When I came to the Court gate, there I met with Master Clement Throgmorton [father of Job Throgmorton, the Martinist of 1589], and George Ferrers [the Poet and Historian; see p. 173], tending their links, to go to London. Master Throgmorton was come post from Coventry; and had been with the Queen to declare unto her the taking of the Duke of Suffolk. Master Ferrers was sent from the Council unto the Lord William Howard, who had the charge of the watch at London Bridge.
As we went, for that they were both my friends and Protestants, I told them of my good hap, and manner of discharge of the Watch at the Court.
When we came to Ludgate, it was past eleven o'clock. The gate was fast locked; and a great watch within the gate of Londoners, but none without: whereof Henry Peckham had the charge, under his father; who, belike, was gone to his father, or to look to the water side.
Master Throgmorton knocked hard, and called to them, saying, "Here are three or four gentlemen come from the Court that must come in; and therefore open the gate!"
"Who?" quoth one, "What?" quoth another; and much laughing they made.
"Can ye tell what you do, sirs?" said Master Throgmorton, declaring his name, and that he had been with the Queen to shew her Grace of the taking of the Duke of Suffolk, "and my lodging is within, as I am sure, some of you do know!"
"And," said Ferrers, "I am Ferrers, that was Lord of Misrule with King Edward; and am sent from the Council unto my Lord William, who hath charge of the Bridge as you know, upon weighty affairs: and therefore let us in, or else ye be not the Queen's friends!"
Still there was much laughing amongst them.
Then said two or three of them, "We have not the keys. We are not trusted with them. The keys be carried away for this night."
"What shall I do?" said Master Throgmorton, "I am weary and faint, and I now wax cold. I am not acquainted hereabout; nor no man dare open his doors at this dangerous time; nor am I able to go back again to the Court. I shall perish this night!"