BL La 19, 12
BL MSS Lansdowne 19, 12
Wright: Queen Elizabeth and her Times Vol 1, 1838, No. 254 page 508
The Archbishop of Canterbury to Lord Burghley, Lambeth, this Frydaie, the 13th of August
Transcribed by Thomas Wright
Sir, I had rather you understood a truth by my reporte in suche matters wherin I am a doer, than by the uncertain speech of the courte. I have travailed muche by myself alone, for wante of other commissioners, to trie out a possession (1), which was verie earnestly believed and sett forth ; and by printe recorded and spreade without licence. The two printers wherof, with others that solde those pamphletts, were commytted to pryson ; and if I had my will, I wolde commyt some of the principall witnesses to pryson to learne them hereafter not to abuse the Quene's Majestie's people so boldlie, falsely, and impudentlie. After I had by diverse examinations tryed out the falsehood, I requyred Sir Rowland Hayward and Mr. Recorder of the citie to be assistant with me, who heard the wenche examined and confessed and played her pranckes before them. We had the father and the mother, by which mother this wenche was counseiled and supported, and yet wold she not confesse anything. Whose stubbornnes we considering, sent her to close prison at Westminster-gate (2), where she remayneth untill her daughter and another maide of Lothburie, have openlie done their penance at Paule's Crosse, as it is ordered. I am so grieved with such dissemblers, that I cannot be quiett with myself. I do intende, because these bookes are so spread abrode and believed, to set out a confutation of the same falsehood. The tragedie is so large, that I might spende much tyme to trouble your Honor withall. But brieflie I have sent to your Lordship a copie of the vaine book printed, and a copie of their confessions at length. And thus knowing your Lordship is at the court, I thought good to send to you, wishing her Majestie and all you wayting upon her a prosperous returne. (3)
From my howse at Lambeth, this Frydaie, the 13th of August. Your Lordship's loving frend,
Matthue Cantuar
(1) “I know not whether it be worth the labour," saith Camden, to mention some small matters, as, the devout credulitie of certaine ministers of London, deluded this year by a maid which counterfeited herself to be possessed by the devil &c.
(2) In the Gatehouse.
(3) The Queen made a progress to Bristol this year.
