Then was there [the] preparing [in July, 1555] to go with the Queen, unto Winchester; and all the Books of the Ordinaries were perused by [Stephen Gardiner] the Bishop of Winchester and the Earl of Arundel, to consider of every man.
Sir Humphrey Ratcliffe, our Lieutenant, brought unto him the Book of the Pensioners; which when they overlooked, they came unto my name.
"What doth he here?" said the Earl of Arundel.
"I know no cause why he should not be here," said Master Ratcliffe, "he is an honest man. He hath served from the beginning of the Band [founded in December, 1539, as the Band of Spears. It consisted of a Captain, Lieutenant, Standard bearer, Clerk of the Cheque, and Gentleman Harbinger, and fifty Gentlemen; chosen out of the best and most ancient families of England. Some of them sons to Earls, Barons, Knights, and Esquires: men thereunto specially recommended for their worthiness and sufficiency; without any stain or taint of dishonour, or disparagement in blood], and was as forward as any to serve the Queen, in the time of Wyatt's rebellion."
"Let him pass then!" said the Bishop.
"Well," said the Earl, "you may do so; but I assure you, my Lord! he is an arch-heretic!"
Thus I passed once again.
When we came to Winchester, being in the Chamber of Presence, with my fellows, Master Norris came forth of the Queen's Privy Chamber; unto whom we did reverence, as his place required.
"What!" saith he unto me; "what do you here?"