But at last, in the month of March, 1648—that is to say, nigh upon two years after the surrender of the city—the visitors did set to their work in earnest, and beginning with Magdalen College, demanded of every one whether he submitted to the authority of Parliament in this present visitation. And to this demand a plain answer was required. Truly it was piteous to see the straits to which honest men were reduced, that were loath to offend their conscience and yet would willingly have kept their means of livelihood. Some, especially among the cooks, butlers, porters, and other servants of the College, pleaded that they were ignorant and unlearned, and did not rightly understand how to answer that which was demanded of them. And some of the younger sort pleaded their tender age why they should not answer so hard a question. Others, again, hedged themselves in with sundry conditions and reservations, if by any means they could satisfy both their own consciences and the visitors. Here I have transcribed some of the answers.
"I am not of the understanding (my years being so tender) to hold your thesis which you propose, either affirmative or negative."
"Whereas very learned and judicious men have desired time, I shall think it presumption in me to answer it extempore."
"It is beyond my weak apprehension to give you any positive answer."
"My weak capacity cannot resolve you of this so hard a question."
"I submit in all cases not exempted by oath."
"I submit so far as my oath giveth me leave."
"When I shall be satisfied in conscience that I may lawfully do it, I will willingly submit."
"I do submit to King and Parliament in this visitation, so far as lawfully I may."
"I do not conceive that this visitation doth at all concern me."