24
did not kindle. Whereupon some were sent to the castle to bring more powder; whilst this was bringing, he uttered divers comfortable speeches to them that stood by; the friars all that time molesting him with their cries, bidding him convert, pray to our lady, and say Salve Regina amongst them none was more troublesome than Friar Alexander Campbell, who kept company with him, at his first coming to the city. Often he besought him to depart, and not to vex him but when he would not cease his crying, he said wicked man, thou knowest that I am not a heretic and that it is the truth of God for which I now suffer; so much thou didst confess to me in private, and, therefore, I appeal thee to answer before the judgment-seat of Christ.
The powder by this time was brought, and the fire kindled, after which, with a loud voice he was heard to say, how long, O Lord shall darkness oppress the realm? How long wilt thou suffer this tryranny of men? and then closed his speeches with these words, Lord Jesus receive my spirit. His body was quickly consumed, for the fire was vehement, but the patience and constancy he showed in his dying, stirred up such compassion on the beholders, as many of them doubted not to say, that he suffered an innocent and was indeed a martyr of Christ.
FINIS.
