Rejoyce in hart, good people all,Sing praise to God on hye,Which hath preserved us by his powerFrom traitors tiranny;Which now have had their due desarts,In London lately seen;And Ballard was the first that died,For treason to our Queene.O praise the Lord with hart and minde,Sing praise with voices cleare;Seth traitorous crue, have had their dueTo quaile their partener’s cheere.Next Babington, that caitife vilde,Was hanged for his hier;His carcasse likewise quartered,And hart cast in the fier.Was ever seen such wicked troopesOf traytors in this land,Against the pretious woord of truthe,And their good Queene to stand?Oh praise, &c.But heer beholde the rage of Rome,The fruits of Popish plants;Beholde and see their wicked woorks,Which all good meaning wants:For Savage also did receaveLike death for his desert,Which in that wicked enterpriseShould then have doon his part.O praise, &c.O cursed catifes, void of grace,Will nothing serve your turne,But to behold your cuntries wrack,In malice while you burne?And Barnwell thou, which went to viewHer grace in each degree,And how her life might be dispatcht,Thy death we all did see.O praise, &c.Confounding shame fall to their share,And hellish torments sting,That to the Lords annointed shallDevise so vile a thing.O Techburne, what bewitched theeTo have such hate in store,Against our good and gratious Queene,That thou must dye therefore?O praise, &c.What gaine for traitors can returne,If they their wish did win?Or what preferment should they get,By this their trecherous sinne?Though forraine power love treason well,The traitors they dispise,And they the first that should sustaineThe smart of their deviseO praise, &c.What cause had Tilney, traitor stout,Or Abbington likewise,Against the Lords annointed thusSuch mischeef to devise?But that the Devill inticed themSuch wicked woorks to render;For which these seven did suffer death,The twentith of September.O praise, &c.Seven more the next day followingWere drawen from the Tower,Which were of their confederatesTo dye that instant hower:The first of them was Salsburie,And next to him was Dun,Who did complaine most earnestlyOf proud young Babington.O praise, &c.Both lords and knights of hye renowneHe ment for to displace,And likewise all the towers and townesAnd cities for to race;So likewise Jones did much complaineOf his detested pride,And shewed how lewdly he did liveBefore the time he died.O praise, &c.Then Charnock was the next in placeTo taste of bitter death;And praying unto holy saints,He left his vitall breath.And in like maner Travers thenDid suffer in that place,And fearfully he left his life,With crossing brest and face.O praise, &c.Then Gage was stripped in his shirt,Who up the lather went,And sought for to excuse him selfeOf treasons falce intent.And Bellamie the last of allDid suffer death that daye;Unto which end God bring all suchAs wish our Queenes decay.O praise, &c.O faulce, and foule disloyall men,What person would supposeThat clothes of velvet and of silkeShould hide such mortall foes?Or who would think such hidden hateIn men so fair in sight,But that the Devill can turne him selfeInto an angell bright.O praise, &c.But soveraigne Queene, have thou no care,For God, which knoweth all,Will still maintaine thy royall state,And give thy foes a fall.And for thy Grace thy subjects allWill make their praiers still,That never traitor in this landMay have his wicked will.O praise, &c.Whose glorious daies in England heereThe mighty God maintaine,That long unto thy subjects joyeThy Grace may rule and raigne.And, Lord, we pray, for Christes sake,That all thy secret foesMay come to naught, which seeke thy lifeAnd Englands lasting woes.O praise the Lord with hart & minde, &c.
Rejoyce in hart, good people all,Sing praise to God on hye,Which hath preserved us by his powerFrom traitors tiranny;Which now have had their due desarts,In London lately seen;And Ballard was the first that died,For treason to our Queene.O praise the Lord with hart and minde,Sing praise with voices cleare;Seth traitorous crue, have had their dueTo quaile their partener’s cheere.Next Babington, that caitife vilde,Was hanged for his hier;His carcasse likewise quartered,And hart cast in the fier.Was ever seen such wicked troopesOf traytors in this land,Against the pretious woord of truthe,And their good Queene to stand?Oh praise, &c.But heer beholde the rage of Rome,The fruits of Popish plants;Beholde and see their wicked woorks,Which all good meaning wants:For Savage also did receaveLike death for his desert,Which in that wicked enterpriseShould then have doon his part.O praise, &c.O cursed catifes, void of grace,Will nothing serve your turne,But to behold your cuntries wrack,In malice while you burne?And Barnwell thou, which went to viewHer grace in each degree,And how her life might be dispatcht,Thy death we all did see.O praise, &c.Confounding shame fall to their share,And hellish torments sting,That to the Lords annointed shallDevise so vile a thing.O Techburne, what bewitched theeTo have such hate in store,Against our good and gratious Queene,That thou must dye therefore?O praise, &c.What gaine for traitors can returne,If they their wish did win?Or what preferment should they get,By this their trecherous sinne?Though forraine power love treason well,The traitors they dispise,And they the first that should sustaineThe smart of their deviseO praise, &c.What cause had Tilney, traitor stout,Or Abbington likewise,Against the Lords annointed thusSuch mischeef to devise?But that the Devill inticed themSuch wicked woorks to render;For which these seven did suffer death,The twentith of September.O praise, &c.Seven more the next day followingWere drawen from the Tower,Which were of their confederatesTo dye that instant hower:The first of them was Salsburie,And next to him was Dun,Who did complaine most earnestlyOf proud young Babington.O praise, &c.Both lords and knights of hye renowneHe ment for to displace,And likewise all the towers and townesAnd cities for to race;So likewise Jones did much complaineOf his detested pride,And shewed how lewdly he did liveBefore the time he died.O praise, &c.Then Charnock was the next in placeTo taste of bitter death;And praying unto holy saints,He left his vitall breath.And in like maner Travers thenDid suffer in that place,And fearfully he left his life,With crossing brest and face.O praise, &c.Then Gage was stripped in his shirt,Who up the lather went,And sought for to excuse him selfeOf treasons falce intent.And Bellamie the last of allDid suffer death that daye;Unto which end God bring all suchAs wish our Queenes decay.O praise, &c.O faulce, and foule disloyall men,What person would supposeThat clothes of velvet and of silkeShould hide such mortall foes?Or who would think such hidden hateIn men so fair in sight,But that the Devill can turne him selfeInto an angell bright.O praise, &c.But soveraigne Queene, have thou no care,For God, which knoweth all,Will still maintaine thy royall state,And give thy foes a fall.And for thy Grace thy subjects allWill make their praiers still,That never traitor in this landMay have his wicked will.O praise, &c.Whose glorious daies in England heereThe mighty God maintaine,That long unto thy subjects joyeThy Grace may rule and raigne.And, Lord, we pray, for Christes sake,That all thy secret foesMay come to naught, which seeke thy lifeAnd Englands lasting woes.O praise the Lord with hart & minde, &c.
Rejoyce in hart, good people all,Sing praise to God on hye,Which hath preserved us by his powerFrom traitors tiranny;Which now have had their due desarts,In London lately seen;And Ballard was the first that died,For treason to our Queene.
Rejoyce in hart, good people all,
Sing praise to God on hye,
Which hath preserved us by his power
From traitors tiranny;
Which now have had their due desarts,
In London lately seen;
And Ballard was the first that died,
For treason to our Queene.
O praise the Lord with hart and minde,Sing praise with voices cleare;Seth traitorous crue, have had their dueTo quaile their partener’s cheere.
O praise the Lord with hart and minde,
Sing praise with voices cleare;
Seth traitorous crue, have had their due
To quaile their partener’s cheere.
Next Babington, that caitife vilde,Was hanged for his hier;His carcasse likewise quartered,And hart cast in the fier.Was ever seen such wicked troopesOf traytors in this land,Against the pretious woord of truthe,And their good Queene to stand?Oh praise, &c.
Next Babington, that caitife vilde,
Was hanged for his hier;
His carcasse likewise quartered,
And hart cast in the fier.
Was ever seen such wicked troopes
Of traytors in this land,
Against the pretious woord of truthe,
And their good Queene to stand?
Oh praise, &c.
But heer beholde the rage of Rome,The fruits of Popish plants;Beholde and see their wicked woorks,Which all good meaning wants:For Savage also did receaveLike death for his desert,Which in that wicked enterpriseShould then have doon his part.O praise, &c.
But heer beholde the rage of Rome,
The fruits of Popish plants;
Beholde and see their wicked woorks,
Which all good meaning wants:
For Savage also did receave
Like death for his desert,
Which in that wicked enterprise
Should then have doon his part.
O praise, &c.
O cursed catifes, void of grace,Will nothing serve your turne,But to behold your cuntries wrack,In malice while you burne?And Barnwell thou, which went to viewHer grace in each degree,And how her life might be dispatcht,Thy death we all did see.O praise, &c.
O cursed catifes, void of grace,
Will nothing serve your turne,
But to behold your cuntries wrack,
In malice while you burne?
And Barnwell thou, which went to view
Her grace in each degree,
And how her life might be dispatcht,
Thy death we all did see.
O praise, &c.
Confounding shame fall to their share,And hellish torments sting,That to the Lords annointed shallDevise so vile a thing.O Techburne, what bewitched theeTo have such hate in store,Against our good and gratious Queene,That thou must dye therefore?O praise, &c.
Confounding shame fall to their share,
And hellish torments sting,
That to the Lords annointed shall
Devise so vile a thing.
O Techburne, what bewitched thee
To have such hate in store,
Against our good and gratious Queene,
That thou must dye therefore?
O praise, &c.
What gaine for traitors can returne,If they their wish did win?Or what preferment should they get,By this their trecherous sinne?Though forraine power love treason well,The traitors they dispise,And they the first that should sustaineThe smart of their deviseO praise, &c.
What gaine for traitors can returne,
If they their wish did win?
Or what preferment should they get,
By this their trecherous sinne?
Though forraine power love treason well,
The traitors they dispise,
And they the first that should sustaine
The smart of their devise
O praise, &c.
What cause had Tilney, traitor stout,Or Abbington likewise,Against the Lords annointed thusSuch mischeef to devise?But that the Devill inticed themSuch wicked woorks to render;For which these seven did suffer death,The twentith of September.O praise, &c.
What cause had Tilney, traitor stout,
Or Abbington likewise,
Against the Lords annointed thus
Such mischeef to devise?
But that the Devill inticed them
Such wicked woorks to render;
For which these seven did suffer death,
The twentith of September.
O praise, &c.
Seven more the next day followingWere drawen from the Tower,Which were of their confederatesTo dye that instant hower:The first of them was Salsburie,And next to him was Dun,Who did complaine most earnestlyOf proud young Babington.O praise, &c.
Seven more the next day following
Were drawen from the Tower,
Which were of their confederates
To dye that instant hower:
The first of them was Salsburie,
And next to him was Dun,
Who did complaine most earnestly
Of proud young Babington.
O praise, &c.
Both lords and knights of hye renowneHe ment for to displace,And likewise all the towers and townesAnd cities for to race;So likewise Jones did much complaineOf his detested pride,And shewed how lewdly he did liveBefore the time he died.O praise, &c.
Both lords and knights of hye renowne
He ment for to displace,
And likewise all the towers and townes
And cities for to race;
So likewise Jones did much complaine
Of his detested pride,
And shewed how lewdly he did live
Before the time he died.
O praise, &c.
Then Charnock was the next in placeTo taste of bitter death;And praying unto holy saints,He left his vitall breath.And in like maner Travers thenDid suffer in that place,And fearfully he left his life,With crossing brest and face.O praise, &c.
Then Charnock was the next in place
To taste of bitter death;
And praying unto holy saints,
He left his vitall breath.
And in like maner Travers then
Did suffer in that place,
And fearfully he left his life,
With crossing brest and face.
O praise, &c.
Then Gage was stripped in his shirt,Who up the lather went,And sought for to excuse him selfeOf treasons falce intent.And Bellamie the last of allDid suffer death that daye;Unto which end God bring all suchAs wish our Queenes decay.O praise, &c.
Then Gage was stripped in his shirt,
Who up the lather went,
And sought for to excuse him selfe
Of treasons falce intent.
And Bellamie the last of all
Did suffer death that daye;
Unto which end God bring all such
As wish our Queenes decay.
O praise, &c.
O faulce, and foule disloyall men,What person would supposeThat clothes of velvet and of silkeShould hide such mortall foes?Or who would think such hidden hateIn men so fair in sight,But that the Devill can turne him selfeInto an angell bright.O praise, &c.
O faulce, and foule disloyall men,
What person would suppose
That clothes of velvet and of silke
Should hide such mortall foes?
Or who would think such hidden hate
In men so fair in sight,
But that the Devill can turne him selfe
Into an angell bright.
O praise, &c.
But soveraigne Queene, have thou no care,For God, which knoweth all,Will still maintaine thy royall state,And give thy foes a fall.And for thy Grace thy subjects allWill make their praiers still,That never traitor in this landMay have his wicked will.O praise, &c.
But soveraigne Queene, have thou no care,
For God, which knoweth all,
Will still maintaine thy royall state,
And give thy foes a fall.
And for thy Grace thy subjects all
Will make their praiers still,
That never traitor in this land
May have his wicked will.
O praise, &c.
Whose glorious daies in England heereThe mighty God maintaine,That long unto thy subjects joyeThy Grace may rule and raigne.And, Lord, we pray, for Christes sake,That all thy secret foesMay come to naught, which seeke thy lifeAnd Englands lasting woes.O praise the Lord with hart & minde, &c.
Whose glorious daies in England heere
The mighty God maintaine,
That long unto thy subjects joye
Thy Grace may rule and raigne.
And, Lord, we pray, for Christes sake,
That all thy secret foes
May come to naught, which seeke thy life
And Englands lasting woes.
O praise the Lord with hart & minde, &c.
The names of 7 Traitors which were executed on Tuesday, being the xx of September, 1586.John Ballard Preest.Anthony Babington.John Savage.Robert Barnwell.Chodicus Techburne.Charles Tilney.Edward Abbington.The names of the other vii which were executed on the next day after.Thomas Salsbury.Henry Dun.Edward Jhones.John Travers.John Charnock.Robert Gage.Harman Bellamy.Finis. T.D.
The names of 7 Traitors which were executed on Tuesday, being the xx of September, 1586.John Ballard Preest.Anthony Babington.John Savage.Robert Barnwell.Chodicus Techburne.Charles Tilney.Edward Abbington.
The names of 7 Traitors which were executed on Tuesday, being the xx of September, 1586.
John Ballard Preest.Anthony Babington.John Savage.Robert Barnwell.Chodicus Techburne.Charles Tilney.Edward Abbington.
The names of the other vii which were executed on the next day after.Thomas Salsbury.Henry Dun.Edward Jhones.John Travers.John Charnock.Robert Gage.Harman Bellamy.
The names of the other vii which were executed on the next day after.
Thomas Salsbury.Henry Dun.Edward Jhones.John Travers.John Charnock.Robert Gage.Harman Bellamy.
Finis. T.D.
[1]Old Ballads, Edited by J. Payne Collier, Esq., F.S.A.—The Percy Society.
[1]Old Ballads, Edited by J. Payne Collier, Esq., F.S.A.—The Percy Society.
Imprinted at London at the Long Shop adjoyning unto Saint Mildreds Churche in the Pultrie by Edward Allde.
A tract by Luke Hutton, of which there were two editions, the first without date, and the last in 1638, is very well known, and an account of it may be found in the Bridgewater Catalogue, (privately printed for Lord Francis Egerton) p. 149. Hence it appears also that Hutton was the author of an earlier production, called his “Repentance.” He seems to have been a highwayman and house-breaker, who, being condemned and pardoned, dedicated an affected piece of contrition to Lord Chief Justice Popham; and on subsequent liberation, returned to his old courses, and was hanged at York in 1598. Whether what follows, or indeed anything that goes under his name, were really written by him is very questionable.[1]
Luke Hutton’s Lamentation: which he wrote the day before his death, being condemned to be Hanged at Yorke this last Assises for his robberies and trespasses committed.
TO THE TUNE OF “WANDERING AND WAVERING.”
I am a poore prisoner condemned to dye,Ah woe is me, woe is me, for my great folly!Fast fettred in yrons in place where I lie.Be warned yong wantons, hemp passeth green holly.My parents were of good degree,By whom I would not counselled be.Lord Jesu forgive me, with mercy releeve me,Receive, O sweet Saviour, my spirit unto thee.My name is Hutton, yea Luke of bad life,Ah woe is me, woe is me, for my great folly!Which on the high way did rob man and wife,Be warned yong wantons, &c.Inticed by many a gracelesse mate,Whose counsel I repent too late.Lord, &c.Not twentie yeeres old, alas, was I,Ah woe is me, woe is me, &c.,When I begun this fellonie.Be warned yong wantons, &c.With me went still twelve yeomen tall,Which I did my twelve Apostles call.Lord, &c.There was no squire nor barron bold,Ah woe is me, woe is me, for my great folly!That rode the way with silver or gold,Be warned yong wantons, &c.But I and my twelve Apostles gaieWould lighten their load ere they went away.Lord, &c.This newes procured my kins-folkes griefe,Ah woe is me, woe is me!They hearing I was a famous theefe,Be warned yong wantons.They wept, they wailde, they wrong their hands,That thus I should hazard life and lands.Lord, &c.They made me a jaylor a little before,Ah woe, &c.To keep in prison offenders store;Be warned, &c.But such a jaylor was never none,I went and let them out everie one.Lord, &c.I wist their sorrow sore grieved me,Ah, woe is me, &c.Such proper men should hanged be,Be warned yong, &c.My office ther I did defie,And ran away for company.Lord, &c.Three yeeres I lived upon the spoile,Ah woe is me, &c.Giving many a carle the foile,Be warned yong, &c.Yet never did I kil man nor wife,Though lewdly long I led my life.Lord, &c.But all too bad my deedes hath been,Ah woe is me, &c.Offending my country and my good queene,Be warned yong, &c.All men in Yorke-shire talke of me;A stronger theefe there could not be.Lord, &c.Upon S. Lukes day was I borne,Ah woe, &c.Whom want of grace hath made a scorne,Be war, &c.In honor of my birth day then,I robd in a bravery nineteen men.Lord, &c.The country weary to beare this wronge,Ah woe is me, &c.With huse and cries pursude me long,Be war, &c.Though long I scapt, yet loe at last,London, I was in Newgate cast.Lord, &c.There did I lye with a grieved minde,Ah woe is me, &c.Although the keeper was gentle and kinde,Be warned yong, &c.Yet was he not so kinde as I,To let me be at libertie.Lord, &c.At last the shiriffe of Yorke-shire came,Ah woe is me, &c.And in a warrant he had my name.Be warned yong, &c.Said he at Yorke thou must be tride,With me therefore hence must thou ride.Lord, &c.Like pangues of death his words did sound:Ah woe is me, &c.My hands and armes full fast he bound.Be warned, &c.Good sir, quoth I, I had rather stay,I have no heart to ride that way.Lord, &c.When no entreaty might prevaile,Ah woe is me, &c.I calde for beere, for wine and ale;Be warned, &c.And when my heart was in wofull case,I drunke to my friends with a smiling face.Lord, &c.With clubs and staves I was garded then;Ah woe is me, &c.I never before had such waiting men;Be warned, &c.If they had ridden before amaine,Beshrew me if I had cald them againe.Lord, &c.And when into Yorke that I was come,Ah, &c.Each one on me did passe their doome;Be war, &c.And whilst you live this sentence note,Evill men can never have good report.Lord, &c.Before the judges when I was brought,Ah woe is me, &c.Be sure I had a carefull thought,Be, &c.Nine score inditements and seaventeeneAgainst me there was read and seene.Lord, &c.And each of these was fellony found,Ah woe is me, &c.Which did my heart with sorrow wound,Be, &c.What should I heerein longer stay,For this I was condemned that day.Lord, &c.My death each houre I do attend;Ah woe is me.In prayer and tears my time I spend:Be, &c.And all my loving friends this dayI do intreate for me to pray.Lord, &c.I have deserved long since to die:Ah woe, &c.A viler sinner livde not then I,Be, &c.On friends I hopte my life to save,But I am fittest for my grave.Lord, &c.Adue my loving friends, each one:Ah woe is me, woe is me, for my great folly!Thinke on my words when I am gone.Be warned yong wantons, &c.When on the ladder you shall me view,Thinke I am neerer heaven then you.Lord, &c.Finis. Hutton.
I am a poore prisoner condemned to dye,Ah woe is me, woe is me, for my great folly!Fast fettred in yrons in place where I lie.Be warned yong wantons, hemp passeth green holly.My parents were of good degree,By whom I would not counselled be.Lord Jesu forgive me, with mercy releeve me,Receive, O sweet Saviour, my spirit unto thee.My name is Hutton, yea Luke of bad life,Ah woe is me, woe is me, for my great folly!Which on the high way did rob man and wife,Be warned yong wantons, &c.Inticed by many a gracelesse mate,Whose counsel I repent too late.Lord, &c.Not twentie yeeres old, alas, was I,Ah woe is me, woe is me, &c.,When I begun this fellonie.Be warned yong wantons, &c.With me went still twelve yeomen tall,Which I did my twelve Apostles call.Lord, &c.There was no squire nor barron bold,Ah woe is me, woe is me, for my great folly!That rode the way with silver or gold,Be warned yong wantons, &c.But I and my twelve Apostles gaieWould lighten their load ere they went away.Lord, &c.This newes procured my kins-folkes griefe,Ah woe is me, woe is me!They hearing I was a famous theefe,Be warned yong wantons.They wept, they wailde, they wrong their hands,That thus I should hazard life and lands.Lord, &c.They made me a jaylor a little before,Ah woe, &c.To keep in prison offenders store;Be warned, &c.But such a jaylor was never none,I went and let them out everie one.Lord, &c.I wist their sorrow sore grieved me,Ah, woe is me, &c.Such proper men should hanged be,Be warned yong, &c.My office ther I did defie,And ran away for company.Lord, &c.Three yeeres I lived upon the spoile,Ah woe is me, &c.Giving many a carle the foile,Be warned yong, &c.Yet never did I kil man nor wife,Though lewdly long I led my life.Lord, &c.But all too bad my deedes hath been,Ah woe is me, &c.Offending my country and my good queene,Be warned yong, &c.All men in Yorke-shire talke of me;A stronger theefe there could not be.Lord, &c.Upon S. Lukes day was I borne,Ah woe, &c.Whom want of grace hath made a scorne,Be war, &c.In honor of my birth day then,I robd in a bravery nineteen men.Lord, &c.The country weary to beare this wronge,Ah woe is me, &c.With huse and cries pursude me long,Be war, &c.Though long I scapt, yet loe at last,London, I was in Newgate cast.Lord, &c.There did I lye with a grieved minde,Ah woe is me, &c.Although the keeper was gentle and kinde,Be warned yong, &c.Yet was he not so kinde as I,To let me be at libertie.Lord, &c.At last the shiriffe of Yorke-shire came,Ah woe is me, &c.And in a warrant he had my name.Be warned yong, &c.Said he at Yorke thou must be tride,With me therefore hence must thou ride.Lord, &c.Like pangues of death his words did sound:Ah woe is me, &c.My hands and armes full fast he bound.Be warned, &c.Good sir, quoth I, I had rather stay,I have no heart to ride that way.Lord, &c.When no entreaty might prevaile,Ah woe is me, &c.I calde for beere, for wine and ale;Be warned, &c.And when my heart was in wofull case,I drunke to my friends with a smiling face.Lord, &c.With clubs and staves I was garded then;Ah woe is me, &c.I never before had such waiting men;Be warned, &c.If they had ridden before amaine,Beshrew me if I had cald them againe.Lord, &c.And when into Yorke that I was come,Ah, &c.Each one on me did passe their doome;Be war, &c.And whilst you live this sentence note,Evill men can never have good report.Lord, &c.Before the judges when I was brought,Ah woe is me, &c.Be sure I had a carefull thought,Be, &c.Nine score inditements and seaventeeneAgainst me there was read and seene.Lord, &c.And each of these was fellony found,Ah woe is me, &c.Which did my heart with sorrow wound,Be, &c.What should I heerein longer stay,For this I was condemned that day.Lord, &c.My death each houre I do attend;Ah woe is me.In prayer and tears my time I spend:Be, &c.And all my loving friends this dayI do intreate for me to pray.Lord, &c.I have deserved long since to die:Ah woe, &c.A viler sinner livde not then I,Be, &c.On friends I hopte my life to save,But I am fittest for my grave.Lord, &c.Adue my loving friends, each one:Ah woe is me, woe is me, for my great folly!Thinke on my words when I am gone.Be warned yong wantons, &c.When on the ladder you shall me view,Thinke I am neerer heaven then you.Lord, &c.Finis. Hutton.
I am a poore prisoner condemned to dye,Ah woe is me, woe is me, for my great folly!Fast fettred in yrons in place where I lie.Be warned yong wantons, hemp passeth green holly.My parents were of good degree,By whom I would not counselled be.Lord Jesu forgive me, with mercy releeve me,Receive, O sweet Saviour, my spirit unto thee.
I am a poore prisoner condemned to dye,
Ah woe is me, woe is me, for my great folly!
Fast fettred in yrons in place where I lie.
Be warned yong wantons, hemp passeth green holly.
My parents were of good degree,
By whom I would not counselled be.
Lord Jesu forgive me, with mercy releeve me,
Receive, O sweet Saviour, my spirit unto thee.
My name is Hutton, yea Luke of bad life,Ah woe is me, woe is me, for my great folly!Which on the high way did rob man and wife,Be warned yong wantons, &c.Inticed by many a gracelesse mate,Whose counsel I repent too late.
My name is Hutton, yea Luke of bad life,
Ah woe is me, woe is me, for my great folly!
Which on the high way did rob man and wife,
Be warned yong wantons, &c.
Inticed by many a gracelesse mate,
Whose counsel I repent too late.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
Not twentie yeeres old, alas, was I,Ah woe is me, woe is me, &c.,When I begun this fellonie.Be warned yong wantons, &c.With me went still twelve yeomen tall,Which I did my twelve Apostles call.
Not twentie yeeres old, alas, was I,
Ah woe is me, woe is me, &c.,
When I begun this fellonie.
Be warned yong wantons, &c.
With me went still twelve yeomen tall,
Which I did my twelve Apostles call.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
There was no squire nor barron bold,Ah woe is me, woe is me, for my great folly!That rode the way with silver or gold,Be warned yong wantons, &c.But I and my twelve Apostles gaieWould lighten their load ere they went away.
There was no squire nor barron bold,
Ah woe is me, woe is me, for my great folly!
That rode the way with silver or gold,
Be warned yong wantons, &c.
But I and my twelve Apostles gaie
Would lighten their load ere they went away.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
This newes procured my kins-folkes griefe,Ah woe is me, woe is me!They hearing I was a famous theefe,Be warned yong wantons.They wept, they wailde, they wrong their hands,That thus I should hazard life and lands.
This newes procured my kins-folkes griefe,
Ah woe is me, woe is me!
They hearing I was a famous theefe,
Be warned yong wantons.
They wept, they wailde, they wrong their hands,
That thus I should hazard life and lands.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
They made me a jaylor a little before,Ah woe, &c.To keep in prison offenders store;Be warned, &c.But such a jaylor was never none,I went and let them out everie one.
They made me a jaylor a little before,
Ah woe, &c.
To keep in prison offenders store;
Be warned, &c.
But such a jaylor was never none,
I went and let them out everie one.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
I wist their sorrow sore grieved me,Ah, woe is me, &c.Such proper men should hanged be,Be warned yong, &c.My office ther I did defie,And ran away for company.
I wist their sorrow sore grieved me,
Ah, woe is me, &c.
Such proper men should hanged be,
Be warned yong, &c.
My office ther I did defie,
And ran away for company.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
Three yeeres I lived upon the spoile,Ah woe is me, &c.Giving many a carle the foile,Be warned yong, &c.Yet never did I kil man nor wife,Though lewdly long I led my life.
Three yeeres I lived upon the spoile,
Ah woe is me, &c.
Giving many a carle the foile,
Be warned yong, &c.
Yet never did I kil man nor wife,
Though lewdly long I led my life.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
But all too bad my deedes hath been,Ah woe is me, &c.Offending my country and my good queene,Be warned yong, &c.All men in Yorke-shire talke of me;A stronger theefe there could not be.
But all too bad my deedes hath been,
Ah woe is me, &c.
Offending my country and my good queene,
Be warned yong, &c.
All men in Yorke-shire talke of me;
A stronger theefe there could not be.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
Upon S. Lukes day was I borne,Ah woe, &c.Whom want of grace hath made a scorne,Be war, &c.In honor of my birth day then,I robd in a bravery nineteen men.
Upon S. Lukes day was I borne,
Ah woe, &c.
Whom want of grace hath made a scorne,
Be war, &c.
In honor of my birth day then,
I robd in a bravery nineteen men.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
The country weary to beare this wronge,Ah woe is me, &c.With huse and cries pursude me long,Be war, &c.Though long I scapt, yet loe at last,London, I was in Newgate cast.
The country weary to beare this wronge,
Ah woe is me, &c.
With huse and cries pursude me long,
Be war, &c.
Though long I scapt, yet loe at last,
London, I was in Newgate cast.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
There did I lye with a grieved minde,Ah woe is me, &c.Although the keeper was gentle and kinde,Be warned yong, &c.Yet was he not so kinde as I,To let me be at libertie.
There did I lye with a grieved minde,
Ah woe is me, &c.
Although the keeper was gentle and kinde,
Be warned yong, &c.
Yet was he not so kinde as I,
To let me be at libertie.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
At last the shiriffe of Yorke-shire came,Ah woe is me, &c.And in a warrant he had my name.Be warned yong, &c.Said he at Yorke thou must be tride,With me therefore hence must thou ride.
At last the shiriffe of Yorke-shire came,
Ah woe is me, &c.
And in a warrant he had my name.
Be warned yong, &c.
Said he at Yorke thou must be tride,
With me therefore hence must thou ride.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
Like pangues of death his words did sound:Ah woe is me, &c.My hands and armes full fast he bound.Be warned, &c.Good sir, quoth I, I had rather stay,I have no heart to ride that way.
Like pangues of death his words did sound:
Ah woe is me, &c.
My hands and armes full fast he bound.
Be warned, &c.
Good sir, quoth I, I had rather stay,
I have no heart to ride that way.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
When no entreaty might prevaile,Ah woe is me, &c.I calde for beere, for wine and ale;Be warned, &c.And when my heart was in wofull case,I drunke to my friends with a smiling face.
When no entreaty might prevaile,
Ah woe is me, &c.
I calde for beere, for wine and ale;
Be warned, &c.
And when my heart was in wofull case,
I drunke to my friends with a smiling face.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
With clubs and staves I was garded then;Ah woe is me, &c.I never before had such waiting men;Be warned, &c.If they had ridden before amaine,Beshrew me if I had cald them againe.
With clubs and staves I was garded then;
Ah woe is me, &c.
I never before had such waiting men;
Be warned, &c.
If they had ridden before amaine,
Beshrew me if I had cald them againe.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
And when into Yorke that I was come,Ah, &c.Each one on me did passe their doome;Be war, &c.And whilst you live this sentence note,Evill men can never have good report.
And when into Yorke that I was come,
Ah, &c.
Each one on me did passe their doome;
Be war, &c.
And whilst you live this sentence note,
Evill men can never have good report.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
Before the judges when I was brought,Ah woe is me, &c.Be sure I had a carefull thought,Be, &c.Nine score inditements and seaventeeneAgainst me there was read and seene.
Before the judges when I was brought,
Ah woe is me, &c.
Be sure I had a carefull thought,
Be, &c.
Nine score inditements and seaventeene
Against me there was read and seene.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
And each of these was fellony found,Ah woe is me, &c.Which did my heart with sorrow wound,Be, &c.What should I heerein longer stay,For this I was condemned that day.
And each of these was fellony found,
Ah woe is me, &c.
Which did my heart with sorrow wound,
Be, &c.
What should I heerein longer stay,
For this I was condemned that day.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
My death each houre I do attend;Ah woe is me.In prayer and tears my time I spend:Be, &c.And all my loving friends this dayI do intreate for me to pray.
My death each houre I do attend;
Ah woe is me.
In prayer and tears my time I spend:
Be, &c.
And all my loving friends this day
I do intreate for me to pray.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
I have deserved long since to die:Ah woe, &c.A viler sinner livde not then I,Be, &c.On friends I hopte my life to save,But I am fittest for my grave.
I have deserved long since to die:
Ah woe, &c.
A viler sinner livde not then I,
Be, &c.
On friends I hopte my life to save,
But I am fittest for my grave.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
Adue my loving friends, each one:Ah woe is me, woe is me, for my great folly!Thinke on my words when I am gone.Be warned yong wantons, &c.When on the ladder you shall me view,Thinke I am neerer heaven then you.
Adue my loving friends, each one:
Ah woe is me, woe is me, for my great folly!
Thinke on my words when I am gone.
Be warned yong wantons, &c.
When on the ladder you shall me view,
Thinke I am neerer heaven then you.
Lord, &c.
Lord, &c.
Finis. Hutton.
Printed at London for Thomas Millington. 1598.
[1]Old Ballads, Edited by J. Payne Collier, Esq., F.S.A.—The Percy Society.
[1]Old Ballads, Edited by J. Payne Collier, Esq., F.S.A.—The Percy Society.
On Thursday, the 30th of January, 1605, Sir Everard Digby, Robert Winter, John Grant, and Thomas Bates, were executed at the West End of St. Paul’s; and the next day, January 31, Thomas Winter, Ambrose Rookwood, Robert Keyes, and Guido Fawkes, were executed in the Old Palace Yard, over against the Parliament House, Westminster, Conspirators in the Powder Plot.
The prisoners, after their condemnation and judgment, being sent back to the Tower, remained there till the Thursday following, on which day four of them, viz., Sir Everard Digby, Robert Winter, John Grant, and Thomas Bates, were drawn upon sledges and hurdles to a scaffold erected at the western end of St. Paul’s churchyard. Great pains were taken in the city to render the spectacle of the execution as imposing as possible, Among other arrangements made in order to be prepared against any popular tumult, a precept issued from the Lord Mayor to the Alderman of each ward in the city, requiring him to “cause one able and sufficient person, with a halbard in his hand, to stand at the door of every several dwelling-house in the open street in the way that the traitors were to be drawn towards the place of execution; there to remain from seven in the morning until the return of the Sheriff.”
Now these four above-named being drawn to the scaffold, made on purpose for their execution, first went up Digby, a man of goodly personage, and a manly aspect; yet might a wary eye, in the change of his countenance, behold an inward fear of death, for his colour grew pale and his eye heavy; notwithstanding that he enforced himself to speak, as stoutly as he could. His speech was not long, and to little good purpose, only, that his belied conscience being but indeed a blinded conceit, had led him into this offence, which in respect of his religion, alias indeed idolatry, he held no offence, but, in respect of the law, he held an offence, for which he asked forgiveness of God, of the King, and the whole kingdom; and so, with vain and superstitious crossing of himself, betook him to his Latin prayers, mumbling to himself, refusing to have any prayers of any but of the Romish Catholics: went up the ladder, and with the help of the hangman, made an end of his wicked days in this world.
After him went Winter up the scaffold, where he used few words to any effect, without asking mercy of either God or the King for his offences; went up the ladder, and, making a few prayers to himself, staid not long for his execution.
After him went Grant, who abominably blinded with his horrible idolatry, though he confessed his offence to be heinous, yet would fain have excused it by his conscience for religion; a bloody religion, to make so bloody a conscience; but better that his blood, and all such as he was, should be shed by the justice of the law, than the blood of many thousands to have been shed by his villainy, without law or justice. Having used a few idle words to ill effect, he was, as his fellows before him, led to the halter; and so, after his crossing of himself, to the last part of his tragedy.
Last of them came Bates, who seemed sorry for his offence, and asked forgiveness of God and the King, and of the whole kingdom; prayed to God for the preservation of them all, and, as he said, only for his love to his master, drawn to forget his duty to God, his King, and country, and therefore was now drawn from the Tower to St. Paul’s churchyard, and there hanged and quartered for his treachery. Thus ended that day’s business.
The next day, being Friday, were drawn from the Tower to the old palace in Westminster, over against the Parliament House, Thomas Winter the younger brother, Ambrose Rookwood, Robert Keyes, and Guido Fawkes, the miner, justly called “the Devil of the Vault;” for had he not been a devil incarnate, he had never conceived so villainous a thought, nor been employed in so damnable an action. Winter first being brought to the scaffold made little speech, but seeming, after a sort, as it were, sorry for his offence, and yet crossing himself, as though those were words to put by the devil’s stoccadadoes, having already made a wound in his soul; of which he had not yet a full feeling, protesting to die a true Catholic, as he said; with a very pale and dead colour went up the ladder, and after a swing or two with a halter, to the quartering-block was drawn, and there quickly despatched.
Next him came Rookwood, who made a speech of some longer time, confessing his offence to God in seeking to shed blood, and asking therefore mercy of his Divine Majesty;—his offence to the King, of whose majesty he likewise humbly asked forgiveness, and his offence to the whole state, of whom in general he asked forgiveness; beseeching God to bless the King, the Queen, and all his royal progeny, and that they might long live to reign in peace and happiness over this kingdom. But last of all, to spoil all the pottage with one filthy weed, to mar this good prayer with an ill conclusion, he prayed God to make the King a Catholic, otherwise a Papist, which God for his mercy ever forbid; and so beseeching the King to be good to his wife and children, protesting to die in his idolatry, a Romish Catholic, he went up the ladder, and, hanging till he was almost dead, was drawn to the block, where he gave his last gasp.
After him came Keyes, who like a desperate villain, using little speech, with small or no show of repentance, went stoutly up the ladder, where, not staying the hangman’s turn, he turned himself off with such a leap, that with the swing he brake the halter, but, after his fall, was drawn to the block, and there was quickly divided into four parts.
Last of all came the great devil of all, Fawkes,aliasJohnson, who should have put fire to the powder. His body being weak with torture and sickness, he was scarce able to go up the ladder, but yet, with much ado, by the help of the hangman, went high enough to break his neck with the fall; who made no long speech, but after a sort, seeming to be sorry for his offence, asked a kind of forgiveness of the King and the state for his bloody intent; and with his crosses and idle ceremonies, made his end upon the gallows and the block, to the great joy of the beholders, that the land was ended of so wicked a villainy.
Upon Wednesday, the 28th of October,anno dom.1618, the Lieutenant of the Tower, according to a warrant to him directed, brought Sir Walter Raleigh from the Tower to the King’s Bench Bar at Westminster, where the record of his arraignment at Winchester was opened, and it was demanded why execution should not be done upon him according to law.
He began, in way of answer, to justify his proceedings in the late voyage.
But the Lord Chief Justice told him, That he was therein deceived, and that the opinion of the Court was to the contrary.
Master Attorney General, requiring in the King’s behalf, that execution might be done on the prisoner, according to the aforesaid judgment: the Sheriffs of Middlesex were commanded for that purpose to take him into their custody, who presently carried him to the Gatehouse.
From whence, the next morning, between the Sheriffs of Middlesex, Sir Walter Raleigh was brought to the old Palace Yard in Westminster, where a large scaffold was erected for the execution.
Whereupon, when he came, with a chearful countenance, he saluted the Lords, Knights, and gentlemen there present.
After which, a proclamation was made for silence, and he addressed himself to speak in this manner.
I desire to be borne withal, for this is the third day of my fever, and if I shall shew any weakness, I beseech you to attribute it to my malady, for this is the hour in which it is wont to come.
Then pausing a while, he sat, and directed himself towards a window, where the Lord of Arundel, Northampton, and Doncaster, with some other Lords and Knights, sate, and spake as followeth:
I thank God, of his infinite goodness, that he hath brought me to die in the light, and not in darkness; (But by reason that the place where the Lords, &c., sat, was some distance from the scaffold, that he perceived they could not well hear him, he said) I will strain my voice, for I would willingly have your honours hear me.
But my Lord of Arundel said, nay, we will rather come down to the scaffold, which he and some others did.
Where being come, he saluted them severally, and then began again to speak as followeth,viz.
As I said, I thank God heartily, that he hath brought me into the light to die, and that he hath not suffer’d me to die in the dark prison of misery and cruel sickness; and I thank God that my fever hath not taken me at this time, as I prayed to God it might not.
Then a proclamation being made, that all men should depart the scaffold, he prepared himself for death: giving away his hat, his cap, with some money, to such as he knew that stood near him.
And then putting off his doublet and gown, he desired the Headsman to shew him the Ax; which not being suddenly granted unto him, he said, I prithee let me see it, dost thou think that I am afraid of it? so it being given unto him, he felt along upon the edge of it, and smiling, spake unto Mr. Sheriff, saying, this is a sharp medicine, but it is a physician that will cure all diseases.
Then going to and fro upon the scaffold one very side, he intreated the company to pray to God to give him strength.
Then having ended his speech, the Executioner kneeled down and asked him forgiveness, which laying his hand upon his shoulder he gave him.
Then being asked which way he would lay himself on the block, he made answer, and said, so the heart be straight, it is no matter which way the head lieth; so laying his head on the block, his face being towards the east, the Headsman throwing down his own cloak, because he would not spoil the prisoner’s gown, he giving the Headsman a a sign when he should strike, by lifting up his hands, the Executioner struck off his head at two blows, his body never shrinking nor moving; his head was shewed on each side of the scaffold, and then put into a red leather bag, and his wrought velvet gown thrown over it, which was afterwards conveyed away in a mourning coach of his lady’s.
The Sheriffs of London and Middlesex, about nine o’clock in the morning, coming to Newgate, and demanding their prisoner, he was forthwith delivered to them, and put into a sledge, and drawn to the place of execution, attended by a numerous guard, and as great a number of spectators, of all degrees and qualities, as have been seen on such occasions. Tho’ he affected an air of courage, yet something of sullenness and reserve appeared in his countenance.
He employed the time he was drawing to Tyburn in readingThe Whole Duty of Man, till he came within sight of the gallows, and then he laid it by, and with lifted up hands and eyes, addressed himself to Heaven, till he came beneath the tree, where he remained about a quarter of an hour in the sledge; before he ascended the cart that stood ready for him, he desired the Sheriff to admit Dr. Tenison to come to him; and having delivered a paper to the Sheriff, the Doctor kneeled down with the prisoner, and prayed with him about a quarter of an hour, during all which time the prisoner preserved a becoming and heroick countenance, little daunted with the terror of that fate he was in view of; but rising from his devotions, he pulled off his cravat and hat, which he gave to his servant who attended him, and had followed him by the sledge-side, when kneeling down himself, he prayed for a short time with fervency and devotion, begging pardon of his God for those manifold and crying sins he had been too often guilty of, and concluded with a resignation of himself to the God of heaven and earth, before whose judgment seat he was forthwith to appear, desiring that the whole world would forgive him, with whom he hoped to die in peace and charity. Having thus ended these devotions, he again stood up, and putting off his periwig, he had a white cap delivered to him, which he put on; and being soon ty’d up, the chief of his discourse was addressed to a gentleman who stood by him; and after a short space, holding up his hands, he again renewed his prayers; his visage little changing all the the time, till the very moment the cart drew away; the Executioner having pulled the cap over his eyes, he continued his prayers all the time, and even whilst he hung, as long as life was in him, and he had the command of his lips; after he had hung about half an hour, and the Executioner had divested him of his apparel, he was cut down according to his sentence, his privy members burnt, his head cut off, and shew’d to the people as that of a traitor, his heart and bowels taken out and committed to the flames, and his body quartered into four parts, which, with his head, was convey’d back to Newgate, to be dispos’d of according to his Majesty’s pleasure.
William Nevison, the great robber of the north, was born at Pomfret in Yorkshire, 1639, and his parents being in good circumstances, conferred upon him a decent education. But he was badly disposed, and commenced his depredations by stealing cash to the amount of £10 from his own father, then, taking a saddle and bridle, hastened to the paddock and stole his schoolmaster’s horse, and rode with all speed towards London. About a mile or two from the capital he cut the throat of the poor horse, for fear of detection. Arrived in London he changed his name and clothes, and commenced his wild career which at length brought him to an untimely end.
In all his exploits, Nevison was tender to the fair sex, and bountiful to the poor. He was also a true loyalist, and never levied any contributions upon the Royalists. His life was once spared by the royal clemency. He then returned home, and remained with his father until the day of his death. But soon after returned to his former courses, his name became the terror of every traveller on the road. He levied a quarterly tribute on all the northern drovers, and in return not only spared them himself, but protected them against all other thieves, and the carriers who frequented the road willingly agreed to leave certain sums at such places as he appointed, to prevent their being stripped of them all.
After committing a robbery in London, about sunrise, he rode his mare to York in the course of the day, and appeared upon the bowling green of that city before sunset. From this latter circumstance, when brought to trial for the offence, he established analibito the satisfaction of the jury, though he was in reality guilty. At length his crimes became so notorious, that a reward was offered to any that would apprehend him. This made many waylay him, especially two brothers named Fletcher, one of whom Nevison shot dead. But though he escaped for a time, he was afterwards apprehended in a public-house at Sandal-three-houses, near Wakefield, by Captain Milton, sent to York gaol, where on the 15th of March, 1685, he was tried, condemned, and executed, aged forty-five.
Did you ever hear tell of that hero,Bold Nevison that was his name?He rode about like a bold hero,And with that he gained great fame.He maintained himself like a gentleman,Besides he was good to the poor;He rode about like a bold hero,And he gain’d himself favour therefore.Oh the Twenty-first day of last month,Proved an unfortunate day;Captain Milton was riding to London,And by mischance he rode out of his way.He call’d at Sandal-Houses by the road-side,The one known by the sign of the Magpie,There Nevison he sat a drinking,And the Captain soon he did spy.Then the captain did very soon send for,And a constable very soon came;With three or four men in attendance,With pistols charged in the King’s name.They demanded the name of this hero,“My name it is Jobsons,” said he,When the captain laid hold by his shoulder,Saying, “Will Nevisonthou goeth with me.”Oh! then in this very same speech,They hastened him fast away,To a place called Swannington bridge,A place where he used to stay.They call’d for a tankard of good liquor,It was the sign of the Black Horse,Where there was all sorts of attendance,But for Nevison it was the worst.He call’d for a pen, ink, and paper,And these were the words that he said:“I’ll write for some boots, shoes, and stockings,For of them I have very much need.”’Tis now before my lord judge,Oh! guilty or not do you plead;He smiled unto the judge and jury,And these were the words that he said.“I never robb’d a gentleman of twopence,But what I gave half to be blest,But guilty I’ve been all my life time,So gentleman do as you list.“It’s when that I rode on the highway,I’ve always had money in great store,And whatever I took from the rich,I freely gave to the poor.“But my peace I have made with my Maker,And to be with Him I’ready to draw;So here’s adieu! to this world and its vanities,For I’m ready to suffer the law.”
Did you ever hear tell of that hero,Bold Nevison that was his name?He rode about like a bold hero,And with that he gained great fame.He maintained himself like a gentleman,Besides he was good to the poor;He rode about like a bold hero,And he gain’d himself favour therefore.Oh the Twenty-first day of last month,Proved an unfortunate day;Captain Milton was riding to London,And by mischance he rode out of his way.He call’d at Sandal-Houses by the road-side,The one known by the sign of the Magpie,There Nevison he sat a drinking,And the Captain soon he did spy.Then the captain did very soon send for,And a constable very soon came;With three or four men in attendance,With pistols charged in the King’s name.They demanded the name of this hero,“My name it is Jobsons,” said he,When the captain laid hold by his shoulder,Saying, “Will Nevisonthou goeth with me.”Oh! then in this very same speech,They hastened him fast away,To a place called Swannington bridge,A place where he used to stay.They call’d for a tankard of good liquor,It was the sign of the Black Horse,Where there was all sorts of attendance,But for Nevison it was the worst.He call’d for a pen, ink, and paper,And these were the words that he said:“I’ll write for some boots, shoes, and stockings,For of them I have very much need.”’Tis now before my lord judge,Oh! guilty or not do you plead;He smiled unto the judge and jury,And these were the words that he said.“I never robb’d a gentleman of twopence,But what I gave half to be blest,But guilty I’ve been all my life time,So gentleman do as you list.“It’s when that I rode on the highway,I’ve always had money in great store,And whatever I took from the rich,I freely gave to the poor.“But my peace I have made with my Maker,And to be with Him I’ready to draw;So here’s adieu! to this world and its vanities,For I’m ready to suffer the law.”
Did you ever hear tell of that hero,Bold Nevison that was his name?He rode about like a bold hero,And with that he gained great fame.
Did you ever hear tell of that hero,
Bold Nevison that was his name?
He rode about like a bold hero,
And with that he gained great fame.
He maintained himself like a gentleman,Besides he was good to the poor;He rode about like a bold hero,And he gain’d himself favour therefore.
He maintained himself like a gentleman,
Besides he was good to the poor;
He rode about like a bold hero,
And he gain’d himself favour therefore.
Oh the Twenty-first day of last month,Proved an unfortunate day;Captain Milton was riding to London,And by mischance he rode out of his way.
Oh the Twenty-first day of last month,
Proved an unfortunate day;
Captain Milton was riding to London,
And by mischance he rode out of his way.
He call’d at Sandal-Houses by the road-side,The one known by the sign of the Magpie,There Nevison he sat a drinking,And the Captain soon he did spy.
He call’d at Sandal-Houses by the road-side,
The one known by the sign of the Magpie,
There Nevison he sat a drinking,
And the Captain soon he did spy.
Then the captain did very soon send for,And a constable very soon came;With three or four men in attendance,With pistols charged in the King’s name.
Then the captain did very soon send for,
And a constable very soon came;
With three or four men in attendance,
With pistols charged in the King’s name.
They demanded the name of this hero,“My name it is Jobsons,” said he,When the captain laid hold by his shoulder,Saying, “Will Nevisonthou goeth with me.”
They demanded the name of this hero,
“My name it is Jobsons,” said he,
When the captain laid hold by his shoulder,
Saying, “Will Nevisonthou goeth with me.”
Oh! then in this very same speech,They hastened him fast away,To a place called Swannington bridge,A place where he used to stay.
Oh! then in this very same speech,
They hastened him fast away,
To a place called Swannington bridge,
A place where he used to stay.
They call’d for a tankard of good liquor,It was the sign of the Black Horse,Where there was all sorts of attendance,But for Nevison it was the worst.
They call’d for a tankard of good liquor,
It was the sign of the Black Horse,
Where there was all sorts of attendance,
But for Nevison it was the worst.
He call’d for a pen, ink, and paper,And these were the words that he said:“I’ll write for some boots, shoes, and stockings,For of them I have very much need.”
He call’d for a pen, ink, and paper,
And these were the words that he said:
“I’ll write for some boots, shoes, and stockings,
For of them I have very much need.”
’Tis now before my lord judge,Oh! guilty or not do you plead;He smiled unto the judge and jury,And these were the words that he said.
’Tis now before my lord judge,
Oh! guilty or not do you plead;
He smiled unto the judge and jury,
And these were the words that he said.
“I never robb’d a gentleman of twopence,But what I gave half to be blest,But guilty I’ve been all my life time,So gentleman do as you list.
“I never robb’d a gentleman of twopence,
But what I gave half to be blest,
But guilty I’ve been all my life time,
So gentleman do as you list.
“It’s when that I rode on the highway,I’ve always had money in great store,And whatever I took from the rich,I freely gave to the poor.
“It’s when that I rode on the highway,
I’ve always had money in great store,
And whatever I took from the rich,
I freely gave to the poor.
“But my peace I have made with my Maker,And to be with Him I’ready to draw;So here’s adieu! to this world and its vanities,For I’m ready to suffer the law.”
“But my peace I have made with my Maker,
And to be with Him I’ready to draw;
So here’s adieu! to this world and its vanities,
For I’m ready to suffer the law.”
James Lowry was put to the bar and arraigned on an indictment which set forth that he, James Lowry, late commander of the merchant shipMolly, did, on the 24th day of December, in the 24th year of the reign of his present Majesty, on board the said shipMolly, in latitude 49 degrees, 50 minutes, cruelly and violently assault, strike, and beat Kenith Hossick, a mariner, on board the said ship, with a rope the thickness of one inch and a half, over the back, loins, shoulders, head, face, and temples; of which beatings, wounds, and bruises he instantly died. To which indictment the prisoner pleaded not guilty, and put himself upon his country for his trial. To prove which several witnesses were called. After which the prisoner was informed that now was his time to make his defence.
The prisoner then said he had no witnesses as to the fact, but that he thought the log-book would sufficiently support what he had said in his defence, as that the witnesses who had been produced against him had sworn with halters about their necks, in order to screen themselves from their wicked acts of mutiny and piracy, well knowing that if he escaped they must be hanged. And then called several persons to his character; who gave him that of a quiet, humane, good-natured man.
The witnesses being all examined, the judge very impartially summed up the evidence, and gave a most excellent and learned charge to the jury, who withdrew, and in about half an hour returned with a verdict, finding the prisoner “Guilty,” DEATH.
On the 19th began the sessions of goal delivery at the same place, and continued till Wednesday, when the following malefactors received sentence of death: James Hays, Richard Broughton, and James Davis, for street robbery; John Powney, for house-breaking; Bernard Angua, Thomas Fox, and Thomas Gale, for forging a note of twenty-four guineas; Ann Lewis, for forging a seaman’s power of attorney; Antonio de Rosa, for the murder of Mr. Fargues, at Hoxton; Joseph Gerardino, for the murder of Christopher Alboni; Thomas Huddle, for returning from transportation; John Andrews, for forgery; and Ann Wilson, for the murder of Ann Ellard.
On the 25th Capt. Lowry was executed at Execution Dock, pursuant to his sentence in the High Court of Admiralty, upon which occasion was the greatest concourse of spectators that ever was known; and though some of the meanest of the populace were ignorant and impudent enough to insult him as he was carried through the streets in a cart, he behaved with great temper, composure of countenance, and with a manly as well as Christian courage. He declared himself innocent of any intention of murder: said that he had just reason to punish the person for whose death he was to suffer; and that he gave no more than five or six stripes at the most, with the end of a rope; and that he believed his death was occasioned by drinking excessively of rum just before he ordered him to be tied up. On the place from whence he was turned off, he asked the officer in waiting, “If he had not a reprieve for him?” and said he forgave his enemies. His body was carried directly down the water and hung upon a gibbet in the gallions below Woolwich, on the river Thames.
Who were found guilty at Chelmsford Assizes for the murder of Mr. Joseph Jeffryes, at Walthamstow, in Essex, on the 3rd of July, 1752.
On Tuesday, March 10th, 1752, at the Assizes at Chelmsford, a bill of indictment was found by the Grand Jury for petit treason, against John Swan, for the cruel and wicked murder of his late master, Mr Joseph Jeffryes, of Walthamstow, in the county of Essex, and against Elizabeth Jeffryes, spinster, niece of the deceased, for being, aiding, helping, abetting, assisting, comforting, and maintaining him, the said John Swan, to commit the said murder.—GUILTY DEATH.
On Thursday, the day after her conviction, Miss Jeffryes made a confession, That what Mathews had swore was true, except that part of his being in the house at the time the pistol went off: And that she had had this murder in her thoughts for two years past, but never had a proper opportunity of getting it executed before, till she engaged Swan, and together with Swan, she offered Mathews money to execute it, who agreed to do it; that upon the night the murder was committed, it was agreed between Swan and her, that they should both go up to their chambers, as if they were going to bed, and as soon as the maid had locked her door, and was supposed to be in bed, Miss Jeffryes came out of her own room and went to Swan’s, and said, “Holloh! are you awake?” he answered, “Yes,” and he was not undressed; then she went into her uncle’s room to see if he was asleep, and took a silver tankard, a silver cup, and some silver spoons, from off a chest of drawers in the deceased’s room; then she and Swan went down stairs, and Swan took out a new sack from under the stairs, and she and Swan put the plate, and some pewter and brass which they took off the shelves in the kitchen, into the sack, till she said, I can do no more. Swan and she then drank each a large dram of brandy; then she went upstairs into her own chamber, where it was agreed she should undress herself, and lie till a signal was given by a knock at her door or wainscot, that her uncle was murder’d, then she was to open her window, and cry out, “Diaper! fire and thieves,” to alarm the neighbourhood. She farther says, she accidentally fell asleep as soon almost as in bed; but on a sudden was waked by some noise in a fright, when she laid and listen’d, and heard a violent breathing or gasping, as if somebody was under a difficulty in drawing their breath; then she concluded her uncle was murder’d; and then open’d her window, and made the agreed alarm; directly after which she came down stairs, and Swan let her out of the street door in her shift, when she ran to Mrs Diaper’s door, in the same court-yard; Swan then shut the street-door, and as soon as he heard the neighbours were coming, and thought a sufficient alarm was made, he opened the street-door again in his shirt, and run out as if he was just come out of bed in a fright. She further says, that previous to the excuting this diabolical design, they had taken care to cut the wire of the bell on tke outside, which went from the master’s to the maid’s room, to prevent his calling the maid.
Swan says that he did not do the murder, but that Mathews, who came in at the garden gate, which Swan left open for that purpose, actually did, with one of the deceased’s pistols, which was hanging up in the kitchen; and Swan cut a bullet, which he took out of a draw in the kitchen to make it fit the pistol. And he is implacable against Miss Jeffryes for having made any confession of this melancholy and wicked affair.
On Saturday, March 14th, they received sentence of death; and while the judge was making a moving and pathetic speech before the sentence, Miss Jeffryes fainted away several times, and at last recovered herself, pray’d for as long a time as possible to prepare herself for a future state.
On the 28th, Swan and Jeffryes were executed on Epping-Forest, near the six milestone in the parish of Walthamstow. Swan was drawn on a sledge, and Miss Jeffryes in a cart, in the midst of the greatest concourse of people of all ranks and conditions, in coaches, &c., on horseback and a-foot, that ever had been seen in the memory of man. At the place of execution Swan was put into the same cart with Miss Jeffryes, She acknowledged to a gentleman, one of the jury, there present, “That her sentence was just.” But, being asked whether Mathews was in the house at the time the murder was committed, she said, “She believed he was not.” She also added that she died in charity with all the world. Swan also confessed to the same gentleman, “That he committed the murder.” And that he believed Mathews was not in the house at the time of the committing the murder, but that he had been there just before. It was observed that these criminals did not so much as speak, touch, or look at one another, during the whole time they were in the cart. Miss Jeffryes fainted when the halter was tied up; and again when placed on a chair (she being short) for the better conveniency of drawing away the cart. Miss Jeffrye’s body was carried away in a hearse to be interred. Swan’s body was immediately after cut down, and hung in chains on the same gibbet.