He always declared that he had been a loser by his mission.

He was accompanied by several young gentlemen of the best Roman Catholic families in England, Ratcliffes, Arundells and Tichbornes.

At Rome he was lodged in the palace of the house of Pamfili on the south of the stately Place of Navona.

He was early admitted to a private interview with Innocent: but the public audience was long delayed.
Indeed Castelmaine's preparations for that great occasion were so sumptuous that, though commenced at Easter 1686, they were not complete till the following November; and in November the Pope had, or pretended to have, an attack of gout which caused another postponement.

In January 1687, at length, the solemn introduction and homage were performed with unusual pomp.