THE LIFE, APPREHENSION Arraignment, and Execution of CHARLES COURTNEY, alias Hollice, alias Worsley, and Clement Sly Fencer: with their Escapes and Breaking of Prison: As also the true and hearty Repentance of Charles Courtney with other passages, worthy the note and Reading.  depiction of execution  
LONDON Printed for Edward Merchant, and are to be sold in Paul's Churceyard over against the Cross. 1612.   

THE APPREHENSION AND ARRAIGNMENT of CHARLES COURTNEY, alias Hallice, gentleman, with the form of his Life.  
HE, that as in a glass, will behold the picture of a wretched Life, or the lively representation of the miseries incident to Mankind, the image of both may be seen in this man: here may be discerned, the mutations of Fortunes, the inconstancy of things, and the uncertainty of days, since sin hath spread itself like a leprosy over all flesh, and iniquity hath so gotten the upper hand, that a Spider is able to choke us, a hair to stifle us, and a tile falling on our heads to extinguish us, even in that moment, when we least suspect so sudden a calamity.  
Our life then so momentany, that in that minute we breathe (if not defended by our Maker) in that minute we are breathless. Why should any flesh, endowed with that heavenly reason, which God hath only given to men and Angels, so forget his uncertainty? as for a little gold, which is but the dregs of the earth, for vanity, the pleasures of the world, or for the world itself; possessed with an exterior appearance of goodness, and within lined with loathsome corruption, which is but like to reeds, who when they shoot out first, in the spring of the year, entice, and with their fresh green colour, delight the eye for a while; but if we break, and look within them, we find nothing but emptiness and hollowness) neglect his Maker, and the dignity of his creation, who being ordained for virtuous dispositions, conducts his whole life to vicious actions; being men but in show, and like birds in their course, who greedily flee to peck up corn, till they be caught in the gin: or like fishes, who earnestly swim to catch the bait, till they be choked with the hook.  
But why do I talk of the frenzy of others, when no man's madness hath been equal to mine? or who will receive a homely counsel from that tongue, whose folly hath brought him to be condemned himself?  Foelix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum. 
Then let me forget the world, pity her infirmities, and with my soul's sorrow, and hearty repentance, build me up a ladder, on the steps of whose petitions I might climb toward heaven. Yet alas words uttered from me, are but like birds feathers, who serve their bodies use to flee withal, whilst they are alive, and others regardless lie down upon them, when they are dead. The repetition of my sins, is but with the winnowerand the wind, to fan away the chaff, and leave the growth of the grain to live: with my shame, I may say, I have sinned, and do sing I repent, yet the Law must have his power, and the living give their verdict: my grief is the spring, which my sorrow lets out, and justice is the pipe, which doth take, and can stop, whilst the world, as a sponge that sucks up the superfluous, is of power to be squéezd forth, as the multitude please: what though I sigh, yet my sins must be struck, the Law requires it, and mine iniquities have deserved it: what though I dying complain, the living must have their wills, and they have wills can reprove whatsoever I say (then since the Law, as from the fountain of my offences, hath had power to draw my life from me, and the world, even after death, may have strength to condemn me, words uttered with tears, but requests of them thus: That since my body shall have power to blunt the edge of affliction, my untimely fall may have force to abate the keen sharpness of their rumouring tongues; and if any thirsty or unsatisfied spleen, either rejoicing at my death, or bemoaning my ruin, shall desire to see unraveld the whole web of my life, he shall here behold the piece of my Travels: in reading which, I desire him to wash from his memory the stains of my name: here shall he read my diurnal transgressions, which I request him to pardon, and not to reprove (since no Cur is so cruel to bite the dead:) here as in a Mirror, shall he look into my miseries, hand-workes, my sins, my sorrow, my life, my death, and the building of mine own labour, began from the time of my apprehension at Dunstable in Bedfordshire, from whence I was conveyed to Bedford jail, from thence to Newgate▪ where, after my several escapes, it was most untimely concluded at Warwick lane end, near Newgate to die. For my birth and education, it was fortunate, and commendable. It was a credit to my careful and loving Father, and he was obeyed by me, as a dutiful son. In my youth I grew up like a strait plant, and was expected of the worthiest, and hoped for of the best of my country, to have proved the Timber of a fruitful tree: my company to the best of the Gentry was accounted so welcome, that they esteemed me more for pleasure, than expenses; and the contempt I held to associate with the base, had brought my fair demeanour to be beloved with the best, that my fellowship entirely desired, and my condition held honest▪ my Father was proud to call me his happy son. In my prime, and fitting years, my Father endeavoured to join me in marriage, as well to joy in the posterity of his son, as a wife by bringing a dowry with her, should strengthen my estate: which desire of his, was equalled by divers Gentlemen of good worship in our Country: and to mine own love and liking, with the joy and wishes of our Parents, I was joined in wedlock with a virtuous Gentlewoman; with whom, during the lives of our Fathers, whose eyes were like careful Sentinels, watchful of our safeties, I lived decently and orderly, as did befit a son, and a husband, and she loving and dutiful, as should a daughter and a wife. But Time, the parent of Death, and finisher of all things, calling them our Nourishers to their graves, and I entered the gap of wilfulness, and liberty; the which, before▪ either their grave discretions had reigned me from, or I had not leisure to find out: I grew now to be a worse man, and did not seem in any thing, like that which before I had been: my civility was turned to disorder, my temperance to drunkenness, my thrift to riot, my honesty to misbehaviour; and my whole life to those unseemly acts, that I should blush to record.  
In which tide of expenses, consuming my means reserved by my Parents to defend my reputation, and uphold our house, want, the Enemy to superfluity, Taverns, Dyce, and whores came on like a greedy pursuivant to arrest me, with whose gripe I being touched, and finding my state so enfeebled, that I could not continue in the course I had begun: my undertakings grew desperate, fearless to attempt, and careless of the headlongst danger that could ensue. To rob I was resolved, not fearing the law, and to persist I grew bold, not regarding my ruin.  
To reckon up now all the Robberies I have done, were but to add grief to a number, that should hear of the account, and little benefit to me, that am going to my grave. A many they are, which particularly to express would beget doubt to the Readers belief, yet thus much Reader for thy satisfaction, I have been too prosperous in these Adventures, so that I never failed in any purchase I went about, I never stood upon the way to watch for any passengers, nor never undertook any Robbery, but what was appointed and certain notice given us which way they would pass, and what store of Coin they carried, by some who were trusted, more than mistrusted. I never took from the needy, or those whose poverty might cause them to complain, but all my aim either at house or highway, were at such Curmugions, who care not who starves so themselves be Corn fed.  
In the effecting of all my Robberies and burglaries, never (to my soul's Comfort) did I shed any blood, but still my care was how to prevent that stain to my soul, only it was my ill Fate to stumble upon one Robbery, for which I heartily wish I had been taken and received the law, according to my deserts, I had then prevented the untimely end of two worthy gentlemen, whose names I forbear. For the reputation of their house that were apprehended, indited, arraigned, condemned, judged and most innocently hanged for a Robbery which I did, Oh that my cradle had been my grave, I had not then offended my maker. For the blood of the Innocents, for which I do first most earnestly on the knees of my heart beg forgiveness of the Lord, hoping through my unfeigned and hearty repentance to obtain remission of that grievous sin, next of those friends, which were by me made friendless of two hopeful gentlemen, which in time might have proved fruitful vines to defend their posterity, yet thus much Reader for thy satisfaction, these gentlemen were apprehended, judged and dead ere I knew of it, for I protest (as I think) had I known thereof before their execution, I should have yielded, my own life, and have thought it chief means to obtain remission of God, for my manifold transgressions to save the Innocents. This warning piece should have Chastised me, forever undertaking the like Enterprise.  
My Conscience for the time was grieved, complained on it, yet my wilfulness regarded it not, but like a Dog, Redi●t ad vomitum, I was still the same and persisted. Insomuch, that my conscience being Clogged with the blood of Innocents, I retired myself for releefein London.  
In which Den of acquaintance, I met with many, who had been my Consorts, with whom we reveled, while we had money, drank while we had Credit, whored whilst we had health, regardless of any good we applied ourselves to all villainies whatsoever, but these being weak sinews to maintain strength without supply, and none of us all having means to relieve himself, in the worst of our Credit, we began to Consult, our Resolve was thus, he that is borne must be kept, we are borne and therefore must be kept, & will find Nurses in the world though to other men's charge. Briefly we stood not long upon it, but our Conference was, how we might come by a Purse on the highway, that was worth the taking, or enter some house that might benefit the breaking. Every man gave his Resolve, some that the highway was the best, having Ostlers ready to furnish them with horses, and every Country in the whole Kingdom for their free escape. Others knowing me a better thief than the rest, swore they would be ruled by me, and desired me to set down some Course what should be done, I never paused on it, but finding them all fit Fry for the gallows as myself was, I desired to be heard, and told them this, that there was a Gardener in the town that sowed seed, and gathered the Crop for himself. A man, an usurer, one that would take much in pawn, and lend little on it. One that would keep a house of great use, yet have no hospitality in it, near about Temple Bar was this gardeners Orchard: One whose fruitewe must pluck for our profit, the course was liked, the Plot approved, and myself best knowing the conveyance of the house, having oftentimes resorted thither, when my Pockets were Lank, both to pleasure myself, and other of my friends with a good Pledge, I must be the man must bring the matter to Act.  
Two several times we had undertook this Enterprise, and were as often prevented, intending to break into the house, but finding the house too strong for our weak purposes, hopeless to effect, we were about to give it over, till on the sudden, it came in my minds that this Gardener, was so jealous of his substance, and so distrustful of every one (nay even of his wife) herself, that he would never go abroad, but he would take his Key of his door with him, reserving to himself certain hours in the day, when he would not fail to be at home, to meet with his customers, and to furnish them with money. So that some Certain means must be found out for the getting of his Key, or all our Labour was lost, and we had undertook abooteles attempt. In brief I having by this time so insinuated myself into his love by fair words, and as fair behaviour, that no man was more welcomer to his house then myself, neither could any draw him forth sooner than I: still baiting the book of my plot, with bestowing every morning a pint of wine or two on him, as they use to say, for his first draft, but never suffering him to spend a Penny, as we satebibling together oftentimes, thus hand to hand turning over the Cups, with no other Complement then this, here father Gardner, here's to you, and son Courtney to you. I warrant you an oath 〈…〉 ewe not out of my mouth for the world, and Circumstance was seldom of any thing else but of thrift, and thriving, how we might get wealth and hoard it up, being got, I knew now that buttermilk would serve in summer both for meat and drink, as well as himself, that a good saver might stand Cheek by jole with a great getter, and could now tell how to multiply a hundred to a thousand, with the best of them all, so that I stood in doubt at last he would make me his heir.  
Our familiarity thus linked, and the rest of our Crew being nine or ten in number, acquainted, therewith, it was by general Consent agreed upon that at some Tavern or other, a solemn supper should be prepared, and M. Gardner and his wife invited and brought thither as my guests. I stood not much upon the undertaking of it, and the rather, because I knew good cheer, and of free Cost, was both bait and line, and would draw my Gudgeon at ease. The time is come, supper ready, the Cloth is laid, my gallants in the room attending for M. Gardener his wife, and myself, who at the hour appointed, made our appearance, when according to Course, to some that were there before, and the worthiest in show, I must entreat of them to bid these friends welcome, who are especially mine, and what Courtesy soever they extended towards them, I should ever approve it manifested towards me, whereby the good woman is with all Courtesies placed at the upper end of the Table, and a chair with a soft Cushion, provided for the good man, every one is ready to carve unto her, and all are as forward to quaff unto him.  
Supper ended and the sign of the wine began to show in his face, a noise of Fiddlers was provided to come in, just in the Nick, and now in the devils name, we must needs go dance, when in protesting of Love, embracing and hugging of him, one of the Crew whose fingers were nimbler than the rest, had danced the Key out of his pocket, Intelligence was strait given to me of that which was done, and by meas privately borne to the rest with strict warning to keep him up in his mirth, for by his wealth we were in hope to be ever made.  
About then slip the healths, more jovial than before, whilst three of us on the sudden slunk down the stars, hast to the house, open the door, and up into the Chambers, where we found that we came for, and stood not long a Culling out, but like crafty Merchants, taking up our Commodities by the great, we were now only puzzled how, and in what, to Carry it from thence. But I being my craftsmaster pulled off a featherbed, ripped up the tick, powered out the Feathers, and in this Case for Conveyance, we put as much plate and jewels as we could find, and conveniently carry away, Only one bag of money of some thirty pound was scattered about the Room, the bag brook. It was not far off but for the instant we had a warehouse provided for the Harbouring of it. My Confederates all this while kept them at the tavern, excusing mine, and the others sudden departure to some extraordinary business which we had to do. When they thought we had our purpose, call for a reckoning, paid it, and so like honest, loving, familiar friends, we quietly and peaceably departed the Tavern.  
By this, Master Gardner with his wife come home to their house, find their door shut, there was no hurt in that, bids his wife light a candle, there was no hurt in that, but missing his key, was forced to break the door open: coming up into his chamber, espying the feathers scattered all about one room, and money about another, the windows shut, and walls safe, (not without cause) my old friend began to wonder at that: and being suddenly affrighted, flees to his Countinghouse, where, when he saw what ransack was made, what a pitiful heat was my old Grandfire in, let every one judge.  
It was no time for him to delay, inquiry was made amongst the neighbours, what passengers they had seen go into his house since his departure, suspicion was had of us; search every where was made for us, Hue and Cry into all places sent after us, all ports and havens laid for us, our habits and personages described, warning left at all Goldsmiths and jewellers, if any such plate came to be sold, to make stay of it: all Newgate Conjurers set a work, with promise of great reward, if by their Art they could find any of us out. But we being lodged secure from present danger, began to consult what means might be used for our free escape. Some were so fearful (as it hath been still my hap to rob with cowards) that they would have given one leg, and their shares in the Robbery, to have had the other leg safe in France. I knew myself as safe here as in France, but aiming at the full purchase, holding it no sin to deceive the deceivers, persuaded them how dangerous it was to abide here, and told them that I knew the malice of Gardner to be such nothing could satisfy him but life, or restitution: this fear infected them all, & they that before thought scorn of my company, now became suitors to me, to plot their escape. I conveyed them with speed to an old Sea-thiefe, an acquaintance of mine, which dwelled near the Sea coast, that would at any time for a small gratuity, convey a Felon, or one in danger, out of this land; told them he must have a great reward for his pains, and for the plate & jewels, we would share them there where he took ship: for I made them believe this Sea-thiefe was still full of money, to furnish these occasions. He being acquainted with my purport, persuaded them their securest harbour was on shipboard, till he could provide me money upon these pawns. They being all shipped, one night I caused a false alarm to be sent, that they were pursued, myself taken, the town laid for their apprehensions. This news made them forget what they stayed for, preferring their lives before any thing else, cried Hoist sail, away to France: the wind being then good, away they went, and left me with my old Sea-thiefe, reveling in the town. So all the plate and jewels which we took from Gardner, which amounted to a good round sum, of which some nine or ten should have shared, I shared to myself; only some money they got from me, nothing to their expectations, and some charge they put me to, in sending them away.  
Now having conveyed them safe away, I must use a course to protect myself: I knew all places where it was known I had any acquaintance, was laid for me, with promise of reward to them that could apprehend me: so that my safest refuge was where I was least known. In one place I would never abide long, but coursing the countries, I happened to lodge at Dunstable, where I was taken upon Suspicion of Felony, being known by my horse, was committed to Bedford jail: and notice of my apprehension was given unto Gardner, who procured authority to fetch me from Bedford to London. Whither I was safely, and with great care conveyed. And being brought to Newgate, was lodged on the Master's side: where my smooth tongue, civil carriage, and friendly courtesy (not only to the worthiest and best esteemed on that side, but even to the worst boy in the house) had gotten me such a good opinion amongst them, that I was of every one beloved, and pitied: and every one behind my back commended me to the Keeper, and would often produce me for example to others. But all this was but a curtain to shadow my villainy: for when I seemed fréest from thought of wrong, I was most busy to work my escape. My life, I knew, was forfeit to the Law, which at the next Sessions I was sure to pay, unless it were ventured by breaking out of prison. I found the jail to be of that approved strength, as it was impossible to be broken: besides, being lodged in a chamber with other prisoners, I could not have time to do it. Yet still persisting in my Resolve, and taking hold of any occasion that might further my attempt, I did perceive a door which did lead out of a gentleman's chamber, that was a prisoner, into the Leads, which door was continually locked, this was the door must lead me to my pardon, I let no time slip, but by means of a dear friend, I had a jack line conveyed unto me, and a chisel of Iron, and that night I purposed to get away, being in the Hall at supper, with the rest of the prisoners, I made excuse, to go up to my Chamber, to write a letter. To work I went, where without long labour, as it seemed to me, being a cunning workman, I had opened the door that led into the Leads, and finding an old door in the gutter, on the back of which were fastened bars to keep close the boards, and with the help thereof, I climbed up to the Battlements, where my eye measuring the way that I held best for my descent, I fastened my cord to the top of one Battlement, on the west side of the gate, and began to slide down, but see the will of our just God, that gives prevention to evil, for the prosperity of honest and good men, (which I now heartily pray for) that I that had the Contriving to open the Locks, the Cunning how to sort out the time, should not for this which I held my advantage, have had the foresight to have laid some cloth, or other help, betwixt the edge of the wall, whereunto I had fastened the cord, and the stay of the rope. So that in my slipping down, striving to untangle the cord being small, it cut my right hand to the bone, and the force of my body, with the sharpness of the stone cut in sunder the cord, by the breaking of which I fell down into the gutter, belongiug to a Linen Draper adjoining to Newgate, lying a quarter of an hour astonished, ere I recovered myself.  
Being come to my remembrance, and seeing my hope frustrate, and no help for me to be gone, at last I groaped out a garret window, the door of which opened into the gutter, but being bolted in the inside, I was as much in a maze as I was before, where presently my invention helping me again, and by the shaking of the door, learned whereabout the staple was fastened, I had in a trice with my nails scraped out a hole, yet no bigger but where I might thrust two of my fingers, so thrusting back the boult, I opened the gutter door, having a cord about my middle, wherewith I meant to get out of the gutter into the street. But the master keeper whose diligence, and care in his well governing of the Prison, I must with modesty commend, having been forth with some friends of his, and coming in again, at the time they use to lock up, demanded if the jail were safe, and all well with the Prisoners, and being answered yes, I knew not by what means, but sure God had a hand in it, having a strange impression on the sudden in his mind, came up into the masters side, and the first he asked for was me, where receiving a strange answer from every one, as that he was here even now, or such like, going into every room, still calling, still call, Master Courtney, Master Courtney, but Master Courtney could not hear. It was perfectly evident, I had wrought my escape. In what a conflict was this gentleman in, the danger I had brought him in, let even Charity judge. But it was no time for delay, search round about the house was made, which way I might escape, some persuaded him, I was gone out of the door in some disguise, some that I had got out at the leads, the leads were viewed, at last they found the cord tied about the Battlements. Links than were sent for, the Constable and his watch beset every house on that side, from Newgate to Pie Corner, the Leads were likewise beset with links. All this I did see though to my great grief, into the garret than I crept, and there hid myself under a table, covered with a cloak, this Draper's house being searched, as the likeliest place, I should take for my refuge, till the hurry was over. In the garret where I lay, they came, and found me not, but God would not suffer me to escape, nor would suffer them to give over their search in that house. Into the garret the Keeper came again, with a cudgel in his hand turning up the cloak, espied me lying as it were a sleep waking me without blows or sign of anger, called to me, come Master Courtney, will you go, when looking heavily up, and seeing it was he, I fell down on my knees ask him forgiveness, who most mildly without afflicting me gave me this answer, nay never ask forgiveness of me, there is no hurt done Master Courtney, for I am the gladdest to see you of any man alive.  
So from thence being carried up to the common jail, and sessions coming on, I was called up to trial according to my merit. Convict, but by the favour of the bench, some promises of mine own to help some to their goods, who had been robbde of a number, and at the especial suit of my friends, I was for that sessions repreeved without judgement, the sessions following, I had my sentence of death, but in the distance betwixt my conviction and sentence, my remain being still in the common jail. I had searching eyes touching the strength of the prison, the condition and humour of the officers, and where and what hour it was fittest for me to labour my deliverance, whose policy failing, I was certain of death. In brief I had found the way, and manner of my conveyance, and had I not been prevented, by my unexpected sentence, at the following sessions after my conviction, and that night according to the custom due to Condemned and judged men, being lodged in a dungeon, which is called the Limbord, that instant night, with one Clement Sli● a fencer by title, and lay condemned for Murder, whom I had wrought to be an agent with me, I had him as forcibly as after I performed, confirmed by escape.  
Now seeing I was prevented, and knowing I must die with the rest of the prisoners, I found now there was no refuge left, but to labour our reprieve, which cunningly, and not ordinarily, I thus brought to effect, there was a gentleman, and at that time a prisoner for debt, whom I had understood his entreats would prevail with some honourable personages in this land, I commended me to him, to his conference with me, and in this manner solicited him, that I was a gentleman, as himself was, and for lack of means, and neglect of friends, compelled to take offending courses, the which himself knew the law had taken hold of, to the mark of my life I importune him to consider of me, yet in no kind whereby himself, whom I labour, should be brought into danger, neither those whom he should move for me, should receive discredit but gain.  
For when I stood condemned, for this apparent robbery of Gardner, I desired him to be certain, that I had ever this care in the evil of my life, not so to overthrow the state of my being, but in spite of calamity, I would always some what reserve, should be as a fence to my health, in spite of my sin, namely, that of the same I stand convicted for, being most of it in plate, I had at that time, as much, the which in one month I would make money of, as should amount to the sum of six hundred pounds, four of which I would assure to any honourable or worshipful friends should labour my reprieve, and effect my pardon, and the other hundred pounds should be to gratify him, that should travel in the cause since himself was a prisoner) till it were fully confirmed. And if within four days, after my reprieve, I did not answer my word, I would willingly yield to my sentence of death.  
This made my gentleman labour, this drew a friend of his to question with me, and was satisfied with my promise. So that the untimely morning I was expected by the gaze of the multitude to have gone to execution with the rest, I had my reprieve brought in hope of my promise, which indeed was only coined for another end.  
The effect was this, that I being still continued in the jail, and night coming on, I began to argue with Sly of our former plot, whom I found to be the man, whom I wished to be, namely, to go forward in the attempt, which before we had enterprised, whom I finding to be confident, and resolute still, that night we made a vow, to confirm our purpose.  
It is here to be noted, that in the same ward where we lay, namely the masters Chamber was also lodged one Woodward for suspect of Coining, whom we taking down into the seller, amongst other prisoners, we made so absolutely drunk, that he was forced upon men's shoulders to be carried up stairs, this fellow thus drunk, and we were sure now, in a dead sleep, in the dead of the night, we fell to work, and prevailed so far, that we came up through a ceiling, and a plank that was broken in a room, that is commonly called the high hall, with a rope that useth to draw up, and let down the beer into the Taphouse, having been used, than time out of mind, and dreadless of that, by which we made use of it, we determined our escape. But being both above, and out of the room where we lay, all the policy and activity we had, could not climb up to the beam, to unroofe the house, whereby we were forced to come down quietly to bed, but the next day, and two or three nights together, having conveyed to us a line, and a dark lantorne, by a friend which was sent to us, which before we wanted, with certain sticks, which we had privily conveyed out of the kitchen jail, we made us a ladder of ropes, with the help of which the Saturday night following, being the last of February, as before Sly climbing up the beam, with my help fastened the ladder of Ropes, whereon I getting up into the high hall, got up to the beam, where being, we untiled a hole in the top, which led into the leads, and the same rope which he had taken from the Pullice, we fastened to the Battlements, and so slide down into the press yard, and there by means of a ladder, which by chance we found there, got into the street, went down warricke lane, so to Saint Giles, from thence into Hyde-park, where we lay in a hole, or a hogsty all Sunday, without any sustenance. On sunday night, we were directed of a letter sent, unto me, whilst I was in prison, if we escaped, to come into a gentleman's Chamber in the Temple, which we should know by a light burning in the window, and by the same letter, we were directed the way, which candle burned there three nights afore, and should have done three nights longer, if we had not come, to which place we went on Sunday night, and there with others plotted to rob a worshipful gentleman at Layton on monday night, we took water at the Temple stars, and landed at Saint Katterns, where we spent our time, till the night following, and then with some four or five more effected this Robbery, and repaired again to the Temple, where, by what means, we were betrayed and taken, God knoweth best, for we do not, but I do apply it the work of God to clear a great many, which were most unjustly accused, for consenting to our escape, of whom I do ask pardon, there we were taken the thursday night after our escape, and from thence brought bound to Newgate, where we temained till the day of our execution.  
On friday mourning, being the thirteenth of this instant month of March, I was sent for to Sir Henry Mountegues in Aldersgate street, where being examined of some points concerning the Robbery done at Layton, after a worthy & zealous exhortation made unto me to forget the world, & all hope of life, & to spend that little time I had to live, in prayer. For you are (quoth he) appointed to morrow with your companion Sly, to yield your lives to the law, which so many ways you have offended, and so sent me back again to Newgate, where all that after noon, I spent my time only in prayer, being still frequented with divers good & godly men, who laboured zealously for the good of my soul, and who I hope can testify to the world, that I died a true penitent & servant of God. God for his mercy grant unto at other offenders the like unfeigned contrition, and true feeling of his benefits, and unto me life everlasting, A men.  
On Saturday morning was two gibbets set up one within the gate, near warricke lane end, whereon was hanged Charles Courtney gentleman, & one other without the gate at the old Bailie end, where on was hanged Clement Sly a Fencer, for killing a Fencer near about Kentish town. The body of Charles Courtney, was begged by the Barber Surgeons, for an anatomy. The body of Clement Sly was buried in Christ's Church in Christian Burial.   

Courtneis' repentance.  

THe silent night that shadoweth every tree,  
And Phoebus in the West was shrouded low,  
Each hive had home her busy labouring Bee,  
And Birds their nightly harbour 'gan to know,  
And all things did from weary labour linne,  
And I began to weigh my state and sin.   

Men worn with work, betook them to their rest.  
The Sun had left to show his glorious beams,  
Titan had fully hid him in the West,  
To cool the fetlocks of his weary teams,  
When sunk with sorrow, being captivate.  
I shed forth tears lamenting much my state.   

My head on hand, my elbow on my knee,  
And tears did trickle down my countenance then,  
My countenance as sad, as man's might be,  
My dumps befitting well a Captive man,  
Fettered in prison, passionate alone,  
My sighs wrought tears, and thus I 'gan to moon.   

I that of late did live a soldiers life,  
And spent my service in my Country's good,  
Now captive lie, where nought but cares are rife,  
Where is no hope, but loss of dearest blood,  
This is befallen me, cause I did misspend,  
That time which God to better use did lend.   

Had I but stopped my ears where Siren sung,  
And bound myself unto Ulysses mast,  
Or had I thought, alas I am but young,  
Too much 'tis all to venture on a cast,  
I might have lived from all dangers free,  
Where now I die, for life is not for me.   

But I do follow what I knew was vain,  
Instead of virtue, I did vice embrace,  
My former pleasures now procure my pain,  
And cause I lacked one spark of timely grace,  
The poisoned Aconite of death and woe  
Resolves to send a fatal overthrow.   

This makes my eyes to gush out floods of tears,  
My flesh to melt, my eyes and arteris rend  
My soul to seek redress, to cure her fears,  
For now my cause cannot afford one friend,  
I that of late did number many a friend,  
Now find them fled, and no man comfort lend.   

The Leafless tree, with wrath of winter's wind,  
Best represents my wretched wasting state,  
Fortune the wind, the leaves my friends I find,  
Myself the tree, that thus am erost by fate,  
And yet in this we greatly differ may,  
That it revives and I still pine away.   

villains avaunt, you bastards are by kind,  
That do perturb the country's quiet state,  
Shame to offend, shun a corrupted mind,  
And learn by me, your former lives to hate,  
Live of your own, and brave it not with brags,  
Lest law condemn you in your proudest rags.   

Drink not the Harvest of your neighbour's sweat,  
Steal not at all, thy God doth thee command  
Whose law to keep your sovereign doth entreat,  
Thy health it is God's law to understand,  
Obeying God, God shall all harms prevent,  
Keeping King's peace, thy King is well content.   

Like to the Wolf in every place you range,  
Preying on lamb, that never went astray,  
And like Chameleons must your suits be strange,  
Who doth by kind change Colours every day,  
Without respect, forgetting what you be,  
Masking in sin, as if God could not see.   

Abate presumption, sin is not a I est,  
Though God forbear, yet he will strike at length,  
God made thee man, make not thyself a beast,  
But seek to love thy God, with soul and strength,  
Ill got, Ill spent, your hopes (in theft) pretended,  
Are grief and shame, and life in sorrows ended.   

Might sorrowing sobs, with tears redeem what's past  
Or floods of tears suffice for foredone ills,  
Behold my looks with discontent o'ercast,  
Whose heart doth rend, whose eyes fresh fountains still,  
And yet all this, and all that I can do,  
Is small to that which I have need to do.   

My soul shall mourn for all my ill done deeds,  
And I will weep, sole author of soul's woe,  
Repentance shall be my black mourning weeds,  
I'll bathe myself in tears, from top to toe,  
And while life lasts, which cannot now be long,  
Grant mercy Lord, this shall be all my song.   

My heart through flesh shall issue sweeting grief,  
And scald my bones with salt and brinish tears,  
Through flesh and bone, my heart shall beg relief,  
On bended knees till bone my flesh out-weares,  
All that I am I'll spend in mourn for sin,  
And where I end, afresh I will begin.   

If Maudlin's tears did ever Christ's feet wet,  
And sweet her soul with true repentant tears.  
If Peter's mourning streams did mercy get  
For all his sins, though he his Christ for swears,  
My sad laments abounding from my eyes,  
Sweet God accept, and hear my mourn fullcries.   

A wowded soul a broken contrite heart,  
Creeps in great'st throng, thy mercy's throne to touch,  
The oil of life, King of my life impart,  
Though sin be great, thy mercy's thrice as much,  
Oh thou that art in power and mercy great,  
Send down thy mercy from thy mercy's seat.   

My coloured suits I now exchange for black,  
Till scarlet sin be all as white as snow,  
On me sweet time shall never turn his back,  
Nor shall his task be more, my tars to mow,  
But with repentance furrow hopes for lost,  
Till God give grace, I sheaf up better Corne.   

This little remnant of my life so poor,  
I'll teach to shun all sin and vices all,  
Giver of all grace, grant grace I sin no more,  
Establish me that I may never fall,  
To thee my heart, my soul and life I give,  
Who after death eternally may live.   

Direct my path even for thy mercy's sake,  
Guide thou my steps to keep repentant ways,  
Keep me from sleep, in thee still let me wake,  
To laud thy name during these earthly days,  
And when from earth I shall dissolve to dust,  
Grant that my soul may live among the just.   
Ch. Courtney.  
FINIS.