that Mr. Bedlow gave against the Lord Treasurer, which Mr. Wiggins, Mr. Bedlow Clerk, showed to this Examinant, after the same was sworn publicly. And this Examinant further saith, that he never heard Mr. Oats say that he had any acc●●●●ion to make against the Queen, or had made any: and the worst word he ever heard him speak of the Queen was, where is our Dame going? which was when he saw the Guard drawn out in the Yard to attend her Majesty. And this Examinant further saith, that one day at Dinner, when Mr. Wharton, Mr. Oates his Father, Dr. Jones and others were present, some discourse happened between them about Sir John Robinson, and sometime after the naming of him, Mr. Oates did say these words: We have not gone to bed sober these four years: which Mr. Thurston, Mr. Lane, and this Examinant did think to be spoken of the King, but this Examinant cannot say 'twas spoken of His Majesty, in regard he can give no reason why to apply it so. And he further saith, that he cannot remember, or call to mind, that he ever heard Mr. Oats speak any undecent words of any passages between His Majesty and Mr. Cheffinch; and this Examinant further saith, that he hath lain several nights with Mr. Oates, but never found he afford the least lascivious or undecent action to this Examinant, but did exhort this Examinant from time to time to lead a good course of Life, free from doing evil, and often made this Examinant to read Sermons, and other Books by him: And this Examinant further saith, That upon the first of April last, Mr. John Lane (now Prisoner with this Examinant in the Gatehouse, and formerly fellow servant with this Examinant to Mr. Oates) brought this Examinant to Mr. Knox in the painted Chamber, who thence went to the Cloisters in the Abbey with this Examinant, where he discoursed about the Earl of Danby, and Mr. Knox proposed then to this Examinant, That if this Examinant would swear, That Mr. Bedlow came to Mr. Oates his Chamber, and there said, that he had been with the Earl of Danby, and that the Earl of Danby had promised him money to go beyond Sea, and that this was a contrived story, between the said Mr. Oates, and Mr. Bedlow, to take away the Earl of Danby's Life, that in such case, this Examinant should have enough to maintain this Examinant and a Footboy to attend him. And this Examinant saith, that he met Mr. Knox in the same Cloisters afterwards twice, they two being alone, when he always continued his discourse, and promises of what great rewards this Examinant should have if he would swear that Mr. Bedlow, and Mr. Oates, in this Examinants' hearing contrived the design against the Lord Treasurer, whereby to prove; that the said Mr. Oats, and Mr. Bedlow in this Examinants' hearing should say, Come let us contrive a story to ruin the Lord Treasurer, and that Mr. Bedlow should within a day or two after come to Mr. Oates and say, now I have found out a way to do the Rogue's business for him: I will swear he hath offered me money to go beyond Sea, and that Mr. Oates should reply, you could never have thought of a better way. And this Examinant was to swear, that all these things were spoken in this Examinants' hearing: And upon these Conditions Mr. Knox promised this Examinant sufficient reward. And this Examinant saith, that Mr. Lane was not to swear to these things, (as Mr. Knex told this Examinant.) And this Examinant further saith, that He, Mr. Lane, and Mr. Knox, met several times together, and when Mr. Knox had any thing to say to this Examinent, he took him aside in the Room; and when he had any thing to say to Mr. Lane, he took him aside also, and so discoursed them severally: But about this Tuesday was a fortnight, Mr. Knox took a lodging for this Examinant, Mr. Lane, and himself, in White Friars at the three Flower de Luce's, where they lodged, till the Saturday night following, and in that time Mr. Knox dictated to this Examinant, what should be this Examinants', and John Lanes Depositions, and they were written once before at the one Tun Tavern in St. Martin's Lane: And he saith, that what Mr. Lanes part in his Deposition about the Queen, was to be, was not spoken of till the the lodging in White Friars, though the other part of the Depositions, were dictated by Mr. Knox before: And he further saith, that the four Letters, now shown this Examinant marked (1) (2) (3) (4) are all of this Examinants' hand Writing, but were directed by Mr. Knox, what they should contain, and were antedated several days before they were written (by Mr. Knox his direction) because it should appear thereby, that this Examinant, and Mr. Lane invited the said Mr. Knox to take their Depositions, and to bring them to light as a matter of Conscience, not of his, Mr. Knox, his own seeking; and this Examinant further saith, that the Informations marked (1.) (2.) (3.) (4.) (5.) and the Memorials marked (6.) are all of this Examinants' hand Writing, and were all dictated verbatim to this Examinant, to be the Informations upon Oath of this Examinant, and the said Mr. Lane: And this Examinant saith, that Mr. Knox took this Examinant, and Mr. Lane in a Coach with him out of Town, with an intent to have them sworn before Mr. Cheyney at Chelsea, where this Examinant, and Mr. Lane continoed in the Coach, while Mr. Knox went out, and at his return Mr. Knox told us, that Mr. Cheyney would not take the Informations, but advised they should be taken before one of the Privy Counsellors, who should be one of the Lord Treasurer's friends: And this Examinant saith, that afterwards they removed their Lodgings into an Alley leading into little Lincolns-Inn-fields out of Chancery Lane, where they stayed on Sunday was a seven night last; and on Monday following they removed to Pickadilly, to the three Sugar Loaves, in all which time, and places Mr, Knox heartened up this Examinant and Mr. Lane to stand to the Depositions aforesaid: promising great rewards, and bearing all their expenses, affording what meat or wine was desired, and some Treats he bestowed, which amounted to near twenty shillings a time at Taverns. And this Examinant saith, that Mr. Lane being taken, Mr. Knox sent a Hackney-Coach to this Examinants' Lodging, at the said three Sugar Loaves in Pickadilly, with the Lord Dumblaines Coachman, and this Examinant went into the Coach and took up Mr. Knox at the Mews, and then this Examinant was carried into White Friars, to another Lodging, where Mr. Knox Lodged with this Examinant one night, being Friday night last, and then he said that the taking of Mr. Lane would be for the better, because they should sooner come to an end; and he heartened up this Examinant, and said, that if this Examinant should be taken also, a thousand pounds' Bail would be given for this Examinants' Liberty. And he further saith that Mr. Knox gave this Examinant one Guinney at one time, by throwing it on the table, that this Examinant might take it up; but it was so ordered that it should not be given this Examinant, that he might safely swear no money was given him; and at the last lodging in Whitefriers Mr. Knox came, and lay down on a bed by the Examimant, and then laid his Arm over this Examinant, and let fall ten shillings, which this Examinant took up also: And Mr. Lane told this Examinant that Mr. Knox had given him one Guinny, in the same manner, by throwing it on a Table. And he further saith, that Mr. Knox told this Examinant, that he saw Mr. Lane taken, and walked by Mr. Wiggins in a Troopers Cloak at the same time. And this day this Examinant being in a Room in the Gatehouse, a Note was brought to this Examinant, it being thrust under the door, wherein was written these words, or to the effect following: You will be examined this afternoon; we always clubbed, and you paid two shillings at the Sugar-Loaf: Tear this! but no name to it, which this Examinant knows to be of Mr. Knox his hand Writing; and further at present saith not.  
William Osborn.  
Jurat. die & anno praedict. cor. nobis  


William Waller.  
Edmond Warcup.     
This full and authentic Confession of Osborn, being taken upon Oath by two of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace, and that by order of the Committee of the House of Lords, all men hoped would have so discouraged the Conspirators, that the Doctor should have heard no more of them, and the secret guilt of their Consciences would have taught their faces to blush at their own villainies, and hid their heads from all Mankind for ever: but Mr. Knox was not yet out of heart, that their Cause and Spirits might yet be supported, especially if he could keep Lane firm to the Cause, though Osborn had proved a Renegado.  
They were all three then Prisoners in the Gatehouse, though debarred intercourse with one another, lest they should adjust their lies the more plausibly, and confirm each other in their combined mischiefs: Knox therefore began to tamper with the under Keeper, Richard Slightham to convey to Lane a Message, that he would stand fast to him, and their Common Interest, which because it discovers the desperate obstinacy of the said Knox in pursuing their villainies to the utmost, I shall here exemplify the testimony of the said Slightham under his own hand.  

Richard Slightham Servant to Mr. Church, saith, that one Wednesday the thirtieth of April 1679, that he being then with Mr. _____ Knox a prisoner in the Gatehouse under his said Master's Custody, the said Mr. Knox desired him to go to Mr. _____ Lane, than also a prisoner there, and tell him that he feared Mr. _____ Osborne, then also a prisoner there, had betrayed them, (about the matter of Dr. Titus' Oats, for which they were all prisoners, as this Examinant apprehended) and to speak to him to stand fast to him, and then they should be two against one; and further to encourage this Examinant he told this Examinant, if he would be faithful to him, in carrying Messages between him, and them, he should want for nothing, or to that or the like effect.  
Richard Slightham.  
This was taken the same day by me  
Tho. Smith.   
Upon the whole matter, we observe that Mr. Knox, as he could command better Counsel and advise then his own head could give him, so he has Master of a better purse than his own to bribe, suborn, and draw in witnesses to bear up their Cause now declining, he knew there was a Mint of money in the Tower, and whilst that was open he doubted not but money would do wonders: Osborne, and Lane, had already bitten at, and swallowed the bait, and he hoped others would be as greedy of the temptation, though here his hopes deceived him, and Mr. Slightham proved too honest for the temptation.  
I have nothing more of these Grand Conspirators informations to acquaint the Reader with, save some notes taken by the Clerk attending the Lords Committees for Examinations, which when I have faithfully Copied from the Originals, I shall proceed to the Indictments of Lane against Dr. Oates, and that against Lane and Knox, on behalf of the King, upon which the famous Trial of Nou. twenty five 1679 at the Kings-bench bar proceeded.  

May the second 1679 some notes taken by the Clerk attending the Lords Committees for examinations.  
Richard Slightham (sworn before the Earl of Clarendon) saith that the Information made by him before Mr. Tho. Smyth, and now shown him, was signed by him; and further saith that the contents of the said paper are true.  
John Lane, being showed his second Deposition taken before Sir William Waller, saith, what he hath there sworn is true, and he will stand by it: And being asked why he swore as he did in his first Deposition before Sir William Waller, and Mr. Warcup, saith he was induced thereto, for that he, Osborn and Knox had contracted, that whoever discovered the Informations they had contrived should be killed: And saith, that he hath neither been threatened, nor encouraged to make this second Deposition, but merely to quiet his own Conscience.  
Thomas Knox denies that he employed Richard Slightham, as he hath deposed; but owns he sent Lane a Note, as is in his Examination taken before Sir William Waller, and Mr. Warcup: Saith that Osborn came to him in the painted Chamber (which was the first time he ever see him) and told him he had Informations to make, that he would save the Earl of Danby's life, and which concerned the King, and Queen: And shown him Informations ready Writ in the Abbey Cloisters. Saith, he told Lane, and Osborn, he was wholly at their mercy, they being two to one, and might deny their Papers, though under their hands: and saith further, that for about a Week whilst they had money, they paid their Clubs, but afterwards, he paid all; and told them they should pay their shares; and afterwards lent Lane a Guinney, but denies he ever gave Osborn any money.  
William Osborn, sworn, saith. That he had no discourse in the Painted Chamber with Thomas Knox, about the King, Queen, or Earl of Danby: That the said Knox brought the said Informations he would have him make, ready Writ; being two particulars concerning Mr. Oats, but he did not suffer him to keep the Papers. And saith further, that John Lane, and Thomas Knox's brother, were present when he Writ the Informations in Whitefriers; and saith that Mr. Knox bid him, if asked, how he could draw his Informations in so good form? Say, That he used to draw his Master's Informations: and that Knox gave him a Guinney at one time and ten shillings at another time.  
John Knox sworn, saith, That he was at the Three Flower de luces in White-friar's, where he see Osborn write, but did not hear his Brother dictate to Osborn; but heard his Brother wish Mr. Osborn to write nothing but truth; And also heard Osborn say that he had writ nothing but what he would swear if he were about to die.   
By this time the World is satisfied of this horrid Conspiracy to blow up the Popish Plot, by blowing up the Testimonies of Dr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow. For Lane in his first Examination, whilst he was firm to the Cause, acknowledges, that Knox took lodgings for him and Osborn; that Knox lent him a Guiney; upon his second Examination, he says, he was pricked in Conscience, and convinced of his Sin; That Knox, the first time he met him, advised him what he should say in relation to the King, Queen, and Lord Treasurer; that Knox gave him directions how he should accuse Mr. Oates. That Knox and Osborn wrote the Informations, Knox being the Dictator of them: That Knox made Lane and Osborne swear secrecy: That Knox paid the reckoning, and that it might not be said he gave them any money, he would take care it should be conveyed to them: That Knox at several times gave them a Guiney a piece by dropping them on the Table: That Osborn at Knox's desire wrote a Letter in such manner as he directed, and dated it of a latter date, which Knox caused to be directed to himself: That Osborn at Knox's desire wrote another Letter, directed to Knox: That Knox advised them both to seem to press Knox to engage in that business: That they changed Lodgings often: That Knox paid for all Lodging and Diet, except two Reckon of about 1 s. 6 d. a piece: That Knox promised Lane and Osborn money and preferment for what they should do for the Lord Treasurer, and told them if either of them should make a discovery, he should be dispatched, and that Lane need not doubt but the Lords in the Tower would acknowledge their kindness  
That the very day the Lord Treasurer surrendered himself to the Black-Rod, Knox made him and Osborn swear they should stand to what he had instructed them, and that if they did not, the Lord Treasurer would die, and that he would not have come in but for them.  
But Mr. Osborn in his Examination denies all he had before informed against Dr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow, and says that Lane brought him to Knox, and Knox told him what to say in relation to the contrivance of Dr. Oates and Mr. Bedlow against the Earl of Danby. That there was in Truth no such Contrivance. That he had lain with Dr. Oats several nights, found nothing undecent from him, but that contrariwise he used to exhort him, to a good life, and made him often read Sermons to him: And at another time Knox directed him to say, that Mr. Bedlow should say of the Treasurer, I have now found away to do the Rogue's buisiness for him; That Knox, always discoursed them a part, about the Earl of Danby, and Dr. Oates. He confesses the writing the Letters, and informations: That they often shifted lodgings; that Knox bore their expenses, and promised them great rewards: That Lane being taken, Knox, sent my Lord Duneblanes Coachman with a hackney-Coach for him; that in that Coach they went to Whitefriers where Knox acquainted him that the taking of Lane would expedite the buisiness: That Knox gave him money. That when Osborne was in the Gatehouse, Knox sent him a Note to this purpose, you will be examined this afternoon, we always clubbed, and you paid two shillings at the Sugar-leaf. Tear this! which note, Knox has confessed, and upon his Examination acknowledged he threw down a Guinny upon the table, which Lane took up; but to colour the business said it was only lent him, but even this gives just ground of suspicion to the design, and now what will the whole world think and say of the Impudence of these men; that after all these disappointments and baffling; after their own confessions, retractions, yet that they should be buoyed up to that height of confidence as to make a farther attempt upon the Doctor's reputation.  
And yet this they did, for upon the nineteenth day of this instant November 1679. John Lane had mustered up so much of his declined courages as to prefer an Indictment against Dr. Oates, for an attempt to commit upon him the horrid and Abominable sin of Sodomy. Which Indictment being brought to the Grand Jury, the Incoherence, and slightness of his evidencence caused them to return an Ignoramus.  
Dr. Oats not willing to suffer his Good name, and the Credit of his Testimony to depend upon the throwing out of that bill, brought an Indictment for the King against the said Knox and Lane, (for Osborne had withdrawn himself) which came to be openly tried at the Kings-bench bar, November twenty five 1679. An account whereof the whole Nation does expect, and wherein satisfaction shall be now given.  

Novem. 25 1679. Dominus Rex versus Thomam Knox & Johanem Lane.  
For the King.  
The Indictment sets forth that whereas Edward Coleman, William Ireland, and John Groves, and other false Traitors to the Jury unknown 24th. of April, in the thirtieth year of the King that now is, at the Parish of Saint Margaret's Westminster, did traitorously conspire, consult, and agree amongst themselves to kill and destroy the King, and to raise War against his Majesty within this Kingdom, and to change the Religion by Law established, to the Superstition of the Church of Rome, for which Treasons, Traitorous Conspiracies, Consultations, and Agreements, the said Coleman, Ireland, and Groves were afterwards attainded, and put to death for the same.  
And whereas William Earl of Powis, William Viscount Stafford, John Lord Bellasis, Henry Lord Arundel of Wardour, William Lord Petre, and Sir Henry Tichbourn Baronet the thirtieth of Nou. last at Westminster, were accused of the Treasons aforesaid, and thereupon according to due form of law were committed to the Tower of London, to be there safely kept to answer the said Treasons, whereof the said Earl of Powis, and the other four Lords were by the Commons in Parliament assembled, Impeached.  
And whereas Thomas Earl of Danby afterwards, that is to say the thirtieth of Nou. last, at Westminster was in lawful manner accused of certain Treasons and other misdemeanours, and thereupon according to due form of law was committed to the Tower, there to be safe kept to answer the Treasons, and misdemeanours aforesaid, of which said Treason and misdemeanours, the said Earl of Danby is Impeached by the Commons in Parliament assembled.  
And that the Defendants knowing the said Lords to be accused of the Treason, and misdemeanours aforesaid; and the said defendants being diabolically affected towards the King, their natural Lord, and contriving, and endeavouring with all their might, to disturb, hinder, and stifle the discovery of the said Treasons by the said Earl of Powis, Viscount Stafford, Lord Bellisis, Henry Lord Arundel, William Lord Petre, supposed to be committed, as aforesaid; and as much as in them lay to elude the due Course of law, and retard the prosecution of justice against the said five Lords, Sir Henry Tichbourn, and Thomas Earl of Danby.  
They the said Defendants the thirtieth of April last passed at the Parish aforesaid in the County aforesaid, falsely, maliciously, and unlawfully amongst themselves did consult and agree to scandalise Titus' Oats Clerk, and William Bedlow Gent. Who had given informations of the Treasons aforesaid, and whom the said Defendants knew to have given Information of the Treasons aforesaid against the Earl of Powis, Viscount Stafford, Lords Bellasis, Arundel, and Petre, and to represent them upon the Trial of the said five Lords, to be persons of evil Conversation, and Witnesses not to be believed.  
And that the Defendant Knox afterwards, that is to say, the 30th. of April last, at Westminster aforesaid in the Names, and with the consent and agreement of the Defendant Lane, and William Osborne to vilify the Information of the said Titus Oats, and William Bedlow to be given for the King against the said five Lords last mentioned: falsely, maliciously, subtly and advisedly, did write and cause to be written four Letters, and those Letters so written, falsely &c. did direct, and cause to be delivered to himself, the said Defendant Knox; by which said Letters, it was falsely, craftily, and deceitfully declared that the said Lane, and Osborne, were very much troubled in their Consciences by reason of certain matters, which they well knew, and did conceal concerning the unjust contrivances of the said Titus Oats, and William Bedlow, in accusing the said Earl of Danby to be guilty of the Treasons and other Misdemeanours aforesaid.  
And that the said Titus Oats was a person of a wicked, and vicious Life, and did make an assault upon the said John Lane, and did endeavour to commit with him the said Lane, Sodomy.  
And further, that the Defendant Knox the sooner, and effectually to persuade the said Lane, and Osborne falsely to accuse the said Titus Oates, and William Bedlow, that they the said Titus Oats, and William Bedlow had unjustly, contrary to all Truth, accused the said E. of Danby of the Treasons, and other Misdemeanours aforesaid, and so to affirm against the King's Evidence, against the Trial to be had of the said Earl of Danby for the Treasons, and Misdemeanours aforesaid, afterwards the 30th. of April last, at Westminster, falsely, advisedly, corruptly, and against the duty of his Allegiance, did give to the said Lane, and Osborne divers great sums of Money.  
And did promise to the said Lane, and Osborne within a certain time by the said Defendant Knox proposed, that they the said Lane, and Osborne should have, and receive other great sums, and other rewards for the same, to the great delay, obstruction, and suppression of Justice, etc.   
To this the Defendants pleaded not Guilty.  

The Names of the Jury Empanelled and Sworn, were as followeth.  
Sr. John Kirke Knight.  
Thomas Harriot Esquire.  
Henry Johnson Esquire.  
Simon Middleton Esquire.  
Hugh Squire Esquire.  
Francis Derrington Esquire.  
John Robert's Esquire.  
Rainsford Waterhouse Esquire.  
Thomas Earsbie Esquire.  
Joseph Ratoliffe Gent.  
James Supple Gent.  
Richard Cooper Gent.   
The Names of the Counsel learned in the Law, who pleaded on behalf of the King against the Defendants. Mr. Attorney General: Mr, Solicitor General, Mr. Sergeant Maynard: The Recorder of London. Sr. Francis Winnington, Mr. William Williams, Mr. Thomas Smyth, Mr. John Trenchard.  
The Names of the Counsel assigned to the Defendant Lane: Mr. Holt, Mr. Darnel.  
The Names of the Counsel entertained for the Defendant Knox. Mr. Withins, Steward of Westminster Court, Mr. Soroggs, Son to the Lord chief Justice, Mr. Saunders.  

The Names of the Witnesses ready to swear to the particular Clauses hereafter mentioned [only it is to be observed that the Cause being exceeding clear by the Testimony of some few of the more considerable Witnesses, the rest were not called.]  
To prove the Attainder of Coleman, Ireland, and Groves, See the Records.  
To prove that they were put to death : Mr. Tisser.  
To prove the Commitments of the Lords and Sr. Henry Tichburn: Mr. Clare. Mr. Reynolds.  
To prove the said five Lords Impeached : Mr. Clare.  
To prove the Accusation, and the Commitment of the Earl of Danby: Mr. Reynolds.  
To prove the Impeachment of the Earl of Danby: Mr. Goodenough.  
That Lane had a design at his first coming to Dr. Oates, in Nou. 1678, to accuse him, which his Father discovered by some expressions to Mr. Radford, to the same effect that he was afterwards accused : Mr. Radford.  
That Lane desired after this to be readmitted in the Doctor's service : Mr. Allen.  
That Lane declared whilst he was with Doctor Oates, that he hoped to get one thousand pound in a short time : Sam. Oates.  
That Lane desired Mr. Reex to find out Sr. William Waller, so that he might confess the truth of the whole Contrivance to him, being pricked in Conscience for the false Oaths he had taken : Robert Reex.  
To prove that Lane and Osborn confessed that they were suborned by Knox, to swear falsely against Doctor Oats before Sr. William Waller and Mr. Warcupp, and that he had given them Money to do the same; and this they confessed before a Committee of the Lords. These Examinations proved by Sr. William Waller. Mr. Warcupp, Mr. Relfe, Mr. Snow.  
To prove that Lane, and Osborne were made to Swear by Knox to stand fast to what he had instructed them to write, and that the Lord Treasurer would not have surrendered himself but for them : Sr. William Waller, Lanes Confession 3d. May, 1679, and Lanes 3d. Examination.  
To prove the Letters Confessed by Osborne: Mr. Justice Warcupp.   

As to Knox his Endeavours to take off Mr. Oates, and bedlow's Testimony.  
To prove that Knox endeavoured to suborn Henry Wiggins, offering him a reward to swear against Captain Bedlow: Henry Wiggins, Mr. Wiggin's Mother.  
That Mr. Wiggins acquainted Mr. Palmer a Yeoman of the Guard with these Proposals presently after they were made : Mr. Palmer.  
To prove that Knox made several Proposals to one Thurston, late Servant to Doctor Oates, and promised to be very kind to him, if he could find any thing to swear against his Master : John Thurstone.  
To prove that Knox, Lane, and Osborn being imprisoned in the Gatehouse, for this contrivance Knox offered Slightham the Gaolers man a good reward, to let him hold Correspondence with Lane by Letters, and desired him to go to Lane, and tell him he feared Osborne had betrayed them about the matter of Doctor Oates, and desired him to speak to him to stand fast to him, and then they should be two against one: Richard Slightham.  
To prove that Knox, Lane, and Osborne went to Justice Dewy, and Knox told him he came from my Lord Latimer, who presented his Service to him, and that Knox was advised to come to him by that Lord to take an Information against Doctor Oats: Mr. Dewy.  
That they went also to Justice Cheyney at Chelsea: Mr. Cheyney.  
That Knox confessed he lent Lane a Guinny, and that Osborn, and Lane confessed that Knox assured 〈…〉 ●…ever want Money nor Preferment: Sr. William Waller, Mr. W●●c●pp.  
To prove that Knox confessed, to Sr. William Waller, and Mr. Warcupp, that whilst he, and Mr. Osborn were Prisoners, he the said Knox sent a Note to Osborn to inform him: that he would be examined the afternoon, and with these words, We always clubbed, and you paid two shillings at the Sugar-loaf; Tear this: Sr. William Waller, Mr. Warcup.  
That Lane hath been kept this last Summer at the house of the Earl of Powis, that he had ten shillings per week allowed him to give Evidence against Dr. Oates. That Knox was to have thirty or forty Pounds, to carry on the Business; and that Osborn, Knox, and Lane were to be rewarded by the Lords in the Tower for their Evidence against Doctor Oats: Mr. Dangerfield. Mrs. Blake, Mrs. Edward's.  
That Lane waited with a great Club to knock down Mr. Reex, at Mrs. Maynards' door, that Knox would have had the said Mrs. Maynard swear that Mr. Reex offered her one hundred Pounds to swear in Doctor Oates his business : Mrs. Maynard, Mrs. Tyrrel.  
If George Neal, one Bowring, and George Deeplow be produced as Witnesses for the Defendants.  
To prove that Neal hath made application several times to be readmitted to Doctor Oate's Service since he was turned away : Sr. Thomas Stringer, Mr. Weal, Robert Guide, Mrs. Brooks, Henry Lord, Mr. Smith.  
That Bowring was turned out of Doctor Oats his Service for keeping company with Knox, Lane, and with Papists : Mr. Saunders, Mr. Money, Mr. Allen, Samuel Oates junior.  
That Bowring hath made application to be readmitted to Doctor Oats his Service; Mr. Smith, Mr. Robert Guide.  
That Deeplow about a week before Doctor Oates turned him away, declared that he wondered at the wickedness of Lane, and Osborn in accusing his Master, Seeing he appeared to him a very upright, and honest Man: Moses Gwyn, Mr. Samuel Oates, George Gregory.  
That Deeplow thanked Doctor Tong for helping him into Doctor Oats his Service: Doctor Tong.  
If Lane's Mother, or Sister be produced as Witnesses.  
To prove that Lane's Mother, said her Son was drawn in by Plays, and Treats, etc. to accuse Doctor Oates, and that Knox offered her Son Money in the Gatehouse to stand to his first Information : Margery Walker.  
To prove, that Mary Lane said; Now my Lord Treasurer, must lose his Head for my Brother has confessed All : Mrs. Sterling.  
That Knox was with Mrs. Wiggins on friday last to persuade her not to come in against him, and then said, she should have a Reward: Mrs. Wiggins.   
And thus at length I have conducted the Reader through this dark and intricate Labyrinth of Confederated Roguery, wherein some will question, whether there was more of the Devil in the Contrivance, then of God in the Discovery and Defeating of the Design: but we have seen Divine Wisdom and Mercy triumphing over humane and hellish Malice, and Subtlety: I have studiously forborn to give the Reader the trouble of the Minutes of the Trial; the judicious are better satisfied with a brief Synopsis of the Cause, than with the tedious Speeches of Witnesses, which are frequently interrupted with Questions, and some of them perhaps not very material or pertinent.  
Let it suffice, that the Evidence was so clear against the Defendants Knox, and Lane, that the Jury without any delay found for the King against them; to the very great satisfaction of the Court, and Company, which was exceeding great: Many Noble Men, Gentlemen, and eminent Citizens coming with great expectations of the issue of this Trial, which was managed with that Justice, Impartiality, indifferency between the King, and the Defendants, that some have been heard to say, they could never believe a 〈◊〉 before, but now they were abundantly satisfied.  
Knox, and Lane, were immediately taken into Custody, and are now in Prison, a●…ending the Sentence of the Law, which though it hath not hitherto been pronounced, yet they must know, that the higher Justice lifts up its Hand, the heavier it will strike; and compensate the slowness with the severity of the Punishment; which being bounded by the Law, can never be too great for such Monstrous Malefactors: Osborne indeed fled from Justice, which argues more Modesty than these others can pretend to, which choose rather to outface Justice then seem to fear it; and are more Ambitious of a Martyrdom, that may register them in the Roman Calendar, though their Names never appear in the Roll of Christian Worthies. Yet let us not despair of their Repentance, having Instances before our Eyes, that as there are none so vile but the Catholics will use them for Instruments, so there are none so obdurate but the Divine Grace can make them Converts.   
FINIS.