EARL OF SOMERSET. 207 



slip the dog upon the deer, but he that lodges the 

 deer, or raises him, or puts him out, or he that sets 

 a toil that he cannot escape, or the like. 



But this, my lords, little needeth in this present 

 case, where there is such a chain of acts of impoison- 

 ment as hath been seldom seen, and could hardly 

 have been expected, but that greatness of fortune 

 maketh commonly grossness in offending. 



To descend to the proofs themselves, I shall keep 

 this course. 



First, I will make a narrative or declaration of 

 the fact itself. 



Secondly, I will break and distribute the proofs 

 as they concern the prisoner. 



And thirdly, according to that distribution, I will 

 produce them, and read them, or use them. 



So that there is nothing that I shall say, but 

 your lordship, my lord of Somerset, shall have three 

 thoughts or cogitations to answer it : First, when I 

 open it, you may take your aim. Secondly, when I 

 distribute it, you may prepare your answers without 

 confusion. And lastly, when I produce the wit 

 nesses or examinations themselves, you may again 

 ruminate and re-advise how to make your defence. 

 And this I do the rather, because your memory or 

 understanding may not be oppressed or overladen 

 with the length of evidence, or with confusion of or 

 der. Nay more, when your lordship shall make your 

 answers in your time, I will put you in mind, when 

 cause shall be, of your omissions. 



First, therefore, for the simple narrative of the 



