Catalogue description Third examination

--Acknowledgeth that since the search at his house, he wrote to the Bishop of Winchester that whereas upon the searches it might be bruited about that he was guilty of some foul fact or practice, yet he was altogether innocent, and would as soon come in to his Lordship as to any other.

Was in the Tower for about half a year now many years ago, the reason being that he was at Lyford, Mr. Yates house in Berkshire, when Campion the Jesuit was taken there.

Had heard from his kinsman, Mr. John Copley (formerly a priest) of a book [Balaam's Ass] written by some Englishman, and he thought a layman, which 'retorted divers of those sayings which are used by the Protestant writers against the Pope and Church of Rome against the King's Majesty of England, which, as he thought, would breed much trouble to the lay-Catholics, ... and that this book was sent unto the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury." These words were spoken to him by Mr. Copley, to which examinate replied "that he did not fear it for his part, and that no man could better clear him than Mr. Copley, who knew he was no writer of books, neither would write anything which might be offensive to the King or State." Also, since his coming to London, Mr. Wakeman or some in my Lord of Southampton's house have told him of a book to some such purpose and very offensive.

Again answereth that he remembereth that his coming to London was on a Wednesday. He reached Southwark about six or seven at night, and supped there, so that when he came into London it was dark and bed-time, and he did not stir from his lodging that night, neither did he leave it next day till after dinner.

Prayeth that to his answer in his former examination concerning the coming of Henoch and Elias in the time of Antichrist, it may be added that he then said he did not believe that Antichrist was already come. And also that "whereas he was asked whether he had in his foresight or contemplation any punishment or strange judgment that was to fall upon the King's Majesty's person or this land, he then and now answered negatively thereunto, not meddling with divination nor any of God's secrets, but wishing all happiness to the King's Majesty and his Kingdoms. Signed as the preceding.