which there was diuers times some alteration about wordes, which the prisoner vsed not, but was often contented to let F. Parsons haue his will, when the words were such as he knew he could interpret to good sence, notwithstanding his examina∣tors false intention, hoping alwayes, that hee should haue so much fauour, when the matter should grow to an issue. And al∣though that neither all the examination was euer taken, nor that which was taken, let to stand as it was taken, but somwhat was blotted out (as is said) and many answers out off, vnder pretence sometime of breuitie, sometime that there should be another Interrogatory, to which such an answere would be more fit: the prisoners subscribed, & sware, but to what? Not that there was al which was asked, or answered, nor that F. Parsons had not dealt in this kinde, but that those answeres which were there made, were truely & sincerely giuen, which maketh no∣thing to the clearing of F. Parsons, or the proouing of his honest dealing. And now you shall heare, what matters this author hath picked out of their examinations, and thereby perceiue, what this good fellow would say.
First then, to talke of substantiall points (sayth this author) the examination of M. Charnocke beginning the 4. of Ianuary, and that of M. Bishop the 10. of Ianuary 1599, and passing ouer all o∣ther demaunds, which these men call impertinent, they were asked, what was the cause and reason of their comming to Rome: who sent them, &c. To this M. Charnocke being first examined, answered in these words: Causa aduentus nostri haec fuit, vt rogaremus humil∣limè, &c. The cause of our comming to Rome was this, that we might beseech most humbly, and with all obedience the Sea Apostolicke, that this order appointed by Card. Caietan (for composing controuersies in England, and to make peace) not beeing hitherto confirmed by his Holines (as we vnderstood it is said by diuers priests, and namely Fa. Sicklemore, and others) might be mitigated or changed, or some other order appointed with it for satisfaction of very many priests, who doe thinke (reseruing notwithstanding due honour to the Sea Apostolike) that by this way appointed onely, the strises begun can∣not so well be ended, &c. But if it should please his Holinesse to con∣firme this authority, and to admit no other, then are these priests con∣tent to yeeld all obedience, &c. and as for the Superiour appointed, •…•… spake with the Archpriest before I came forth, and desired him not