Page:A history of the gunpowder plot-The conspiracy and its agents (1904).djvu/288

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A History of the Gunpowder Plot

my oath. . . . Before I did sign the indentures for the receiving of the prisoners, I went to see them all in their several lodgings . . .

'I have given order the next time the lions[1] be abroad to see them myself, and then I will advertise your Lordship what I observe in them.'

Waad to Salisbury, November 7, 1605 : relating to the demeanour of Guy Faukes (Johnson):—

'It may please your Lordship, this morning when Johnson was ready (who hath taken such rest this night as a man void of all trouble of mind), I repaired unto him and told him if he held his resolution of mind to be so silent, the preresolution in the State was as constant to proceed with that severity which was meet in a case of that consequence ... I asked him whether his vow and oath was taken here, or beyond the seas? He answered here. I asked him when? He said a year and a half sithence. ... He added that the Priest[2] who gave him the Sacrament knew nothing of it. . . . I am confident, notwithstanding his resolute mind, he will be more open in the end.'

Sir (then Mr.) Thomas Lawley to Salisbury, November 14, 1605: relating to the capture of Holbeach:—

'Upon the 8th day of this present month, I

  1. Lions, the property of the Crown, were then kept in the Tower, and had been for centuries. The Tower menagerie was abolished in the reign of William IV.
  2. Gerard. Yet Lord Salisbury afterwards caused it to be put in evidence that Gerard did know of the plot.