Note 57 — The Identification of the Writer of the Anonymous Letter to Lord Monteagle

He also confessed having transcribed the treatise "De Officio Principis Christiani" (Further examination, December 13, 1605, ibid., ccxvi. 155). Coke alluded to these manuscripts at the trial as "certain heretical, damnable and treasonable books discovered." He said: "There is in Tresham's book, 'De Officio Principis,' an easier and more expedite way than all these to fetch the crown off the head of any king christened whatsoever, which is this that: 'Princeps indulgendo hæreticis, amittit regnum.'—If any prince shall but tolerate or favour heretics, he loseth his kingdom." This shows the confidential nature of the Vavasours' employment as amanuenses by Tresham in such matters.