devoutly, for the which he craved God's mercy
now; and he had not been of this mind above seven years. Then they
charged him that he was a Lutheran. `Nay,' said he, `I was a Papist;
for I never could perceive how Luther could defend his opinion, without
transubstantiation.' And they desired he should reason touching
Luther's opinion. `I do not take in hand to defend Luther's sayings or
doings,' quoth my master. `If he were here, he would defend himself
well enough.' And so went they forward, my master answering readily,
but calmly: yet he warmed up high enough once, when one spake of the
priest offering of Christ. Quoth he, with some of the ancient fire that
was wont to be in him, `He is too precious a thing for us to offer; He
offereth Himself.' Well, after his examination was over (and they took
two days to it) Master Harpsfield disputed with my Lord Archbishop for
his doctor's gown. And the day thereafter (which was Friday) were they
all three brought forth to be judged. Then were Dr Ridley and my master
asked if they would turn; but they both answered, `Nay; I will stand to
that I have said.' So then sentence of burning was passed upon all of
them for heresy. Then said my Lord Archbishop,--`From your judgment and
sentence I appeal to the just judgment of God Almighty; trusting to be
present with Him in Heaven, for whose presence in the altar I am thus
condemned.' Dr Ridley's answer was--`Although I be not of your company,
yet doubt I not but my name is written in an other place, whither this
sentence shall send us sooner than we should by the course of nature
have come.' And quoth my master--`I thank God most heartily that He
hath prolonged my life to this end, that I may in this case glorify God
by this kind of death.' So they carried them away, each to his old
lodging. And yester-morn, but an hour before I set out, there was mass,
and procession down the High Street to Saint Mary's. They caused my
Lord to behold it from Bocardo, and Dr Ridley from the Sheriff's house;
but not going by the bailiff's house, they fetched my master to see it.
Who thought he was going to his burning, and saith unto the catchpole,
`My master, I pray you, make a quick fire.' But when he came to Carfax,
lo, there came the procession in sight, Dr Weston carrying the host, and
four other doctors supporting the canopy over him and his bread-god.
Which no sooner had my master seen than he gathered up his heels, and
away he ra