Christ's blood was shed for them; And having tasted it himself, he
delivered it unto them, and then concluding with thanksgiving and
prayer, he told them, "That he would neither eat nor drink more in this
life," and retired to his chamber.

Soon after, by the appointment of the cardinal, two executioners came to
him, and arraying him in a black linen coat, they fastened some bags of
gun-powder about him, put a rope about his neck, a chain about his
waist, and bound his hands behind his back, and in this dress they led
him one to the stake, near the cardinal's palace; opposite to the stake
they had placed the great guns of the castle, lest any should attempt to
rescue him. The fore tower, which was immediately opposite to the fire,
was hung with tapestry, and rich cushions were laid in the windows, for
the ease of the cardinal and prelates, while they beheld the sad
spectacle. As he was going to the stake, it is said, that two beggars
asked alms of him, and that he replied, "I want my hands wherewith I
used to give you alms, but the merciful Lord vouchsafe to give you all
necessaries, both for soul and body." After this the friars came about
him, urging him to _pray to our Lady_, &c. to whom he answered, "Cease,
tempt me not, I intreat you."

Having mounted a scaffold prepared on purpose, he turned towards the
people and declared that "he felt much joy within himself in offering
up his life for the name of Christ, and told them that they ought not to
be offended with the good word of God, because of the afflictions I have
endured, or the torments which ye now see prepared for me; but I intreat
you, that you love the word of God for your salvation, and suffer
patiently and with a comfortable heart for the word's sake, which is
your everlasting comfort; but for the true gospel which was given me by
the grace of God, I suffer this day with a glad heart. Behold, and
consider my visage, ye shall not see me change my colour; I fear not
this fire, and I pray that you may not fear them that slay the body, but
have no power to slay the soul. Some have said that I taught that the
soul shall sleep till the last day, but I know surely, and my faith is
such, that my soul shall sup with my Saviour this night." Then he prayed
for his accusers, that they might be forgiven, if, through ignorance or
evil design, they had forged lies upon him. After this the executioner
asked his forgiveness, to whom he replied, "Come hither to me;" and w