True valour, I see, goes not always in good clothes. For he, whom before I had surprised, seeing me fast in the snare; and as the event proved, disdaining that his countrymen should report him so dishonoured; most basely, when my hands were in a manner bound behind me, drew out his weapon, which the rest had taken from me to give him, and wounded me through the face, from ear to ear: and had there killed me had not the fourteen musketeers rescued me from his rage.

Upon this, I was led in triumph into the town of Cadiz: an owl not more wondered and hooted at; a dog not more cursed.

In my being led thus along the streets, a Fleming spying me, cried out aloud “Whither do you lead this English dog? Kill him! Kill him! he is no Christian.” And with that, breaking through the crowd, in upon those who held me; ran me into the body with a halbert, at the reins [groin] of my back, at the least four inches.

One Don FERNANDO, an ancient Gentleman, was sent down this summer from the King at Madrid, with soldiers: but before our Fleet came, the soldiers were discharged; they of Cadiz never suspecting that we meant to put in there.

Before him, was I brought to be examined: yet few or no questions at all were demanded of me; because he saw that I was all bloody in my clothes, and so wounded in my face and jaws that I could hardly speak. I was therefore committed presently to prison, where I lay eighteen days: the noble gentleman giving express charge that the best surgeons should be sent for: lest being so basely hurt and handled by cowards, I should be demanded at his hands.

I being thus taken on the Monday when I went on shore; the Fleet departed the Friday following from Cadiz, at the same time when I was there a prisoner. Yet thus honestly was I used by my worthy friend Captain PORTAR. He, above my deserving, complaining that he feared that he had lost such a man; my Lord General, by the solicitation of Master JOHN GLANVILLE, Secretary to the Fleet, sent three men on shore to enquire in Cadiz for me; and to offer, if I were taken, any reasonable ransom. But the town thinking me to be a better prize than indeed I was; denied me, and would not part from me.

Then came a command to the Terniente or Governor of Cadiz to have me sent to Sherrys, otherwise called Xerez, lying three leagues from Cales.

Wondrously unwilling, could I otherwise have chosen, was I to go to Xerez, because I feared I should then be put to torture.

Having therefore a young man (an Englishman and a merchant, whose name was GOODROW), my fellow prisoner who lay there for debt, and so I thinking there was no way with me but one (that I must be sent packing to my long home); thus I spake unto him, ” Countryman! what my name is, our partnership in misery hath made you know; and with it, know that I am a Devonshire man born, and Tavistock the place of my once abiding. I beseech you! if GOD ever send you liberty, and that you sail into England; take that country [Tavistock] in your way. Commend me to my wife and children, made wretched by me; an unfortunate husband and father. Tell them and my friends (I entreat you, for GOD’s cause) that if I be, as I suspect I shall be, put to death in Sherris [Xerex], I will die a Christian soldier: no way, I hope, dishonouring my King, country, or the justice of my cause, or my religion.”

Anon after, away was I conveyed with a strong guard by the Governor of Cadiz and brought to Xerez on a Thursday about twelve at night.

On the Sunday following, two friars were sent to me; both of them being Irishmen, and speaking very good English. One of them was called Padre JUAN (Father JOHN). After a sad and grave salutation, “Brother,” quoth he, “I come in love to you and charity to your soul to confess you; and if to us, as your spiritual ghostly fathers, you will lay open your sins, we will forgive them and make your way to heaven: for to-morrow you must die.”

I desired them that they would give me a little respite that I might retire into a private chamber; and instantly I would repair to them, and give them satisfaction. Leave I had; away I went; and immediately returned. They asked me “if I had yet resolved, and whether I would come to confession?” I told them, that “I had been at confession already.” One of them answered “With whom?” I answered, “With GOD the Father.” “And with nobody else,” said the other. “Yes,” quoth I, “and with JESUS CHRIST my Redeemer; who hath both power and will to forgive all men their sins, that truly repent. Before these Two have I fallen on my knees, and confessed my grievous offences; and trust They will give me a free absolution and pardon.”

“What think you of the Pope?” said Father JOHN. I answered “I knew him not!’ They, hereupon, shaking their heads; told me “they were sorry for me:” and so departed.

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