[Harl. MS. 425.]
[Narratives of the Days of the Reformation. Camden Society. 1859.]
A Note of the Examination and Imprisonment of Edward Underhill (son and heir of Thomas Underhill of Honingham, in the county of Warwick, Esquire) being of the Band of the Pensioners [see pp. [93]-[94]], for a ballet that he made against the Papists, immediately after the Proclamation of Queen Mary at London; she being in Norfolk.
The next day [4th] after the Queen was come to the Tower [on the 3rd of August, 1553]; the foresaid ballet [ballad] came into the hands of Secretary [Sir John] Bourne; who straightways made inquiry for me, the said Edward, who dwelt at Limehurst [Limehouse]; which he having intelligence of, sent the Sheriff of Middlesex, with a company of bills and glaives [lances, with a cutting blade at the end of each]; who came unto my house, I being in my bed, and my wife being newly laid in childbed.
The High Constable, whose name was Thomas Ive, dwelt at the next house unto me, the said Edward; whom the Sheriff brought also with him. He, being my very friend, desired the Sheriff and his company to stay without, for [fear of af]frighting of my wife, being newly laid; and he would go and fetch me unto him. Who knocked at the door, saying, "He must speak with me."
I, lying so near that I might hear him, called unto him, willing him "to come unto me!" for that he was always my very friend, and earnest in the Gospel. Who declared unto me that the Sheriff, with a great company with him, was sent for me.
Whereupon I rose, made me ready, and came unto him, demanding, "What he would with me?"
"Sir," said he, "I have commandment from the Council to apprehend you, and forthwith to bring you unto them."
"Why," said I, "it is now ten o'clock in the night; ye cannot, now, carry me unto them!"
"No, Sir," said he, "you shall go with me to my house to London, where you shall have a bed: and to-morrow, I will bring you unto them at the Tower."