EARL OF SOMERSET. 239 



nations were : but nevertheless that a frank and 

 clear confession might open the gate of mercy, and 

 help to satisfy the point of honour. 



That his lady, as he knew, and that after many 

 oaths and imprecations to the contrary, had never 

 theless in the end, being touched with remorse, con 

 fessed ; that she that led him to offend, might lead 

 him likewise to repent of his offence : that the con 

 fession of one of them could not fitly do either of 

 them much good, but the confession of both of them 

 might work some farther effect towards both : and 

 therefore, in conclusion, we wished him not to shut 

 the gate of your majesty s mercy against himself, by 

 being obdurate any longer. This was the effect of 

 that which was spoken, part by one of us, part by 

 another, as it fell out ; adding farther, that he might 

 well discern who spake in us in the course we held ; 

 for that commissioners for examination might not 

 presume so far of themselves. 



Not to trouble your majesty with circumstances 

 of his answers, the sequel was no other, but that we 

 found him still not to come any degree farther on to 

 confess ; only his behaviour was very sober, and 

 modest, and mild, differing apparently from other 

 times, but yet, as it seemed, resolved to have his 

 trial. 



Then did we proceed to examine him upon divers 

 questions touching the empoison ment, which indeed 

 were very material and supplemental to the former 

 evidence ; wherein either his affirmatives gave some 



