Eye-salve for England: OR, The Grand TRAPPAN Detected, In a plain and faithful NARRATIVE of the horrid and unheard-of Designs of some Justices and Deputy-Lieutenants in Lancashire, treacherously to ensnare the Lives and Estates of many Persons of Quality in that County, as also in the Counties of York and Chester.
By EVAN PRICE, vvho suffered long and grievous Imprisonment there, for not complying with them to carry on their wicked and pernicious Designs.
Let destruction come upon him unawares, and let his net that he hath hid, catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
For they speak not peace, but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the Land. See Psal. 31.23. & 38.12. & 50.19. & 83.1, 2, 3.
—But let not Pharoah deal deceitfully any more.
Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an Innocent person: and all the People shall say, Amen.
Behold the Princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood.
In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood.
For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed: nor hid, that shall not come abroad.
LONDON, Printed in the Year, 1667.
To the READER.
MAny are the Volumns recorded of the craft, cruelty, malice and rage of the old Serpent the Devil and Satan, besides what is recorded in the Scriptures of Truth, against the Law of God, and the Gospel and Kingdom of the Lord Jesus, and his People walking in the profession of the same; but that this Generation exceeds all in wickedness that ever went before it in this Nation, needs no proof to such as observe good and evil acted therein, and that Satans last shift is to shew himself on the stage of the world in the likeness of an Angel of light, and his ministers as the Ministers of Righteousness, is evident from the holy Scriptures, and that more especially immediately before his utter ruine, and downfal of his kingdom. How far he hath thus appeared, let them who are endued with wisdom from above judge, but to me his rage seems to be such, that doubless himself knows his time is but short, and that he seeth the Lord Jesus in a meek manner mustering up his Host, and ready to go forth in the van of them, to take to himself his great Power and Reign, not onely in the midst of, but also over his and their Enemies, in his Saints, for the execution of his Fathers Will.
And now as an additional discovery of the Devil and his instruments, I think my self obliged every way, in duty to God, my King and Country, to present thee here with a brief Narrative, acted by some in the name, and under pretence of Authority, of as monstrous wickedness as ever was brought to publick view; which when thou hast read, if thy conscience be not wholly blinded and seared up, thou thy self wilt say it surpasseth the deeds of the Wicked in former ages, especially when thou seest the Wolves, cloathed in a Lamb-like dress, thirsting after the blood of the Innocent. Had it been done by Pagans or Atheists, void of any knowledge or fear of God, or had not heard of Heaven and Hell, and of giving account for the deeds done in the flesh, and of God's dreadful judgments against the shedders of innocent blood, then it had been no such wonder; though I never read that such went about in the name of Authority to hire false witnesses to cut off so many men at once (as it were) that feared the Lord, as it seems was the design of the men that set on foot the actions, made manifest in the following Relation; which is nothing but what I have already declared in open Court, as also in my Case given to Judge Ransford, March 1. 1665. earnestly desiring it might be by him delivered to the King. Many remarkable passages there are omitted in the Narrative; one thing worthy noting is, That Mr. Mosely was put into an Office of trust and profit, though he brought nothing of his Design to perfection: so was Major Greathead, that was the chiefest man in drawing forth some 30 persons to rise with him in arms in the Yorkshire pretended plot; whereby many desolate widows and fatherless were made, and he received a great [Page]sum of money for his pains: and Joseph Crowther, hired to trappan men, came to Manchester, and went in a seeming desolate condition, and Saint-like shape and language, with sighing and weeping to some honest men, to seek succour, as a person escap [...]ng the hands of his enemies, and guilty in that Yorkshire-fact; and notwithstanding they made discovery of him, yet he was let go, and two of them bound over to the Sessions, thence to the Assizes, where they were set free by Judge Turner and Judge Twisden: this man also hath a beneficial Office conferred on him since.
Reader, if thou doubtest the truth of what I say, make but enquiry among any knowing and impartial persons inhabiting the places herein named, and thou mayest easily be confirmed, and further informed than I am willing here to relate; nor had this come forth by me, but that I was restless night and day when I saw no course was taken in all this time to stop this spirit of wickedness, but that it spreads through the Nation and threatens its ruine; at last I resolved to give it in writing to the King's own hand, but finding how difficult it was for me to get to him, I got it to the Press, hoping by some good providence it may be brought to him by some other hands that may make it more acceptable, that some speedy course might be taken to stop the further spreading of these pernicious practices by such wicked spirits; at least such as are in Authority to improve the opportunity, not only to shew their dislike of, but also correct them: otherwise, what shall we look for, but that the great God of Heaven, who abhorreth the bloodthirsty person, and hath said the wicked shall be cut off from the Earth, will pour forth the viols of his wrath, and sweep away the refuge of lies.
I do not (God is my witness) divulge my Enemies wickedness out of any revenge against their persons, but should be as ready to serve them, as they were to destroy me, but rather that they would repent, and others be warned to do no more so wickedly; but chiefly, that such as are peaceable in the Land might depend only upon the Lord, and beware of the Fowlers snare, and not move by any pretences of men, to seek to deliver themselves by an arm of flesh, but cry mightily to God night and day, until the Spirit from on high be poured down upon them, and till the Lord arise to go before them. Also I desire Jehovah may have the praise that is due to him from me among his people, that he should assist, strengthen and deliver such a silly creature as I am, in the midst, and from the hands of such potent mighty politick persons, notwithstanding their flattery & threats, smiles and frowns to overcome me. I likewise desire the prayers of all Saints (that may hear hereof) to the Lord, that he would vouchsafe me his grace, still to stand fast and go through whatsoever he shall call me to do or suffer for his Name sake. Now committing my self to the protection of Israels Preserver, (and this Intelligence, to Englands Watchmen) waiting for Sions Redemption, at whose breasts I suck consolation, to which nourishment (if thou hast it not) I desire thy conversion, who (in my own esteem) am the worst of her Off spring.
The NARRATIVE.
THat upon the 22d of February 1663, Mr. Nich. Mosely, one of the Justices of Peace for the County of Lancaster, My fir [...] seisur [...] [...] Mr M [...] at Ma [...] cheste [...] came to me, Evan Price, as I was at work with my Master, Roger Mareland, Clothworker in Manchester; and desired me to go and drink my mornings-draught at Mr. Johnsons the Kings-head-Tavern: where, after some talk with me alone, he told me, that he came to me by Authority from the King; and that if I would take the counsel to do the King a piece of service, it was now in his power to make me whilst he lived; which was in brief, to be a Witness, and swear against such men, as were to him discovered to be in a Plot against the King; and for which I should have as a reward, either a thousand pounds in moneyThy m [...] ney peri [...] with the Acts 8., or the tenth part of such mens Estates as I should evidence against; and that further Evidence would be procured to joyn with me herein. Which motion I utterly rejected, hating (as I told him) to take Bribes to shed Blood. Whereupon his countenance changed, and being very wrathful, he threatned with many protestations, that he would hang me if I so withstood his Motion and Authority; and thereupon laid hands upon me, searching my pockets, and sent for a Constable,The Constables name is Joh. Br [...] bands. charging him to bring me to Justice Lightbound's house, where they examined me about a pretended Plot; but finding nothing, charged the Constable to secure me that night in the Dungeon, and bring me the next day to Berry before the Deputy-Lieutenants; sending for my Master with whom I wrought, to finde something against me; but he cleared me upon his Oath, that I had kept constantly to my work with him for divers months before.
Being brought the next day to Berry, before the Deputy-Lieutenants, and examined four several times before them, no Accuser appearing against me, all departing away but Sir Robert Bradshaw, Mr. Holl and Mr. Mosely, they made my Mittimus, and sent me to Lancaster Goal, without Bail or Mainprize.
Being at Lancaster, Mr. Mosely, at the Assizes following, came to me several times with his former temptations, enlarging his proffers, and withal told me that I should find the Judges themselves would confirm the same to me; thereupon forthwith bringing me to the Judges in their Chamber, viz. Judge Turner and Twisden, [Page 2]who told me they had received several Letters and Papers, which Mr. Mosely (as they said) had given them, mentioning a Combination of five thousand persons (of the Independants, Presbyterians, Anabaptists, and Fifth-Monarchy-men) in Lancashire and Cheshire, to make Insurrection against the King and his Government, and the Names of forty or fifty of the principal Contrivers thereof, against whom my evidence was required, the Judges naming most of them to me, and amongst the rest the Lord Delamere as chief, assuring me that what Mr. Mosely had promised should be made good, if I would serve the King therein as desired; which I still refusing, was returned to Prison again, and continued there above a twelve-month after. The Letters and Papers above-mentioned, by the Judges direction, were put into the hands of Justice Hartly to be transcribed, which he did at the Ship-Tavern in Lancaster that Assize, and so Copies thereof were spread abroad into many hands in both Counties, the extract of which Letters, and the whole of the Trappanning-Declaration, as Providence brought to hand, take as followeth.
The first Letter is directed from Wakefield by an unknown hand, no name thereto, dated Febr. 6. 1663. and therein saith, That though Cheshire & Lancashire (like Pilate) would wash their hands in innocency from the late Plot, yet it may be found otherwise: for as they were guilty first against his Father in that Rebellion, so may they be in the last, that now is our Sovereign Lord and King: for it may not be doubted but the Presbyterians, Independants and Anabaptists in those two Counties, to the number of five thousand, were levened with the Fifth-Monarchy Spirit, and about Manchester, Warrington and Stopford, five hundred. The chiefest Agents and Trustees in both Counties (as his first Letter mentions) were these, viz. the Lord Delamere, Mr. Eaton his Chaplain, Colonel Duckenfield, Col. Croxon, Col. Venables, Major Traverse, Lieut. Smith, Mr. John Crew of Ʋtkinton, Mr. Henry Bradshaw, and Mr. Jones of Marpool, the late Mr. Sam. Eaton, Mr. Bruton, James Fitton, and Hugh Gandy; these fourteen for Cheshire were the chief Engagers and Agents for the rest with purse and persons to their power. And in Lancashire nineteen, viz. Col. Birch, Col. West, Col. Sawrey, the late Major Wiggan, Major Ridg, Major Porter, Major Edge, Mr. Tho. Birch, Mr. Edw. Gathorn, Mr. Angier, Mr. Newcomb, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Jones, Mr. Robert Birch, Mr. Yates, (all six old pretended Preachers) Mr. Ditchfield, Mr. [Page 3]Greenwood an Apothecary in Lancashire, Mr. Jolly, and Sergeant William Booth. These were all that were named in the first Letter, save one Evan Price that was a Messenger between them, to carry Letters and Intelligence, against whom the Informer would appear at the Assizes, if the said Evan, being secured, did refuse to discover the fore-named persons: but if the said Evan would be drawn by any reward to accuse such men, then give and grant him the tenth part of each mans estate that he should so accuse; but if he would not, then threaten and fright him to it.
The second Letter was dated at Lancaster, without name, with some reasons why yet he would not be known to him, confirming the first, and adding the Names following, viz. In Cheshire, William Barret, Thomas Partington, Major Bonnell, Lieut. Bancraft, and William Brown. In Lancashire, Major Robinson, Capt. James Howorth near Charley, Mr. Sharpless, Sir Rich. Houghton of Houghton Tower, and Dr. Fife made privy to it, but unwilling to engage in action; but the Lady Sarah (Mr. Eatons chief Disciple) did engage to supply with Moneys: Mr. Harrison of the File-Country, Mr. Howbrook Shopkeeper in Manchester. And moreover, that the Phanaticks in York-shire were grown more numerous and unanimous in their designs and resolutions, to avenge their Brethrens blood, or be hanged after them: many who formerly dissented, now complied. And that it required diligence in him, and all his Majesties faithful Subjects, to stir themselves to prevent the danger. And that he knew no way better to get a discovery of them both in Lancashire and Cheshire, than to labour with the said Evan Price, who being poor, might by a good reward be brought to discover these, and more, having been so imployed amongst them; which if he would, then get the Judges to assure him of pardon, and any reward he would desire. If by this means they prevailed not, then get some trusty friend that could act his part with a Phanaticks, tongue, to go to him as from Capt. Hogsons Wife, Mr. Marsdens Wife, his Brother Gamaliel, and David Lombies Wife, and Mr. Roots Wife, and Joshua Bailey and his Wife, with description of the place of their habitation; and in case they could not get one that knew them and the place of their abode, with certain tokens from them, then to condole and lament his condition, and perswade him to endure, and so get what he could from him that way; then leave this following Declaration with him, and presently seize him therewith, and so procure him to make a discovery to save his [Page 2] [...] [Page 3] [...] [Page 4]own neck. The Declaration, word for word, was as followeth.
A Door of Hope opened in the Valley of Achor, [...]e Title for the Mourners of Sion out of the North; sent abroad to revive the Prisoners of Hope, and awaken the dead Witnesses of the Lamb, to prepare themselves to meet him in his Remnant on Mount Sion, in judgment against the Mount of Esau and mystical Babylon, the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth.
VVHereas several thousands of us, [...] Pre [...]e. poor low worms, and despised servants of our Lord King JESUS, after earnest seeking of the face of our God by prayer, supplications and conferences, together with the Word and Prophecies of the Scripture, as we were able (in an obscure manner) to understand the Lord's mind, and our own duties, especially the Work of our Day and Generation; we are by inward compulsion of the Spirit of God (we trust) carried on to declare and make known our hearts (so far as at present we are able) to the Lords people, and all others in the three Nations that love the Name of God, Truth, Peace, their own posterity, and the welfare of their Country.
That we are deeply affected with, [...]ounds and incensed at the daily Blasphemies which we hear against the Name of God, 1 his Son, Gospel, Tabernacle, and those who worship therein.
2 At the most horrible-wickedness (unheard-of) openly committed in the Land, and countenanced by those in Authority (if not tolerated by Law) yea much of it openly in Stage-Plays acted; besides the common sins of Adultery, Drunkenness, Swearing, Stealing, and what not.
3 At the common Superstitious and Idolatrous wayes of Worship set up in the Nations, with compulsion of the free-born Natives to complyance therewith; and the sad Sufferings of such, as for Conscience-sake towards God cannot, by Imprisonments, Excommunications, Confiscations of Goods, and Banishment from Countries and Relations.
4 At the loud cryes, not only of the Saints in most Prisons of the Nation, but also of the Innocent Blood of our dear Christian Brethren and natural Friends, Neighbours and Relations, unjustly taken away under pretence of Plots and Treasons (like Naboth) ensnared by the like trappanning-spirit, as Jezebel used; so that these▪ as the Souls under the Altar, do cry for vengeance in our ears to revenge their blood, that the violence done to their flesh may be upon Babylon.
5 At the lamentable cryes of the Poor of the Land for want of Imployment, through the decay of Trading, by means of Excise, Customs, [Page 5]Monthly-Taxes, Poll-money, Chimney-money, Gift-money, and Subsidy-money; all which is laid out in abundance, but nothing brought in; as if the curse which the Prophet speaks of were upon it, or 'twere put into bags with holes, Hag. 1.6. Mal. 2.2.
6. The swarming-in of Jesuites, Priests, and outlandish Papists, to infect the minds of our Neighbours, and in time to cut our throats (if the Lord in mercy do not timely prevent them) so invading our Country with such Idolatry as cost the Nation so much Blood and Treasure to extirpate; and stopping the mouths of (almost all) godly Protestant able Ministers, especially such as cannot in conscience comply with the Popes Canons in our Episcopal Devotions, thereby making way for Antichrist, the Pope (if not at last to bring in the Turks upon us) yet to bring us back into Romes Jurisdiction, there to meet him, and mock the Lord Jesus that gave himself for us.
And now though we cannot say that we are sufficiently sensible and humbled for our own sins, which made way for these abominations, yet in measure we desire to take shame O that there w [...] such an [...] heart in them, & Deut 5, 29, to our selves, especially such of us as have defiled our garments in chusing of us new gods, by being instrumental to bring these things to pass by our backslidings and revolts from the Lord, to help the wicked and ungodly, as Jehosaphat did Ahab, 2 Chron. 19.2. and weaken the hands of our godly Brethren, who in the wisdom of the Spirit foresaw the event, and gave us warning betimes; but now we desire no longer to abound in sinfull compliance, as to stand by and behold our Brethren carried captives, left we our selves be the first that may justly follow after, Obad. 10.11. But we beg the Lord to abound in pardoning grace, and give us hearts to manifest repentance by our returns to, and zeal for the Lord; and to help the Poor and Needy against the Mighty; and not delight our selves in our own fulness and their miseries any longer, but quit our selves like men, seeing there is no remedy but death and destruction threatned, or at least to live in a worse condition than slavery, for such as desire to live morally in the Nation, much more godly in Christ Jesus. And we being taught by Grace and Nature, to use all lawful means to defend our Lives, Liberties, Relations and Estates; also satisfied from the Word of God that the use of Temporal Weapons of War is a lawful means of God's own institution in its time, and that by the use thereof in the hands of Saints; as one means, the Kingdoms of this world must fall, before they become the Kingdoms of our Lord & of his Christ; and having seen the Lord own them so evidently already, We declare our selves of a ready mind (when the Lord shall form and call us out thereby) to hazard our lives, and all that is or may be dear or near unto us, for the reviving of the Good Old Cause. And though we be perswaded we need not use Arguments to our Brethren (who are [Page 6]called, chosen and faithful) in the Nation for assistance herein, for we know they love not their lives unto the death, but will follow the Lamb through the greatest difficulties; Yet to our civil Neighbours and dear Countrymen, that would rather dye like Men, than live worse than Slaves in their own native Land, as many do who want food and raiment (which Slaves have in strange Lands) We say, Break your Plowshares into Swords, Joel 3.10. and fight for your Lives, your Wives, Children and Houses, Neh. 4.11, 12. and come forth to help the Lord against the mighty with us; who for satisfaction to all do declare, [...]ter. That we thus are resolved, and shall,
1 As much as in us lieth, labour to remove the aforesaid Grievances.
2 We shall to our power press after Purity of Life, Doctrine, and Reformation of Church-discipline according to the Word of God, and the example of best reformed Churches, as some of us long since have entred, and as the rest of [...] now enter into a solemn League and Covenant to pursue.
3 We are ready to stand up with lives and estates to maintain, uphold and defend both Magistracy and Ministry, for perfecting the foresaid Work of Reformation, whether Monarchical or Commonwealth.
4 We declare, that we shall secure the Lives and Estates of all that oppose us not herein, as our own; and that as well those who shall be passive as active herein, to accomplish the aforesaid good ends.
5 We declare our selves void of a spirit of revenge for any wrong done to us; nor seek we the blood of any, but such as in an hostile way stand to oppose us, and such as are guilty of innocent blood in the Land; nor shall any other damage come by us to those who have been our greatest persecutors, provided they manifest due and timely repentance.
6 We declare in the sight of God, Angels and Men, That having obtained our ends in these Islands, we desire not to rest or sit still, but be (till we die) acting for the destruction of Gog and Magog, Pope and Turk, with all their adherents; preparing for Christs Kingdom to be set up at his coming, by magnifying him as King and Law giver of Saints and Nations; the conversion of the Jews, with the fulness of the Gentiles, which we pray God for aid and assistanc [...] in: and let all that love the Lord Jesus Christ say, Amen. Even so, com [...] quickly, Rev. 22.20. And they heard a great Voice from Heaven saying▪ Come up hither, Rev. 11.12. And they heard a great Voice from Heaven saying, The Kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever. ver. 15.
That about a fortnight after the Assizes Mr. Spencer, the then present High-Sheriff, came to the Goalers house and sent for me from the Prison assuring me of the reward Mr. Mosely and the Judges had promised me, viz. a thousand pound in money, or the tenth part of their estates against [Page]whom I should swear. And in further confirmation thereof, shewed me two Letters, one from the Duke of Albemarle, the other from Sir Henry Bennet, whose Names he shewed me, and my own Name also mentioned in the said Letters (telling me withal that the Lord Delamere and Sir Rich. Horton were in the List.) But when he saw Rewards and Promises would not work with me, he sorely threatned me with Death, which (he said) would certainly befal me.
Many forged and indirect wayes were used to take away my Life (at least my Ears) in revenge: For when Mr. Mosely saw all other wayes fail, the better to uphold his own credit, would at last (transcribing those two Letters he gave to the Judges, like my hand, having got some Letters of mine) perswade the Deputy-Lieutenants and others to whom he shewed them, that I was the Writer and Forger of those Letters, and so would have fathered the villany upon me; but being compared with my hand-writing, cleared my innocency the more to many that before suspected me.
Also there was one Enoch Eller of Manchester, a Barber, who by Justice Mosely was procured to swear with me (had I undertaken it) against any of the persons designed for destruction, as himself confessed; who had also sworn against me, but God prevented him by detecting the like villanous contrivance and perjury against eight innocent persons, who by Mr. Mosely's instigation he swore against: but was convicted of his Perjury before Judge Turner the Summer Assizes 1664. being constrained to flee the Country to save his ears.
These my Sufferings and the grounds thereof being made publick, and coming to the ears of some principally designed against; the Lord Delamere sent particularly to receive information of the truth thereof from me, which I did give him under my hand and seal, attested before Justice Porter and transcribed by his Clerk; and particularly of the proceedings aforesaid with Mr. Mosely the Deputy-Lieutenants & the Judges, and of their naming him to me in the chamber in particular amongst the rest that were designed against. Which Information (as I was informed) the Lord Delamere transferred, with a Complaint, to London; And that the return he had from thence thereupon was to this purpose, viz. That the Judges denied they either mentioned, or so much as heard his Name mentioned at that time, or that ever they saw his Name in any List in relation to this business. Thereupon the Lord Delamere, and others concerned in the Report, demanded my further Evidence, seeing the Judges denied it. But not being otherwise able to make out what was spoken by them to me in private before Justice Mosely, I was threatned of all sides, both by the Judges and others, to be set upon the Pillory: which probably had befaln me, had not God by his providence brought it to light by Mr. Mosely's [Page]own confession to Dr. Fife, at Mr. Greens a Tavern in Manchester, four o [...] five persons being present, who did there acknowledge to them that th [...] Lord Delamere was named to me by the Judges in their chamber.
This further confirmation coming to the Lord Delamere, he was pleased, the better to vindicate himself, and to detect such vile practices, to enter his Action in some of the Courts of Justice against Mr. Mosely, bu [...] (as I was informed) had his proceedings stopt by Letters from London Mr. Mosely being enjoyned to make his Submission and ask him forgiveness: Thereupon the Lord Delamere enjoyned Justice Mosely to set m [...] free, which he did accordingly by his Agents, Justice Har [...]ly and Mr. Haward, before Judg Twisden in his chamber the Lent Assizes 64. following▪
But afterwards, Aug. 65. Sir Roger Bradshaw, one of my former malicious adversaries, meeting me near Wiggen, stayed me, and told me he would send me to Goal; thereupon, without any cause shewed, took me to an Alehouse and commanded six or seven of his men to strip me, under pretence of searching me for Letters, though before in his presence I opened my clothes, emptied and turned my pockets; his said men used me very barbarously, and robbed me of about 20 s. and though they could find nothing they pretended to seek for, yet did Sir Roger detain me there as [...] Prisoner about 14 dayes, without any legal proceeding by Examination Warrant or Mittimus, &c. After Sir Roger, with Mr. Holt, tendred th [...] Oath of Allegiance to me; and upon the refusing thereof, sent me to the Common-Goal at Lancaster, where I was kept in most cruel sort for several months, lying in a cold open Room all Winter long, and four Lock [...] turned upon me, neither could I by any means procure a place to lie dry in. Hereupon on the 16th of March 65. I drew up a Narrative of my former Sufferings, and the grounds of them, by Mr. Mosely's means; then my latter by Sir Roger Bradshaws cruel and barbarous usage, with a Petition to Judge Ransford, the then Judge of the Assizes, beseeching him to tende [...] the same to the King, so eminently concerned therein, which was read to the Judge, & the principal heads confirmed by some persons of quality (as I was told) which the Judge gave to Sir Roger, to make his Exception [...] against either me or it; which though I after urged him to in open Cour [...] (where in the face of the Country I laid open their wicked carriages) he could not do, Only (he said) I had refused to take the Oath, and that Mr. Mosely (whom he set forth to be a very worthy Gentleman) was for the present absent, whom I had greatly abused in my Narrative; And therefore desired I might be bound over to the next Assizes to answer Mr. Mosely for the injury I had done him; which was done accordingly, and I continued Prisoner til the next Assizes, when with much ado I procured liberty to appear in the Court by a Petition to Judge Turner, Mr. Mosely being present, making no reply at all: hereupon the Judg ordered me to be set at liberty. Thus was the snare broken and I escaped.