quieted the doubts of the whole
party throughout the proceedings. Rookwood was staggered, when the
matter was first proposed to him; but he was satisfied when Catesby
mentioned Garnet's decision.

[Footnote 11: Book x. 36.]

The Jesuit wished to obtain the formal consent of the pope; but Catesby
argued that it had been already granted, in the two bulls, the object of
which was to prevent James from succeeding to the throne. Keys was
induced to enter into the plot by these arguments; while Bates,
Catesby's servant, was assured by another Jesuit, not only that he might
lawfully conceal, but actually participate in the treason.

It has been already stated, that Bates confessed to Tesmond. In the
church of Rome, confession precedes the sacrament; and in confession,
Bates revealed all the particulars of the plot; still he was encouraged
in the treason by his ghostly counsellor. In short, the evidence of the
participation of the Jesuits in the plot is of such a description, that
it cannot be disputed by any one who examines it.

The narrative has already been brought down to the autumn of 1605, when
the parliament was prorogued from October to November the 5th. On
Saturday evening, October 26, ten days previous to the day fixed for the
opening of parliament, a letter, addressed to Lord Monteagle, was
delivered, by a person unknown, to his lordship's footman, in the
street, with a strict injunction to deliver it into his master's own
hands. This circumstance took place at seven o'clock, just as the
nobleman was about to sit down to supper. The letter was put into his
lordship's hand by the servant. On opening it, he found it written in a
very illegible hand, and without date or subscription. Monteagle
summoned one of his attendants, to assist him in deciphering the
epistle, which was couched in the following terms:--

"My lord,

"Out of the love I bear to some of your friends, I have a care
of your preservation; therefore, I would advise you, as you
tender your life, to devise some excuse to shift off your
attendance at this parliament; for God and man have concurred to
punish the wickedness of this time. And think not slightly of
this advertisement, but retire yourself into your country, where
you may expect the event in safety. For though there be no
appearance of any stir, _yet I say they shall receive a terrible
blow this parliament, and yet they shall not see who hurts