a few minutes
before eight o'clock
Towards the end of August the Archbishop again sent expressly for Anthony and bade him accompany his chaplain on the following day to the Tower , to be present at the public disputation that was to take place between English divines and the Jesuit . `` Now he will have the chance he craved for , '' said Grindal . `` He hath bragged that he would meet any and all in dispute , and now the Queen 's clemency hath granted it him . '' On the following day in the early morning sunshine the minister and Anthony rode down together to the Tower , where they arrived a few minutes before eight o'clock , and were passed through up the stairs into St. John 's chapel to the seats reserved for them . It was indeed true that the authorities had determined to give Campion his chance , but they had also determined to make it as small as possible . He was not even told that the discussion was to take place until the morning of its occasion , and he was allowed no opportunity for developing his own theological position ; the entire conduct of the debate was in the hands of his adversaries ; he might only parry , seldom riposte , and never attack . When Anthony found himself in his seat he looked round the chapel .