Then I asked him, Why he kept me so long in prison, which never committed offence to them: knowing very well that I had been captive in Argire [Algiers] near[ly] five years space [July 1582 to April 1587]: saying, "That when GOD, by his merciful providence, had, through many great dangers, set me in a Christian country, and delivered me from the cruelty of the Turks: when I thought to find such favour as one Christian oweth to another, I found them now more cruel than the Turks, not knowing any cause Why."
"The cause," said he, "is because the King hath wars with the Queen of England."
For at that instant [April 1587], there was their Army [Armado] prepared ready to go for England. Whereupon they would, divers times, give me reproachful words; saying, That I should hear shortly of their arrival in England. With innumerable vain brags, which I omit for brevity.
Then did I demand, "If there were not peace between the King and the Queen's Majesty; whether they would keep me still?"
"Yea," said he, "unless thou wilt submit thyself to the faith of the Romish Church." So he commanded me away.
I asked, Wherefore he sent for me; and to send me away, not alleging any matter against me?
He said, I should have no other matter alleged but that which I had spoken with mine own mouth.
Then I demanded, "Why they would have the Romish Church to have the supremacy?"