there would no more bloud follow us: for a State or Affairs that are built upon
bloud, it is a Eoundation for the most part that doth not prosper.
Which being ended, he pulled off his gown, put on his cap, and laying his head
to the block, the Executioner severed his head from his shoulders at one blow,
which was caryed away in maner aforesaid,. Last of all the L,Capel was brought
to the Scaffold, whose deportment was to be admired and leaning over the rails,
made this ensuing speech to the people. viz. The conclusion that I made with
those that sent me hither, & are the cause of this violent death of mine, shall be
the beginning of what I shal say to you: I desire the God of Heaven to forgive
them & from my soul I wish it: And truly this I tell you as a christian, to let
you see that I am a christian, but it is necessary I should tell you somwhat more,
I am a protestant, and very much in love with the profession of it, after the manner
as it was established in England by the 39 article, a blessed way of profession:
and truly something I shall say to you as a Citizen of the whole world, and in
that consideration I am here condemned to die: truly, contrary to the Law that
governs all the world; that is, the law of the Sword: Behold here an English-man
now before you, and acknowledged a Peer, not condemned to dye by any law of
England; And truly I willel you, in the matter of the civill part of my death, Idy
for maintaining and keeping the 5 commandement written by Gods own finger,
which commanded me to obey the supream Magistracy. And now Gentlemen,
J will take this opportunity to tel you that J cannot imitate a better nor a greater
ingenuity then his that said of himself For suffering an unjust judgment up on
another, himself was brought to suffer by an unjust judgment. Truly Gentlemen, that
God may be glorified, & that all men that are concerned in it may take the occasion
of humble repentance to God Almighty for it, I do here prosesse to you that
truly J did give my vote to that Bill of the E. of Strafford; I doubt not but God
Almighty hath wished that away with a more precious blood, and that is with
the blood of his own Son, and my dear Saviour Jesus Christ, and I hope he will
wash it away from all those that are guilty of it truly, this I may say, I had not
the least part nor the least degree or malice in doing of it; but I must confesse againe
to Gods glory, and the accusation of mine own frailty, and the frailty of
my nature, that truly it was an unworthy Cowardize, not to resist so great a torrent
as carried that businesse at that time. And truly this I think I am most guilty
of, of not having courage enough in is, but malice I had none: but whatsoever it
was, God I am sure hath pardoned it, hath given me the assurance of it, that
Christ Jesus his blood hath washed it away; and truly, I do from my soul wish
that all men that, have any stain by it may seriously repent, and receive a remission
and pardon from God for it. And now Gentleman, we have had an occasion
by this intimation to remember our King that last was; and I cannot speake of
him not think of it, but truly, I must needs say, that in my Opinion that have
had time to consider all the Images of all the greatest and vertnous princes in the
World; and truly in my Opinion, there was not a more vertuous and sufficient
prince known in the world then our gracious King Charls that dyed last: God
almighty preserve our King that now is his Son; God send him more fortunate
and longer dayes; God almighty so assist him, that he may exceed both the vercues
and sufficienties of his Father and I pray God restore him this kingdom, &