The Executioner…
Three more were executed, as the former, for stealing of a woman from Firando, and selling her at Langasacque long since, two of them were Bretheren, and the other a sharer with them.
When anie are to be executed, they are ledd forth of the towne in this manner: There goeth first one with a Pick ax, next followeth another with a shovell for to make his grave, the thirde man beareth a smale Table, wherein as written the parties offence, which Table is afterwards sett vpp a Poste, on the Grave where hee is buried. The fowrth is the partie to be executed, his handes bounde behinde him with a silken coarde, having a little banner of paper (much resemblinge our winde vanes) whereon is likewise written his offence. The Executioner followeth next, with his Cattan by his side, houlding in his handes the Corde, wherewith the offender is bounde. On either side of the executioner goeth a souldior, with his Pike, the heade thereof restinge on the shoulder of the partie appointed to suffer, to scare him from attemptinge to escape. In this verie manner I sawe one ledd to execution whoe went soe resolutelie, and without all appearaunce of feare of Death, that I could not but much admire him, never havinge seene the like in Christendome. The offence for which hee suffred, was for stealing of a bagge of Rice of the value of ii shillings vi pence from his neighboure, whose howse was then on fier. (pp. 164 – 165)
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