"Peace! Will none o' ye stop that fellow's prating? Justice thou shalt have, and that speedily, as thou sayest, but not in the way thou couldst desire. Look thee!" He fumbled in his pouch as he spake. Drawing out a letter, he continued—"My Lord Derby hath commanded that thou be sent to Lathom along with some others who do mightily trouble us, and sow evil seed and dissension among the people."
"This, please your grace, I deny; and I would know mine accusers, and what they allege against me."
"Now this is a brave answer, truly," replied the Justice. "These rogues be all of one tale, pretending that they have done nothing amiss, and desiring to know, poor innocents! of what they are accused, as though they were ignorant of their own lives and conversation hitherto. Tush! it were a needless and an unthrifty throwing out of words to argue the matter—for they are wiser in their own eyes than seven men who can render a reason. Do thou question him, and urge him to the test," said Sir Roger, turning to his conscience-keeper.
"What art thou?" said the priest, leaning forward for the purpose of a more strict examination.
"I am a minister," said Marsh. "It is but a short time agone since I served a cure hereabouts."
"Who gave thee orders? Or hast thou indeed received any?"
"The Bishops of London and Lincoln, after that I had diligently studied and kept terms aforetime at Cambridge."
"Humph!" said Sir Roger. "These bishops be of the re
formed sect; and, I have a notion, will some day or another answer for it before the Queen's council."
"What knowledge hast thou of these men?"