"I am a Catholic," he said simply; and closed his eyes again for prayer, as the voice cried brutally: "In your Catholicism all treason is contained." Again a murmur from the crowd. Then a new voice from the black group of ministers called out: "Mr. Campion, Mr. Campion, leave that popish stuff, and say, 'Christ have mercy on me.'" Again the priest opened his eyes. "You and I are not one in religion, sir, wherefore I pray you content yourself. I bar none of prayer, but I only desire them of the household of faith to pray with me; and in mine agony to say one creed." Again he closed his eyes. "_Pater noster qui es in cælis._"... "Pray in English, pray in English!" shouted a voice from the minister's group. Once more the priest opened his eyes; and, in spite of the badgering, his eyes shone with humour and his mouth broke into smiles, so that a great sob of pity and love broke from Anthony. "I will pray to God in a language that both He and I well understand." "Ask her Grace's forgiveness, Mr. Campion, and pray for her, if you be her true subject." "Wherein have I offended her? In this I am innocent. This is my last speech; in this give me credit--I have and do pray for her." "Aha! but which queen?--for Elizabeth?" "Ay, for Elizabeth, your queen and my queen, unto whom I wish a long quiet reign with all prosperity." * * * * There was the crack of a whip, the scuffle of a horse's feet, a rippling movement over the crowd, and a great murmured roar, like the roar of the waves on a pebbly beach, as the horse's head began to move forward; and the priest's figure to sway and stagger on the jolting cart. Anthony shut his eyes, and the murmur and cries of the crowd grew louder and louder. Once more the deep sweet voice rang out, loud and penetrating: "I die a true Catholic...." Anthony kept his eyes closed, and his head bent, as great sobs began to break up out of his heart.... Ah! he was in his agony now! that sudden cry and silence from the crowd showed it. What was it he had asked? one creed?-- "I believe in God the Father Almighty." ... The soft heavy murmur of the crowd rose and fell. Catholics were praying all round him, reckless with love and pity: "Jesu, Jesu, save him! Be to him a Jesus!"... "Mary pray! Mary pray!"... "_Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem._"... "_Passus sub Pontio Pilato._"... "Crucified dead and buried."... "The forgiveness of sins."... "And the Life Everlasting."... * * * * Anthony dropped his face forward on to his horse's mane. CHAPTER VII A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY Sir Francis Walsingham sat in his private room a month after Father Campion's death.