ng
their kindred in some sort answer for the bodies of these heretics."

"I came of my own free consent, and alone, your worship," replied Marsh;
"and hope to be honestly dealt with. If I have offended the laws, I am
here to answer; if not, I claim your protection."

"Peace! Will none o' ye stop that fellow's prating? Justice thou shalt
have, and that speedily, as thou sayest, but not in the way thou couldst
desire. Look thee!" He fumbled in his pouch as he spake. Drawing out a
letter, he continued--"My Lord Derby hath commanded that thou be sent to
Lathom along with some others who do mightily trouble us, and sow evil
seed and dissension among the people."

"This, please your grace, I deny; and I would know mine accusers, and
what they allege against me."

"Now this is a brave answer, truly," replied the Justice. "These rogues
be all of one tale, pretending that they have done nothing amiss, and
desiring to know, poor innocents! of what they are accused, as though
they were ignorant of their own lives and conversation hitherto. Tush!
it were a needless and an unthrifty throwing out of words to argue the
matter--for they are wiser in their own eyes than seven men who can
render a reason. Do thou question him, and urge him to the test," said
Sir Roger, turning to his conscience-keeper.

"What art thou?" said the priest, leaning forward for the purpose of a
more strict examination.

"I am a minister," said Marsh. "It is but a short time agone since I
served a cure hereabouts."

"Who gave thee orders? Or hast thou indeed received any?"

"The Bishops of London and Lincoln, after that I had diligently studied
and kept terms aforetime at Cambridge."

"Humph!" said Sir Roger. "These bishops be of the reformed sect; and, I
have a notion, will some day or another answer for it before the Queen's
council."

"What knowledge hast thou of these men?"

"I never saw them but at the time I received ordination."

After a few more questions of little moment, the priest threw out the
usual net with which his fraternity were wont to entangle those of
heretical opinions.[17]

"What is thy belief respecting the sacrament?"

"That is a question of too general and multifarious a nature for a plain
and faithful answer."

"Are the bread and wine, by virtue of the words pronounced by the
priest, changed into the body and blood of Christ? And is the sacrament,
whether reserved or received, the very body and blood of Christ?"