e close of the late session, for
the freedom of his language in parliament. He was
"Vice-Admiral of the Ports about the Severn," and a
man of large influence in the Welsh Marches.]

At another time Sir Henry Peckham was alone with Ashton. {p.261}
Peckham[553] had been one of the sharers in the forfeited estates of
the Duke of Norfolk. He was obliged to relinquish his grant, with but
small compensation, and he complained of his treatment. Ashton bade
him "be of good cheer."

[Footnote 553: Younger son of Sir Edward Peckham,
Cofferer of the Household, and Member of Council
under Edward VI.]

"If you will keep my counsel," Ashton said, "I will tell you news that
will bring your land again or it be long."

Peckham promised to be secret.

"Sir Anthony Kingston," Ashton continued, "and a great many of the
western gentlemen, are in a confederacy to send the queen's highness
over to the king, and make the Lady Elizabeth queen, and to marry the
Earl of Devonshire to the said Lady Elizabeth. The laws of the realm
will bear it, that they may do it justly; and Sir Anthony Kingston
hath required me to hearken to King Henry VIII.'s will; for there is
sufficient matter for our purpose, as Sir Anthony doth tell me. I
pray, if you can, help me to it."

Peckham said it was to be had in the Rolls. Ashton did not like to put
himself in the way of suspicion by asking to see it publicly, and
begged Peckham to obtain a copy for him elsewhere.

"I will show you a token," he then said, and took out half a broken
penny; "the other half is with Sir Anthony, and whensoever I do send
this same to Sir Anthony, then will he be in readiness with ten
thousand men within three days upon receipt of this token." If Lord
Pembroke's men made resistance on the Marches, Kingston would cut them
off, and would be in London in twenty days at furthest. And "when this
is done," Ashton continued, "your father shall be made a duke; for I
tell you true, that the Lady Elizabeth is a jolly liberal dame, and
nothing so unthankful as her sister is; and she taketh this liberality
of her mother, who was one of the bountifullest women in all her time
or since; and then shall men of good service and gentlemen be
esteemed."

Peckham, who had not anticipated so dangerous a confidence, looked
grave and uneasy; Ashton said he hoped he would not betray him.