Concerning Mr. Coleman.

THe Epitomizer begins his Laborious Abbreviation with that of Cole­mans Tryal; where he comes with the Sheirs of his Consideration, and falls a pruning, as if he were at work by the Great. Were it possible for his Libel to succeed, you should see he would fall a snipping again, till he had brought it within the compass of a Nut-shell, to be worn about [Page 3]the Ivory Necks of Ladies, in honour of the within-mention'd Martyrs. Now, for the better and more plausible carrying on his Design, he Chal­lenges and Defies any man to shew him where he has lessen'd the force either of the Charge or Answer. But such is the Nature of these be-je­suited Bygots, that they can as well leave their Leasing, as the Catt, turn'd to a Woman in the Fable, could leave her Mousing. What is it to the World, whether he cite true, if he do not quote all? Or, if he leave out the most Material Points that make against him? It may be he states the Charge right, but he leaves out the Principal Answer made to the De­fence. Now whither this be not True, let the first Proof of the Epito­mizer's Honesty determine.

He Sums up Mr. Oates's Evidence in these Words: That in November 1678. Coleman did write Letters by him to St. Omers, in which he called the King Tyrant; and said,Pag. 17, & 18. That the Match with the Prince of Orange would prove the Tyrants and Traytors Ruine. That a Letter under Cole­mans hand, was also then inclosed to La Chaise, thanking him for the Ten Thousand Pound which he promised should be employ'd to no other Use but to cut off the King. That this Letter was written by the Provincial Strange's direction, because hePag. 19. had hurt his hand, and Mico his Secretary was ill. That the Answer was carried to Paris, where La Chaise ask'd him how the Dutchess's Secretary did? That the Answer written by La Chaise was sent to Coleman, after it had been first perus'd by the Society, in Mr. Oates's presence; who, by a Patent from them, was of the Con­sult, and had Power to open Letters. That in April, 78. there was a Consult of the Jesuits, at the white-Horse-Tavern in the Strand, to send Cary to Rome. That afterwards they Adjourned into several Clubs,Pag. 28. and pitch'd upon Grove and Pickering, to Kill the KING; the one being to have 1500 l. and the other 30000 Masses. That this Resolve was Com­municated to Coleman in Mr. Oates's presence, at Wild-House. That the Persons that came over with Oates, were F. Warren, Sir Thomas Preston, Pag. 21. Francis Williams, Sir J. Warner, &c. That in August, there was a Consult of the Jesuits, and Benedictines, at the Savoy. Pag. 29.

Here the Epitomizer makes a slight Cavil, pretending that Mr. Oates in all the rest of the Tryals, fix'd this Consult upon the 21st. of August; as if the Twenty-first Day, were not part of the same Month.

Then he goes on with his Summary: That at the same time, Letters came from Talbot, Bishop of Dublin, that Four Jesuits were to Kill the Duke of Ormond; and if they mist, Dr. Fogarthy was to Poyson him: To which purpose, Coleman was very forward to have him Dispatched away. That 40000. Black Bills were provided to be sent into Ireland. That Coleman told Fenwick, He had found a way to send 200000 l. thither,Pag 23. to carry on the Rebellion. That the Four other Ruffians, procured by Dr. Fogarthy, were sent in August, to Kill the KING at Windsor. That the next Day after, Harcourt made a Provision of 80 l. to be sent them; and that Coleman gave the Messenger a Guinney, to expedite his Jour­ney. That Coleman saw the Instructions, which Ashby brought from White, then at St. Omers, about 10000 l. for Sir George Wakeman, to Poyson the KING, in case the Assassinates fail'd. That Coleman thought it too little;Pag. 22. and took a Copy of the Instructions, to send them to the several Conspirators in the Country, to encourage their Contributions. That he acknowledg'd the Receipt of his Patent for Secretary of State; which was seal'd with the Jesuits Seal, and sign'd by their General.

[Page 4]This was the Substance of the Charge, as the Epitomizer has summ'd it up: And one would think, it was as home and close an Accusation, as could be laid upon any Man's Shoulders. Neither were the Proofs of it less Positive: The Time, so far as the Law requir'd; the Places, and several other Circumstances absolutely sworn to: The Sense of the Words, if not the Words themselves, severely affirm'd: And the whole Relation was rational, plain, and probable. For, what Impossibility was there, but that Mr. Oates might act, do, hear, and see those Things, ac­cording to his Depositions? But they that were the Masters of Evasion, were not so easily put out of Countenance. Now therefore, see how the Salmon Flounces in the Net: For the Prisoner's Defence is thus Ironical­ly and partially abbreviated; plainly shewing, which way the Byass of the Epitomizer's Affection runs. That now forsooth, Oates pretends to be extreamly well-acquainted with him, and a World of Intimacy, even at Consults and Meetings about the KING'S Death; whereas before the Council, he told His Majesty, He did not know him. That Oates was then so far from laying any Positive Treason to his Charge, (for as for the Payment of the 5000 l. to Sir George Wakeman, 'twas a Hear-say, as not seen by Oates) that the Board, after they had heard his Defence, did instead of sending him to Newgate, Commit him only to a Messenger, till his Papers were Examin'd. And whereas Oates Accus'd him at that time, of ordering (about the 21st. of August) 80 l. for the Windsor-Ruffians, and giving the Messenger a Guinney; He was then in Warkwick-shire, having left London on the 15th. of August, never returning till the 31st. late at Night.

This is the sum of Coleman's Pigmy Defence, against an Impeach­ment so vast and Giant-like. So that the Epitomizer finding the Defence to be so weak and invalid, Epitomizes Mr. Oates's Reply with a Ven­geance. Only upon the first Part, where the Prisoner wonders, how Mr. Oates should pretend so much Intimacy with him, and yet tell the King he never knew him, there the Epitomizer is like the Doctor, that went to curtal Zabarel, but made the Book bigger then it was be­fore.

Oates, saith He, reply'd, That he said at the Council, he could not Swear he had seen him before, For his Eyes were bad by Candle-light, and Candle-light alters the sight much: But when he heard him speak, he could have sworn it was he; Yet he did not say so, because he was not ask'd. Here the Epitomizer plainly falsifies. For Mr. Oates made no such Reply. Indeed the Prisoner tax'd him, that he should say before the King, he had never seen him before.Pag. 30. But the Clerk of the Council, though Mr. Coleman was very glad to see him there, spake not a word of this matter; neither did the Prisoner put him in mind so to do, though he were examin'd in his behalf, and that the point was so conducing to his safety. Mr. Oates therefore speaks the Truth, and tells ye, he said, he would not swear that he had seen him before in his life,Ibid. because his sight was bad by Candlelight; but when he heard him speak, he could have sworn,Ibid. 'twas he; but twas not his business then. And this Sr. Thomas Doleman himself explains to have been Mr. Oates's meaning, who being ask'd,Pag. 34. whether Mr. Oates should say he had never seen him, return'd no more then this, for the Witnesses Answer, That he did not know him as he stood there: which plainly related to the weakness of an imperfect sight, and not to the act of seeing a man at such or such a time. But all this the [Page 5] Epitomizer wisely left out; for his Compendium is an Epitome; and no Epitome can be an Epitome, unless it be an Epitome.

With as little reason was the Point of Familiarity urg'd: For there is a great difference between the Knowledge of a man, and Familiarity with the same Person. A man may know a man by sight, and yet not be familiar with him. Neither did Mr. Oates pretend to any familiarity with Coleman: He only tells ye, That he went to visit a Friend at Mr. Colemans House,Pag. 17. That Mr. Coleman sent a Letter by him upon his Friends Recommendation, That Coleman came where he was,Pag. 24. — 27. to Wild-House and at Fenwicks Chamber; and all this might be, where there was no such Intimacy or Familiarity as Coleman pretended the Se­crecy requir'd: For it was ground sufficient for Coleman to trust Mr. Oates, when he saw him in such places, and in such Company, and under the Character of a friend. And therefore, what Sir Thomas Doleman attested in Court, That Mr. Oates should there say, That he knew not Coleman well, and, That he had no acquaintance with him, might very well be true, with­out the least prejudice to his Evidence, and is no Argument, that he knew Coleman no better, after his speaking then before, as the Epitomiser in the vanity of his Imagination fondly inferrs.

The next Objection is, That Mr. Oates did not lay any positive Treason to his Charge at the Council-Board, &c.

To this the Man of Brevity, sums up Mr. Oates's Reply. That he de­sign'd then to lay no more to his Charge; That he was so Weak and Tir'd, through his late Fatigue and Watchings, that upon his Salvation, he could scarce stand upon his Leggs, (to which his want of his Memory, as not having Consulted his Papers, should have been added) was the best answer he gave the Court, why he omitted the most weighty Matters, as also the acount of the whole in relation to the Kings Murther at Wind­sor. Nor could Sir Robert Southwel witness any thing new to Oates's ad­vantage more, then that he said in Council, That if Mr. Colemans Papers were search'd, there would be matter found in them, that he believed, would cost him his Neck.

Now let the People examine the Truth and Honesty of the Compen­dium. For the Narrative tells yee in a fair Character, how Sir Robert Southwell attested, That Colemans Papers being found in a Deal Box, several of them sounded so strangely to the Lords, that they were amaz'd, and presently sent Coleman to Newgate: And being ask'd,Pag. 36. Whe­ther Mr. Oates did give a round Charge to Coleman or no? His answer was, that Mr. Oates did say of Mr. Coleman, that he had Corresponded very wickedly, and basely with the French Kings Confessor: and did de­clare further, that the fifteen Thousand Pound was accepted for the mur­ther of the King, and that five Thousand Pound was actually paid by Mr. Coleman to Sir George Wakeman, upon which the Chief Justice made this Reflection, that it plainly appear'd by the Testimony of Sir Robert South­well, that Mr. Oates had charg'd Coleman Home, and that it was a full an­swer to Coleman's Objection. What a strange honour had the Compendium for Brevitie, to leave out all this! But by this you may see, that the longest Cloak a Jesuit can weare, cannot hide the Devils Cloven Foot. While the Father of Lies strives to trample Truth under his feet, his Diabo­lical Hoofs, will appear in spight of his teeth. Nay, the very kicking and wincing of his Offspring Falshood against her Capital Enemies, will uncover the Nakedness of her Sire, and expose her Deformity.

[Page 6]Thus has the Grand master of Conciseness overturn'd two rotten In­ferrences rais'd upon his own false Abbreviation, That Mr. Oates's Evi­dence against Coleman was a late Fiction; and that it was impossible through Lassitude, not to tell the King of Colemans Design, had he known of it. It being the very judgment of the Chief Justice upon the Evi­dence, That Coleman was not charged at his Tryal with matters newly started, but with the Conspiracy it self, as had been done before at the Council.

Well then, this Gentleman may be a master at Compendium's because he comes so short of himself; but he can never be a Matchiavillian to impose, in his first experiment, upon the people whom he undertakes to undeceive. What sayes the Poet?

As to the last Charge of Mr. Oates of Colemans being at the Consult with the Benedictines upon the 21st of August, the Prisoner reply'd; That he was in Warwickshire from the 20th. to the last day of the said month. and so the Evidence could not be true in that particular. But because he had no one Witness to prove what he alleadg'd, the Court did not think it convenient to take his own word; and so that Excuse prov'd a meer Chrysome or Abortive Birth. Neither does the Master of the A­bridgements himself endeavor to defend this misfortune of his Martyr, not thinking it safe, for Brevitie's sake, to be dabbling in the Support of too many untruths at one time, least all men without my help should see his falshood and horrid Abuse of the Kings Cause and Evidence.

As for Mr. Bedlow's Charge, the Abbreviator does his Office like a Work­man; for, because 'twas but short, He takes all in.

He also saies, that Coleman made little answer to him, besides protest­ing, that he never saw him before: (which Mr. Oates sayes is false, for he was often in his Company, but indeed, by the name of Ambrose) which was as good as nothing: but indeed, it was a piece of Policy becoming a Secre­tary of State. For he ask'd him but one civil question, whither He had ever seen him in his life?Pag. 40. and the Witness gave him such a Satyrical rebuke, that the Man of Intreague (as the Narrative-Trimmer calls him) im­mediately pull'd in his Horns, and never durst give him one push more.

But the Abbreviator observing this easie Conquest of his Friend, for brevities sake, resolves to give his Catholick Zeal a Little Rope, and to etch out his Abbreviation, least it should be too short, with a Politick Remark or two of his own. For, quoth he, with a Papistical stretch, there was never any of Mr. Colemans Family had ever seen him, which had been morally impossible, had he received and brought Letters as he preten­ded.

How he came by this Intelligence, Heaven knows, for 'tis more then his Original gives him Authority to say. But grant it true, he knows Mr. Cole­man was a man of Intreagues, Plotters alwayes walk in Masquarade; he was too politick to suffer the Instruments of so grand a design to appear at his House twice with the same Face, nor indeed with their own faces twice together at any time; And I am apt to believe, that Mr. Cole­man's [Page 7]Asseveration might in some measure be true, That he never saw Mr. Oates or Mr. Bedlow in that Habit or by those Names, for the Jesuits we know go by many Names (as false men use to do); or to use his own words, that he never saw That Face, of either, that is to say, the Faces of either, as then they appear'd fashionably adorn'd, and with the natural and Genuine Aire of their Countenances. By which, with a Jesuitical Equivocation, he might serve his Papistical Conscience.

But this is not all, he is resolved to put his Confidence upon the Ten­ter-hookes, and to undertake, not only for Mr. Colemans Family, but for the whole Auditory at the Tryal; too few of whom, he sayes, could compre­hend, how Mr. Bedlow should know that the Letter which he brought from Paris, and yet understood not, was about carrying on the Plot. Truly this might have been a Miracle indeed, could Monsieur Compendium have prov'd, that Mr Bedlow had at the same time lost his hearing. But what a shameful Impudence is this, for a man to bely a whole Auditory; I mean all that were not a sleep? For they could not choose but hear Mr. Bedlow declare, that he receiv'd the said Letter, at a Consultation of two French Abbots, and several English Monks; among whom, there was no other Discourse, but of the English Plot, and Destroying the King. But why should Harcourt call Mr. Bedlow over the way, for no other Rea­son, but to hear Mr. Colemans Treasonable Expressions in the Height of his Zeal? Why perhaps, because he was unwilling his Friend should stand in the Wet or the Sun, — or for some other Considerations him thereunto moving. Would any but a Narrative-Snipper have us put such an Impertinent question as this to men of Reason? As if they, who be­lieve they can trust one another, care what they hear one another say. Besides, 'tis well known that Coleman, as much a man of Intrigue as he was (which is one of Compendium's excuses of the probability, that the finding of his Letters might hang him) was two much wrapt up in the Admiration of himself, to be either profound or wary. But there is yet another Riddle behind, (For there was never such a Sphynx in Nature, as our Compendium Writer) How Mr. Bedlow could carry La Chaise a Letter from Mr. Coleman, Dated April 75; and yet Mr. Coleman's First Letter to him, was his Long Letter, Dated September 29. 1675? This is a Question, 'tis true: But why Mr. Compendium should ask it, is another Question. For it plainly shews, that the Narrative-Clipper was careless of that Examina­tion, which he so earnestly reoommends to the People.Pag. 37. For Mr. Bedlow does not say, he carryed any Letter from Mr. Coleman to La Chaise, Dated April 75. But he sayes, That in April 75. he carryed over a large Packet of Letters to Monsieur La Chaise from Mr. Coleman, wherein Mr. Secretary is not Charg'd to have had any particular Letter of his own, but only to have been the Hander and Conveyer of the Accounts of the Plot given to La Chaise by other men; upon which the Confessor, well knowing how deeply Mr. Coleman was Engag'd, thought fit to give Mr. Coleman his Sentiments in a particular Letter directed to himself. And so the Cor­respondence began in September following. And thus the Riddle is resolv'd without the Help of an Oedipus.

Now let men of Reason but consider, the lamentable, miserable, pitti­ful, sorry, inconsiderable, and weak shifts of Confidence and Fallacy, that these people are put to, to uphold the shallow Defences of their Villa­nous Disloyalty; as if they thought to deal with the Protestants like Ba­bies, because their own Religion, is a Religion only of Trinkets and Baubles.

[Page 8]But now the Epitomizer is at a wicked Loss: the ghastly Apparition of Colemans Letters has scar'd him almost out of his Senses. Those Let­ters are upon him as the Philistines were upon Sampson, so that he knows not which way to turn himself. True it is, he makes use of the Jaw­bone of an Ass, but not to the same purpose as Sampson did. For, instead of smiting, he falls to expounding, and extenuating. Instead of an Ab­breviator, he turns Commentator; but with so little Success, that there is not one word of Sense in what he urges.

First, he acknowledges, that Coleman acknowledged them very full of Extravagant Expressions, because there was no way to avoyd it. But that he hoped they were not Treasonable. Suppose a Fellow breaks open and rifles a house, Let the People Examine, whether it be a sufficient plea, for the Malefacter to say, he hoped it was no Fellony. He Prosecutes the Mighty-work of Converting Three Kingdoms, and Subduing the Pe­stilent Heresie of Protestantisme; Implores, and Sollicits Forreign Power and Assistance to effect all this, and hopes it is no Treason: Violates the Tundamental Laws of the Land, and hopes it was no Treason. But these, saith the Animadverter, were only Rhetorical Flowers to wheedle in La Chaise. A very probable Story. Men pretending to Sense, should be asham'd to own in Print such childish simplicities so scandalous to reason. The Commentator confesses, that the Court of France had smelt him out, for all his pretences, and knew him to be a Person of no Interest, a meer Epistle-monger; so that, saith he, Mr. Coleman could not Dream to whee­dle such a cunning Fox as La Chaise by any other means, then by pre­senting him with a Rhetorical Nose-gay. But what was to have been the effect of this Wheedle? To advance the King of Englands Interest — By whose Commission was this Wheedle to have been managed? By no body's — only it was Mr. Colemans Generosity to his Prince, to give himself the trouble. Briefly then, Mr. Coleman was to advance the King of Englands Interest, and the business was to have been brought about thus — Mr. Coleman was to tickle La Chaise's Nostrils with his Rhe­torical Flowers, and then La Chaise was to have perswaded the King of France to have sent Mr. Coleman 200000 l. to go on with the Design.

In good Sooth, the King of France had been sweetly gul'd, to have given Mr. Coleman 200000 l. for a Rhetorical Posie for his Confessor. No, no, — Mr. Colemans meaning no doubt, was just as the Court, persons that understood the meaning of English words, expounded it; down right self-seeking Treason; and if he and his Confederates had not hung together, bet­ter then the sence of them that defend their Crimes, we had been but in a bad Condition ere now.

But the main business is behind. Saith Mr. Coleman, saith the Com­mentator, There are some Expressions that explain, that he had No Plot or de­sign to Kill the King. As how? For the Reader, says the Interpreter, may find Mr. Coleman telling La Chaise, That the Labourers were few, and the Harvest Great. Whence the Expositor draws this immediate Conclusion, that it was an Argument, that there were but a few concern'd with Mr. Coleman. Dear Interpreter, thou art fallen into the pit which thou prepared'st for another. The Argument for thy Client is against him. For here is a plain confession, that Mr. Coleman was concern'd, though but a few were concern'd with him. That is, not enow to kill and take possession. Indeed, the Crop of England is a great Crop, and Mr. Coleman I believe did want Labourers to reap the Harvest of his incessant industry. Which made him so ear­nestly [Page 9]petition the French King to send him men and money to advance the interest of the King of England. And thus we have done with this mighty Champion so far as concernes Mr. Coleman; And give me leave to tell the world, that if all the rest of the right writing Papists have no more Salt in their braines then this Zealous Epitomizer, I would abhor the Catholick Religion onely for his sake.

Concerning Ireland, Grove, and Pickering.

IT is impossible that there should be any Truth in a Religion, when there is no Truth in the professors of it. The Abbreviator desies all men that can Tax him of being unjust to either party, and yet in his fore­shortning of Irelands Case, he has so Knavishly conceal'd, for brevities sake, the Material points of his Charge from the Examination of the peo­ple, that we must be forc'd to pick it out of the Narrative.

The Charge then maintain'd by Mr. Oates against Ireland, was,Nar. P. 16. That he was at the Consult at the White-Horse Tavern: That one of the Collo­quies was at his Chamber. That he was present at the drawing up of the resolve of the Assassination of the King, and sign'd it: and that he had laid a Plot with others to move the disaffected Scots to Rebellion.Pag. 22. All this the Abbreviator for his friends sake, leaves out. For it was not fit to Com­municate the Heighth of Irelands Crimes to the Examination of the people. And therefore, onely beginning at the Fagg end of the book,Pag. 60. he falsely repeats his being said to be a Caballing (no such thing said) at Fenwick's Chamber about a fortnight in August; and that on the First of September, Mr. Oates had of him Twenty Shillings, which was onely spoken to prove his being in Town at that time, and not by way of Accusation.

The Charge against Grove maintain'd by Mr. Oates, was, that Grove and Pickering were order'd to make an Attempt upon the Kings Person. That the first was to have had One Thousand 500 Pound, and the latter Thirty Thousand Masses. That they accepted of the Terms, took the Sacrament, and an Oath of Secresie upon it. That the fact was to be done with scru'd Pistols, shorter then some Carbines. That they had Silver Bullets,Pag. 19 Page 23 Ibid which Grove would have to be Champt, that the wound might prove incurable. That he saw the Bullets in May and June; and this was an unanswerable and remarkable passage, and therefore to be left out by the Compendium. That Pickering having lost a fair Opportunity, by reason his flint was loose, was forc'd to undergo a Penance, and had Twenty or Thirty Stroakes of Dis­cipline. That Grove and one Smith had gone about to gather Peter-pende to carry on the designe, and that he saw the Book where these things were enter'd. And that Grove told him, that he had a hand in the Firing of Southwark, and that he had receiv'd, 400 l. for his Paines. Thus far Mr. Oates.

Mr. Bedlow being call'd, confirm'd the Truth of the Entry book, and that Lang horn was Register. That Ireland was at Harcourts Chamber toward the latter end of August, where it was concluded, that the Ruffians missing to Kill the King at Windsor, Pickering and Grove should go on,Page 41 and that Conyers should be joyn'd with them to Assassinate the King in his morn­ing Walks at New-Market: And that Ireland, Grove and Pickering were present, and heard the whole discourse. That at the same Time there was a discourse about Killing the Earl of Shaftsbury, the Duke of Buckingham, the Earl of Ossory, the Lord of Ormond.

[Page 10]But the Charge saith the Abbreviator, was solemnly deny'd by them all. What is that to the purpose? As if a Roman Catholick vallued the denyal of a perpetrated Crime, for the Propagation of the Popes interest, any more then a Common strumpet does to pick a pocket, or a Jesuite to for­swear himself at the Gallows.

Mezeray, in the Life of Henry the Fourth, tells us, that all the Tor­ments of that Rack could not force Barrier to any Confession, till his confessor took him to Task, and open'd his heart with the same Key, with which the Jesuits had lockt it up before. Should such Traytors make Confession of such Crimes as these, when there is a Crown of Martyrdom to be obtain'd, Pa­pists would turn Atheists, and the Scarlet Pomp of Rome return to its Pristine Poverty and Nakedness. No wonder then the dying Slaves are so industriously cajoll'd to persist in their obstinacy, and that the Living adhearents strive with all the art Immaginable to cast a vaile over the shame of their Mother the Church of Rome, never more likely to run the risk of Ruin, then by such permitted and cantingly justify'd Acts of Impiety as these.

But the Epitomizer goes on. Pickering, saith he, as to his parti­cular, protested, that He never shot off a Pistol in his Life. Though Mr. Dudgale, has often gone a Fowling with him, when they were young Lads toge­ther, and hath affirmed, and is ready to be deposed, that he was as good a Marks-Man, as ever he was acquainted with; which prov­eth Pickering, and this Com­pendium-writer, a pair of hor­rid deceivers. But who knows what now resolution and Cou­rage the Sanctification of his Arme and the Exorcismes of the Jesuites, in such cases as these, by way of prepara­tion, might inspire him with of a suddain. Oh! But it seem'd improbable to the Spectators by his very mine and lookes. This is now the second time that this little pre­tender to Omnisciency, has undertaken to know the hearts of whole Auditories and Assemblies: but if he use it too often, it will prove the Mortality of his Confidence. Fronti nulla fides is too true a Proverb, that every Millener has it in his Mouth. And it is as probable as many stories that the Epitomizer tells, that he might be pitch'd upon for that very reason, because he was so little to be suspected, having such a poor presence; but I will boldly say, this was a poor excuse in our Epitomizer, and that here he was at a hard pinch to excuse a Traytor by his puny looks; then says the Narrative-Cul­ler, Ireland affirm'd, that he was constantly out of London from the third of August, till above a week in September: This he labour'd to make good against three Witnesses for the King, who positively swore they saw him here in Town at that time, by several Testimonies of his own; preten­ding, to move the Spectators Compassion, that he had not been permit­ted to send for any more; though the Chief Justice declar'd, that his Sister had leave to go to whom he thought fit in his behalf. But notwithstand­ing this publick lye, and that his Witnesses swore with prepar'd Con­sciences, and his own impious Imprecations, his own Kinsman Mr. Jenison hath since so fully clear'd the point, and let in the bright Sun upon their dark Concealments, that the Epitomizer had better have shorten'd his Ab­breviation, and left out his lift of so many persons of quality, then have expos'd them thus by their Names to the publick shame of owning and asserting False-Hoods. 'Tis a wonder that none of those persons of qua­lity, who could not want Money, especially the Ladies who were out of danger, were not so kind, knowing where the pinch lay, as to take a short journey to see London, and save a friend; nay more then a friend, a Ghostly Father, one of the Patriarchs and Conscience—Cabinets of [Page 11]the Romish Church. But 'twas all one; they sent a pittiful Coach­man to damn himself; which was the same thing as if they had come themselves. But how did this Prostitutor of his Soul, dare to call Mr. Oates Knight of the Post, who himself was then resolv'd to forswear himself, before the Tribunal of Heaven? Now what have the Papists got by such a Holy piece of perjury? They have onely shew'd us, how far the Impulse of Bigotisme, and the Confidence of Papal Remission will car­ry a deluded Conscience; they have only display'd the iniquity of their Te­nents by the Iniquity of Irelands Exit, and how miserably poor Staffordshire is pester'd with the poysonous and Pestilential Heresies and Leud Opi­nions of the Romish Church.

Concerning Hill, Green, and Berry.

IT mainly concernes the Abbreviator to manage this business of the Murther of Sir Edmundberry Godfrey wisely; for if he cannot rubb it off from the Papists, it will stick as a Cursed stain and pollution upon the pretended innocence of their Religion, as long as Popery en­dures. Now therefore let us see how he behaves himself.

Mr. Oates, saith he, swore, that after the Plot was known,Pag. 12. several Po­pish Lords, some of whom are now in the Tower, had threaten'd Sir Edmundberry Godfrey, and ask'd him what he had to do with it? and he said often, that he went in fear of his life by the Popish Party, he having been often dogg'd by them: but here the Epitomizer leaves out the most material point; He forgets to tell the people the Occasion of the Gentle­mans fears, which was, because he had taken Mr. Oates's Depositions, and had dived too deep into the discovery of the Plot. For Alas, before, Sir Ed­mund-Berry might have walk'd the Town at all hours of the Night; there was no body watch'd him, nor dogg'd him before. But no soon­er had the Papists receiv'd the Alaram of the Discovery, and that Sir Edmund-berry had been so Audacious as to perform the Duty of his Of­fice, and take the Depositions, but he could not stir a foot without a a diligent Observer and Spie at his Heels; which double diligence and care of his person, never ceas'd till they had Acted their intended Tra­gedy.

These were Circumstances too weighty to be repeated in an Epitome, especially, it being the pollicy of the Narrative-trimmer; to lead the Examination of the People astray as much as lies in his Power. Ha­ving made these willful mistakes, he comes to Mr. Prance his part, who, as he saith, Swore; That at the Plough Ale-house, Girald and Kelley, Pag 42. two Priests, about a fortnight before the Murther, did entice him to it, saying, That Sir Edmund Godfrey was a busy man, and would do much mischief. The Epitomizer should have added, and farther told Mr. Prance, that it was no sin to Kill, but a Deed of Charity to the Church to do it. But such mincings as these must be expected, in Popish Compendiums, which are the most exact Compendiums in the World, always leaving out what gravels them. He goes on, and says, That Green, Girald, and Hill, Dogg'd Sir Edmund-Bury Godfrey to a House at Saint Clements. That Green came at Seven a Clock at Night to tell Prance of it, Kelley and Green remaining upon the Watch. But neither Green, nor any of the rest told him whereabouts in Saint Clements Sir Edmund was. That a­bout [Page 12] Eight or Nine a Clock, Sir Edmund came Home-wards. That Hill ran before to give the Conspirators notice of it, at Sommerset-House; and then going to the Gate, He told Sir Edmund, that two Men were Quar­relling within, and desired him, being a Justice of the Peace, to pacify them; that he consented to it, but when he came to the bottom of the Rails, Green threw a twisted Handkerchief about his Neck, and cast him behind the Rails, and then Throned him, and punched him with his Knee on the Breast. But the Abbreviator omits, that Girald would have thrust his Sword through him, but that the rest would not permit him, for fear it should discover them by the Blood.Pag. 17. Ibid. That about a Quarter of an Hour after, Prance came from his Station at the Water-Gate, and laying his Hand upon the Body, found he was not quite Dead, but that his Legs Shook, and that then Green wrung his Neck quite round: The Snipper leaves out, that Green boasted of this particular Act, which his Compendium should have Recorded; had it been for nothing else, but for the Barbarism and Cruelty of a Popish Chappel Officer. But This he would not have the World know, for Holy Church-sake.

Here the Compendium-botcher advises the Reader to take notice, that Prance having related the matter of Fact in this manner, Mr. Attorney ask'd him on a suddain, whether he saw Green wringing his Neck? No answered he, forgetting what he said before, but Green afterwards told him so: which words surpris'd not a few of the Popish Party. Why this it is to leave out the most material Point of an Evidence. For though to the first question Mr. Praunce answered, No; yet to that which was impli'd, how he came to know it, he makes answer, That not only all the rest, but Green himself told him so, and boasted of his Butchery. And then indeed not a few might well be surpris'd to hear a Popish Zealot so imprudently boasting of such an irreligious and inhuman Act.Ibid. Reader, take notice of this; and what a Cheat this faithless Abbreviator would have put upon your understanding: and what prime Camester this con­cise Devil must be, that puts his Braines and Conscience so far upon the stretch, to defend so horrid and never to be parallel'd murther, unless among the popish Massacres in Ireland, when they rip'd up Women with Child, and the like. Reader, take notice also of a farther Omission of this Defier of all men for Truth. For he speakes not a word of the Punches that Green, like a merciful Executioner, gave with his knees upon the half breathless body, for quickness of dispatch, which was in like manner confest and boasted of by Green, and all the Rest. These were Circum­stances, Reader, with which he was loath to astonish your Examination, and might be therefore well enough left out in a delusive Epitome, to serve their Church, and cheat the world.

After his foolish, or rather knavish Remark, he goes on, That Sir Ed­mund being thus kill'd, they carry'd the Corps to a Chamber of Hills at Doct. Godwins. Observe by the way another scape of this wicked Epi­tomizer, which is that Mr. Praunce swore, that when he came down, as is aforesaid, he found Hill, Green, Girald, and Kelley, all four about the Murther'd Magistrate, newly turn'd out of his Commission after the Po­pish way; and that Berry came to them presently after. Well! after he had Lain in Hills's Chamber till Monday Night, they brought him to a Room in the lower part of Somerset-House, and then Hill shewed him the Body by a Dark-Lanthorn, Girald, Kelley, and the rest being by. That on Tuesday Night the Body was brought back to Sir John Arundels [Page 13]Lodgings, and upon Wednesday Night, they remov'd it back to the place where it first lay. (By the same token, that Prance coming as they were removing it, they were frighted and ran away, but hearing Mr. Prances Voice, they return'd again.) A remarkable Circumstance left out, for Brevities sake, by the Epitomizer. That about Twelve a Clock the same Night they carried it away in a Sedan to So-ho, and then upon a Horse before Hill, to the place where it was found. That Girald, and one Vernat spake to him of a great reward, and that there was a good one to be sent by the Lord Bellasis. That in the beginning of November, Ver­nat, Lawson, Girald, Himself and one Dethick, met together at Bow, Pag. 21. where reading all the Writing of the Murther, they were very merry, by the same token that Mr. Prance being jealous of being over-heard, caught the Drawer Listning, and threarn'd to kick him down Stairs.

Bedlow, saith the Abbreviator, swore, that La Faire, Prichard, Welsh, Keins, and other Priests, did treat with him about the Murther of a Gentleman in October Last. That they sent him to Insinuate himself into the ac­quaintance of Sir Edmund-Bury Godfrey, not telling him their Design. That on Saturday, the day before Sir Edmund-Bury Godfrey was Murther'd, La Faire met Bedlow by accident in Lincolns-Inn-feilds, and also at the Pals-Graves-Head-Tavern, where he told Bedlow, that a Material Man was to be put out of the Way, who had all Oates's and Tongue's Informa­tions, which, if not taken from him, would discover their Design to that Degree that they must stay till another Age to Effect it. That La Faire told him, he should have 4000 l. for a reward; That no worse, a man then my Lord Bellasis was engag'd for it, and that Mr. Coleman had order to pay it. That he then parted with La Faire, but came not according to his Engagement to Somerset-House: That on Munday night La Faire met him again in Fleet-street, and charg'd him with breach of pro­mise. To which it was answered, That he knew not but that the person to be murther'd might be his Friend. Whereupon La Faire appointed him to meet him at Eight of the Clock at Somerset-House, and he should know more. That coming there, La Faire told him, that the man was Kill'd; and that if he would help to carry off the body, he should have half the reward; and then, at Mr. Bedlows request, he shew'd him the body by a Lanthorn; but that he did not see either Hill, Green or Berry then in the Room. But that he had such a Remembrance of Faces, that he could tell all he saw there, though the light were small.

Here the Abbreviator recommends to the Reader a learned Observati­on, That Mr. Bedlow had depos'd before the Lords, as their Journals Testi­fy, that he saw Prance, and that Welsh, Le Faire, Atkins, and my Lord Bellasis's man were with him, being quite different Actors from those mention'd by Prance. From whence 'tis suppos'd, that Mr. Bedlow nam­ing these, and Mr. Prance naming others to have done the Fact, Nei­ther of them spoke truth.

What strange conclusions does this Nicodemus labour to impose upon the Observation of the People. Observe then, Reader, Mr. Bedlow no way contradicts the Lords Journals. For he swears in the Narrative,Pag 33. that he did see Mr. Prance there, which was the occasion of his knowing him again in the Lobby; and that La Faire led him by the hand, into the Room where were many more. But neither before the Lords, nor at the Try­al did he undertake to distinguish the persons that did the Fact. This is then a conclusion more justly to be drawn from the Epitomizer's unfortu­nate Observation, that there were too distinct parties, that had it in their Pates, to put Sir Edmund-Bury Godfrey out of the Way. Le Faire's Party, and [Page 14] Kelly and Giralds Party. But it happen'd that the last were two yare for the first; and had dispatcht their business while Le Faire went Hawking about with his great Rewards for a Chapman. Now when the business was done, both Parties joyn'd, and fed their Curiosities with the beautiful Object of a Murther'd Heretick, which is the true Sence of Mr. Bedlow's Deposition, though the Epitomiser would so fain have screw'd it the wrong way.

But this is not all, Then quoth he, He tells us, meaning Mr. Bedlow, That the Corps had a Cravat about the Neck like that about his own, but so streight, that he could not get his finger between. Which Reader, saith the false Epitomiser, was no very proper Instrument to strangle a strong man, so cleverly, and without Noise. I know not what Experience in strag­ling or hanging this Defender of the Massacre may have; But that Reader who will not believe, that four strong men to one, may be able to strangle (by surprize) one strong man, cleverly, and without Noise; and that a long Cravat is not a proper Instrument for the business, I wish him no other harm, but that he may never be so unfortunate, as to have the Conclusion try'd upon himself.

He proceeds, that Mr. Bedlow knew him presently, though to beguile him, they told him, he belong'd to a Person of Quality. That the Je­suits then with him, were not those, that had formerly employ'd him, to insinuate himself into Sir Edmund-Bury's Acquaintance; and yet Reader, his Worship inform'd us, as you see but just before, that his Introducer, La Faire, was one of them that so imploy'd him. This the Observator takes to be a Smiter, and worships Mr. Bedlow, for putting such a Slur as this upon himself. Poor Creatures! They are very thankful for the least seeming Kindness, that might help 'em out at such a dead Lift as this. As if it had never happened in this World, that a Man might in­troduce his Friend into a Room, and go out again. La Faire had glutted his Eyes with the Shew already, and might be drawn aside in Consul­tation with some other Person. And it is most probable, that they who stood about the Body, next to Mr. Bedlow, were such to whom the Fact was most a Novelty; and consequently, less acquainted with Mr. Bedlow's Concerns. Now, Reader, where there is no Opposition to Reason, 'tis a meer Cavil to fix a Contradiction; Especially, where the Crime merits rather Aggravation upon the Malefactors, then to be palliated with idle Excuses. I would advise the Observator, to take the Murther upon him­self, to surrender himself, and be Hang'd; and so convince the World of Mr. Bedlow's Error, and prove all the Witnesses Lyars. The Pope, per­haps, might Canonize him for such a Heroick Act.

He goes on: Mr. Bedlow, quoth he, farther said, That he advis'd them to throw the Body into the River; which they not thinking safe, answe­red, That they would put it upon himself, and make it his own Act. That upon his saying, It was too early, Eleven or Twelve a Clock being better for their purpose, Le Faire Conjur'd him by the Sacrament he had taken on Thursday, not to fall that night; for, that after the Discovery of the Plot, the Sacrament was Administred to him thrice a week. That he hasted away, and having so great a Charge upon him as the Sacra­ment, he grew Disturb'd, and went to Bristol, where God put it into his mind to discover all; and so he wrote to the Secretary.

The premises, saith he, were endeavourd to be prov'd by four Collat­teral Testimonies. First, by Mr. Robinson of the Common-Pleas, who at­tested, that Sir Edmundbury Godfrey said to him, That he believ'd he should be the first Martyr. Secondly, by one Curtis, a poor Chare-woman [Page 15]belonging to Sir Edmundbury Godfrey, Pag 28. — 39. (though the Narrative says she was his maid, and entrusted with the Keys of his Houshold Concerns) who Swore, that she saw Hill with her Master about nine or ten a Clock in the morning, on the Saturday he was murther'd, which the Epitomiser left out for brevitie's sake, That she saw him in the same Cloaths that he had on at the Bar; and that she saw Green with her master a fortnight before. Now, why may not a poor Chare-womans Eyes be as good as a Lady's? Or, why may not she swear as true as a Jesuite's Miss. Thirdly, by Hills denying before the Council, that ever he saw Gyrald, when as the Boy prov'd in Court, that they frequently met there. He might have added, the master too, who swore the same. Lastly, by Berry's sending away the Prince, while the Intregue was on foot, upon pretence, that he had Orders to tell all persons of Quality, that the Queen was private, and that they were not to come in.Pag. 50. And then be­ing ask't at his Examination by the Lords, Whether he had ever had such Orders before? he then said, No; which Contradicted his Answer at the Bar; where he affirm'd, he had had several of the same Nature: One of which must be a Lye.

The Epitomizer having thus display'd his Treacherous Endeavors, to de­ceive the Consideration of the People, by slubbering over the Charge, and farcing it with the petty Dictates of his Papistical Malice, being come to the Prisoner's Defence, takes upon him to be their Champion, and makes open War, not only against the Witnesses, but against the Judge himself.

To this Charge, saith he, the Prisoners answer'd with all imaginable Protestations, That they were Innocent. And well they might: For they did not believe, they had Committed an ill thing. Men that were taught by their Ghostly Fathers, and convinced, that Murther was no Sin, but an Act of Charity to the Church of Rome, might well protest their Innocence of the Crime. For those False Doctrines were so strongly ri­vited in their Breasts, that if Denyals and Protestations could have sav'd them, they should have been as Cheap, as the Prostitutions of Harlots amongst the Papists in their Stews; and nothing but the gaping Earth, or some immediate Judgment from Heaven, should be an Evidence of their Guilt, sufficient to demonstrate it to the World. Had the Romish Reli­gion been chary of her Appeals to God, and maintain'd the Chastity of Protestations, as she ought to have done, such Protestations might have been prevailing Arguments of the Protester's Innocency: But the Expe­rience of many Ages tells us, that they have been her Common Pawns for Belief; And that she has now been trusted so long, and fail'd so often, that she is become an absolute Bankrupt; not to be trusted any farther, for a Penny-worth of Imprecations. And therefore, to tell us of the Pro­testations made by these Malefactors of their Innocency, is a Gullery, which the Epitomizer must not think to impose upon the Consideration of any rational People.

But he proceeds, and sayes, That Sir Robert Southwel's Testimony did not advantage them a little, meaning the Prisoners, in the Opinion of ma­ny. That's a false Insinuation: For he, being summon'd as a Witness for the King, to acquaint the Court with several Particulars about Praunce's Exa­mination before the Court, was ask't, Whether his present Description and Accompt of Places, were suitable to what he then said in Court? Sir Ro­bert reply'd, Yes; but that he said then more, then he said before at the Coun­cil. In the next place, the Atturney General demanding, whether Praunce did hesitate, when he shew'd the Lords the several Places, in relation to [Page 16]the Murther? He answered, That he went positively and directly to all the Places: Till the Lords ask't him, into what Room the Body was re­mov'd; but that then, after going into several Rooms, he was in a great Di­straction: Yet because in that Confusion, he said, Thus far I am Certain, I am Right; the Chief Justice would have it, that his Doubtfulness gave Credit to his Testimony; since a Knight of the Post never sticks at any thing.

What Advantage this was to the Prisoners, the Epitomizer should have more amply inform'd us; for this Formal Story signifieth nothing. For Sir Robert Southwel attests, that Mr. Praunce was punctual, direct, and po­sitive, as to all the Places where the Murther was Committed, and where the Corps was first convey'd. If they remov'd him afterwards in his Ab­sence, to a blind Hole, and shew'd him this blind Hole by a blind Light, and he cautious of mistaking, became more Considerative and wary then before; Shall this be any Argument of the Malefactor's Innocence? And therefore,Pag. 47. the Conclusion of the Lord Chief Justice was Logically true; That his Doubtfulness did assert and give credit to the Testimony of the Witnesse, and confirm it to any Honest Man in England; in regard, it ar­gu'd, that the Witnesse did not go prepar'd to swear right or wrong. Which, because 'twas Reason, the Epitomizer looks upon it with a kind of Frantick Admiration. But, saith he, the Prisoners strook at the Root: For Hill desir'd, that Praunce's Testimony might not stand good against him, (This was the wisest thing that ever he did in his Life, could he have obtain'd his Suit:) For he urg'd, that Praunce had deny'd all, not only before the King, as Mr. Chevins attested; but before the Council, as Captain Richardson acknowledg'd.

But this needs no farther answer, then what the Lord Chief Justice himself gave; that His denial, which was not upon Oath, could not be believ'd, because his discovery upon Oath was so particular; and that the bare denial of what he had Sworn, could not amount to perjury. Mr. Attorney General also declared, that while he was a Papist, and not sure of his Pardon,Pag. 25. he lay under Suspitions, Disturbances, and Fears, which prevail'd with him to deny what he had Sworn. But he was no sooner returned to the Prison, but being convinced and troubled, that he had done amiss, he begg'd of Captain Richardson, to go back to the King, and acquaint him, that all that he had Sworn to, was True; and that what he had then said, was False. But this, saith he, gave several of the Auditory but small Satisfaction, meaning the Papists that were there, considering, that a Jaylor, whose interest it was to farther the Plot, might easily, if the thing were true, obtain such a promise. Besides, not a few knew how he had been us'd, and what Groans were heard where he lay for many days together, as Mrs. Hill urg'd.

Here you may behold Mounsieur Compendium labouring for Life. This Denial of Mr. Prance, must either be made to serve their turn, or else be Annihilated. But it can no way serve their turn, because it was not up­on Oath, and therefore it must be Sir Edmund-Bury-Godfrey'd. And it must Die with Three Stabs, The small Satisfaction of the Auditory, that were of the Popish Party; The Jaylors Interest; And the Torturing of Mr. Prance. It seems, he was Eves-dropper in Ordinary to the Auditory; or else the Captain of his own Gang, that crouded in to breath disatisfaction upon every slight Occasion. For as to his knowledge of the rest, which were Protestants, he must bring very good Witness of their Disatisfaction, be­fore any Credit will be given to his Presumption. And to give the E­pitomizer a proof of his Mistake, and that this is a Tale of his own ma­king, [Page 17]let him but observe that there never was any Tryal of the Plot­ters, since the first Discovery, but that the People were always Disatis­fied, even to tumult, when any of them were either Repriev'd or Ac­quitted. As for the Captain's Interest, I confess, I do not understand it. But I will appeal to the Examination of the People, whether the Lords of the Council would give Ear to a Flim-flam story of Capt. Richardson's, or joyn with him in an invention of Prance's denyal, to promote his Inte­rest. For whatever Tale the Captain could promote for his own Inte­rest, was most certainly to come to the Test of Persons not to be Im­pos'd upon by the Keeper of New-gate.

But then they say, He was Tortured to make him deny. And who I pray brings this Intelligence? Why, even Mr. Hill's own Dear Wife. Who by her behaviour in Court, shew'd her self to be a Clamo­rous Woman, that either knew not, or car'd not what she said. But he him­self, who had most reason to know, swears nothing but Civility from the beginning to the End. Neither does it sound like a thing probable, that peo­ple should be rack'd in their own Chambers in New-gate.

But Prance's own Reason, saith the Observer, seem'd yet odder. For, he said, It was because of his Trade, as fearing to lose his Employment with the Queen, and the Catholicks, which was the most of his Livelihood; and because he had not his Pardon. But why this Reason was odder then the rest, the Learned Commentator does not determine; and so we leave it to the Consideration of the People, who with half an Eye, may see the Shallowness of these petty Quirks and Shifts.

The Prisoner's Plea being thus over-rul'd, and Mr. Praunce's Testimony adjudg'd Good; Hill calls for his Master's Neice, and Mrs. Broad-street, who look'd to the House, as also, his Master's Maid, in his behalf. The Sum of whose Testimony was this; That he was a Trusty Servant: That he never kept ill Hours, but alwayes came in by Eight of the Clock: That he could not go out afterwards, because the Doors were lock't up; and that they were constantly up till Eleven at Night: That he was at Home on Saturday-Night, when Sir Edmund Godfrey was Kill'd; and on Wednes­day-Night, when carry'd away. That their House and Stairs were so lit­tle [...] it was impossible, that any thing could be brought in or out, but they must know it. That the Room where the Body was said to be laid, was not only over against the Dining-Room, but in a Room that had the Key in it alwayes; and that every Day they went often into it for some­thing or other: and that the Foot-boys staid there, when any Body vi­sited the Young Lady: And that there was but one Key to the Door of the Lodgings. Nay, the Servant-Maid, whom Judge wild commended to more care then the other two swore, that she dall'd in every Day at the Door of the Chamber, and was the last up.

In this Testimony, the Observator seems to Tryumph, as if he had got a Mighty Victory. But he omits to observe, how fatally the Young La­dy tripp't in her Story, when she affirm'd,Page 55 that the Family had never been out of their Lodging, since they came to Town; and being ask't, when they were out of Town? she answered, in October; in which Month the Tragedy was acted. Upon which, two of the Judges told her,Ibid. That now she had spoyled all; and that she had undone the Man, instead of saving him. Whereupon she would have Recanted, like Mr. Praunce in his Terrors, and cry'd, Why, my Lord, I only mistock the Month. By which it was apparent, that either her Devotion had stupify'd her Considerati­on, [Page 18]or that she appear'd in Court, only to say what would serve the Turn.

As for Mrs. Broad street's Evidence, It was delivered with more Confi­dence, then became her Sex. For, after she had deny'd, that there was more then one Key to the Lodgings, she confess'd before the Duke of Monmouth, Pag. 57. that there were Six or Seven. And in the Question about Hill's leaving the Doctor's Lodgings, she had so hamper'd her self, by saying and unsaying, by saying one thing, and setting her Hand to another, that never was poor Fly so wrap't up in Cobweb-Lawn, as she in the Confu­sions of her own Story. Nay, she had like to have brought her self into the Nooze it self:Pag. 56. For, upon her stout and stiff Averment, that the Key was alwayes and constantly in Hill's Door, one of the Judges told her, That he would not judge her; but that 'twas very suspicious, that if she were in the House at the same time as she said she was, and us'd to go into the Room every day, but that she must either hear the Body brought in, or see it. And another of the Judges told her, 'Twas well, she was not Indicted. So that, Mrs. Inadvertency, and Mrs. Confidence, were both dismiss'd with the pub­lick Rebuke of the Court. So that, the Observator's Query, Why the Judges insisted no farther upon the Point of the several Keys, was not be­cause they thought it impossible, there should be so many Keys to one Door; but because they took it for granted from the sable Consequence of Hill's being abroad; and not believing one word that either the Young Lady, or Madam Governante said.

Other Witnesses were call'd by Hill, as one Grey; who, as he said, kept him Company from the 8th. of October, 'till the 22th. till Eight or Nine a Clock at Night, but knew not what he did afterwards; and so did him no service. Others he brought to prove he was Innocent, because he did not run for it. Which look't like a Comical Scene, in the midst of a Tragedy;Pag. 66. according to Shakespeaks way. As for Green, his Witnesses fail­ing so palpably as they did, the Observator leaves him in the Suds; which was the fittest place for him to be in.

After this, saith the Observator, Berry calls his Maid; who witness'd, That upon the 16th. of October, at Night, her Master came Home from Bowls, in the Dusk of the Evening; and that he was not out an Hour, all the Night after: That he lay within her Chamber; and went to Bed about Twelve a Clock. All which might very well be; and yet her Master might slip out, and she never the wiser. But that, saith the Com­mentator, which surpriz'd the People most, was the Testimony of the Three Sentinels, who Watch'd that Night from Seven, till Four in the Morning, at the Great-Gate of Somerset-House; through which, the Body was affirm'd to be carry'd in the Sedan: For they attested not only, That there came in no Sedan, besides that which stood there every Night; but that none ever went out, during their respective Watches: It being impossible, for the Gate to be opened, or for any to pass by, without their Knowledge: Nor did they Drink one Drop while they Watch'd, or stir a Pikes Length from the Gate.

Let him not make such a hideous Noise with his Three Sentinels; for there is but One, that we are to take Notice of, or that could be thought to speak to the purpose. Now, this Sentinel did see the Sedan brought in, because he was Awake; but he did not see it go out, nor hear the Door open'd, because he was Asleep; It being the Property of SLEEP, to Close the Eyes, and Stop the Eares both at once [Page 19]Which the Court, had they examin'd the Sentinel to that point, would have most certainly found to have been the reason of his deafness, and blindness at that time of the Night. For most assuredly, Let all the Epi­tomizers, Papists and Sentinels in England, say what they will, the Sedan was carry'd out that way that it came in that Night. So that, notwith­standing the Drowsie Testimony of Mounsieur Trollop, the people were so far from being Supriz'd with it, as the Epitomizer Fabulously Poetrizes, that the Malefactors were no sooner brought in Guilty, but the whole Assembly gave a great shout of applause, to see such Criminals as they, so fairely convicted, so near the punishment of so detestable a Crime.

With these Omissions, and these Reflections, has our Parti Perpale, Nar­rative-pairer, Half Observator, half Abbreviator, labour'd to the utmost of his Power, to Palliate one of the most Barbarous Murthers that have been Committed for many Ages. I expected from the Epitomizer, when he came to Annihilate this Murther, that he should have huff't and ding'd, and fum'd and foam'd, and curs'd and swore, and bann'd, and sunk, and damm'd Himself; that there was never any such Person in the World, as Sir Edmund-bury Godfrey; That there was never any such Man Born, or ever should be Born, as long as the World endures. Or else that he would have contrived some fine Story, Garnish'd out with some of Mr. Coleman's Rhetorical Flowers, and have told us of a certain great Per­son, at Court, that either out of Malice or Revenge, or else for Favour or Affection, or for some other probable Reason, had politickly caus'd Sir Edmund to be put out of the Way; and then thrown it upon the poor Innocent Papists, on purpose, that he might perswade the King, to a General Persecution of them, their Wives and Children, and beg their Estates.

But to come sneaking and peaking, and Crouching and Cringing to the Consideration of the people, with his, How can it be so's, and how is is it probable's, that's so much below the High-soaring pride of St. Omers and Sa­lamanca, that I rather conjecture him to be of some Sorry Mendicant order, whom his Party will be so far from relieving, that they will rather give him a Saint Andrews Cross Discipline, for attempting so far beyond his Abili­ty. Where are all old Irelands Protestations, Imprecations, and bold Sum­monings of God to witness the Impostures of the Hereticks? Here's a murther Cravatted with a wannion!—They that could strangle a Justice of the Peace so Cleverly, could they not suffocate a Murther more Artificially, and hide it with the Common dexterity of deluded Virgins? For now, by this silly Justification, it appears far fowler then ever. It will be impossible for a Je­suite to put on a white Surplice; for it will turn Crimson, as soon as it comes upon their shoulders. Since then all the Wash ball-Protestations of suffe­ring Malefactors cannot cleanse away this unfortunate staine, let it lye on— And so it will, as long as History can utter to the World the story of this Age. Certainly, Villany and Impudence were never so unluckily coupl'd toge­ther since the Creation. As if they had thought, that the whole ruine of their designes, had depended upon Sir Edmund Berry Godfreys Life; or that they had absolutely believ'd, they had had the wish of Caligula, All the Necks of English Protestants in the Twisted Handkercheif, that strangl'd him. But so Heaven order'd it, that this poor Gentleman should fall by their bloody Hands, to awak'n the drowsie Nation, that scarcely would believe before, those Impious designes of Popery, that threaten'd its Eternal ruin. Yet as God permitted the Murther out of his secret providence, so was he grati­ously [Page 20]pleas'd, Miraculously to discover it by their own Instruments, as Guil­ty as themselves, till penitence and discovery had wip'd away their Of­fences, and Seal'd their pardon. Nay, as if they themselves had been sick to confirme the justice of their Friends Condemnation, by a speech formally penn'd, and stollen into Hills Pocket, they have plainly acknowledg'd them­selves, to be accomplices in the Murther. For to what end should they be so much concern'd to make speeches for the Malefactors, but that they thought to purge themselves by their dying words. On the other side, how sillie and palpable a Cheat it was, to put such study'd and flory'd ex­pressions into the hands of an illeterate person, that knew not how to manage'em. His own home-spun Language would have done bet­ter, and have been sooner believed, then such flowers of Rhetorick out of his Mouth. It was plain then, that it was not his own, as not be­ing his hand writing, by the Confession of his Wife; and therefore being written by some body else, whether any overaw'd, and truly obedient Roman Catholick, well instructed in the Arts of denyals, and mental resen­vation, and soundly threaten'd by his Priest, do think himself oblig'd to speak the Truth, when he onely superficially repeats the Conn'd Expres­sions of another man, I leave to the Consideration of the people. He that speaks not his words, at the Gallows, promptly, fluently, and with­out an unaffected and uncounterfeited Earnestness, can never speak from the bottom of his heart: and he that does not speak from the bottom of his heart, can never be believ'd; especially when he comes to discharge his Soul from the burthen of a Crime.

What is then all this Florid Language for? For nothing but to shew the Contradictions of the Fool that made it. For here are Charity and Revenge, in a diametrical Opposition; while he makes the miserable Ar­tor upon the Hang-mans Stage, to forgive his Enemies, yet Cite'em be­fore the Tri [...]nal of Heaven, for doing Injustice, almost in the same Breath; He withdraws his Recognizance, & yet designs a prosecution at the same In­stant. So that by this double dealing with God & Man: by that palpable Equi­vocation, of saying he forgives, yet hopes, that God will not, he so shameful­ly impos'd upon a dying Malefactor, it appears most apparently, that the Person Executed, was Guilty of the thing laid to his Charge, and conse­quently, the rest. Otherwise there was no need of putting their Friend upon such a counterfeit, and obvious denyal of a Crime, whereof he had been really Innocent: And it was only a meer shallow Contrivance of Persons equally Guilty, as being privy to the Fact, to repair the Conta­minated Credit of the Romish-Church. For they cannot choose but know, what all the World knows, that Innocence never seekes, nor has any need of these ridiculous shifts, to clear her Reputation.

Concerning White, Harcourt, Fenwick, Gawen, and Turner.

NOW then, since the Epitomizer has been so unsuccessfull in his en­deavours, to wrest out of our hands the Truth of Sir Edmundbury Godfrey's Murther, even by those very Persons that were accused and just­ly executed for it, he can have little hopes to be believed in any thing more that he says. However that vanity over-rules him still, and he runs on with his fallacies, misconstructions, and salse conclusions as briskly as ever. Nay, he is so full of his little fetches, and dazling re­flections upon the Trials of these men, as if he were striving to make amends for his former negligence and disability in the weighty concerns of Hill, Green, and Berry.

In the first place, the Reader must observe, that the Epitomizer, has most corruptly and fallaciously, contrary to his defiance, lessen'd and curtall'd Mr. Oats's Charge against all these men; though 'tis true he repeats enough to convince any rational Person of their Treasons; or else he must have left out the whole. But that is not all; when a man makes a promise, he ought to be as good as his word. For he leaves out that Foul mouth'd expression of Whitebreads, which Disco­ver'd the bottom of his Rebellious Heart, That he hoped to see the Black F s—Head at White-Hall laid fast enough, and that if his Brother should appear to follow his Foot-steps, his Passport should be made too. That he wrote Letters out of England to St. Omers, wherein, he hoped that it would not be long e're the blow would be given, and that by the word Blow, they had Instructions to understand the Murther of the King: which being all omitted, the sum of Mr. Oates's Charge Epitomiz'd by the Compendium, is only this. That he Summond a Consult which began upon the Fourth of April 78. where they pitcht upon Cary to go to Rome, and resolv'd, the Paper being afterwards Signed by some at Irelands, by others at Whites, by others at Fenwicks Chamber, that the King should be kill'd. That White did about the beginning or middle of July, send from St. Omers Instructions by Mr. Ashby, concern­ing Ten thousand pounds to be given to Sir George Wakeman to Poyson the King, and a Commission for Sir John Gage (but he leaves out, that the Commission was Sign'd and Seal'd by Whitebread.) That in July or August, he saw Gawen at Irelands Chamber, and that though he had seen Letters from the said Gawen, giving an accompt, p. 14. the Epitomizer should have said, of the Affaires of Shrop-shire and Stafford-shire, yet he never saw him Write, till he drew a Bill upon Sir William Andrews in Irelands Chamber, where he Discours'd of the same things as he had given an account of in his Letters, which last circumstance should have been repeated by the Epitomizer, as well as the former, because insisted upon by the Court. As for Fenwick and Harcourt, he affirmed, they were with Blundel and others, on the 21st of August at Wild-House, where lay before them Eighty pounds for the Windsor-Ruffians, and that Coleman coming in, gave the Messenger a Guinney,p. 15. (left out by the Abreviator, that from Wild-House they drew off to Harcourts Chamber, where Harcourt paid the Money to the Messenger in Fenwicks presence) That about a day after as near as he could remember, there was a Con­sult [Page 22]held by the Benedictines, where Harcourt and Fenwick were pre­sent, and there they understood of the Conspiracy against the Life of the Duke of Ormond by Letters from Arch-Bishop Talbet, who desired also Commissions and Money for raising Forces.p. 16. Omitted by the Epi­tomizer that Fenwick did bring Commissions with him to the said Con­sult, and sent them to Chester by a special Messenger, and several Let­ters by the Post, and that the next day Fenwick gave him Money, and admonished him to procure Masses to be said for the prosperous success of the design: that Ireland being returned, Mr. Oates went to him, but was beaten and revil'd, for that the Jesuits suspected he had betray'd them, they having understood, that one in such Cloaths as Oates's, had been with the King; yet that White said he would be Friends with him, if he would give an accompt of the Party and Minister that went to His Majesty. Then declaring he had no more to say against the Prisoners at the Bar; excepting only that Whitebread offer'd 5000 l. more to the sum of 10000 l. which Sir George Wakeman refus'd, and greatly rejoyc'd that the Money was accepted, he ended with this, that he did not remember that Gawen was at the Consult, though he re­members he then saw his Subscription; but he said positively that Turner was there,Pag. 17. (and Sign'd the Resolve, should have been added.)

This was the Summ of Mr. Oates's accompt, the omissions being added, which had a very great Encomium from the Court, to be as exact an accompt as could be given by any man in England.

But for all that, now methinks I see the Abreviator pulling off his Mittens, resolving to handle Mr. Oates after a strange Manner. This Malleus Haereticorum makes him beat and torment his own Brains most unmercifully. But he has hitherto so immoveably stood the violence of their most furious blasts, that there is no fear of such an Epitomizing Whiffler as this.

The Charge being finished, saith the Observator, it soon became very dubious, as to Gawen and Turner, because Oates knew them not at their Apprehension,Pag. 14. and his own words in Court make it good. For first he confest, that when he met Gawen, after his Apprehension in the Lobby, he did not well know him, being under an illfavor'd Perriwig, and know­ing him to have a good head of Hair, he did not understand the Mistery of it, and so spar'd his Evidence and informing the Council against him. Well! Mr. Epitomizer, and what of all this? It may be he might not know him in that filthy Perriwig,Pag. 14. for it seems it was a filthy disguize. But 'tis plain, he was acquainted with his Person, for he knew him to have a good Head of Hair. Nay, he knew more; he knew that Father Gawen, who had not alter'd his Name, though he had Proteus'd his Person, was the certain Man that gave an accompt by Letters, how Affairs went in Shrop-shire, Pag. 15. wherein he wrote that there was at least Two or Three thou­sand pound there, ready for carrying on the Design, and that upon a par­ticular Search, he saw his Hand to the Resolve.

Now for Turner, who had Masqueraded himself after the same man­ner, in another kind of a nasty Perriwig, and lookt like one of the Furies with Snaky Locks, he smartly told him, he valu'd not Names, but that He was the Man. And when he cry'd, Did you see me at the Consult? Mr. Oates reply'd, I saw the Man that speaks to me. Now [Page 23]what was the answer to all this? Why, Turner would fain have Cate­chiz'd Mr. Oates out of his sence of Seeing. And Gawen cry'd, upon my Salvation I am Innocent as the Child unborn,Pag. 15. upon my Salvation I was not in London. So that the Court, seeing Mr. Oates firm to his Oath,'Tis very true he was not in London, but he was in the Li­berty of West­minster. which he valu'd, and the other prostituting his Salvation, for which he car'd not a straw, while Turner only prosecuted his Quirks and his Questions, was so far from being dubious of the business, that they declar'd that their Defence was nothing but captiousness. Pag. 22. And therefore Mr. Epitomizer might have spar'd this unseasonable piece of falsehood. But he knew the English of Veritas Odium parit, and was afraid of being under the lash of the Proverb.

But the Observator, for he is like Gawen himself, sometimes one thing, sometimes another, proceeds and says, that Gawen produc'd Sir J. Winfords Neece, and her Maid, where he sojourn'd, who attested they were very confident of his being with them (besides other Months) all June and July, because they did not remember his absence, yet they would not po­sitively say that 'twas impossible for him to be away some days, since they had no particular circumstances in readiness. But they and the rest of his Witnesses made it appear that he was in Wolver-Hampton, from the Third to the End of July. For then to their knowledge he was in the Spiritual Exercise. Which, sayes the Observator included the time of Oates's Ac­cusation. For by his saying Gawen was in London either in July or August, and then absolutely agreeing it was in July, it in a manner follows, that the time in Dispute, was in the latter end of the said Month. Besides that he himself said, that he believ'd it was in the latter part of it. But when Oates came to be prest with it, he flew back, taking the utmost extent of his Plea that he could.

What a deal of Man-Midwifery is here, to bring forth a Shapeless Con­ception, that has neither head nor tail? He himself confesses that the Wit­nesses could not say, it was impossible for Gawen to be absent some days, but only they believ'd so, because they did not carry him Clean Linnen. So that their Testimony was not so much to prove he was not absent, as to prove they did not carry him Clean Linnen. And indeed the Virgins Evidence depended wholly upon Clean Linnen. A most Obsequious piece of Roman Catholick Diligence, to be so careful to provide Clean Linnen for a Stallion Priest. For such a one he was known to be, a Priest after the Order of Martial, who Converted by the Musick of the Epigrammatist's Poppysmata. So that 'twas no Wonder the Women were so handy at his Linnen. Now, what was the Effect of this Clean Linnen Discourse? Truly a very remarkable one: for it mov'd the People to a loud Laughter,Pag. 64. and when the Lord Chief Justice had made his smart Reflexi­ons upon it, they gave two shouts that made the Court Ring. But Mr. Oates more soberly made it out, that Gawen taking a Chamber to go into the Exercise, might pretend that, and come to London the mean while, and the Witnesses not know it. Which the Lady had no way to avoid, but by affirming, that a Susanna might carry Clean Linnen to a Jesuitical Chamber of Exercise, and be admitted. Now why Mr. Oates should be concern'd at such a ridiculous piece of Female Putanism, wrapt up in Clean Linnen, as this, I leave to the Consideration of the People. For as for his taking the utmost extent and compass of time, it was no more [Page 24]then was Lawful, and what the Court allowed him, without the least tittle of prejudice to his Oath.

Now for Turner, saith the Observator, he inform'd the Court, that Oates not only did not know him at White-Hall, but call'd him there by another Name. There's no such thing, he only said he went by another Name. Upon which the Court observ'd, that when they had but one Name a piece, Mr. Oates hit it right, but when they had so may Names, they were too hard for him. But let his Name be what it would, he told Turner, that he was that man, and that he had positively seen the Person that then spoke to him at the Consult, and that was sufficient. And therefore the Epitomizer should have consider'd, before he made these slight Observations, that Cavils are no Defences. And I dare be bold to say, that there was not one of these daring Justifiers of their Villany, that ever brought the least demonstrative Proof against Mr. Oates, but only such as was uncertain, and continually trapt, or else confronted and overthrown by Testimonies of far greater value. Which the People, the more they consider, the more they will find to be true.

But, saith the Observator, Mr. Turner farther urg'd, that though Oates depos'd then, that he saw him at a Colloquy in Fenwick's Chamber, yet by his former Evidence it was at Wild-House. To which, adds he, Oates had nothing to reply, but that because the Chiefest part of the Consult sat at Wild-House, it was call'd the Consult of Wild-House. That is to say, he had nothing to reply, but what he justify'd at White-Hall, that he saw him at the Consult of Wild-House at Fenwick's Chamber. Did Mr. Oates say he saw him positively at Wild-House, and no where else? That was the point which Mr. Turner should have prov'd. The rest was nothing but captious rifraff, not worth a straw, when the substan­tial matter was prov'd,Pag. 22. as was observ'd by the Lord Chief Justice himself.

Now the Reader is to understand, that all this stir and Turmoil is to prove Mr. Oates Perjur'd; which makes me admire, that the Jesuits, who accompt themselves the topping Order of the Catholick Religion, and conceit themselves to have engrossed all the Learning in the World into their Societies, should so grosly mistake themselves, as to err in the very Foundation of their Design. I cannot therefore apprehend 'em to be such Bugbears as they pretend to be, but that it is only the fond opinion of our deluded Gentry, that causes them to throw their Chil­dren into the Bosom of their Education. Rather I take them to be like our Splitters of Causes, who only study the Snaps and Quirks of False Practice, but know nothing of the Fundamentals and Body of the Law: And that as these study only the Knavish part of the Law, so they study only the Knavish part of Divinity, that is to say, how to cheat and amuse by vertue of their Profession. Now then to go about to prove a man Perjur'd, before they had asserted what Perjury was, was an attempt so unbecoming men that presum'd to Learning, that to use their own ex­pression, they deserv'd to be Hang'd for Fools as well as Knaves, for go­ing so preposterously to work. Perjurus, then, is one, qui malè jurat contra animi sui sententiam. And there is a great difference between peje­rare, & falsum jurare. For, Qui pejerat, is sciens & ex animi sententia falsum jurat. Qui autem falsum jurat, non decipiendi animo hoc facit, [Page 25]sed quia rem ita se habere putat. To the same purpose, saith Cicero, Non falsum jurare perjurare est, sed quod ex animi tui sententia, s [...]cut verbis concipitur more nostro, id non facere, perjurium est. Now Mr. Oates Swore that there was a Plot, and that such and such were Actors in it, as knowing it to be really true; ex animi sui sen­tentia, but as to circumstances, he only Swore, as believing them to be so, ita rem se habere. Their business was to have Dis-prov'd the Plot it self, or that they were no way engag'd to it; but there was not one of them that did Defend himself against the Treason laid to their Charge, only by Denials and Protestations which signified no­thing; nay they could not so much as Disprove Mr. Oates in Cir­cumstances, the Witnesses which they brought, of their own tuto­ring, either baffling themselves, or else being, as I said before, over­thrown by positive Oaths against them; so that it was impossible to impute animum decipiendi to Mr. Oates, in Circumstances, when the Fact it self was so plain, and they themselves could by no legal justifications clear themselves from the guilt that hung so ponder­ously upon their Shoulders; and was indeed in good measure prov'd by Letters of their own. Against which the Judgment and Learn­ing of the Court over-rul'd all their Pedantick constructions, and shift­ing Expositions, as being such as could ne're be got off for their folly.

Nevertheless, they gave Mr. Oates Two violent Assaults, and thought they had been both sparring Blows, for could they but have throtled His Evidence, then they verily believ'd their work had been done. To the first Onset they Muster'd up a Brigade of Stafford shire Papists, to prove that Ireland was not in London, from the Third of August, to the Fourteenth of September. But after the Ladies had Testify'd for him with a great deal of Zeal, and the Gentlemen with a great deal of Rashness, not only a Maid that had been a Servant to one of the Conspirators, as has been already observ'd, came in, and confirm'd Mr. Oates's Evidence; but when both were again shaken by the solemn Imprecations of Ireland at his Execution, Mr. Jenison his near Relation, and when he Convers'd with him of his own Religion, comes and appeárs in the World, and to the shame of Lords, Knights, Ladies, Gentlewomen, and Inn-keepers, levels the whole Battery mounted against Mr. Oates's Reputation, and quite raises the Siege laid to his Testimony. 'Tis like he may hear of it, but he is of Age, and no doubt will answer for himself.

To the next Onset, they brought a Rabble of St. Omers Striplings, who proffer'd to Swear in Verba Magistrorum, if it would have been permitted, that Mr. Oates continu'd all February, April, May, and June, at St. Omers, and never stir'd all that time out of the Colledg, so that he could not be here at the White Horse Tavern Consult. However they brought their Scaling Ladders, fell on very briskly, and thought to have carry'd the day: But alas, those Youngsters [Page 26]were so far from giving Mr. Oates that Deadly Blow, which the Epitomizer so foolishly crackt of, that they were so vigorously re­puls'd by a band of stout Evidence for the King, who positively con­tradicted them upon their Oaths, and punctually confirm'd Mr. Oates in all he had said, that they were forc'd to a shameful retreat, leav­ing all their Evidence behind them dead upon the place. Fenwick ask'd the Reason why so many Innocent Children brought up in a good Vertuous Education, that is to say, in that Seminary of Mischief and Iniquity at St. Omers, should not be believ'd against a Protestant Knight, a Protestant Minister, and a Protestant School-master, and Four more of the same Religion?

To which Mr. Jenison gives him a ready Answer. For if so many Stafford-shire Persons of Quality were so easily deluded, to stain their Honor and their Reputation, to save the Lives of Five Canting Je­suits, Traytors to their King and Country, it is no wonder that Sixteen Boyes under the Lash of St. Omers Discipline, should be drawn in by fear or fair promises, to swear for them that could have giv'n them plenary Absolution for a trick of Youth, had their sucking Evi­dence succeeded.

To this, saith the Abbreviator, the Jesuits gave a smart rejoynder, proving by the Contradictions that must follow, that all Mr. Oates's Evidence was a Perjury or a Grand mistake. But the Epitomizer did not consider, that all they said was built upon a wrong Founda­tion; that they could not be contradictions, because they were not cleverly prov'd, as he perfidiously would make the People believe; but only falsly asserted: Nor did he observe, that while they were so studiously Perjuring others, they were endeavoring at the same time to Perjure their own Witnesses, and Damn the Souls of Young Men and Maids, Old Men and Babes, and all others obtainable, that came out of their blind and misguided Devotion, to lend them their Assistance.

Now Readers, you that are the People of England, for it is to you that the Epitomizer makes his so frequent Appeals, weigh and Examine what has been already said, and tell your selves where those Innocent Men as the Child unborn did invalidate Mr. Oates's Te­stimony in the least. Examine with your selves whether they had any other way to justifie themselves, than by the Subordination of their own Votaries. And that this may appear to be true, challenge this great Champion of their foul Treasons, to Endite Mr. Oates, Let him advise with his Councel, and Assign his Perjures. More then this, I will undertake that Mr. Oates shall appear and go to Tryal with him by consent in any Court of England. Lastly, Examine with your selves, whether, if either the Stafford-shire Persons of Quality, or the Striplings of St. Omers had been permitted to Swear, [Page 27]they might not have run a fair Risgo of our National Justice. To whom I will only apply the Story of Joab and Abner, that those old Cinq and Quaters having a mind to have a little sport before they dy'd, sent for the Young Men from St. Omers to Play before 'em, for their last Recreation.

Concerning Mr. Langhorn.

THe Epitomizer comes now to the Tryal of Langhorn, who was a person, from whom, as from a man grounded in the Laws of the Land, strange things were expected; it was thought by his Party, that all the Paper in London, would not have suf­fic'd for Panegyricks upon his Parts, and the Chronicles of his be­havior. The opinion of his Intellectuals can so high, that he would wipe his back-side with a protestant Commission of Oyer and Terminer, though all the four Inn's a Courts were upon the Bench. But for my part when I heard how simply he had driven his own Bargain for registring consults, and conveyance of Jesuits Lands, I did very shrewdly suspect him. Nay I found he was conscious of his own weakness, to suffer himself to be decoyd into such a Villanous Plot upon the hopes of an Advocate Generals place out of his rode, who might have mov'd in his own Sphear and have Stalk'd in his Collar of SS's, for asking. But alass, when he came to the proof, never did man pretending to Law and Reason make a sillier defence, for he made not the least use of either; as if they had both forsaken him in his necessity, and had beg'd his excuse for appearing in his bad cause. As for his Plea, that he had been a close Prisoner so long, and could not foresee what the Evidence would testifie, it was extreamly frivolous. For there is no man tax'd of a crime, but knows the Substanee of what will be evidenced against him, as well as the witnesses can tell him, upon the examination of his own conscience. A perfect and clear innocence will shew it self in spight of fate: and he must be a weak Judge who cannot discern the malice or interest of an Accuser, which are the chiefest vermine with which the wicked hunt that ermin vertue. Neither did Mr. Oates bear upon the Innocence of any one of the parties Condemned. For then he would have accus'd them hand over head without distinction. But he charges one with one thing, another with another, as he knew they acted in their several Sphears of Treason and mischief. Some were for consulting and signing Orders, some for execution, some for regestring, and some for managing Forraign Intelligence. Which acts, as they were all necessary, for the carrying on such a thorough pac'd Plot as this [Page 28]was (and that there was a Plot is plain by the Murther of Sir Ed­munbury Godfrey, to which these very men that suffer'd were pri­vy, as contriv'd by their own Gang) who can be so silly as to think Mr. Oates hath done himself wrong, or believe them to be Innocent, unless they could themselves have brought out the Par­ties that were really guilty; and that had been the only way to have invalidated Mr. Oates's Testimony. It had been impossible for Mr. Oates to have borne up his head in the publick face of the World; to have stood the strict Examinations of a great Mo­narch, his Council and his Parliament; which implies all the Wis­dom, Judgment, and Policy of a Nation, had not his discovery been substantially true: which could not so have been, had he been de­ceived in the persons of the Actors. Unless there be any of the people so brutish as to believe, that the King and the whole Flower of the Nobility and Gentry of the Nation, were in a Conspiracy with Mr. Oates, against a Company of Tatter de mallion Jesuits and their deluded Associates, who might have been buried among the forgotten Crowd, had they not like the firer of the Ephesian Temple made themselves Famous by their Infamy. But for the satisfaction of the people, the Abbreviator must have his Face washt a little, and so be sent away to School with his Bottle and his Basket to learn more manners against his next Compendium.

Oates, saith he, charges Langhorn that in a Letter to the Fa­thers, wherein he ordered Five pounds to his Son, who had been in Rebellion, and was reconcil'd to him again, by the Intercession of the said Fathers, he exprest his great care of the Catholick design, and told them among other things that the Parliamentt Flagging, they had a fair opportunity to give the blow, which saith, the Ob­servator, seem'd very odd to many, that in an ordinary Letter of Domestick Concerns, he should treat of such high and secret matters.

[Page 29]This looks like the Canvassing of some Catholick Coffee-house. Neither is it material what descants People might make upon Mr. Langhorn's dis­cretion; rather let it seem odd to all Men of Reason, That the Observator should think to invalidate Mr. Oats's Evidence, by quoting those Proofs, against which the Prisoner himself made no Defence. As odd as it was, the thing was true, because it was never disprov'd; nor so much as any Reply made to it by the Party accused. Mr. Langhorne, perhaps, had a mind to conceal such an odd piece of Indiscretion, and the Epitomizer has here brought it upon the Stage to be publickly wonder'd at.

He goes on, and tells us, how Oats depos'd, That he saw Commissions in Langhorne's Study upon his Desk; when Langhorne appeals to all the Company that frequented his Chamber, whether any of them ever saw a Desk in his Study? What a Potgun of an Objection is this? The stress of the Oath does not bear upon the word Desk, but upon the sight of the Commissions. No question the Advocate General had a place in his Study to write upon; now because a Man gives to this or that place, or thing, the general Appellation of a Desk, there must be a solemn Appeal to All and some, Whether Mr. Langhorne ever had a Desk in his Chamber? Well, if it were such a dishonour for Mr. Langhorne to have a Desk in his Cham­ber, we will allow, That there was no such thing there as a Desk, accord­ing to the Logical definition of a Desk. For as long as the Commissions were seen in his Study, to which Mr. Langhorne said little or nothing; 'tis no matter whether they were seen upon a Desk, or any thing else, which in a Lawyers Study might appear like a Desk. Here's a Catch indeed for a Lawyer to make such a noise withall! He should have appeal'd to the Croud of his Clients, whether they had ever seen any such thing as a Study or a Chamber of his in the Temple? But to put the stretch of such a proof as this ought to have been, upon the dubious Explication of a Nomencla­tor, was to say any thing rather than nothing, and to play at Push-pin for his life. As if Mr. Langhorne could have found out no better way to clear himself from having discourse with a Man in his Study, and of ha­ving Trayterous Commissions in it, had he been Innocent, but by a solemn renouncing all acquaintance and familiarity with Desks, against which, it seems, he had such an antipathy, that he never had one in his Chamber in his life.

But now, saith the Observator, Mr. Langhorne (who was subtler then any of the Beasts of the Field) began to be nice about Mr. Oats's coming to St. Omers, &c. Whereupon the Court answer'd, That all the Defences of the Papists lay upon Catches about time, a thing no Body could be positive in; which, saith he, heartened Oates not a little. For he being presently ask'd by Langhorne, When he return'd in April into England? answer'd about the middle of the moneth, and stay'd under twenty days; a Latitude which he would fain have granted him, by reason of his ill suc­cess in the former Tryal, though the Court never then pretended (as you saw) to extend it to above eight or ten: And because he fear'd Mr. Lang­horne, he desir'd the Court to ask the Questions, adding, That he knew the Court would be so kind, as to ask him Questions that were reasonable.

Here the Epitomizer is at his old Trick of Delusion, and imposing up­on the People: For there was no such occasion that Mr. Oates should be hearten'd by the Court; it was Mr. Langhorne, Pag. 15. who wanted the Epito­mizer's Julep; who was so far from making any rational Defence, that at that very instant that the Epitomizer crows upon the Dunghil of Lang­horne's [Page 30]impertinent Catechism; the other had nothing to waste his breath and time about, but only in fishing, and angling, and pumping for an an­swer that had been given to his Question twenty times before in other Tryals. But the Epitomizer is offended with Mr. Oates, for taking more Latitude as to his stay in England then before, which was by him done, by reason of his ill suceess in the last Tryal. Who but a meer Epitomizer would have been so short in his Animadversions upon Mr. Oates's ill suc­cess, he should have stood with a new-fashion'd Tube upon the Monument for a week together, and have bellow'd it over all the Roads of England; He should have publish'd it in Gath, and in the Streets of Ascalon, that the Papists might have triumph'd upon the ill success of Mr. Oates. This Epitomizer therefore should have look'd before he leap'd. He could not choose but know that if Mr. Oates had had that ill success, he talks of, there had been no need of a Compendium, and he must have study'd some other way to erect a lasting Monument to his Folly, than by snarling, and besmearing the Wisdom and Justice of a Nation, with the insinuating Re­flections of a Trayterous Libel.

The Author does not consider that the aim of his Compendium, is only to deseat that Evidence, and undermine that Person, whose ill success has been so fatal to their damnable Projects. But if the Epitomizer calls it ill success, to have his Credit justifi'd, his Innocence clear'd, and to baffle all the dexterity of so many imbittered Collegiates of St. Omers, the great Swash-bucklers and Termagaunts of Popery, I value it not, so neither he, nor any other, upon the same account, may have any better. However this ill success made him so afraid of that raw-head and bloody bones Mr. Langhorne, that he was forced to desire the Court to ask him questions.

Had he said, that Mr. Langhorne was afraid from his very heart of Mr. Oates, I dare truly say he might very probably have been believed; but why Mr. Oates should be afraid of Mr. Langhorne, Pag 14, 15. he had as little reason to affirm, and it may be less, than he had to hang himself. 'Tis true, Mr. Langhorne did ask Mr. Oates a long Caralogue of ridiculous Questions, that one would have believ'd he had thought himself rather at the Sport of Questions and Commands, than defending his Life. 'Twas expected when he would have asked him, What's a Clock? Or what the Sheriffs had to Dinner? There was never a Question, as the People may see, that would have scared a Mouse; so that when he had done, the Court rebuked him for his Impertinency:Pag. 15. his Defence being rather an abuse of the Judges Patience, then a rational Discourse.

But after this, saith our quaint Observer, Langhorne demanded whether he came with Hildesly from Dover in a Coach, or on Horse-back? To which Oates, after much Hesitation, answered, That the Question was so sudden, that he could not be positive. Upon which follows this Remark, That that same strange uncertainty amazed many, but more smibed at it; considering that in [...]th he had reason for what he said, as not knowing the Question was casual, but that Langhorne might have Witnesses to prove now Hildesly made that Journey.

Now whence proceeded all this Mirth and Amazement? It was because Mr. Oates had sworn upon a Tryal at the Kings-Bench, that he came with Mr. Hildesly by Coach. To which Mr. Oates replies, That he did not say so,Pag. 16. [...] but that be came ower in the Pacquet-Boat with Mr. Hildesly, and that then Hildesly left the Company, and went another way. By which you may see what Company our Observer keeps, Men very prone to Amaze­ment, [Page 31]and very subject to smile. Earthen Ware, all of the same tincture with himself; Questions suddenly started upon the memory of Man, may be cautiously answered, without being smil'd or wonder'd at. He that knew what Mr. Oates had sworn before, should have fac'd him with his Contradicting Evidence; He should have prov'd upon Mr. Oates's for­mer Affirmation at the Tryal, that, contrary to what he affirm'd, he did come with Hildesly on Horseback, and left it to his Jury. Else the Que­stion was propounded to no purpose; to start the Hare, and tye up his Dog. Truly such wondering, smiling perdues as these, might have spent their time better, than to lie in wait for such miserable Catches, and drown­ing-mens Bulrushes. It is impossible to think that all these men should lay all the load and weight of their Defences, upon the weaker circumstances of Time and Place; could they have any other way avoided the substance of the Charge. Mr. Oates comes and proves the Crime by circumstances of another and higher nature, consequentially depending upon the Fact, and against slight and single circumstance, brings Fact and circumstance both together. To this, men bred up in all the delusive Arts of pious Fraud, men professing the Doctrines of Perjury and Equivocation, men acknowledging their Gang and Correspondence, their private Meetings and Consultations, their lurking up and down in their Boroughs of Iniquity, contrary to the known Laws of a Nation, and so bringing themselves within the most probable verge of suspition, think to avoid a Home-charge of Treason brought by one of their own Members (for they sent for sixteen Witnesses to prove he was of their Tribe) onely by cavilling upon the difference of a week, or a fortnight, or ten dayes. Such things as these do but discover the Vermin in the Snare, and carry such a Face of guilty Fallacy, that while men observe their doublings and shifts, rather to disin­tangle, than justifie themselves, they lose the Reputation of their Defence. And it is not to be question'd, but that this Observer or Epitomizer, which you please, has, by this vain Attempt, rather injur'd, than advantag'd his Cause; while Inundations of new and fresh disclosure, does but serve to testifie his snarling Envy against the daily Discoveries of Providence.

But then, saith the Observer, he would not tell Mr. Langhorne positive­ly, whether he lay at Groves's the first Night of his coming to London, or no; though he had directly sworn in Ireland's Tryal, that he was com­manded to lie close at that House; so that if he had such Instructions,Ireland's Tryal, Pag. 36. it was impossible not to remember, whether he had broke them or no, and more especially at his first Arrival about so dangerous and great an Affair. Here is now a false Reflection from a false Repetition, according to the custom of Popery. For Mr. Oates does not swear he was commanded to keep close at Groves's House; but that he had directions to keep close, and therefore lay some Nights at Groves's House. Thus the Question was idle, and the Inference as silly. For why it should be such an impossibility for a man to forget whether he broke a Command which was never en­joined him, is such an illiterate sort of a Riddle, that none but the Epito­mizer would have ventur'd to own such false Conclusions, from false Ifs and Ands, that may betray Weakness, but never assert Innocency: But now I would fain ask the Abbreviator one Question, with what Face he, who takes upon him to pry so severely into the pretended Failings of the Kings Evidence, and if he can but find the least appearance of a Fault, pursues it with a full cry, should dare to justifie that grand Error, if not foul piece of Knavery in Langhorne, to bring in the Woman of the White-Horse Tavern, [Page 32]to make her self the Laughter and Contempt of a Publick Court of Judi­cature,Pag. 46. only to do him an unprofitable piece of service. The Womans Carriage and Preamble to her Story, shew'd she came, if a Papist, with a prepared Zeal; if a Protestant, with a kind Devotion: And the Reflection of the Court was too severe for Mr. Langhorne's Reputation; that a Womans being so peremptory in what standers by knew to be false, made the Contradiction in one thing,Pag. 47. to give a suspition that all Mr. Langhorne's Witnesses might be as false in all the rest. Nor had Langhorne any thing to say for himself, but that he hoped the Court, nor the Jury, would reflect upon him for it. Thus they will give an Ell to their own Testimonies, but will not allow an Inch to the King's. His Witnesses must be all Saints with the memories of Angels, to swear to a Barley-corn of place, and a minute of time, or else be forsworn: Theirs may swear Up-hill and Down-hill, be caught in speaking Falshood, be sham'd and disgrac'd for so doing, and they that produce 'em, shall have the confidence to hope, that neither Court nor Jury will think the worse of 'em for it. So then, this is rather to be wonder'd at by many, and smil'd at too, then any of the Epitomizers lit­tle Parables; that Mr. Langhorne should venture his own Life, and the Credit of all his Witnesses, in such a Female Bottom as this, as if no Body had ever known the White-Horse Tavern in the Strand. Had he drank less Water, and more Wine, 'tis probable he might either have had no occasion for the Woman of the White-Horse, or have known the Tavern better. The Court told him positively, the Woman had been very unfortunate in her Testimony; and the People of England, are to believe the Judges of England, before ever a Compendium Scribler in the world. Let us wonder then at nothing, but that Oaths and Testimonies, which are the chiefest Bonds and Tyes of Humane Society, and the Soul of Justice, so inviolable among the ancient Heathen and modern Turks, should be of so little value in a Religion which accounts it self the most ancient and most perfect at this time profess'd under the Canopy of Heaven.

He is so fond, as to bring his Squabs of St. Omers again upon the Stage; but in regard they were no more believ'd then they were the day before, let what has been already said of them in the former Tryal suffice, against a company of Boys bred up at St. Omers, sent hither of an Errand to to serve the Catholick Cause, and positive in nothing but what concern'd the advantage of the Prisoner, which is the short History of the Springalls of St. Omers. Certainly St. Omers was a very foul Nest, a most filthy Den of contagious Jesuitism, that there were not so many as two that could with safety be sent for, men of Age and Reputation, but they must send for their Gigg and Town top Testimonies, to disprove an Evidence for the King, in a Treason of the highest Nature that has been acted for many Ages. But there are those misfortunes that befall Treason and Mur­der, which all the Policy of Jesuitism, nor all the Finess of Rome can prevent. And that is not the least of the misfortunes that befell these Traytors and Murderers; that after their not being able to make any ra­tional Defence for themselves, after they had suffer'd for their Crimes, they should be tryed over again by the faint and carping Observations of a Com­pendium, that instead of vailing, has only farther discover'd their shame.

Concerning Sir George Wakeman's Tryal, Corker, &c.

BUT now enter the Famous Tryal of Sir George Wakeman, and enter Monsieur Compendium with a Battoon in his hand, like one of the Marshals of a City Company, strutting and laying about him in every Page, as if he had got a Commission from Paolo d'Oliva, to shew no mer­cy: so then the Reader is to observe the effects of more Joy, and more Brandy. Here it was, saith he, that the King's Council admonished the Prisoners, That it would behoove them to take Notes, (as if, Reader, Hector himself, with all his gods, were at hand.) I promis'd the Reader a flash of Exultation from him, and here he has it. But who these Hectors gods were, I do not well understand; surely he must be beholding to some old Ballad for this piece of Learning. For Hector's dear Sister, Cassandra, speaks not a word of any such company that ever he kept in his life. Ho­mer says too, that the gods divided themselves, and that some took part with the Trojans, and some with the Greeks. But these could be none of the Compendium Hector and his gods, for Homer's Hector and gods were most shamefully beaten. But what terrible Toryrories this Hector and his gods should be, unless they should be the four Windsor Ruffians, I leave to the consideration of the People. And so much for Hector and his gods.

Now this frightful Advice being given to the Prisoners, Oates, saith he, was call'd, who began the first Onset with the most stupendous circumstance that ever was heard of, viz. That Ashby arriving here ill from St. Omers, Pag. 25. Sir George wrote him a Letter of Instructions how to order himself before he went, and when he was at the Bath; which were, to take a Pint of Milk every morning and night, and an hundred stroaks of the Pump. In which Letter, Sir George wrote, that the Queen would assist him to poyson the King. Then Oates proceeded, saying, That he knew this to be Sir Georges hand, by another Letter a day or two after, which could not but be his, for Sir George had it before him in a writing posture; that he saw him lay by the Pen, and found the Ink not yet dry, nor was there any body else to write, Mr. Ashby being lame of both hands. I know not how the Abbreviator would have Epitomiz'd his Charge, had he been to have brought it. But if this be not a Charge substantial enough, and propt by sufficient circumstances, I appeal to the consideration of the People, unless the Epitomizer have any new definition for Treason. Now what was Sir Georges Defence? First he brings an Apothecary to testifie, that there was a Letter sent to the Bath to Thimbleby, alias Ashby, with Physical Instru­ctions, without any name, neither was it Sir Georges hand, and was, it seems, dictated to his Man. But alas this was not the Letter which Mr. Oates meant. And it was the Chief Justices Opinion then, though with some more than ordinary Observations of Ifs, and Ands, and Cautions to the Jury, that Chapman did not answer Mr. Oates's Testimony; and that if Mr. Oates did swear true, Sir George did write another Letter. Sir Georges Reply, was to make that improbable, in regard it was ridiculous to prescribe milk. To which Mr. Oates made Answer, That the directions for milk were to be observed before the use of the waters. And Sir Robert Atkins came clo­ser, affirming, That it was but a piece of Paper, and that it was not to [Page 34]be offer'd in Evidence. Mr. Oates positively stood to his Charge, and swore that was not the Letter that he saw. Which Sir George to avoid, desired the Court to take notice, that it was not probable he should write two Letters for the same directions: A kindness that the Chief Justice was very willing to gratifie him in, and presently recommended his directi­ons to the Jury accordingly. Though at the same time Judge Pember­ton observed, that one of the Letters might be written to serve a turn. After this, Sir George call'd two Witnesses more, to prove the writing of the dictated Letter, which the Court were apt to believe was true as they said; but that was not the Letter in controversie, neither had Sir George any defence against it, but only the bare denial of writing it. So that the Compendium Scribler's Story about the Apothecary, and the Mard, and the Man, is all but twittle twattle, like an Apothecary, to no purpose in the earth. And therefore let this vain Vindicator of Blood and Treason moyle his heart out, the People are to know, that there never was a charge so fairly made and proved by one Oath, nor ever a worse Defence made by the Pri­soner.

The next Charge is, That Mr. Oates heard Ashby talk to him of the Commission he had received to be Physician to the Army; Nay, swore he saw the Commission in Sir Georges hand. To which I do not [...]nd, that Sir George made any defence at all. Which was the reason perhaps, that the Chief Justice left it out, till he was put in mind of it by Sir Robert [...] ▪

As for Mr. Oates's Charge upon the Queen, the Observator [...] Reader, that he may easily imagine how ridiculous this stuff seem'd to [...] That a Lady eminent in Virtue, should not only make such a Declaration in a Public Consult, but also in the hearing of such a pitiful Wretch as Oates, who could help neither Her, nor any Body else in any Part of the Plot, more then the first Kennel Raker he meeteth with.

I know not how ridiculous this stuff might seem to this Emmet of a Scribler, neither is it material; but certainly never did the People so openly exclaim against the Carriage of any Tryal, as they did at this. Which Exclamation or rather Indignation of the People would never have been so general, had they thought what the Witness said to have been such ridiculous stuff, as this Varnisher of Conspiracy strives to inclucate. And therefore for his Billingsgate Argument of pitiful Wretch, and Kennel-Raker, for upon those two Pillars lies the stress of his Induction, let him take notice that none but such a Compendium Scribler would use the lan­guage, or none but Fools and Knaves believe his Syllogism in Barbara.

The next thing charged, is the proffer of 10000 l. for poysoning of the King, which was not accepted, as being too little; but that upon the addition of 5000 l. more, the Bargain was made, and five thousand of the ten, paid in part, and receiv'd. For proof of this Mr. Oates deposes, That he saw the Entry Book, wherein was first, Memorandum, such a day 15000 l. was proposed to Sir George Wakeman, and accepted. And then underneath was written a Receipt in these words, Received then in part of this 15000 l. by order of Edward Coleman, 5000 l. of Father Harcourt. George Wakeman.

Now, Reader, saith the Epitomizer, He that can swallow such a Regi­ster, or such unnecessary and unheard of Entries and Memorandums, let him never for the future think any thing either Romantic or Sottish.

Now, Reader, what can be more unquestionable, but that such Memo­randums and Registers were kept? For they that had the disposal of such [Page 35]Sums of money, must certainly, had their design succeeded, have given an Accompt of their Stewardship. It was a Sottish thing to undertake such a Plot, but when they had once undertaken it, there was nothing that look'd either like Romantic or Sottish, to preserve the memory of their Tran­sactions. Nay, had they reap'd the Fruits of their Labors, they would have glory'd in what the Compendium calls Romantic and Sottish, to have seen their Monumental hands affix'd to Resolves and Memorandums, as Testimonies to Posterity, of their daily Merit and Diligence. Neither could so great a Design be carried on for so many Years, without such En­tries and Registers; it being impossible, in case of Mortality, for succeed­ing Counsels to act methodically, as the Nature of so high a Concern re­quir'd without 'em; only because the Jesuites were more prudent to con­ceal their Important Register, the thing it self must be a Romance. He may as well tell us there was no Plot, which he that believes from the silly Insinuations of his Compendium, must make an absolute Renunciation of the Protestant Religion.

But what says Sir George to all this? He makes no Exception to the Register. The stress of Sir George's Objection lay in this, That the Charge of the King's Evidence was not so ample before the Lords of the Council, as at the Bar of Oyer and Terminer.

To which the Answer of Mr. Oates was very fair and probable, and the Reasons of that Omission were altogether as credibly balanced in his be­hall, as the Averment against him; the truth of which, I think, has been made appear, something to the uneasie inconvenience of the Gentleman. He was sworn to be in as weak and feeble a condition as ever any man was seen in, being tir'd by public and eminent Service; and therefore there was no such reason to aggravate, contrary to former custom, such a worshipful Objection to such an egregious height, as if it had been done on purpose, to throw shame and disgrace upon desert, and make way for un­seasonable Compassion.

Now then to confirm Mr. Oates's Testimony, and that if he had been remiss before, it was only the Failure of his faint and feeble condition of Body, Mr. Bedloe swore, that upon the delivery of a Bill of 2000 l. by Harcourt, and promise of the rest in due time; and upon farther discourse, Harcourt told Sir George, That the Business must be well follow'd and ob­serv'd, because so much depended upon it. For if we should miss to Kill Him at Windsor, and you miss your way, which we hope you will not, we will do it at Newmarket.

Here the Chief Justice made a Hesitation, saying, He said quite another thing then he said before; till the Lord North, Mr. Recorder, and Sir Ro­bert Sawyer unanimously answer'd, No, he said the same before. Where­upon demanding, What was Sir George's Answer? He reply'd, that Sir George's Answer was, If I find you ready, I will be ready in all things; And that this was all a continu'd Discourse: Which put Sir George into such a consternation, that he said privately to his Fellow-Prisoners, There is my Business done. If there could be any thing plainer then this, let the Consideration of the People judge. For why Coleman should be hang'd for the payment of 5000 l. upon the Accompt of Treason, and Sir George be Acquitted for receiving the same 5000 l. for the same Treason, is a Riddle worth expounding.

But to return to the Epitome, As for Corker, says the Abbreviator, Oates charg'd him to have seen a Patent in his hand to be Bishop of London. (He [Page 36]should have added, that Mr. Oates also heard him say, That he hop'd it would not be long, Pag. 34. ere he should be in the Exercise of his Function, which made all the People laugh.) That Corker, being President of the Bene­dictine Monks, did consent to the Raising of Six thousand Pound, to be contributed by them toward the Design. That he heard Corker dislike the choice of Pickering, to Kill the King, because he attended upon the Altar; and might miss an opportunity while he was at Mass. That Marshall knew of Pickering's design, and made the same Objection against him; and that he saw him at the Consult in August.

Here the Observator is offended, that Mr. Oates would not be positive, when Marshall ask'd him, What day it was he was at the Consult? Yet Corker could say for himself, That no mortal Man could tell where he was, or what he did and said every day and hour of his whole life. So that Mr. Oates must be Immortal, or else must be no Witness for the King. But what they urg'd against him, made the more for him; For the less posi­tive he was, the more he was to be believ'd, in regard that such a Testimo­ny could not be tax'd of Malice or Rashness.

As for Corker, and Marshall themselves, the first made a Pedantic, or ra­ther School Boy-like Declamation, to prove in the first place the Impossi­bility of the Plot, because so many Persons of Quality were engaged in it: But he might have remember'd, that it was not the Rabble, but the Chiefest and most Noble among the Senators of Rome, that were engaged in the Conspiracy of Catiline; and the chiefest Nobility of France in the Guisian League, against their Sovereign Henry III. Bie-and-bie, because he would have two strings to his Bowe, he argues the same Improbabili­ty of the Plot, because it was known to so few. So that first he wonder'd why such a design should be communicated to so many, and then he ad­mir'd so few should know it. A Harangue so little to the purpose, and so full of impertinent Extravagancy, as if his Brains has been as invisible as his pretended Witnesses. Seeing then the Court would swallow none of these gilded Pills, he flew at the Evidence, and accus'd them to be, or else have been men of scandalous Lives.

For grant them to be, or have been men of scandalous Lives, they could never be more scandalous then He, who at that time stood Impeach'd of Forethought Murder and Treason, and whose Acquittal has rather confir­med the guilt of his Crimes, then justifi'd his Innocence. But as these were things barely said, without any proof in the world, the Kings Evi­dence must and will live, to the Reproach of a rash misprision Jury.

Marshall told a Story of a mark in his head behind, talking as if he had a knock in his Cradle; which vanishing, upon the Testimony of Sir Wil­liam Waller, he made a great stir of what Witnesses he could have had, had he had time; but that Point was clear'd, that he had both leave and time sufficient, by Captain Richardson. These Cards failing, they both fell upon Mr. Oates, for not Apprehending them sooner, Arguing from thence, That if Mr. Oates had known they had been in the Plot, he would have apprehended them sooner. But this was all but Supposition; so that as long as they were apprehended, it was well enough. He was then in a hurry, about apprehending the more considerable Instruments. He was not to burthen his memory too much, having so many to charge; and [Page 37]therefore took his time, and was not bound to tell them when they should be apprehended. And though Marshall popping accidentally into a House where a Search was making, affirm'd, He might have gone away, if he would; it was sworn, That he would have gone away, if he could: But that Sir William Wasler had given Order, that any Body might be let in, but that no Body should be let out.

Then they call'd one Nell Rigby, a confident Slut, to testifie that Mr. Oates came a begging to Pickering for Charity, and that Pickering bid her shut the door against him. A very likely Tale of a Draggle-tail, that Mr. Oates should come a begging to Pickering for Charity, when White­bread at the same time owed him Fourscore pound, by Bill under his hand, not yet paid. However Marshall made his conclusion, That it was an improbable thing, that they should trust him with such a Plot, and suffer him to want; and more then that, send him with such a flea in his car, when he might easily supply himself by a discovery.

But this is a wrong Conclusion, as these People make use of many, upon a wrong ground. For it is absolutely deny'd, that Mr. Oates was in that necessity: So that it is plain Mr. Oates came to crave Pickering's Charity for some other Person. But the surly and penurious Pickering, not liking those charitable demands, (And that he was a surly, cruel, ill-natur'd Fel­low, is manifest, from his being pitch'd upon to murther the King) bid the Maid shut the door, and not let him come again. Of which Ruffianly piece of Incivility, Mr. Oates was wiser then to take notice, or give them occasion to think he was so weak, as by an unseasonable discovery, to re­venge himself upon an insignificant Butcherly Monk.

And besides, they had such a slight opinion of his weak parts, or rather such a confidence in the greatness of their own, that they scorn'd all dis­coveries; and perhaps they might have had reason enough to have thought so, had they not by that silly and impolitic Murther of Sir Ed­mund-Bury Godfrey, rather pour'd oyl then water upon the Fire, and sed that into a blazing Flame, which else they might have easily quench'd, and pust away the Smoke.

At last Corker call'd for two Gillian a Croydens, that lay in Perdue in or about the Court, ready prepar'd to prove, that Stapleton, and not Corker, had been for many Years President of the Benedictine Monks. To which pur­pose being demanded by the Chief Justice, a general Question, Who was President of the Benedictine Monks? They answer'd as generally, Mr. Stapleton; which was taken for granted, without further Inquiry: though Corker gave him a fair hint, by saying, He was at Paris with Stapleton, and therefore could not officiate in his stead. Upon this Doctor Oates was call'd again, but never examin'd: why it was not done, he must be a Solomon that gives the Reason, unless it were for fear he should clear the Point.

After all, when nothing but Despair hover'd before their Eyes, Marshall began, as the Epitomizer saith, a Harangue so pathetical, weighty, and moving; but as the Court said, so fawning, so invective, so fallacious, so affrontive to the Court, so far from Self-defence, which was the Text he was to follow, that he was commanded to leave Sermonizing to no pur­pose, as abounding in his Rhetorical Flowers, that had nothing but the ill scent of the French Marigold.

At length the Lord Chief Justice told them plainly, That their Defence had been very mean, and that their Cause look'd much better, before they [Page 38]had spoken a word for themselves. Which the Jury ought to have taken more notice of, than of Marshall's gingling expressions. But certainly some gentle Constellation reign'd that day, more tender-hearted than the weeping Pleiades; Or else Mercy and Compassion themselves had some particular pique against Truth, and were resolved to put an Affront upon her. Or else Lassa Crudelitas began to grow penitent, and cry Peccavi for her former Severity, which (and for which, we may thank a wise Ju­ry) will certainly be the construction of them that shall hereafter go to play the Causinus's with our Story: Which, however, the Consideration of the People may prevent, by giving a more just and solid Verdict.