Records of the Spanish Inquisition, Translated from the Original Manuscripts

by Andrew Dickson White

Miguel Rodriguez.

The above Inquisitors then ordered the said Juan Duran to be furnished with a copy of the accusation, that he might within three days make arrangements for his defence, with the help of one of the advocates for the prisoners of the Holy Office. The prisoner made choice of Father Geronymo Vidal, Jesuit, for this purpose, who was forthwith ordered to be summoned; whereupon the audience closed, and the prisoner, having been admonished, was remanded to prison.

Miguel Rodriguez.

AUDIENCE TO COMMUNICATE THE ACCUSATION AND EVIDENCE.

In the Royal Palace of the Inquisition of Barcelona, on the twelfth day of January, one thousand six hundred and thirtythree, the Inquisitor, Dr Domingo Abbad y Huerta being at his morning audience, ordered the aforesaid Juan Duran to be brought out of prison, which being done, and the prisoner present, he was

Questioned, if he recollected anything relating to his affair which he was bound to divulge, agreeably to his conscience.

Answered, that he had nothing more to say.

He was then informed that Father Geronymo Vidal, whom he had chosen for his advocate, was present, that he might communicate with him and prepare for his defence. The said Father Vidal then swore in verbo sacerdotis to defend faithfully and diligently the said Juan Duran, in the present trial, so far as justice would permit, to inform him if his cause was not defensible, to do everything which a good advocate is bound to do, and to keep the whole matter secret.

The confessions of the said Juan Duran were then read, with the accusation against him, and his answers thereto, and the advocate conferred with the prisoner respecting his case, advised him to confess the whole truth, without uttering false testimony either against himself or others, and, if he were guilty, to beg pardon, by doing which, he would experience mercy. The prisoner stated that he had declared the truth as appeared by his confessions, and beyond what was therein contained denied the accusation, on which account he begged to be set at liberty.