2. Firſt of all therefore they took all ſuch whom they could have out of the ranck of the Defenders and and Directors, and then all thoſe whom they knew had done any thing for the common good of the country and religion, or feared that they might be able to do (thoſe excepted who adhered not to Ferdinand) or that feared to break their faith to Frederick) theſe they accompany going unto baniſhment. About fifty men farre excelling others in godlineſſe, wiſdomes and courage, who had paſſed over their younge yeares in learning, in millitary affaires, and in travelling the reſt of their age, ſety apart for the Church and Commonswealth to wit by watching, by ſhewing dangers to the imprudent, adding courage to the prudent, by exhorting unto concord, and adviſing in common what they could for the beſt: in a word, the very flower of our nation, the lights, delights and ſafeguard of our Country. How therefore thoſe were examined condemned and after what manner they were puniſhed, how cheerfully they did ſuffer Martyrdome for the truth of the faith, and liberty of the Country, with my moſt accuſtomed plainneſs and brevity I ſhal declare.
3. The Pipe maketh ſweet muſick while the fowler catcheth the birds: more than three moneths nothing is heard but fair promiſes of favour and hope of impunity for all by gone treſpaſſes; inſomuch, that ſome came out of their lurking holes, and ſome returned
