d to the see of
Durham. "These things being marked and perceived, great heaviness and
discomfort grew more and more to all good men's hearts; but to the
wicked great rejoicing. They that could dissemble took no great care how
the matter went; but such, whose consciences were joined with the truth,
perceived already coals to be kindled, which after should be the
destruction of many a true christian."

_The words and behaviour of the lady Jane upon the Scaffold._

The next victim was the amiable lady Jane Gray, who, by her acceptance
of the crown at the earnest solicitations of her friends, incurred the
implacable resentment of the bloody Mary. When she first mounted the
scaffold, she spake to the spectators in this manner: Good people, I am
come hither to die, and by a law I am condemned to the same. The fact
against the queen's highness was unlawful, and the consenting thereunto
by me: but, touching the procurement and desire thereof by me, or on my
behalf, I do wash my hands thereof in innocency before God, and the face
of you, good christian people, this day: and therewith she wrung her
hands, wherein she had her book. Then said she, I pray you all, good
christian people, to bear me witness, that I die a good christian woman,
and that I do look to be saved by no other mean, but only by the mercy
of God in the blood of his only Son Jesus Christ: and I confess, that
when I did know the word of God, I neglected the same, loved myself and
the world, and therefore this plague and punishment is happily and
worthily happened unto me for my sins; and yet I thank God, that of his
goodness he hath thus given me a time and a respite to repent and now,
good people, while I am alive, I pray you assist me with your prayers.
And then, kneeling down, she turned to Feckenham, saying, Shall I say
this psalm? and he said, Yea. Then she said the psalm of Miserere mei
Deus, in English, in a most devout manner throughout to the end; and
then she stood up, and gave her maid, Mrs. Ellen, her gloves and
handkerchief, and her book to Mr. Bruges; and then she untied her gown,
and the executioner pressed upon her to help her off with it: but she,
desiring him to let her alone, turned towards her two gentlewomen, who
helped her off therewith, and also with her frowes, paaft, and
neckerchief, giving to her a fair handkerchief to put about her eyes.

Then the executioner kneeled down, and asked her forgiveness whom she
forgave most willingly. T