Discovery Scene from 1745 Prayerbook

This Image shows the image of the Plot's discovery informing a courtier with a dagger to the right who is with one other  who appear in pursuit of
individuals to the left. One of the individuals to the left has been killed or gravely injured. Is the image to the right James I or are these images from a later
time reflecting upon the plot as they go about their more contemporary evil deeds? An interesting image indeed. We await further bibliographic information.
It is from a prayerbook and illustrates the liturgy for November 5.
Perhaps The Image has something to do with the obscure account Dr. John Dee
who was queen Elizabeth I's court astrologer:
“'There are several accounts of the manner in which the Gunpowder
Plot was discovered, but among the students of Occult Science the belief is
that its timely discovery was made by Dr. John Dee, by means of a magic
mirror.  Proof of how general this belief was at one time is given by the
fact that in some editions of the Book of Common Prayer, published in the
eighteenth century, is to be found an engraving inserted before the service
for the Fifth of November depicting a circular mirror on a stand, in which
is a reflection of the Houses of Parliament by night, and a person carrying
a dark lantern.  On the left side may be observed two men in the costume of
the reign of King James, looking into the mirror.  On the right side, at
the top, the eye of Providence throws a ray on the mirror.  Beneath are legs
and hoofs, as if evil spirits were making their exit.'”.

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