A true report of the late apprehension and imprisonnement of Iohn Nichols minister at Roan and his confession and ansvvers made in the time of his durance there. VVherevnto is added the satisfaction of certaine, that of feare or frailtie haue latly fallen in England.

This copie vvas taken out of the

first & proper Original, vvith vvhich (vponcōferēce made) it agreeth &c. In faith and vvitnes vvhereof I haue sub∣scribed and sealed it vvith the seale of the said holy Office in such cases vsed. At Rome in the Palace of the said holy Office the thirteenth of the said moneth of Maij 1579. So it is, Signed by me Flaminius Adrianus Notary of the holy Romane & general Inquisition in faith and testimonie of the pre∣misses.

LAVRENCE CADDEY of whom we made men∣tion before, lately passing the seas vvith Iohn Nicols, and his fellow in iourney into Germany, daily concei∣uing more and more sorrow of the misery he was falne into by his frailtie and coacted forsaking of the vnitie of the CATHOLICK CHVRCH, retired into France in Ianuary last An. 1583. and his said Companion with him: and approching neere Rhemes, whither he came for his comfort of conscience, being in a village neere the suburbs of the Citie, he made his vvay by this letter written to the President of the College, as followeth.

ALthough I might comme to the Citie of Rhemes, because I neuer offended the same, or any inhabitant thereof: yet in respect of you my deere country men. I neither will come thither or vnto you, although as I shall be saued at the daie of iudgement, I loue you, and

haue loued you as the apple of mine eye. And although the desire I haue to speake with you be vnspeakeable, the matter for the which I would speake with you is the greatest that euer I had with any since I was borne, or can haue whiles I liue in this miserable vvorld, and as I hope more profitable both for soule and bodie then any thing whatsoeuer in this world Besides it apper∣teineth to both the Seminaries, that of Rome, and this of Rhemes, concerning vvaightie matters in respect of them both. Moreouer it concerneth the abhominable lyes of Iohn Nicols, which hereby may be redressed. To conclude, if your Seminaries haue ben iniured by the sclaunders of any, hereby they may be I trust cleared againe: and I trust that in respect of some, it may be said that the same Scorpion that stinged being crushed on the same, wil sonest heale the wound she made.

Therfore M. Doctor Allen, I request you for the loue you beare to Christ crucified, his blessed mother, and all the Saincts of heauen, & as you tēder the life of a soule almost deade in sinne desiring by your meanes to be quickened, and as you couit to heale the sores vvhere∣with, your Seminaries haue ben wounded, send in all hast without any delay a Priest wel learned, vertuous, and mortified, and of a good nature, and to him largely the cause of my arriual here, I wil lay open, so that by him you may be fully certified thereof. the which I would haue to be either M. Gregorie Marten, or Doctor Barnard the neede of body bringeth me not hither, but of Soule, and causes alleged. I am at Tessi half a league from you in a tauerne: hither therfore send as I request with this messenger in all hast that can be, and if the said Priest lodged here al night it were best,

Your humble Orator. laden vvith sinne, vvishing and comming hither to be healed, whose name you shall knovv.

Post scriptum. I haue a letter from the said Nicols to

your worship, who is on this side the sea which I wil deliuer to the Priest sent.

It vvas endorced thus.

Venerabili viro D. Doctori Alano Anglorum Seminarij Rhemensis dignissimo pręsidi, hae statim tradantur litera.

A Monsieur le Docteur Allen Anglois. Iesus Maria. Si non sit in Ciuitate D. Alanus, tradantur Doctori Bernardo, aut D. Gregorio Martino.

THe President being not then at home, but nevvly gone to Paris, this letter was receiued and reade by the other to vvhom in his absence it vvas directed, and by whom his godly desire was also in part accompli∣shed: but for more ful satisfaction of his conscience, he was aduised to go forvvard to Paris, vvhere he might deale vvith D. Allen him self: and so he resolued to doo, hauing appointed also before to meete Iohn Nicols againe there, vvho departed from him (as he said) at Challon, ten leagues from Rhemes, where Nicols (for a Brauado) wrot this letter follovving to the said Doctor: vvhich letter, at once vvith Laurence Caddeyes, he receiued by a special and speedy messager, before Laurence him self arriued

DOctor Alane, multi te ferunt librum quendam edidisse sub nomine Apologiae diuulgatum vtriúsque Seminarij Romae Rhemisque Ro∣mani Pontificis impensis extructi. In eo libro tuo nimis in me ferociter irruisti & maledictis la∣cessiuisti, si tu aliqua salutis meae cupiditate flagrasses illa con∣uitia atque maledicta quibus abundasti silentio pretermisisses. Satis in meum vituperium dixisse arbitratus es, cum dixeras me

his deciuisse à religione vestra, quid hoc ad propositum, nunquid Apostoli (qui omnibus virtutis ornamentis exculti fuerant) semper Christum agnouerunt? minime gentium sed Christum aliquando negauerunt vt sacra scripturarum loca testantur.

Quid si ego vestram religionem (si vera esset religio) decies abnegassem, & postea eam amplexus fuissem quandiu vixissem, nunquid post miseram hanc vitam me reprobum sentiretis? pro∣fectò haud sic, si veri Christianiessetis. vestram religionem mul∣tis erroribus implicatam denegasse laetor, maximè si fides vestra Romana ab Apostolorum sententia mintmè dissentiret, ab illa nullis terrortbus atque suppliciis adduci vllo modo potuissem: sed quia traditionibus humanis innititur, illam non probo.

Alane mi, Consule tibi dum tempus est, Resipisce, Renuncia erroribus quibus irretiris, Reuertere in patriam, Prosternas te∣ipsum ad pedes pientissimae Reginae nostrae, explices perfidiam tuam, deplora te talem fuisse qualem terra vt ferret indignus fuisti. Romae quid didici? hypocrisim, mendacium, arrogatiam, breuiter, omnia mala. in Seminario regnat libido, superbia, inui∣dia, ira, maledicentia, vt breui comprehendam, illud collegium est sentina omnium malorum. Perhorresco literis mandare quae oculis meis vidi, non crederes, quia nimis faues illis. Raptim scripsi. Rescribe si vis, aut si elatus animus patietur. scriptum Nancy.

Per me Ioannem Nicolaum Anglum.

DOctor Allen, manie reporte that you haue published a booke vnder the title of an Apo∣logie of both the Seminaries of Rome and Rhemes, erected at the Popes charges. In that booke you haue pushed at me very furiously and pro∣uoked me vvith many reproches. If you had had any care of my soules health, you vvould haue passed ouer those reproches and detractions vvith silence: but you thought to disgrace me excedingly in reporting that I had tvvise forsaken your religion. what is that to the purpose? vvhy? did the Apostles (vvhich were adorned vvith all ornaments of vertue) alvvaies confesse Chrisi?

nothing lesse. For sometimes they did denie him as ho∣lie vvrit testifieth.

Vvhat if I had denied your Religion ten times (if it vvere a true religion) and aftervvard had embraced it againe as long as I liued, would you notvvithstanding haue taken me for a reprobate after my death? if you vvere true Christians, I thinke you vvould not. I am ful glad that I haue denied your Religion, vvhich is mixed vvith manie errors. If your Romane faith dissented not from the doctrine of the Apostles, I should neuer haue ben dravven from it, vvith terrors or torments what∣soeuer: but because it is vnderpropped vvith mens tra∣ditions, I cannot like or allovv of it.

O M. Allen, prouide for your self vvhile you haue time. Amende, and for sake your errors vvherewith you are entangled. Retourne home to your country. Cast your self downe at the feete of our merciful Queene. Confesse your disloyaultie, and lament that you haue ben such a one, as the earth is vnworthie to beare. what learned I at Rome? hypocrisie, lying, pride, and to be short al that euel is. In that Seminarie there, raigneth lust, pride, enuie vvrathe, detraction, and to say al at a worde, that College is the sinke of sinne. I do tremble to vvrite the things, that I haue seene vvith mine eyes: neither vvould you beleeue them, because you fauor them to much. I haue vvritten in hast, vvrite againe if you vvil, or if your prowde stomack will suffer you. Vvritten at Nancy.

By me Iohn Nicols Englishman.

ABout three daies after the receipt of the aboue written letters, came Laurence Caddey and found D. Allen and all other Catholicks very redy, as duty requi∣red, to giue him the comfort and succour they could to his great contentement: as also vpon intelligence that Iohn Nichols vvas in the tovvne, many meanes vvere

sought to bring him to conference and speach of the le∣arned for his recouery: but missing of that, there vvas thought no other remedy to saue his soule, & to reclame him from the damnable state that he liued and vvas like to dy in: but by his apprehension and imprisonning, vvhich, by reason of his speedy departure from Paris, could not be donne there: but it vvas atchiued at Roan, vvhere vpon his restraint, he vvrot vvith his ovvne hād at seuerall times the letters and others things in Latine, to D. Allen.

DOctor Alane, tua meam petulantiam vicit charitas, ad te (temeritate ductus magis quam prudentia fretus) acriter scripsi, tu ira non commotus omnia bona mihi optasti, pollicitus es cum fueram tibi inimicus ea quae non spe∣raueram à te concedi, tua elementia me supe∣rauit supra modū. Parisiis Rhemos venissem si mea culpatāta non fuisset quantum explicare verbis nequeo. Pudore impeditus, Rhemos petere nolim. Tua patientia mea maior fuit malitia, tua verba ex charitate fraterna producta ostenderunt quo spiritu suffultus eras. Laurentius Caddeus, qui meas tibi dedit lite∣ras, iuramento facto predicta confirmauit, qua charitate audita in quae prorupi verba testetur.

Si illam Domine D. Alane animae meae curam te habere ve∣rum sit, vt tuam reuerentiam non pigeret peregrinationis multo∣rum locorum modo saluares eam, des tunc operam vt saluetur. & mea anima salua tua opera, saluabitur anima tua iuxta ver∣bum diuinum. Si anima & corpore peribo tua incuria atque ne∣gligentia, redditurus es rationem huiusmodi mortis meae in die iudicij. Sum detentus in carceribus, & non indignè. Sustentor lautius hucusque quam deberem, appello ad tuam reuerentiam, & non ad Papae Nuntium. Si promittes tuis literis, quod mea culpa quoquo modo commissa contra quoscūque ignoscetur mihi, & quod nemo ob mea delicta perpetrata, me è medio tollere cona∣bitur, Rhemos veniam, & ponam vitam meam in manibus tuis: si hoc mihi negabis, sanguis meus à te requiretur, & eris causa perditionis animae meae. Non curo propter vitam corporis mei.

singulis diebus contentus sum mori, si semel animam meam & virtute & religione verbo diuino innixam, suffultam sentirem, oh nemo mortalium me laetior esset.

Dicunt multi me nullam religionem habere, & verè dicunt secundum opera mea, flagitiis enim multis coopertus sum. hoc ego dico et in suggestu sepe dixi. Quodcūque scriptum est in vete∣riatque nouo testamēto firmiter credo si me ad ignem, autad pati∣bulum lictores iam traherent, aliud non crederem, instar vmbrae est vita mea, à carcere Rothomagensi clamo ad te vir magne, & vir plene charitatis vt mihi succurras dum hac vitae vsura fruor. Si conquaereris de scriptis meis, quod falsum est retractabo, cau∣sam indicabo cur sic scripseram, totam mentem meam iuxta veri∣tatis limites satis abundè explicabo. D. Alane, etsi grauiter of∣fenderam, tamen curam tibi committo animae meae.

Nescio quid de me consultum est, si Papa & Cardinales, & omnes alij qui autoritate praecedunt alios, consultius aestimant esse vt vindictam sumant iniuriae illatam illis immeritò, fiat vo∣luntas Domini, sciunt vbi me inueniant: exequantur quod in mentem venit, sed aliter de illorum charitate spero. In his an∣gustiis quibus constitutus sum D Alane, praesto mihi sis, & con∣silio & labore & aliis omnibus charitatis operibus: & accumu∣labis tibi magnum thesaurum in caelis, & me tibi in aeuum de∣uinces.

Non sum obstinatus, cupio saluus esse, saluum me reddat Deus anima à corpore dissoluta. Scripsi. bene vale, oraque pro me peccatore maximo. Dum viuo, spero Redde bonum D Alane pro malo, & eris discipulus Christi: sic fecit Christus, sic docuit.

Per me Ioannem Nicolaum Anglum, tui amantissimum.

POst scriptum. Spiritus pugnat contra carnem, caro contra spiritum ad tempus spiritus diluuio peccatorum submersus carni succubuit, sed spero quod spiritus emergetur, & carnis vires mulalidabit Deus sit mihi propitius. Capituitas est medium per quod viam ad coelum inueniam D. Alane, partim quia Chri∣stum agnoscis, & partim quia conterraneus meus es, consule mihi dum tempus est. Lego vestros libros, non taedet me legere, aliquam

mihi legendo consolationem comparaui. Legam, & sermonem ba∣bere cum Catholicis Romanis inficias non ibo. Scripsi, & expecto responsionem voluntatis tuae propensae, vt spero in meam salu∣tem. 18. Feb. 1583.

Per me peccatorem grauissimum, Ioannem Nicolaum indignum hac vita quam dego.

DOctor Allen, Your charitie hath ouercome my impudencie. I wrote vnto you very sharpely, being led thereto rather through rashenes, then guided by wisdome. you for your owne part being nothing atal moued therevvith to anger, vvished al good vnto me promi∣sing to me your enmmie such benefits as I could not haue looked for at your hands. your clemencie there∣fore hath vvonderfully vanquished me. I would haue come from Paris to Rhemes, if my offence had not ben so haynous, as cannot be by wordes expressed. The cause why I came not to Rhemes, was, because I was ashamed of my self. Your Pacience is greater then my mallice. Your wordes proceeding from brotherly charitie, do declare with what spirit you are endewed. Laurence Caddey vvho deliuered my former letter vnto you, hath affirmed the fore said things to be true and that with an other he also can witnes into what speaches I burst forth vvhen I vnderstood this your charitie.

If it be true (M.D. Allen) that you haue so great care of my soule, that your Reuerence vvould not sticke to trauaile to what place soeuer, to saue it: do you your endeuour then to saue it. For if my soule be saued by your meanes, you shall saue your owne soule also, as holy writ saith: but if I doo perish bodie and soule by your carelessnes and negligence you are to render ac∣compt thereof at the daie of Iudgement. I am empri∣soned, and that worthely: and am fedd hitherto more delicatly then I haue deserued. I do appeale to your

worship and not to the Popes Nunce. And if you will promis me by your letters that the faults vvhich I haue by any meanes whatsoeuer committed against any man, shalbe forgiuen me, and that no man shal pursue me to death for the crimes that I haue committed, I will come to Rhemes, & yeld my self into your hands: if you deny me this, my bloud shalbe required at your hands, and you shalbe the cause of the losse of my soule. I esteeme not this transitorie life, I am content to dye, and that euery daie. Oh if I felt once my soule to be endewed with vertue & religion staied vpon Gods holie word, no man vvould be more glad then I should be.

Many report that I haue no religion in me, and they saie truely in respect of my vvorks, for I am ouerwhel∣med with many abhominable vices. I say thus much & haue often said it out of the pulpit. That I doo firmely beleeue whatsoeuer is vvritten in the old and new Te∣stament. If the Sergants were drawing me to the fire or gallowes, I would not beleeue any other thing. My life is like a shadowe, I crie to you (worshipfull Sir and full of charitie) out of the prison of Roan, to assist me whiles yet I liue. If you complaine of my books, I will retract that which is false, I will shewe the cause vvhy I wrot so. I vvill open my mind aboundantly so far as the limites of truth will permit. M.D. Allen albeit I haue greuously offended, that notwithstanding I commit the care of my soule vnto you.

I know not vvhat the Pope, Cardinals, and others in authoritie ar determined to do with me: if they thinke it best to take vengeance on me for the iniuries vvhich I haue vniustly donne vnto them, the lords will be donne: they know where to finde me, let them put their designes in execution hardly: but for all that I hope better of their charitie. Being brought into these distresses, I beseech you D. Allen to assist me with coun∣sel and al other works of charitie, and you shal thereby heape to your self a treasure in heauen, and shall binde me to be yours foreuer. I am not obstinate. God graūt I

may be sauued after this life. I haue written. Fare you well, and pray for me a greuous sinner: for as long as I liue, I will hope. M.D. Allen, render good for euil, and by so doing you shalbe Christe his disciple. For so Christ did, so he taught,

By me, Iohn Nichols Englisman, your louer.

POst scriptum. The spirit doth fight against the flesh, and the flesh against the spirit: and for a time the spirit being ouer whelmed with the flood of sinnes, doth yeeld vnto the flesh, but I hope that the spirit will get the victorie, and weaken the force of the flesh. God be merciful vnto me. Imprisonment is a meanes by which I may finde the way to heauen. M. D. Allen helpe me vvith your aduice whiles time is: partely, be∣cause you are a Christian man: partly also, because you are my country man. I reade your bookes and am not weary of reading, I haue gained great comfort & con∣solation by reading them. I will reade still and will re∣fuse no conference with any Roman Catholik. I haue written, and novv expecte your fauorable answere, as I hope, to my saluation. 18. Feb. 1583.

By me most greuous sinner, Iohn Nicols, vnvvorthy to liue.

DOctor Alane, contra Papam, Cardinales & Episco∣pos quaecunque scripsi, scripsi ambitionis causa: & quae audiueram in Italia de moribus Papae, Cardi∣nalium, Episcoporum aliorúmque inter agrestes & inopes homines, literis in Anglia mandaui: nullum librum aedi∣dissem (Deus est mihi testis) nisi Praeses Castri Londinensis me ad scribendum prouocasset. Partim tunc temporis grandipro∣missione delusus, partim appetens interituram gloriam, a me publicè scripta sunt ea, praesertim de moribus Papae, Cardina∣lium, Episcoporum, totiusque ecclesiastici ordinis quae fama ac∣ceperam

à viris non fide dignis, libertate mihi eo tempore conces∣sa paulo post resipui & me nequiter scripsisse Domino Lucae Kirbeo••am vita defuncto, cum in carceribus detentus fuerat, confessus sum.

Multa scripsi, multa feci, quae scribere aut facere negaui prorsus, antequam Praeses Turris Londinensis saepe minatus sit, Grauissimum torquaris tormentum, quam acerbam poenam pati meafragilis caro abhorruit. Illius igitur inuentionem atque vo∣luntatem executus sum, quod imperabat scripsi, feci, sic locutus sum, non ex malitia, sed ex impulsu, non ex praua voluntate, sed ex satanica suggestione.

Multa scripsi falsò, quae scripsisse poenituit me antequam ex Anglia tanquam profugus ob enormia peccata mea quae con∣scientiae meae magnam inquietem diu & noctu iniecerunt, disces∣seram, Nun quam in Anglia steti coram Iudice, aut alio quouis magistratu tāquam testis cōtra quemuis Catholicum Romanum, quando in iudicium vocati sunt, ex proposito abfui Londino.

Papa, Cardinales, Episcopi, & alij Catholici Romani in me multa contulerunt beneficia, quae ingratitudine recompensaui, sed causa ostenditur, metus grauissimi supplicij, magnifica pro∣missa me à Deo auocauerunt. si vos viri dignissimi, in eodem peri∣culo versaremini, nescio quid faceretis.

Nihil aliud audire potui in carceribus quam has minas, Fac sic, aut satellites te ducent torqueri: maluissem si dixisset sus∣pendi. Non bona res est, corpus isto cruciatu longius fieri per duos fere pedes quam natura concedit. Narratum est mihi modus torquendi, cum audiueram, timor & horror istiusmodi supplicij me omnino vicit in meaexaminatione. Quorum voluit ille Praeses aut sernus illius nomina scribi, scripsi. Georgius Peccam, aeques auratus in Catalogo fuit Papistarum, Iudex Southcotus, & alij multi mihi ignoti & ad nomen & ad personam (antequam ad castra Londini veneram) in meo Catologo, suggestu praedictorum locum occupauerunt inter caeteros Romanae religioni addictos.

Si captus non fuissem cunctis Papistis indicassem interrogā∣tibus me causam scribendi talia mendacia in mea examinatione. Ego fui scriptor, sed Deus scit, alios fuisse autores. Si mea fra∣gilit as me non excusabit, appello ad misericordiam vestram qua munitos esse dicitis: ostendite tunc illam, & pro amore Dei li∣berate

me, & non vrgeatis me sicut caeteri, loqui & scribere con∣tr a conscientiam meam: & postea cernetis sine impulsu, quod li∣berè fatebor veritatem.

D. Alane grauiter te offendi, sed tamen dico, quod recumbo in tuam clementiam. De religione nihil dico quod scriptura do∣cet (nullum excipio librum neque veteris neque noui) firmiter credo: nihil aliud credam, facite mecum quod vultis, comburite, suspendite, interficite, decapitate, ego idem sum: si veritatem nō habeo, Christus est veritas, ostendat mihi veritatem, & aper••at oculos meos.

D. Alane, Odovvenus Hoptonus Praeses Castri Londinensis minis iussit vt examinationem iuxta voluntatem illius scribe∣rem. Quando nomina Papistarum patefeci (quorum quam plu∣rima nomina nunquam ante audiueram) eos fautores Papae, Reginae Scotorum, acerrimos inimicos Regiae Maiestatis, virorum à conciliís, & omnium illorum qui defensores sunt religionis quae publicè in Anglia docetur asserere non vererer. Et omnes illi de quibus mentio facta est, nobiles & generosi fuerunt. Hoc si à te factum erit Regina promouebit te, inuenies me promptis∣sim um fore ad te iuuandum. Cuncti proceres te magno prosequun∣tur amore, & nihil indigebis. Mittam tecum seruum Oxonium, ibi sustentaberis, centum Marcas singulis annis dabo operam vt adipiscaris & sine dubio pingue sacerdotium tibi dabitur. Si hoc non praestabis grauissima poena mulct aberis, consule tibi igi∣tur Et hanc ob causam, partim metu ductus, partim adulatione victus, hoc in me quadrauit adagium: Quid ipse aiebat, confir∣maui: promissum illius iuramento perstrictum fuit. Haec quae exaraui adeò vera sunt vt nihil verius.

Videte homines, qua mecum Tragedia vsus est ille Praeses. Quamprimum veneram in conspectum D. Odovveni Hopton, du∣ctus cum satellite, confessus sum me illius religionis fuisse, & tamen hypocrisi maxima me vti voluit, paratus eram in die Do∣minico istius hebdomadae qua captus eram in ecclesiam venire mea sponte, & tamen iussit vt apparerem reluctari, & seruus illius iussus fuit trahere me ad ecclesiam quasi inuitus fuissem: ex his paucis colligite plura.

De bulla affix a parietibus Rhemis, hoc nō audeo consirmare, sed ita fama volauit inter alummos Papae in Collegio Angli∣cano

Romae sito, vtrum ista excommunicationis bulla contrae no∣stram ••eginam Elizabetham renouata fuit, & ex integro im∣pressa Romae prorsus ignoro, sed ignoscite mihi quae tali modo te∣mere & falso scripsi & feci.

Quae literis mandantur, me libera sponte sine compulsione vlla, vt conscientiam meam liberam redderem in praesentia Gu∣lielmi Iohnson & Georgij Robinson mand at a sunt in carcere Ro∣thomagensi in die Sabbati. 19. Februarij. An. 1583.

Ioannes Nicolaus.

DOctor Allen what things soeuer I haue written against the Pope, Cardinals and Bishops, I wrote them through ambi∣tion: and such things as I printed in England, touching the manners of the Pope, Cardinals & Bishops, I had heard them in Italie of peisantes and poore men. I had neuer published any booke (God is my witnes) if the Lieu∣tenant of the Tower of London had not prouoked me to write: for I vvas partly deluded at that time vvith great promises, partly also pricked forward with desire of vaine glorie. Such things haue ben vvritten by me pubickly, cheefly touching the manners of the Pope. Cardinals, Bishops, and of the vvhol Clergie, vvhich I had by report of men of no credit. But as sone as I had obteined my libertie, incontinent I amended my former fault, and cōfessed to M. Luck Kirby novv executed, but then a prisoner, that I had vvritten very lewdly.

I wrote many things, I did many things, the which I vtterly denied either to write or to do, before that the Lieutenant of the Tovver threatened me, and that often, to rack and torment me, vvhich greuous punish∣mentes my fraile flesh did abhorre. And therefore I did but execut his vvill and inuention. Whatsoeuer he com∣maunded, that I wrot, that I did, so I spake, not of mal∣lice, but by constraint, not of euell vvill, but of deuel∣lish

suggestion I vvrote many things falsly, and it re∣pented me that euer I vvrote them before I departed out of England as a runnegate for my enormeous sinnes, vvhich vexed and disquieted my conscience daie and night excedingly.

I neuer appeered before any Iudge or other officer in England as a vvitnes against any one Romane Ca∣tholick: in so much that vvhen they vvere araigned, I absented my self from London of purpose. The Pope, the Cardinals, the Bishops, and other Catholick Ro∣manes, haue bestovved many benefits vpon me, and I haue requited them vvith ingratitude, but I haue she∣wed the cause: feare of greuous punishement and ma∣gnificall promises withdrew me cleene from God. If you (vvorthie men) had ben in the like danger, I knovv not what you vvould haue dōne. I could heare nothing els vvhiles I vvas in prison, but these threates: Do so or els the Officers shal carry-thee to be racked: I had leuer he had said to bee hanged. It is an euel thing to haue my bodie by these tortures to be made two foote longer, then euer God made it. They recompted vnto me the manner and order of racking, vvhich vvhen I heard, the feare and horror of this kinde of punishement did quite ouercome me in mine examination.

I vvrote dovvne into my booke the names of such as the Lieutenant or his seruant vvould haue me write. Sir George Peckam knight vvas in the rovvle of the Pa∣pists. Iudge Suthcot, and many other (whose names and personnes vvere vnknovvne to me before I came to the tovver) occupied a rome in my rovvle among the rest that vvere addicted to the Roman religion, and that by the suggestion of the forenamed. If I had not ben ap∣prehended, I vvould haue answered all Papists that vvould haue asked me for vvhat cause I vvrote so many lies in my examination: That I vvas the writer in deede, but (God knovveth) other men vvere the Authors.

If my frailtie vvill not excuse me, I appeale to your mercie: vvhere with you say, you are fenced: shevv it

then, and for the loue of God set me at libertie, & after∣wards you shall see, that I vvill confesse the truth freely vvithout all constraint. I haue greeuously offended you D. Allen, yet I saie thus much, I do cōmit my self wholy to your clemeneie. I saie nothing of my religion, what∣soeuer the scripture dooth teach (I except no booke of the old or new Testamēt) I do firmely beleeue, I beleeue no other thing. Do vvith me vvhat you list, burne me, hāg me, kill me, behead me: I am the same man, if I haue not the truth, Christ is the truth, let him shevv me the truth and open mine eies.

D. Allen, Sir Ovven Hopton the Lieutenant of the Tovver commaunded me vvith threates, to vvrite mine examination according to his will & pleasure, & willed me (when I published the names of the Papists, many of vvhose names I neuer heard of before) not to be afraid to affirme them to be fautors of the Pope, of the Queene of Scots, to be mortal ennimies to the Queenes Maiestie, to her Counsellers, & to al those which were defendors of the religion vvhich is novv publickly taught in England. And they vvere al noble men or gentlemen, that vvere there mentioned.

If thou vvilt do this (quoth he) the Queene vvill promote thee, and thou shalt find me most ready to helpe the: al the nobilitie vvill loue thee excedingly, and thou shalt vvant nothing: I vvill send my man with thee to Oxford, and thou shalt be mainteined there: I vvill find the meanes that thou shalt haue one hundred Marks yerely: and vvithout all doubt, thou shalt haue a fat benefice. If thou vvilt not do this, thou shalt be tor∣mented and that greeuously: therefore take good ad∣uice vvhat to do. And for this cause, partly led vvith feare, & partly ouercome with flatterie, the old prouerb vvas verified in me: vvhatsoeuer he did saie, thesame I did sooth: al his said promises were bound with an othe.

These things that I haue vvritten are so true, as no∣thing can be more true. See (ô men) hovv tragically the Lieutenant of the Tovver delt vvith me. Assoone

as euer I came in Sir Ovven Hopton sight, being brought by an officer, I confessed my self to be of his religion, yet for al that he vvould needes haue me play the hypo∣crite I vvas reddy to go to church on mine ovvne ac∣corde the next sondaie after I vvas apprehended, yet notvvithstanding he commaunded me to seeme to re∣siste, & his man vvas vvilled to dravv me to the church, as though I vvent against my vvill: of these sevv you may gather many things.

Concerning the Bull vvhich vvas fastened vpon the vvals at Rhemes, I dare not affirme it, but there vvent such a report among the Popes schollers in the English Col∣lege at Rome: whether this Bull of excommunication against our Queene Elizabeth vvas renevved and printed againe at Rome, I am vtterly ignorant: but forgiue me that haue after such sort vvritten and donne, both rashly and falsely.

Such things as I haue vvritten at this present, I haue vvritten them of mine ovvne free vvill vvithout any constraint to vnburthen my conscience, in the presence of VVilliam Iohnson and George Robinson, in the prison of Roan, on Saterdaie being the 19. of Februarie in the yere of our Lord 1583.

Iohn Nichols.

MAKING SVTE FOR A VVARRANT TO ATTACH THE SAID IOHN NICOLS, demaund vvas made vvhether any thing could be layd to his charge sauing matters of religion: it was ansvvered yea: and therevpon these articles and ac∣cusations following were dravven out against him, vpon vvhich the prisoner being examined he an∣svvered to euery one seuerally, as is here set downe first in Latine, aftervvard in English.

1 ACcusamus Ioannem Nicolaum, primum quod famo∣sos libello fecerit, & praelo mandauerit contra Prin∣cipes & publicas person as atque collrgia, qui famosi libelli etiam in ditionibus suae Maiestatis Christia∣nissimae in multorummanus venerunt & famam multorum le∣serunt.

Respondeo vt sequitur. Ego Ioānes Nicolaus, pro∣testans in religione, 20. Februarij anno Domini 1583. neque metu, neque fauore cuiusquam hominis, aliquid à me respondebitur. Quantum ad hunc primum articu∣lum, fateor me ture recteque accusatum esse.

2 In his libris, turpissimorum criminum mendaciter & ca∣lumniose insimulat nominatim certos Cardinales, obiiciens eis stuprum & scelera pessima, ex mera contra sacrum ordinem malitia.

Ad secundum sic respondeo. Fateor me sic scri∣psisse, sed fama atque relatione hominum prauorum, vt opinor.

3 Sanctissimum Dominum nostrum Papam seditiosè & male∣di••è in iisdem scriptis incusat iniustitiae furti, rapinae, & omnis iniquitatis, particulatim nominans quasdam rapinas quas eum fecisse fingit.

Respondeo, me sic scripsisse, sed magis ambitionis & malitiae causa, quam veritatis, nifi vt acceperam illum

fecisse aliquid quod à me literis mandatum sit à viris illius conatibus minimè fauentibus, quod nunc non om∣nino à me approbatur.

4 In suis libris praedictis iniquissimè, & (quod postea con∣fessus est) falcissimè accusauit, proditionis & laesae Maiestatis homines sanctissimos, & innocentissimos, per quod ipsius & alio∣rum suorum complicum falcissimum testimonium, plurimi, id est 12 religiosissimi viri aut plures fuerunt crudelissima morte sub∣lati. Eumque interrogari cupimus, an aliorum inductione vel sua sola malitia, eos falsò accusauerit, & qui eum induxerunt ad hoc.

Ad quartum sic respondeo. Me semper negasse ali∣quod testimonium in ducturum contra quemcunque ho∣minem qui ob religionem passus est: sed in libris meis insinuaui, quod multi in Collegio Anglicano Romae si••o, optauerunt mortem Reginae, & multorum aliorum vt scribitur isto libro: & in illo articulo addidi plus quam veritas concessit. Et quantum ad nomina illustrissimo∣rum virorum, vt nomen Domini Leicestriae, vt nomen Domini Burleighi, Reginae conquaestoris, Domini Fran∣cisci Vvalzingham &c. quos viros neque accusatos, neque minatos ab aliquo in isto Collegio audiui, sed hoe ambitionis & lucri causa finxi.

5 Accusauit mendaciter & malitiosè Anglorum Collegium (suae Maiestatis fauore Rhemis residens) quod Bullam Pij V. contra Reginam Angliae datam, Rhemis publicauerit, & valuis & postibus illius vrbis affixerit, ex quo iniquissimo mendacio, & calumnia, illius collegij alumni, magnam posteà incurrerunt Re∣ginae suae indignationem.

Ad quintum articulum sic respondeo. Quod iunio∣res studentes retulerunt mihi quod Bulla anaihematis per Pium V. facta contra Reginam nostrā Elizabetham, renouata fuit per Gregorium Papam XIII. & retu∣lerunt mihi quod illa Bullae Pij V. publicata fuit ••he∣mis & valuis & postibus illius vrbis affixa. Hoc leui

illorum relatione scripsi: sed hac dere, non melius sciui, quam infans vnius diei, quia Rhemis tunc temporis non fui.

6 Nuper etiam in Galliis existens scripsit ante 10. dies, aper∣tas literas ad quendam grauem virum, in quibus famam & ho∣norem Collegij Anglorum multiplici mendacio, conuitio, calum∣nia, & detractione grauissima, laesit: dicens praedictum Colle∣gium docere & committere omnia mala, & quod viderit oculis suis continuo in Collegio fieri quae nimis sunt dictu turpia & hor∣renda, vt ita falcissima calumnia & patres societatis Iesu, qui illud Collegium Romae regunt, & ipsorum discipulos collegij a∣lumnos infamia notari.

Quantum ad sextum, hoc respōdeo. Istiusmodi lite∣ras scripsi, sed superbia, & animus cupiens in Anglia pro∣moueri, ad scribendum me duxit. Et quantum ad Colle∣gium Rhemense, hoc dico: quod plus ex malitia, quam ex veritate dixi. & sic alterum Collegium quod est Ro∣mae falsò à me accusatum est. Et de Doctore Alano, in conscientialoquor, nihil aliud scio aut audiui quam in∣nocentiam, sua religione excepta.

7 Praeterista, periurij crimen ipsum incurrisse, probabimus. non solum ex eo, quod post publicam, solemnem & voluntariam haereseon abiurationem Romae ante quadriennium factam, rela∣psus sit in abiuratas haereses: sed ex eo quod interposito tureiu∣rando promiserit (cum Collegij Romani alumnus esset) se susce∣pturum sacros ordines, & in Angliam profecturu ad propagan∣dum fidem Catholicam, quandocunque à superioribus id esset sibi mandatum. Quod promissum iureiurando confirmatum, iam ipse eum ing enti scandalo irritum fecit.

Ad septimum articulum respondeo. Illum arti∣culum esse verum, & incurri periurium, quia Romae vixi vt hypocrita, nunquam existens in religione Cathe∣licae Romana, praesertim corde.

8 Porro, obiicimus illi, quod Pontificem dolo male frauda∣uerit,

quando sub pretextu aduersae valetudinis, & quod aërem Romanum ferre non potuerit, petiit à sua Sanctitate veniam eundi ad Collegium Rhemense, vt ibi studia prosequeretur, & sacerdotium susciperet, in eum finem postulans & accipiens à sua Sanctitate 50. aureos, cum ille accepta per fraudem hac pecunia recte profectus est in Angliam.

Ad octauum articulum respondeo, me defrau∣dasse Papam 25. aureor um, quos mihi dedit in via via∣tici vt Rhemos peruenirem, sed Rhemos non veni, re∣cta in Angliam profectus sum.

Ob omnes praedictos articulos sic à me Ioanne Nicolao concessos dolor magnus me tenet, & sub pedibus cuiusque quem sic malitiosè & grauiter offendi, me ipsum prosterno & subiicio. Deus scit, animo euadendi fortunatus promotionibus, quam desi∣derio veritatem loquendi ductus. Deus sit mihi misericors, & propitius, & ignoscat mihi pariter cum illis quos sic temere & impieo ffendi. Peto vt omnes illi qui per me offensi sunt, pro amo∣re Christi, tantae iniuriae immerito illis illatae, obliuiscantur. partim hanc tetigi culpam Satanae suggestu, & partim quod multilaudauerunt ea quae sic impudenter scripseram.

Per me Ioannem Nicolaum Anglum.

1 WEe doo accuse Iohn Nicols, first, for that he made infamous libels, and set them downe in print, against Princes, publicks persones, and Colledges: vvhich infamous libels came to the handes of many in his most Christian Maiesties Dominions, and haue ble∣mished the good name of many a man.

I Iohn Nicols Protestant, the xx. of February An. Domini 1583. doo answere as followeth: That I meane to do nothing for feare nor fauor as

touching the first article, I confesse that it is a truth that I am accused of.

2 In these bookes he doth accuse falsely and slander∣ously many Cardinals by name, of most filthie crimes, obiecting vnto them vvhoredonne, and most wicked acts, and that of meere mallice against the sacred fun∣ction.

As touching the second, I confesse that I wrot so, but vpon the report of levvde persons.

3 In the same vvritings, he dooth accuse sediciously and reprochfully the Popes holynes of iniustice, theste, roberye, and al iniquitie, naming certen roberies parti∣cularly, vvhich he hath fained him to commit.

To the third article I agree, that I haue written so, but of ambition and mallice: but euen as I haue receiued (by reporte that the Pope did somevvhat as is vvritten of him by me) of men that sauored not his proceedings: which things aftervvard vpon better aduisemēt, I did not, nor do allovve.

4 In his foresaid bookes he hath accused most holy and innocent men, most vniustly and (as him self con∣fessed aftervvards) most falsely, of treason and conspi∣racie against their princes persone: so that through his, and his companions false witnes: many, that is to saie, xij. most religious men or more, were put to most cruel death. And vve desire you to enquire of him, vvhether he falsly accused them of his ovvne mallice, or induced therevnto by others, and vvhat they vvere that there∣vnto induced him?

To the fourth thus I answere: that I alvvaies denied to bring forth any euidence against any one persone that suffered in England for reli∣gion:

but I insinuated in my booke that diuers in the College at Rome, vvished the death of the Queene and diuers others as is specified in that booke. and in that article I added more then truth is. And as cōcerning the names of honora∣ble personages, as my Lord of Leycester, my Lord Burleigh, Sir Frauncys Vvalzingham &c. which men I neuer heard accused or threatened, by any of the College, but vvere for ambition and pre∣serment sake forged.

5 He hath falsly and maliciously accused the English College (now by his maiesties fauor residēt in Rhemes) that they did publish in Rhemes the Bull that Pius V. set forth against the Queene of England: and that they did fasten it vpon the gates and vvals of that citie: by occasion of which wicked lye & slaunder, the studentes of that College, did incure the highe indignation of their Queene.

As touching the fifth article, this I saie: that by light reporte of the yonger studentes, I reported in my booke that the Bull of Pius V. was renued by the Pope Gregorie the thirteenth, & vvas fixed vpon the posts at Rhemes, vvhich thing I knew asvvel as the infant of one daies age.

6 And novv of late being here in Fraunce, he vvrote not ten daies since, open letters to a certain graue man: in vvhich letters he did vvith many a lie, reproche, slaunder, and greeuous detraction, empaire the good fame and honor of the English College: saying that the foresaid College dooth teach and commit al euels, and that he hath seene vvith his eies that to be dōne con∣tinually in that college, which are horrible things, & to filthie to be spoken, so that by this most false slaunder, he dooth defame, both the fathers of the societie of Iesus, vvhich gouuerne that College at Rome, as also their

schollers the studentes of that colledge.

As touching the sixth article, this I ansvvere, that I wrote such a letter, but of pride, & a minde to be preferred in England. And as touching the College of Rhemes, this I saie, that I spake more of mallice then of truth: and so in like∣vvise the College of Rome vvas falsely accused by me. And as concerning M. Doctor Allen, I say in conscience, that I knovv or haue heard by the man nothing els but innocencie, his religion excepted.

7 Besides these vve vvill proue him to be a periured person, not onely for that he is in relapse, & falne againe into those heresies, vvhich he abiured publickly, so∣lemnely, & voluntarily at Rome 4. yeres since: but for that he promised vpon his othe (when he was a student in the English College at Rome) that he vvould take holy orders, and go into England, and there to teach the Catholick faith vvhensoeuer he should be sent by his superiors. which promis (confirmed vvith an oth) he hath broken, not vvithout great scandall.

The seuenth article is true: and I haue incurred periurie, for that at Rome I liued as an hypocrite, being neuer in hart of the Romane religion.

8 Moreouer vve obiect to him, that he abused the Pope vvith craft and deceipt, vvhen vnder pretence of sicknes, and that he could not awaie vvith the aier of Rome, he desired leaue of his holynes to come to the College at Rhemes, there to follow his studie, and to be made prieste, and to that ende requesting and receiuing of his holynes 50. crovvnes of gold, but assoone as he had gotten the money thus fraudently, he vvent straight into England.

As concerning the eight article it is graunted, I defrauded the Pope of 25. crownes giuen vnto

me in vvay of Viaticum to bing me to Rhemes.

For al these articles being thus graunted by me Iohn Nicols, I am right sory, and submit me self vnder the feete of any such as I haue maliciously and greuously offended. God knovveth I spake these things vvith a desire to be promoted, rather then vvith a minde to vt∣ter the truth. God be merciful vnto me and pardon me, and al those vvhom I haue thus offended vvilfully I crie mercie: and beseech them for Christ his sake to forget such iniuries so impudently committed against them, partly by Sathans prompting, partly by the countenāce of others in commending such stuf.

By me Iohn Nicols Englishman.

M. Stubs gaue me the matter of my booke in the Tovver, intituled: The recantion of Iohn Nicols, &c. M. Vvilkinson did vvrite in the margent the notes: and also added to that vvhich I vvrote, and corrected the faults by me escaped.

Moreouer I told my Lord Treseurer about alhallow∣tide last past Anno Domini 1582. these vvordes that fol∣lovve: If it may pleas your honor, I am right sorie that I haue such bookes put forth, that conteine more falsehood then truth. My lord ansvvered, that the Papist found out that I lyed.

Vvhen I confessed to M. Kirkby in the tovver that it repented me in vvriting such bookes as vvere contrary to the truth, M. Lucas Kirkby reported these my vvords to M. Reignolds of Oxford, vvho made reporte thereof to Sir Frauncys Vvalzingham vvho being certified of this thing vvrote or sent to M. Lieutenant of the Tovver of London, that I should be sent for, and examined face to face before M. Kirkby to knovv vvhether it vvas so or not as Sir Frauncis vvas certified. Vvhen I came to the Tovver, M. Kirkby vsed these vvordes to me vvhen he

saw me. Speke the truth (quoth he) and shame the Diuel. So I vvill (quoth I) doubte not thereof: M. Kirkby was examined apart, and I ansvvered truly, if I had been per∣mitted by M. Lieutenant so to do. For vvhen I said so, I told M. Kirkby that I vvrote those bookes for ambition, say not so (quoth M. Lieutenant) vvrite (quoth he to his Se∣cretary) after this manner: That he vvas sorie that he vvrot his bookes so rudely as he did.

Vvhen M Reignolds in the presence of Doctor Hum∣frey told me that he vvould proue to my face before M. Doctor Humfrey (M. Kirkby being called before them) that I had vttered such vvords, as that I vvas sorie that my bookes were published conteinning more vntruth then veritie, and that I said I vvould forge no more against the Papists neither in print nor pulpit. Vvhich thing vvhen M. Lieutenant heard, he had him hold his peace. and talke no more thereof.

By me Iohn Nicols.