Donne is summoned to meet with Cecil, who suborns the struggling poet as a spy to infiltrate the underground network of English Catholics, seeking Jesuit priests. But Donne wants no part of any spying. He sets out instead to outwit Cecil as he journeys with Lady Bedford's crafty old manservant through dangerous territory, surviving plots and threats by his wits, aid from the quick-spirited Anne, and a strong dose of gallows humor.