Page:Roman Catholic cruelties.pdf/20

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of his execution, by the Cardinal's order; then with a rope about his neck, and a chain about his middle, he was fastened to the stake, and having earnestly prayed, and exhorted the people, and forgiven his enemies and persecutors, he said thus: I beseech you, brethren, exhort your prelates to learn the Word of God, that they may be ashamed to do evil, and learn to do good, or else there shall come upon them the wrath of God, which they shall not eschew. Then the hangman upon his knees said, Sir, I pray forgive me, for I am not the cause of your death. Mr. Wishart called him to him, and kissing his cheek, said, Lo, here is a token that I forgive thee, my heart do thine office; and so he was tied to the stake, and the fire kindled.

The captain of the castle came to him and bid him be of good courage; to whom Mr. Wishart said, This fire torrents my body, but no whit abates my spirits; then looking towards the Cardinal, he said, He who in such state, from that high place, feeds his eyes with my torments, within few days shall be hanged out at the same window, with as much shame and ignominy as he there leans with pride: then his breath being stopt with the flames he gave up the ghost.

This prophecy was fulfilled in a short time after; for the people being generally discontented at the cruelty used against Mr. Wishart, several person's conspired against him, and killed him in the castle, and the provost raising the town, came to the castle gates, crying, What have you done with my Lord Cardinal? Where is he? To whom they answered from within, Return to your houses, for he hath received his reward, and will