en the
bearer, from Bishop Hooper to Mr Rose and the others who were taken with
him; Mr Rose having desired him to show the letter to his friends. The
good Bishop wrote, "Remember what lookers-on you have, God and His
angels." Again, "Now ye be even in the field, and placed in the
forefront of Christ's battle."

Mr Rose remained in the Tower very strictly guarded, yet Austin was
allowed to see him at will.

"Austin," said Isoult to him, "I marvel they never touch you."

"In very deed, Mrs Avery, no more than I," replied he; "but I do think
God hath set me to this work, seeing He thus guardeth me."

On January 27, Parliament broke up, having repealed all laws against the
Pope enacted since 1528; and re-enacted three old statutes against
heresy, the newest being of the reign of Henry the Fifth. And "all
speaking against the King or Queen, or moving sedition," was made
treason; for the first offence one ear was to be cut off, or a hundred
marks paid; and for the second both ears, or a fine of 100 pounds. The
"writer, printer, or cipherer of the same," was to lose his right hand.
All evil prayers (namely, for the Queen's death) were made treason. The
Gospellers guessed readily that this shaft was aimed at Mr Rose, who was
wont to pray before his sermon, "Lord, turn the heart of Queen Mary from
idolatry; or if not so, then shorten her days."

The Council now released the three sons of the Duke of Northumberland
who were yet in the Tower; Lord Ambrose (now Earl of Warwick), Lord
Henry, and Lord Robert Dudley; with several others, who had been
concerned in Wyatt's rebellion. Dr Thorpe said bitterly that they
lacked room for the Gospellers. The Duchess of Northumberland, mother
of these gentlemen, died a few days before their deliverance. Her
imprisoned sons came forth for her burial.

And before they broke up, Parliament received the Cardinal's blessing;
only one of eight hundred speaking against it. This was Sir Ralph
Bagenall, as Mr Underhill told his friends. Isoult asked him what sort
of man he was, and if he were a true Gospeller.

"Gospeller! no, not he!" cried Mr Underhill. "Verily, I know not what
religion he professeth; but this know I, that he beareth about in his
heart and conversation never a spark of any. He and I were well
acquaint once, in my blind days, ere I fell to reading the Scriptures,
and following the preachers. I have sat many a night at the dice with
him and Miles Partridge, and Bu