“Next day I was brought before the Commissioners, at the head of whom was one who is now Lord Chancellor of the realm.[58] He had been a Catholic, but went over to the other side, for he loved the things of this world.
“They first asked me my name and calling. I gave them the name I passed by; whereupon one called me by my true name, and said that I was a Jesuit. As I was aware that the pursuivant knew me, I answered that I would be frank and open in everything that belonged to myself, but would say nothing that could affect others. So I told them my name and calling, to wit that, though most unworthy, I was a Priest of the Society of Jesus.
“ ‘Who sent you into England?’ they asked.
“ ‘The Superiors of the Society.’
“ ‘To what end?’
“ ‘To bring back stray souls to their Creator.’
“ ‘No, no,’ said they; ‘you were sent for matters of State; and to lure people from the obedience of the Queen to the obedience of the Pope.’
“ ‘As for matters of State,’ I replied, ‘we are forbidden to have anything to say to them, as they do not belong to our Institute. This prohibition, indeed, extends to all the members of the Society; but on us Missioners it is particularly enjoined in a special instruction. As for the obedience due to the Queen and the Pope, each is to be obeyed in that wherein they have jurisdiction; and one obedience does not clash with the other, as England and all Christian realms have hitherto experienced.’
“ ‘How long have you been doing duty as a Priest in this country?’
“ ‘About six years.’