LEGAL SUBJECTS. 421 



my lord Chancellor and myself, that as yesterday Mr. 

 Whiting* the preacher, a discreet man, and one that 

 was used to Helwisse, should preach before the ladyf, 

 and teach her, and move her generally to a clear 

 confession. That after the same preacher should 

 speak as much to him at his going away in private : 

 and so proof to be made, whether this good mean, 

 and the last night s thoughts, will produce any thing. 

 And that this day the lieutenant should declare to 

 her the time of her trial, and likewise of his trial, 

 and persuade her, not only upon Christian duty, but 

 as good for them both, that she deal clearly touching 

 him, whereof no use can be made, nor need to be 

 made, for evidence, but much use may be made for 

 their comfort 



It is thought, at the day of her trial the lady will 

 confess the indictment; which if she do, no evidence 

 ought to be given. But because it shall not be a 

 dumb show, and for his majesty s honour in so solemn 

 an assembly, I purpose to make a declaration of the 

 proceedings of this great work of justice, from the 

 beginning to the end, wherein, nevertheless, I will 

 be careful no ways to prevent or discover the evi 

 dence of the next day. 



* John Whiting, D.D. rector of St. Martin Vintry, in London . 

 and Vicar of East-Ham in Essex, prebendary of Ealdstreet in 

 the church of St. Paul s, and chaplain to king James I. He 

 attended Sir Gervase Helwisse, who had been lieutenant of the 

 Tower, at his execution upon Tower-Hill, on Monday the 20th 

 of November, 1615, for the murder of Sir Thomas Overbury. 



t Frances, countess of Somerset. 



