But I have not done with _Miles_ yet. The next Offence his Protestantism took was at an Idol of _Thomas à Becket_, which the _Lord Chancellor_ caused to be set up over the Mercers' Chapel Door, in _Chepe_: which, within two Days, had its Head lopped off in the Night. Upon this rose great Disturbance, and one Mr. _Barnes_, a Mercer, who lived over-against the Chapel, was vehemently accused by my Lord _Wriothesley_ of being Principal or Accessary to the Deed. He defended himself with every Semblance of Innocence; nevertheless, he and three 'Prentices were imprisoned for a Day or two; and, though Nothing was proven against him, he was, on his Delivery, bound in a great Sum of Money to repair the Image so often as it should be broken down, and also to watch and defend the same. I should never have suspected _Miles_ of having had Aught to do with this Matter, save for his gloomy and guilty Looks while _Barnes_ lay in Ward, and for his great Access of Gaiety when he was let forth. Howbeit, there are some People whose absolute Genius and Destiny seems to be Mischief; and, a Day or two after the Image's Restoration, I heard _Miles_, after pacing up and down the Chamber awhile like a chafed Lion in a Cage, exclaim in a Sort of Desperation, "I must do it again!" And next Day, the _second_ Head was missing. This Time, a hundred Crowns of Gold were offered for Discovery of the Culprit. But they never were claimed. Then quod _Miles_, embracing me with an unwonted Ardour of Affection, "Ned! thou'rt a capital Fellow!" Howbeit, _Miles_ presently became absorbed in his Love-affair, which brought his protestant Zeal to a very ignoble Termination. He now lodged at some Distance from us, and kept his private Concerns very much to himself. Having one Day Occasion to speak to him at his Lodging, I there found not only his Mother, but an exceeding pretty young Woman. "_Ned!_" quod he, "this is my Wife; I forgot to tell you before, that I was married!" "I've a great Mind to forget it too!" sayth she, pouting, as I went up to salute her, "the Saints be my Witness!" at which, I looked attentively at her and then at him. He followed me to the Door when mine Errand was sped. "_Ned_," whispered he, and coloured all over, "there'll be no more hanging of Cats!... She's a staunch _Roman_, is _Nell_! and I'm obliged to conform, I can tell thee! Rely on't, there's much to be said upon both Sides!" And this was he, had said he was as firm as _London Stone_.