"Because its execution has not been proven; and because, even if genuine, it is incompetent as being by a condemned traitor."
"Let me see the paper," said the King… "It is regular, on its face—signed by Stafford under his own seal and attested by Sir Richard Ratcliffe and Sir John Kendale. Do you wish their testimony?"
Lord Darby bowed.
"Sir Richard Ratcliffe and Sir John Kendale," the King said, as they stood forth, "do you each testify on honor that these are your respective signatures, and that you saw Henry Stafford sign and affix his seal hereto?"
"We do, upon our knightly honor," they replied.
"It would appear, Sir John, that the body of this document is in your handwriting."
"It is, Your Majesty. I wrote it at request of Stafford and at his dictation."
"Where?"
"In his room in the Blue Boar Inn in the town of Salisbury."
"When?"