¶ A brief and true report, of the Execution of certain Traitors at Tyburn, the xxviii. and thirty. days of may. 1582. Gathered by A. M. who was there present.  
Honos alit Artes.  
¶ The names of them executed on Monday, the xxviii. of may. 

Thomas Ford.  
john Shirt.  
Robert johnson.    
¶ The names of them executed on Wednesday, the thirty. of may. 

William Filbie.  
Luke Kirbie.  
Lawrance Richardson.  
Thomas Cottom.    
¶ Imprinted at London for William Wright, and are to be sold at his shop, adjoining unto S. Mildred's Church in the Poultry, the middle shop in the row. 1582.   

To the godly and worshipful, Master Richard Martin, Sheriff, and one of the worshipful Aldermen of this City of London. A. M. wisheth all earthly happiness and after this life a place among the chosen in the celestial Paradise.  
WHen I had gathered together (worshipful Sir) this little pamphlet, reporting the end of certain lewd and disloyal Traitors, who under the habit of hurtless Sheep, sought in the church of God, to play the part of ravening Wolves: and that I myself having spent some time in Room and other places, among them, where through I grew into such acquaintance with their traitorous intents and dispositions, as before some of their faces I stood as witness against them, to their reproof. I thought good to present the same to your worship; for that yourself hath been an eye witness, how I was there challenged, and how through the grace of God, and the truth of so good a cause as I dealt in, I defended myself To avoid therefore the speeches of people, who now a days will judge lightly, and condemn quickly, because I was there called forth, somewhat in words touched, and yet I thank God nothing disproved: I esteemed it a point of wisdom, to lay their obstinate ends open to the view of all, not sparing myself in the words that were used against me, which will cause the godly and virtuous to account them as they were, and me as I am. This briefly compacted together, I present to your worships perusing, as my defence against slanderous tongues, in that I have reported nothing therein, but the mere truth. Thus desiring God to bless your worship with all yours: in all humility I remain.  
Yours to command, A. Monday.   

The Execution at Tyburn, on Monday being the twenty and eight of May. 1582.  
ON Monday, being the twenty and eight of May, Thomas Ford, john shirt, and Robart johnsonne Priests, having been before indicted, arraigned, and as well by their own testimony, as also sufficient witnesses produced to their faces, found guilty, and condemned for high treason: intended, practised, and appointed, against her majesties most royal person, as also for the utter ruin, overthrow and subversion, of her peaceable and well governed Realm, themselves being sent as instruments, to deal for and in the behalf of the Pope, in this disloyal and traitorous cause. According as justice had before determined were drawn upon hurdles from the Tower of London, to the place appointed for Execution. (Hsuing been so long time spared by her majesties most royal and princely regard of mercy: to try if either the fear of God, would take place in them, consideration and respect of their own duties move them, or the mere love, and accustomed clemency of her Majesty might win them, to acknowledge her to be their lawful Sovereign, and themselves her Subjects bound to serve her, notwithstanding, any pretence or authority to the contrary,) and not fo● Matter of their Popish superstition. All this notwithstanding, they remained given over to their own wickedness, and swallowed up in the gulf of their undutiful affection, which causeth justice to stop before Mercy, committing them to the reward of their lewd and unnatural dealing. All the way as they were drawn, they were accompanied with divers zealous and godly men, who in mild and loving speehes, made known unto them, how justly God repayeth the reprobate, how fatherly again, he receiveth the obedient, how he overthroweth the ungodly in their own devices, and protecteth his chosen in all storms and afflictions: in remembrance of all these, to bethink themselves of their wickedness passed, and to show such hearty and zealous repentance for the same, that all be it, they had so grievously trespassed, yet in contrite and humble sorrowing they might be graciously received into his heavenly favour, whom they had moved and stirred by their unreverent regard, to smite and chasten with the rod of his fury. Among which godly persuasions, Master Sheriff himself, both learnedly and earnestly laboured unto them, moving all good occasions he might devise, to change the obstinacy be perceived in them, into a Christian, like humility and repentance, but these good endeavours took no wished effect, their own evil disposition so blinded them, that there was no way for grace to enter.  
When they were come beyond S. Giles in the field, there approached unto the Hurdell, one of their own sect, and a Priest, as himself hath confessed, who in this manner spoke unto the prisoners. O gentlemen▪ be joyful in the blood of jesus Christ, for this is the day of your triumpth & joy. Being asked why he used such words, he said unto the prisoners again, I pronounce a pardon unto you, yea, I pronounce a full remission and pardon unto your souls. Using these and other traitorous speeches, hold was laid on him. When as M. Sheriff demanded what he was? he answered, he was the voice of a crier in the wilderness, and that he was sent to prepare the Lords way. And notwithstanding such means of resis●taunce as himself used, he was delivered unto M. Thomas Norris Purswaunte, who brought him unto Newgate, where he confessed unto him that he was a Priest, and that he had so long dissembled, as he would now leave off and do so no more.  
Being come to the place of Execution, Thomas Ford, was first brought up into the cart, when as he began in this manner. Whereas I am come hither to die, for matters laid unto my charge of treason, which should be conspired against the Queen, within these two years or somewhat more. I give you to understand, that of any such matter I am innocent and free, for that I can prove my coming into England to be five yeerss since. Where upon Master Sheriff spoke unto him and said, Ford, have mind on God, ask him and her Majesty heartily forgiveness, whom thou hast so highly offended, thou dost but delude the people, for it is manifestly known, how thou art guilty of the matters laid to thy charge, here is thine own answers to show, affirmed under thine own hand, and other witnesses to reprove thee. Where upon I myself was called forth, who justified the causes to his face, that at his arraignment was laid to his charge, and he evidently and plainly found guilty thereof. Then were his answers whereto he had subscribed read unto him, which is in the book lately set forth by authority, where upon he took occasion to tell a long sircumstaunce, of a certain question moved at Oxenford, as concerning, taking arms against her Majesty, which horrible treason he seemed to approve thereby. Then Master Sheriff willed him to ask her Majesty forgiveness, offering him to stand his friend in attaining her grace's mercy, if he would change his former traitorous mind to become a true and faithful Subject, acknowledging her to be his lawful sovereign Lady, notwithstanding any thing that any Pope could say or do to the contrary. Whereto be answered, I have not offended her Majesty, but if I have I ask her forgiveness & all the world, & in no other treason have I offended then my religion, which is the Catholic faith, wherein I will live and die. And as for the queens Majesty, I do acknowledge her supremacy in all things temporal, but as concerning Ecclesiastical causes I deny her, that only belongeth to the vicar of Christ, the Pope. In brief, he granted to nothing, but showed himself an impious and obstinate Traitor, and so he remained to the death, refusing to pray in the English tongue, mumbling a few Latin prayers, desiring those that were Ex domo Dei, to pray with him, and so he ended his life.  
In the mean time that he hanged, which was till he was dead, so great is the mercy of our gracious Princess. john shirt was brought from off the Hurdell to the gallows, where seeing Ford hanging. He begun with holding up his hands, as the Papists are wont to do before their Images. O sweet Tom, O happy Tom, O blessed Tom. Then being stayed, Ford was cut down, and carried to the place where his body should be quartered. In which time shirt was brought up into the Cart, where looking toward the dead body of Ford, he fell down on his knees, and held up his hands to it, (saying again.) O happy Tom, O blessed Tom, thy sweet soul pray for me. O dear Tom, thy blessed soul pray for me. For which words being rebuked, the Executioner lifted him up on feet, when as he prepared him to his confession, (saying) I am brought hither to this place, to die a death, which is both shameful, and ignominious, for which I thanks thee my Lord God, who framing me to thine own similitude & likeness, hath blessed me to this good end. There being stayed, because he seemed to prolong the time to small purpose, the Sheriff willed him to remember himself, for what cause he was come thither: how he had offended the queens Majesty, and that he was now to ask her forgiveness, Beside he might receive her princely mercy: whereto with an Hypocritical outward boldness, but an inward fainting fear, (as afterward every one plainly beheld,) he gave this answer. What Master Sheriff, shall I save this frail and vile carcase, & damn mine own soul? No, no, I am a Catholic, in that faith I was borne, in that faith will I die, and here shall my ● bood seal it. Then Master Sheriff spoke unto him (saying) by the way as we came, you swore an oath, for which you willed me to bear witness that you were heartily sorry. Now I pray you let me be a witness, that you are as heartily sorry for offending the queens Majesty. Why Sir (quoth he) I have not offended her, without it be in my Religion, and if I have offended her, than I ask her forgiveness. Master Sheriff upon this said unto him: is this the fruits of your Religion, to knéels to the dead body of thy fellow, and to desire his soul to pray for thee. Alas, what can it either profit thee, or hinder thee? pray thou to God and he will help thee. Master Sheriff, (quoth shirt,) this is the true Catholic Religion, and whosoever is not of it, is dampened. I desire his soul to pray for me, the most glorious Virgin Marie to pray for me, and all the holy company of Heaven to pray for me. At which words the people cried, away with the traitor, hang him, hang him. O 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Master Sheriff) forsake the whore of Room 〈◊〉 wicked antichrist, with all his abominable 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 and put thy whole 〈…〉 Christ: whereto he answered. O 〈…〉 little remember the day, when as you & I shall 〈◊〉 both at one bar, & I come as witness against you, that you 〈◊〉 that holy and blessed Uiccar of Christ, the whore of Rome, at which words the people cried again: hang him, hang him, away with him. Then he began his Pater noster in Latin, and before he had fully ended two petitions of it, he fell into the Latin Creed, and then to the Pater noster again, afterward he said the ave Maria: which done, knocking himself on the breast, saying jesus, esto mihi jesus, the Cart was drawn away, and he committed to the Mercy of God. But then to manifest that his former boldness, was but mere dissembling, and hypocrisy: he lifted up his hands, and caught hold on the Halter, so that every one perceived his fair outward show, and his fowl inward disfigured nature, also how loath he was and unwilling to die.  
Robert johnson, being brought up into the Cart, Master Sheriff according as he had before, both declared unto him, her majesties mercy if he would repent, and all so willed him to be sorry for his offences against her, where of he seemed to make small estimation, denying the treasons according as the others had done, and appealing likewise upon his religion. Then was I called forth again, when as I gave him to understand, how notably he was approved guilty at his arraignment, & every matter sufficiently handled, how according as the rest were, he was confounded to his face, whereto he would make no other answer, but said. Well Monday God forgive thee. Then were his answers read unto him, as they had been before unto the other twain, he not yielding denial, but said he spoke them, and would do it again. Then was Athanasius Creed moved unto him, which he granted to be the Catholic faith, whereof the Pope was Uiccar, and that there was no other Catholic faith, but only his. Why quoth the Preacher, the Pope is not named in it, I know not that (quoth he again,) I have not read it. Then Master Sheriff desired him to say his prayers in English, and he with all the company would pray with him. Which he refusing to do, in his Latin prayers, the Cart was drawn away, and he committed to God's mercy.   

The Execution at Tyburn, on Wedensday, being the thirty of may 1582.  
ON the Wednesday following, which was the thirty day of May, in the same manner as I have before expressed. Luke Kirbie, William Filbie, Thomas Cottom, and Lauraunce Rychardson, were committed from the Tower of London, to the place of Execution, and as the other were on the monday before associated and accompanied with divers learned and godly Preachers, even so were these, as to say, Master Charke, Master Herne, and divers others, who all the way applied such godly and Christian persuasions unto them, (as had not the Child of perdition so marvelously blinded them) were of force to have won them into grace & Mercy. The speeches they used to them by the way were peerless here to set down, for that they did especially concern causes to root out that wicked opinion in them, and to establish a sound and perfect faith in place thereof, but even as it was in the other, so it did agree in them.  
But Luke Kirbie seemed to challenge me, as concerning I was able to approve nothing against him, which he did because he supposed I was not there present: but what passed between, him and me, you shall hear hereafter.  
They being come to the place of Execution, William Filbie, was brought up into the Cart, where conforming himself unto the death, his wicked treasons were moved unto him, which obstinately and impudently he denied. Then was he demanded if he would acknowledge the queens Majesty his sovereign Princess, and supreme head under Christ of the Church of England.  
No (quoth he) I will acknowledge no other head of the Church, than the Pope only: Where vyon his answers were read unto him, and he not denying them in any point, euéns as they were wicked and impious, even so he remained in them, still appealing that it was for his Religion that he died, and not for any Treason. But the contrary was proved unto his face, as well by sufficient proofs, as also by the Traitorous answers, whereto he had subscribed with his own hand. At last, as he was desired: he prayed for the Queen's Majesty, that GOD might bless her, and incline her heart to mercy towards the Catholics, of which society he was one. Then they opening his bosom, found there two Crosses, which being taken from him, were held up, and shown to all the people, beside, his Crown was shaven. So after a few silent Latin prayers to himself, the Cart was drawn away.  
The next was Luke Kirbie, who being brought up into the Cart, offered long circumstance of speech, as concerning that he was come thither to die, hoping to be saved in the blood of Christ: and much matter, which were peerless here to rehearse. afterward, he began to say, that there were none could approve him to be a trey tour: neither had he at any time attempted any thing prejudicial to her Majesty, and that his adversaries, Sled, nor Monday, could not upbraid him with any thing. Whereupon Master Sheriff told him, that Monday was there, and asked him if he would have him called to him. I see him (quoth he) yonder, and let him say what he can against me.  
Then was I commanded to come some what near him, when as he began in this manner to me: O Monday consider with thyself, how untruly thou hast charged me, with that which I never said nor thought. Besides, thou knowest that when thou camest to the Tower to me, before Master lieutenant, and an other who was there present then, thou wast demanded what thou thoughtest of me, and what thou couldst say against me? when as thou madest answer. Thou knewest no harm by me, neither couldst thou at any time say otherwise of me then well: whereupon thou wast asked, wherefore thou reportedst otherwise at my arraignment? Then the Sheriff said unto him, who can bear thee witness of this? (Quoth he again) he spoke it before Master lieutenant, and an other was by then. Then was he demanded what other he was that was present: which (after a long trifling) he said was a Keeper, and named him: whereto I made answer as followeth.  
Master Kirbie, I wish and desire you, in the fear of God, to remember yourself, for this is not a place to report an untruth, neither to slander any man otherwise then you are able to prove. When as I came unto the Tower, and made known to Master Lieutenant, for what cause I was sent to speak with you, you were brought into a Chamber by your Keeper: and what I moved unto you, yourself very well knoweth, as concerning my allowance being the Pope's Scholar: where, what answer you made, I have truly, and according as you answered already set down in print. Master Lieutenant neither moved any such words to me, as here you reported, and I call GOD to my witness, that not a motion of any such matter was once offered to me by Master Lieutenant, or by your Keeper. Yourself then uttered that at sundry times in the Seminary, there was diverse lewd words spoken, which might better have been spared and denied that you were not in my Chamber, when as I lying sick in my bed traitorous speech as were moved by them, which were then present, whereof yourself was one, with diver so other matters which you spoke unto me, which Master Lieutenant himself heard, and your Keeper being present. But if this be true which you say, that it may be proved there was either such words moved unto me, or any such answer made by me, I offer to sustain what punishment the Law shall afford me. Then falling to an other matter, for that this redounded to his own confusion, (as Master Lieutenant can well witness:) he began to talk of my being at Room, what friendship he had showed unto me, and had done the like unto a number of English men, whom he well knew, not to be of that Religion, both out of his own purse, as also be friending them to some of the Pope's Chamber, he made conveyance for them thence, some time going forty miles with them: when (quoth he) had my dealings been known, I should hardly have been well thought off: and I knew well enough, that you were never bend to that Religion, albeit they thought the contrary. Yea, I knew well enough, when you departed thence, that your disposition was contrary to ours, and concealed it to myself.  
O Kirbie (quoth Master Sheriff) this is very unlike, that you could afford such favour to any, who were contrary to that Religion that you professed no, no, if you knew any such there, you would rather help to persecute them, then to pity them, as it is the nature of you all.  
Master Kirbie (quoth I) it is very unlike that you had any such secret knowledge of me, either of my Religion, or how I was secretly bend, as you seem here to profess, for had I been such a one as you would persuade these here, you knew me to be, would you have delivered me those silk Pictures hallowed by the Pope which you did: and moreover, make known to me sundry of your friends here in England, to whom I should convey them▪ O Monday (quoth he) I confess I delivered to thee Pictures in deed, but thou knowest I gave thee two julyes' to go huic them with, I did it because I knew thee to be such a one, and therefore I did misdoubt thee, for I would not credit thee with my hallowed Pictures. Master Kirbie (quoth I) to deny your own doings, is marvelous impudency: did not you in your Chamber, deliver to me certain silk Pictures, which you told me at Seukelyes' 〈◊〉 being there, were hallowed by the Pope, & what Indulgences were allowed them: one of them, which was a Crucifix you gave me, the other you willed me deliver to your friends at Rheimes, and in England: and because they were so few (as in deed I think they were no more but five) you gave me two julyes', to go into the City to buy more, which I did: and having brought them to you, three or four of the fairest you took from me, promising to get them hallowed at the next Benediction: the other in deed you gave me, and I took them with me. How say you now Kirbie (quoth Master Sheriff) would you have credited him with such matters, had you not supposed him to be one of your own sect. Master Sheriff (quoth he) what I have said, I knew very well. And after he was gone from Room, I sent fifteen shillings to Rheimes, to be delivered to him, but he was departed thence toward England, before it came.  
Then Master Sheriff said to him again, you stand upon these points very much, which there is none that are here, but will judge to be untrue. Thou hearest what he hath said unto thee, and we have heard that thou deniedst every thing. What sayest thou to thy Treasons, wherefore thou art come either to dye● wilt thou be sorio for them, ask God and her Majesty forgiveness, for she is merciful, and we will carry thee back again, if we shall perceive in thee any such motion, that thou wilt forsake thy former wickedness, and become a good and faithful Subject. At these words, the people among themselves, almost generally said: O exceeding mercy and favour, what a gracious Princess have we, who affordeth such mercy to those that have so ill deserved.  
Then Master Field the Preacher, in the book read his answers to him, where he had subscribed with his own hand. Whether the Pope might lawfully depose her Majesty, or had any authority to take the title of her Crown and dignity away from her, whereto Kirbie answered. This is a matter disputable in Schools, and therefore I may not judge of it. I think this with myself, that if any Prince fall by infidelity, into Turscisme, Atheism, Paganism, or any such like, that the Pope hath authority to depose such a Prince. And being asked, if her Majesty were in any such: he said, he knew his own conscience. Another Preacher being by, said unto him, that the Prince received his authority from God, & that he was to be suppressed by none, but only by God Again that Solomon said: By me (meaning by God) Kings reign, and Prince's decree justice. By me Princes rule, and the Nobles 
Pro. 8. 15. 16  & all the judges of the earth. Again S Paul saith. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers, for there is 
Roma. 13. 1. 2. 3. 4.  no power but of God, and the powers that be, are ordained of God. Who soever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and they that resist, shall receive to themselves judgement. For Princes are not to be feared forgood works, but for evil: wilt thou then be without fear of the power, do well, so shalt thou purchase praise of the same: For he is the minister of God for thy wealth: But if thou do evil, fear, for he beareth not a sword for nought, for he is the minister of God to take vengeance on him that doth evil. If then the Pope be a Soul, he is to be obedient to the higher powers. And being a subject to God, as all other Princes be: he must not take upon him, what belongeth to God. As for the authority that her Majesty hath, she hath received it from God, neither is the Pope, or any earthly Prince to deprive her thereof, but only God. Again, when jesus was brought before Pilate, Pilate said to him. Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to lose thee? To the which jesus 
john. 19 10. 11.  answered: Thou couldst have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above. Thus may you see, that what Prince so ever ruleth upon earth, hath his power and authority only from God: and not that any mortal man can use the authority of a Prince at his pleasure. How say you to this? whereto he would make no answer: But seemed to demand of them, if they would deny, that if a Prince were in Paganism, Atheism, or governed by infidelity: that such a Prince might not lawfully be deposed. Which the learned Preachers answered in learned sort, approving that as the power was of God, so Princes were not to be deposed by any, but only by God.  
No (quoth Kirbie again) hath it not been disputed in Schools for these five hundred years, and will you deny it? O Master Crowley, Master Crowley, and there paused, as though that Master Crowley had agreed with him in such a monstrous error. But Master Crowley himself gave me to understand, that at such time as he conferred with the said Kirbie in the Tower, about the same argument, that his answer was unto him. If any Prince fell into any such kind of error, that Prince were corrigible, but of whom? not of any earthly Prince, but of that heavenly Prince, who gave him his authority, and seeing him abuse it any way, correcteth him in his justice. For by his attributing to the Pope, this authority, he witnessed him to be Antichrist in that he will depose Princes at his pleasure, & exalt himself above all that is called God, and forgive men their sins at his pleasure likewise. All this was not sufficient to mollify the obstinate mind of Kirbie, but he would persist still in this devilish imagination. Master Sheriff & the Preachers, seeing him wavering, & not able to yield any reason for his arrogant opinion, laboured as much as in them lay to change it: and when all would not serve, they desired him in hearty and humble manner to pray to God, to ash her Majesty forgiveness, for the Treasons wherein he had offended her. Whereto he answered, that he had not offended in any Treason, to his knowledge: whereupon they showed him his Treasons, which were adjudged by the people, worthy of greater punishment, than he was at that time to suffer, yet would not he acknowledge them. But prayed to God for her Majesty, that she might long rule in her authority, to confound all her enemies: and that his heart was free from any Treason to her Majesty. Then preparing himself to his prayers, the Preachers desired him to pray in English with them, and to say a prayer after them, wherein, if he could find any fault, he should be resolved thereof. O (quoth he again) you and I, were not one in faith, therefore I think, I should offend God, if I should pray with you: At which words, the people began to cry, away with him: so be saying his Pater noster in Latin, ended his life.  
Then was Laurence Richardson brought up into the Cart, and to him Thomas Cottom, to be executed together. But Cottom seemed to utter such words, as though there had been hope he would have forsaken his wickedness, so that the halter was untied, & he brought down out of the cart again: In which time Laurence Richardson prepared him to death, confessing himself a Cathelique, and that he would believe in all things, as the Catholic Church of Room did, unto the Pope he allowed the only Supremacy. In which traitorous opinion, after certain Latin prayers, he was committed to God. Then was Cottom brought up to the Cart again, and the good opinion had of him before, changed into that obstinate nature, that was in them all, saying to Master Sheriff, that before he came into England, he was armed for India, and thither if he might be suffered, he would pass with as much convenient speed as might be. Then looking to the body of Laurence Richardson, whereon the Executioner was using his office, he listed up his hands and said: O blessed Laurence, pray for me, thy blessed soul Laurence, pray for me: for which words, both the Preachers & the people rebuked him telling him that he ought to pray to none, but to God only, all help of man was but in vain. Whereto he answered, he was assured that he could pray for him. In brief, his Treasons being moved to him, he denied all, albeit his own hand writing was there to affirm it. He prayed for her Majesty, and said his Pater noster, and ave Maria: and as the Cart was drawing away, he said: In manus tuas Domine commendo spiritum meum, and so he ended his life. Thus in brief have I set down the Execution of these Traitors, desiring God, that the lewd life of them and this lamentable spectacle witnessed to our eyes, may be a warning to us all, how by our disobedience we provoke our Lord God to anger against us, and by our slackness in duty, to our gracious & sovereign Princess, next under God, our only supreme governess, enforce her merciful hand to take up the sword of justice against us. God long preserve her Majesty, and her honourable Counsel: confound antichrist and his practices, and give all faithful Subjects, the grace to bear true and loyal minds, to God, their Prince and Country.  
Let this suffice thee (gentle Reader) at this time: and if thou desirest to be more acquainted with their Romish and Satanical inglinges, read my English Roman life, which so soon as it can be printed, shall be set forth. And thus committing thee to the God of all truth, who give us the grace to cleave to the Truth: I bid thee heartily farewell.  
God save the Queen.