"M. Mathews" is Toby Matthew, the eldest son of Dr. Tobias Matthew,
Archbishop of York. Three years before, while travelling in Italy, he had
become converted to Romanism. On his return to England in the summer of
1607, his case was laid before the King, who suggested that he be required
to take the oath, abjuring allegiance to Rome. This he refused to do, and
was committed to the Fleet prison by Dr. Bancroft, Archbishop of
Canterbury, and there visited by Bishop Andrews, Morton, then Dean of
Gloucester, Sir Henry Goodyer, Donne, and others. In a letter dated 11th
February 1607[8] the voluminous Chamberlain wrote to Carleton:
"Your friend, Tobie Matthew, was called before the Council-table on
Sunday in the afternoon, and, after some schooling, the Earl of
Salisbury told him that he was not privy to his imprisonment, which he
did in no ways approve, as perceiving that so light a punishment
would make him rather more proud and perverse. But in conclusion they
allotted him six weeks' space to set in order and depart the realm."
He left England accordingly, and lived on the Continent until 1623, when
he was forgiven, invited to return, and knighted by the King. Apart from
his extraordinary personality his chief claim on our interest is that he
was the life-long friend and correspondent of Francis Bacon.