(21.)
There was a Statute in Queen Elisabeths days, that whoever had Mass said in their house should pay fifty pounds: Mr. Ployden being in his heart a Papist; a Noble-mans Coach-man undertook to bring him into that premunire; and getting on Priests weeds, went to Mr. Ploydens, who taking him for a Priest, he was there admitted to say Mass: The Council being informed of the business, Mr. Ployden was sent for, and the thing laid so home to his charge, that he confessed it, and deposited down fifty pounds on the table. Then one of the council said unto him, You may see Mr. Ployden what a blind Religion you are nursed in; fot he that said Mass at your house was no Priest, but only such a Noble-mans Coach-man, Nay then, quoth Mr. Ployden, the case is alter'd; for no Priest no Mass; no