By the very timely theft of Standen's letter to Persons, 27 December, 1603, the original was in the hands of Cecil before Standen ventured to go to Court. As soon as he appeared there, without being allowed to see either the King or Queen, he was taken to the Council Chamber, there to be questioned before several councillors, including Cecil himself. He was asked first, if he had ever directly or indirectly treated with a person of a religion different to that of the state, which he boldly denied; secondly, if he had ever been present publicly at Mass in Italy during his mission; and finally, if he had ever written to any religious and in particular to Persons. Once again he answered by a denial and especially as regards the Jesuit, whom he knew, he said, to be very disaffected to his Majesty. Thereupon Cecil showed him the actual letter of 27 December which he had written to Persons; and not being able to repudiate it, Standen fell upon his knees, begged for pardon and confessed to having rosaries and papal gifts for the Queen. He was, accordingly, sent first to the Fleet and thence to the Tower, and it was thought that he was in serious danger of his life.

Richard Verstegan is still a neglected writer, not because his works lack intrinsic merit or historical importance, but more fundamentally, because much uncertainty remains about the extent of his authorship.