State Trials, Political and Social. Volume 1 (of 2)
History
State Trials, Political and Social. Volume 1 (of 2)
Trials -- Great Britain
ATTORNEY--By this Book you will persuade men, that he is not the
lawful king. Now let us consider some circumstances: my lords,
you will know my lord Cobham (for whom we all lament and
rejoice; lament in that his house, which hath stood so long
unspotted, is now ruinated: rejoice, in that his Treasons are
revealed): he is neither politician nor swordman; Raleigh was
both, united in the Cause with him and therefore cause of his
destruction. Another circumstance is, the secret contriving of
it. Humphry Stafford claimed Sanctuary for Treason: Raleigh, in
his Machiavelian policy hath made a Sanctuary for Treason: he
must talk with none but Cobham; because, saith he, one Witness
can never condemn me. For Brook said unto sir Griffith Markham,
'Take heed how you do make my lord Cobham acquainted; for
whatsoever he knoweth, Raleigh the witch will get it out of
him.' As soon as Raleigh was examined on one point of Treason
concerning my lord Cobham he wrote to him thus: 'I have been
examined of you, and confessed nothing.' Further, you sent to
him by your trusty Francis Kemish,[12] that one witness could
not condemn; and therefore bade his lordship be of good courage.
Came this out of Cobham's quiver? No: but out of Raleigh's
Machiavelian and devilish policy. Yea, for Cobham did retract
it; why then did ye urge it? Now then see the most horrible
practices that ever came out of the bottomless pit of the lowest
hell. After that Raleigh had intelligence that Cobham had
accused him, he endeavoured to have intelligence from Cobham
which he had gotten by young sir John Payton: but I think it was
the error of his youth.
RALEIGH--The lords told it me, or else I had been sent to the
Tower.
ATTORNEY--Thus Cobham, by the instigation of Raleigh, entered
into these actions: so that the question will be, whether you
are not the principal traitor and he would nevertheless have
entered into it? Why did Cobham retract all the same? First,
because Raleigh was so odious, he thought he should fare the
worse for his sake; secondly, he thought thus with himself, If
he be free I shall clear myself the better. After this, Cobham
asked for a Preacher to confer with, pretending to have Dr.
Andrews;[13] but indeed he meant not to have him but Mr.
Galloway,[14] a worthy and reverent preacher, who can do more
with the King (as he said) than any other; that he seeing his
constant denial, might inform the king thereof. Here he plays
with the preacher. If Raleigh could persuade the lords that
Cobham had no intent to travel, then he thought all should be
well. Here is forgery! In the Tower, Cobham must write to sir
Thos. Vane, a worthy man, that he meant not to go to Spain:
which letter Raleigh devised in Cobham's name.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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