<![CDATA[Execution Ballads]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/browse?tags=burning&sort_field=added&sort_dir=a&output=rss2 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 05:22:59 +1100 una.mcilvenna@unimelb.edu.au (Execution Ballads) Zend_Feed http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss <![CDATA[A BALLAD ON THE MURDER OF MR HAYES BY HIS WIFE]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/838

Title

A BALLAD ON THE MURDER OF MR HAYES BY HIS WIFE

Synopsis

Execution by strangulation and burning at the stake of Catherine Hayes on May 9 1726 for the murder of her husband Mr Hayes by beating and dismemberment with an axe.

Set to tune of...

Chevy Chase

Transcription

In Ty-burn road a man there lived
A just and honest life,
And there he might have lived still,
If so had pleased his wife.
Full twice a day to church he went,
And so devout would be,
Sure never was a saint on earth,
If that no saint was he!
This vext his wife unto the heart,
She was of wrath so full,
That finding no hole in his coat,
She picked one in his scull.
But then heart began to relent,
And griev'd she was so sore,
That quarter to him for to give,
She cut him into four.
All in the dark and dead of night,
These quarters she conveyed,
And in a ditch in Marybone,
His marrow-bones she laid.
His head at Westminster she threw,
All in the Thames so wide,
Says she, 'My dear, the wind sets fair,
And you may have the tide.'
But Heav'n, whose pow'r no limit knows,
On earth or on the main,
Soon caus'd this head for to be thrown
Upon the land again.
The head being found, the justices,
Their heads together laid;
And all agreed there must have been
Some body to this head.
But since no body could be found,
High mounted on a shelf,
They e'en set up the head to be,
A witness for itself.
Next, that it no self-murder was,
The case itself explains,
For no man could cut off his head,
And throw it in the Thames.
Ere many days had gone and passed,
The deed at length was known.
And Cath'rine, she confess'd at last,
The fact to be her own.
God prosper long our noble King,
Our lives and safeties all,
And grant that we may warning take,
By Cath'rine Hayes's fall.

Method of Punishment

strangulation; burning

Crime(s)

murder

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Tyburn

URL

Catherine Hayes Murderpedia entry
See also, Tales from the Hanging Court, by Time Hitchcock ad Roberk Brink Shoemaker (2006), pp. 48 ff
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Thu, 24 May 2018 13:43:19 +1000
<![CDATA[A declaration of the death of Iohn Lewes,]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/843

Title

A declaration of the death of Iohn Lewes,

Subtitle

a most detestable and obstinate Hereticke, burned at Norwich, the xviii, daye of September. I583. About three of the clocke in the after noone.

Synopsis

Lewes was an early Unitarian. Although this piece vilifies him as 'this devil.../though shape of man he bare', yet because the text presents a detailed account of events on the day of his execution, Lewes' courage in the face of death shines through.

Digital Object

Image / Audio Credit

Society of Antiquaries, London no. 77; EBBA 36314 

Set to tune of...

John Careless

Transcription

OF late (alas) the great untruth
Of Traitours, how it sped
Who list to know, shal here [?]ave
How late allegeance fled.

If Rivers rage against the Sea.
And swell with soddeine rayne:
How glad are they to fall agayne,
And trace their wonted traine?

If fire by force wolde forge the fall
Of any sumptuouse place,
If water floods byd him leave of,
His flames he wyll disgrace.

If God command the wyndes to cease,
His blastes are layd full low:
If God command the seas to calme,
They wyll not rage or flow.

All thinges at Gods commandement be,
If he their state regarde:
And no man lives whose destinie
By him is unpreparde.

But when a man forsakes the ship,
And rowles in wallowing waves:
And of his voluntarie wyll,
His owne good hap depraves:

How shal he hope to scape the gulfe?
How shal he thinke to deale?
How shal his fansie bring him sound
To Safties shore with sayle?

How shall his fraight in fine succede?
Alas what shall he gayne?
What feare by storms do make him quake
How ofte subjecte to payne?

How sundrie times in Dangers den
Is throwne the man unwyse?
Who climes withouten holde on hye,
Beware, I him advize.

All such as trust to false contracts,
Or secret harmes conspire?
Be sure, with Nortons they shal taste
A right deserved hire.

They can not looke for better speede,
No death for such too fell?
God grant the justice of the worlde
Put by the paynes of hell.

For such a pensive case it is,
That English harts did dare
To passe the boundes of duties lawe,
Or of their cuntrie care.

And mercie hath so long releast
Offendours (God doth know)
And bountie of our curteous Queene
Too long hath spared her foe.

But God, whose grace inspires her harte,
Wyll not abyde the spight
Of Rebels rage, who rampe to reach
From her, her title quight.

Although shee flowe in pitifull zeale,
And loveth to sucke no blood:
Yet God a caveat wyll her lend
Tappease those Vipers moode.

A man that sees his house on fire,
Wyll seke to quench the flame:
Els from the spoyle some parte convey,
Els seke the heate to tame.

Who seee a penthouse wether beate,
And heares a boistrouse wynde:
But heedefull safetie of himselfe,
Wyll force him succour fynde?

The pitifull pacient Pellican,
Her blood although shee shed:
Yet wyll shee seme her date to end,
Or care her young be sped.

The Eagle flynges her yong ones downe
That sight of sunne refuse:
Unperfect fowles shee deadly hates,
And rightly such misuse.

The Crane wolde flye up to the Sunne,
I heard it once of olde:
And with the kyng of byrdes did strive
By Fame, I heard it tolde

And do woe she wolde not fal f[?]e no,
But higher styll did moun[t]:
Til past her reach (saith olde reporte)
Shame made a backe recoun[?]

I touch no Armes herein at all [?]
But shew a fable wyse:
Whose morall sence doth repr[?]
Of clymers hye the guyse.

Who buyldes a house of many [?],
and laith not ground work[?]
But doth extorte the ground b[?]g,
His buildyng can not dure[?]

Who sekes surmising to disp[?]
a Ruler sent by GOD:
Is subject sure, devoide of grace[?]
The cause of his owne rod.

A byrde that wyll her nest defyle
By right should loose a wyng:
And then is shee no flying fowle,
But slow as other thyng.

And he that loseth all at games,
Or spendes in fowle excesse:
And hopes by haps to heale his harme,
Must drinke of deare distresse.

To speake of brydles to restrayne
This wylfull wayward crewe:
They care not for the booke of God,
To Princes, men untrue.

To cuntrye, causers of much woe,
To faithfull freendes, a fall:
And to their owne estates, a styng,
To others, sharpe as gall.

O Lorde, how long these Lizerds lurkt,
Good GOD, how great a whyle
Were they in hand with feigned harts
Their cuntrye to defyle?

How did they frame their furniture?
How fit they made their tooles:
How Symon sought our englysh Troie
To bryng to Romaine scooles.

How Simon Magus playd his parte,
How Babilon bawde did rage:
How Basan bulles begon to bell,
How Judas sought his wage.

How Jannes and Jambres did abyde
The brunt of brainesicke acts,
How Dathan, Chore, Abiram seemd
To dash our Moyses facts.

How Romaine marchant set a fresh
His pardons brave a sale,
How alwayes some against the Truth
Wolde dreame a senceles tale.

Gods vicar from his god receaved
The keyes to lose and bynd:
Baals chaplein thoght h[?] fire wold [?]e
Such was his pagan mynd.

Good Lorde how hits the text their [?]ts
That saith such men shall bee
In their religion hot nor colde
Of much varietie.

And sundry sorts of sects surt[?]
Division shall appeare:
Against the father, sonne sha[?]yve,
Gainst mother, daughter [?]re.

Is it not come to passe trow y[?]?
Yea, bastards sure they bee,
Who our good mother Queene of [?]
Withstand rebelliouslie.

Can God his vengeance long retain[?]
Where his true servants feele
Injuriouse spights of godlesse men,
Who turne as doth a wheele?

No no, his suffryng long (be sure)
Wyll pay his foes at last:
His mercye moved once away,
He shall them quight out cast

With sentence just for their untruth,
And breakyng of his wyll:
The fruits of their sedicious seeds,
The barnes of earth shall fyll.

Their soules God wot sore clogd with crime
And their posteritie
Bespotted sore with their abuse,
And stand by their follie.

Their livyngs left their name a shame,
Their deedes with poyson sped:
Their deathes a wage for want of grace
Their honours quite is dead.

Their flesh to feede the kytes and crowes
Their armes a maze for men:
Their guerdon as examples are
To dash dolte Dunces den.

Throw up your snouts you sluggish sorte
You mumming maskyng route:
Extoll your exclamations up,
Baals chapleines, champions stoute.

Make sute for pardons, papists brave,
For traitours indulgence:
Send out some purgatorie scraps,
Some Bulls with Peter pence.

O swarme of Drones, how dare ye styl
With labouryng Bees contend?
You sought for honie from the hives,
But gall you found in end.

These waspes do wast, their stings be out
Their spight wyll not avayle:
These Peacocks proude are naked lefte
Of their displayed tayle.

These Turkye cocks in cullour red,
So long have lurkt aloofe:
The Beare (although but slow of foote)
Hath pluct his wynges by proofe.

The Moone her borowed light hath lost,
Shee wayned as we see:
Who hoped by hap of others harmes,
A full Moone once to bee.

The Lyon suffred long the Bull,
His noble mynd to trye:
Untyll the Bull was rageyng wood,
And from his stake did hye.

Then time it was to bid him stay
Perforce, his hornes to cut:
And make him leave his rageing tunes
In scilence to be put.

And all the calves of Basan kynd
Are weaned from their wish:
The Hircan Tigers tamed now,
Lemathon eates no fish.

Beholde before your balefull eyes
The purchace of your parte,
Survey your sodeine sorrowful sight
With sighes of dubble harte.

Lament the lacke of your alies
Religious rebells all:
Bewepe that yll successe of yours,
Come curse your sodeine fall.

And when ye have your guiles out sought
And all your craft approved,
Peccavimus shall be your song
Your ground worke is removed.

And looke how Nortons sped their wills
Even so their sect shall have,
No better let them hope to gayne
But gallowes without grave.

Composer of Ballad

Thomas Gilbart

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

heresy

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Norwich, Norfolk

Printing Location

London, by Richard Jones, dwelling neere Holburne Bridge. October. 8.

Tune Data

John Careless mentioned in Simpson (1966, p. 534).
SAL_1_77_2448x2448.jpg
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Thu, 24 May 2018 13:43:20 +1000
<![CDATA[A Mirror of mans lyfe made by a modest virgine Fransisca Chauesia a Nonne of the cloyster of S. Elizabeth in Spaine burned for the profession of the gospell.]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/850

Title

A Mirror of mans lyfe made by a modest virgine Fransisca Chauesia a Nonne of the cloyster of S. Elizabeth in Spaine burned for the profession of the gospell.

Subtitle

[with separate but related verse following]

Synopsis

Axon reports that Francesca de Chaves was a nun of the order of St. Francis of Assisi who belonged to the convent of Santa Isabel in Seville, whereas the title of the broadsheet declares her to be of the cloister of St. Elizabeth. With twelve other victims, she was burned by the Inquisition on 22 Dec 1560, at the auto-da-fe in Seville.

Digital Object

Image / Audio Credit

Chetam's Library - Halliwell-Phillipps, Shelfmark: H.P.469; EBBA 36173

Transcription

THe onely God of Israell,
Be praysed evermore:
For that to gloryfie his name,
his sayntes he kepes in store.
And to declare his wonderous workes,
which past the witte of man:
How his most pure and sacred worde.
unto this virgine came.
Who closed was a cloyster Nonne,
and drownd in fylthy sinke:
By taking of the Romish cuppe,
and tasting of her drinke.
Through which both soule & body tread,
the beaten pathes to hell:
Be rent and torne in fylthy lake,
with Deviles ferce and fell.
But God in Christ our Saviour,
this Mayden toke to grace:
Who banisht quite all romish ragges,
and gods word dyd imbrace.
As in this mirrour you may see,
made by this martir bright:
Which is a lanterne to our steppes,
of pure and perfite light.
And to confirme the truth therof,
dyd seale it with her death:
With stedfast fayth in fiery flame,
dyd end her vitall breath.
O virgine pure thou art right sure,
with Christ to rayne, & grace obtaine:
Wherfore to pray, let us not staye,
our sinnes t'unfold, to God be bold.
Einis. quod. T.W.
This godly crosserowe, to christians I send with hartie desire there lives to amend.
A.
ALl faythfull hartes that feareth God,
drawe neare behold and see:
What fiery torments I abode,
for Christes most veritie,
For true it is the wicked hate.
the godly and their wayes:
with cruell deathes they bragge and prate,
whose spite right sone decayes.

B.
Beare not yourselves ye Papistes bold
In frutelesse hope to trust:
Thinking to mend whan ye ware olde,
that sinne is nert the worst.
Be rather wise and circumspecte,
repent while ye have space:
For those that be of God rejecte,
remayne in dolefull place.

C.
Consider well and call to mind,
what counsell Christ doth geve:
Unto all such as sekes to fynde,
how by his word to lyve.
Commaunding us ech one, to love,
and in him fire our fayth:
Who spent his bloud for our behoulfe,
as holy Scripture sayth.

D.
Disdayne not for to helpe the poore,
ye rich that may do so:
Who calles on you both day and night,
be wrapt in payne and woe.
For who so doth the poore despise,
and from their ayd refrayne:
From such the Lord wyll turne his eyes,
In their most nede and payne.

E.
Employe yourselves to eche intent,
that gods word doth amitte:
Obey your Prince whom he hath sent,
In Judgement seate to sitte.
Envye not ye the lowest sorte,
Nor strive not with the bande:
So shall ye winne a good reporte,
where that ye dwell on lande.

F.
Feare not those furious faythlesse sorte,
that dayly lye in wayte:
To shed your bloud they have a sporte,
and make your flesh their bayte.
For he, whose fayth you do profes,
hath promised you in dede:
For to destroye there cruelnes,
and be your helpe at nede

G.
Gape not gredely goods to gette,
the rich mans goods doth rest:
Remember flesh to be wormes meate,
from it departe we must.
Then lyve we heare whyles we abyde,
to profite our soules health:
For death he tarieth not the tyde,
but crepts on us by stealth.

H.
Hotnes of harte se that yee hate,
all ye that do love truth:
Which doth but move stryfe and debate,
eche where in age and youth.
Be poore in spirite, and meke withall,
In harte loke not aloft:
Who climmeth hyghe most lowe doth fall,
such sightes are sene full oft.

I.
Incline your eares to heare their cause,
that are with wronge opprest:

Ye ministers of Christian lawes,
to you I make request.
Let not the poore man be debarde,
to serve the riche mans turne:
If ye so do your just reward,
shall be in hell to burne.

K.
Kepe clene yourselves from fleshly deds
uncleanes put awaye:
For harlots breathes are stinking wedes
appeare they never so gaye.
Most poyson dartes they are iwysse,
that falles with such a breath:
Loke where they light they seldom misse
but strikes unto the death.

L.
Let godly love in you remaine,
and first and principall:
Above all thinges love God certayne,
your neighbour next of all.
If you so lyve without all stryfe,
then are you of that sorte:
Of whom S. John hath written ryfe,
and made a just reporte.

M
Measure by truth your graine & corne
all ye that selles the same:
Be not at any tyme forsworne,
In earnest or in game.
Nor covet for to sell more dere,
but as you may aforth:
Small tyme we have to tary here,
this lyfe is lytle worth.

N.
Note well the substance of this bill,
and what is herein pend:
Then shall ye not delite in yll,
nor yet therto attend.
Condemne it not though it be rude,
all doth not write lyke fyne:
With counsell good it is indued,
to it therfore incline.

O.
Offer to God the sacrifice,
that his word doth allowe:
Obey the powers in humble wise,
unto them see you bowe.
Who strives with them resisteth God,
as Scripture doth expresse:
They are the very skourge and rodde,
for such as do transgresse,

P.
Pitie the poore that faine would lyve
with labour of their handes:
With wrong do not your tenants greve,
you that be men of landes.
As Christian brethern ought to bee,
In fayth so to professe:
Leave of therfore your crueltie,
and practise gentlenes.

Q.
Quietly deale, quarell not yee,
that loves to lyve in rest:
This is most true to eche degree,
a quiet lyfe is best.
For quarells doth ingenger stryfe,
by stryfe oft tymes doth growe:
Such happe that some doth lose their life
they reape as they doe sowe,

R.
Ryote refrayne let reason guide
for ryote bringeth wracke:
For reason doe thou sure provide
before the time of lack.

And if in wealth you happe to flowe,
spend not away to fast,
Lest you come home by ragmans rowe,
with nifles at the last.

S.
Slaunder no weight therof beware,
evill tonges they are so vile,
That ofte they wrappe themselves in snare,
wherat their foe doth smile,
Commit your cause to god therfore,
vengeance saith he is myne.
His merry is also in store,
to those that trust in time.

T.
Trust not the trifeling talkers tale,
till truth the same have tried:
Such bringeth men oft times in bale,
this cannot be denied.
Nedes must he lye that bableth much,
note this for your discharge:
Avoyd therfore from you all such,
whose tongues doth runne at large.

V.
Vyle wanton wayes se you none use
at no tyme day nor night:
Thy fayth Christ may ne will refuse,
to speake the hartes delight.
The godly man from his good thought,
of godlines doth talke:
The wicked man in fancye nought,
his tongue doth ever walke.

X.
Christe graunt us all that do professe,
his faythfull flocke to be:
That our good works may show no lesse
but with our fayth agree.
Dead is that fayth as James doth say,
where good dedes wanteth place:
That we may dwell in Christ alwaye,
he graunt us of his grace.

Y.
Yeld laude and prayse to god above,
whose most high majestie
Sent downe his sonne for our behouf:
our saviour for to be.
Whose death hath done our sinnes away
as scripture doth record.
Let us therfore both night and daye,
geve thankes unto the Lord.

Z.
Zeale to the truth hath moved me,
this dittie to set forth:
Most humbly praying ech degree,
to take it in good worth.
None other thing is ment therby,
to witnes God I take:
But that we should lyve Christianly,
and Sathans wayes forsake.

&.
& for the same accomplishment,
with meekenes let us pray:
To God the Lord omnipotent,
that he with us alway.
Vouchsafe his holy spirite to dwel,
to guide our hartes aright:
That we may walke in his gospell,
as Children of his light.

Composer of Ballad

T. VV.

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

heresy

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Seville

Printing Location

London, Fletestrete at the signe of the Faucon by Wylliam Griffith.
Chet_HP_469_2448x2448.jpg
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Thu, 24 May 2018 13:43:21 +1000
<![CDATA[Anne VVallens Lamentation,]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/869

Title

Anne VVallens Lamentation,

Subtitle

For the Murthering of her husband Iohn Wallen a Turner in Cow-lane neere Smithfield; done by his owne wife, on satterday the 22 of Iune. 1616. who was burnt in Smithfield the first of Iuly following.

Synopsis

Anne Wallen sings from the scaffold of her remorse at the stabbing death of her husband. However, spectators at her burning were convinced it was in self-defense against a violent attacker.

Digital Object


Image notice

Full size images of all ballad sheets available at the bottom of this page.

Image / Audio Credit

Magdalene College - Pepys Library, Pepys Ballads 1.124-125; EBBA 20053. Audio recording by Hannah Sullivan. 

Set to tune of...

Transcription

Great God that sees al things that here are don
Keeping thy Court with thy celestiall Son;
Heere her complaint that hath so sore offended,
Forgive my fact before my life is ended.

Ah me the shame unto all women kinde,
To harbour such a thought within my minde:
That now hath made me to the world a scorne,
And makes me curse the time that I was borne.

I would to God my mothers haples wombe,
Before my birth had beene my happy tombe:
Or would to God when first I did take breath,
That I had suffered any painefull death.

If ever dyed a true repentant soule,
Then I am she, whose deedes are blacke and foule:
Then take heed wives be to your husbands kinde,
And beare this lesson truely in your minde,

Let not your tongus oresway true reasons bounds,
Which in your rage your utmost rancour sounds:
A woman that is wise should seldome speake,
Unlesse discreetly she her words repeat

Oh would that I had thought of this before,
Which now to thinke on makes my heart full sore:
Then should I not have done this deed so foule,
The which hath stained my immortall soule.

Tis not to dye that thus doth cause me grieve,
I am more willing far to die than live;
But tis for blood which mounteth to the skies,
And to the Lord revenge, revenge, it cries.

My dearest husband did I wound to death,
And was the cause h[e] lost his sweetest breath,
But yet I trust his soule in heaven doth dwell,
And mine without Gods mercy sinkes to hell.

In London neere to smithfield did I dwell,
And mongst my neighbours was beloved well:
Till that the Devill wrought me this same spight,
That all their loves are turnd to hatred quight.

John Wallen was my loving husbands name,
Which long hath liv'd in London in good fame.
His trade a Turner, as was knowne full well,
My name An Wallen , dolefull tale to tell.

Anne wallens Lamentation,
Or the second part of the murther of one John Wallen a Turner in Cow-lane neere Smithfield; done by his owne wife, on saterday the 22 of June 1616.
who was burnt in Smithfield the first of July following,
To the tune of Fortune my foe.

My husband having beene about the towne,
And comming home, he on his bed lay down:
To rest himselfe, which when I did espie,
I fell to rayling most outragiously.

I cald him Rogue, and slave, and all to naught,
Repeating the worst language might be thought
Thou drunken knave I said, and arrant sot,
Thy minde is set on nothing but the pot.

Sweet heart he said I pray thee hold thy tongue,
And if thou dost not, I shall shall doe thee wrong,
At which, straight way I grew in worser rage,
That he by no meanes could my tongue asswage.

He then arose and strooke me on the eare,
I did at him begin to curse and sweare:
Then presently one of his tooles I got,
And on his body gave a wicked stroake

Amongst his intrailes I this Chissell threw,
Where as his Caule came out, for which I rue,
What hast thou don, I prethee looke quoth he,
Thou hast thy wish, for thou hast killed me.

When this was done the neighbours they ran in,
And to his bed they streight conveyed him:
Where he was drest and liv'd till morne next day,
Yet he forgave me and for me did pray.

No sooner was his breath from body fled,
But unto Newgate straight way they me led:
Where I did lie untill the Sizes came,
Which was before I there three daies had laine.

Mother in lawe, forgive me I you pray,
For I have made your onely childe away,
Even all you had; my selfe made husbandlesse,
My life and all cause [I] did so transgresse,

He nere did wrong to any in his life,
But he too much was wronged by his wife;
Then wives be warn'd example take by me.
Heavens graunt no more that such a one may be.

My judgement then it was pronounced plaine,
Because my dearest husband I had slaine:
In burning flames of fire I should fry,
Receive my soule sweet Jesus now I die.

T: Platte.
FINIS.

Composer of Ballad

T. Platte

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

murder

Gender

Date

Printing Location

Printed for Henry Gosson, and are to be solde/ at his shop on London bridge.
PepysC_1_124-125_2448x2448.jpg
Anne Wallens lamentation.jpg
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Thu, 24 May 2018 13:43:23 +1000
<![CDATA[THE Unfaithful Servant; AND The Cruel Husband.]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/895

Title

THE Unfaithful Servant; AND The Cruel Husband.

Subtitle

Being a perfect and true account of one Judith Brown, who together with her Master Iohn Cupper, conspired the Death of her Mistris, his Wife, which accordingly they did accomplish in the time of Child-bed, when she lay in with two Children, by mixing of her Drink with cruel Poyson; for which Fact she received due Sentence of Death at the late Assizes in the County of Salop, to be Burned; which was accordingly Executed upon the Old Heath near Shrewsbury, on Thursday the Twenty-first day of August, 1684.

Synopsis

A maid, in love with her master, conspires to poison her mistress shortly after she has given birth. It does not mention the sentence of the husband. (he is hanged in chains)

Digital Object

Image / Audio Credit

Magdalene College - Pepys Library, Pepys Ballads 2.151; EBBA 20769. Audio recordings by (1) Hannah Sullivan, (2) EBBA.

Set to tune of...

Transcription

YOung Maidens all beware, that sees my Dismal state,
Endeavour now to shun the Snare, before it is too late.
I was a Servant Maid, and liv'd most happily,
Until at last I was betray'd, to this Debauchery.
Too late I do lament, my very heart doth bleed,
That ever I did give consent, to that most wicked deed.
My yielding to his ways, his wicked base desire,
Yea, by that means I end my days, in cruel flames of Fire.
Our Sins was at their grow, that none but them we blame,
To be indeed the cause we both did end our days in shame.
We could not be content, with what we first had done,
But afterwards we did invent, in worse extreams to run.
Then with my Master I, did take the cause in hand,
Resolv'd my Mistris she should dye by our most cruel hand.
Her Life we did betray, to satisfie our will.
When she alas! in Child-bed lay, poor Soul she thought no ill.
Strong poyson we contriv'd
this was our hanious Sin,
That she of Life might be depriv'd pool Soul when she lay in.
My conscience strove with me, but I a wicked elf,
Desired that my Master he, should give it her himself.
But we did disagree, as you may understand,
For Conscience would not suffer me to put it in her hand.
Though neither he nor I, had power to do this deed,
Yet all this would not satisfie, but still we did proceed.
In what she was to drink we mixt the poyson strong.
That she might take it & not think, the least of any wrong.
By which at length she dyed, and I was left behind,
To dye a cruel death beside, the horror of my mind.
Alas! you may behold,
my sad and dismal doom,
Both hands & heart, and e'ry part, in flames you'l see consume.
The Sorrow of my heart, in this extremity,
Although it is my due desert, I do for mercy cry.
Farewel my wordly Friends, and my offences foul,
Good Lord forgive me all my sins, have mercy on my Soul.
In this devouring flame, my life must now expire,
Alas my sins I needs must blam[e]
I end my days in fire.
To you that come to see, a woful sinners fall,
O let those cruel flames now be, a warning to you all.
By me a warning take, and do not run astray,
And God will never you forsake, if you his Laws obey.

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

murder

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Old Heath, near Shrewsbury

Printing Location

Printed for J. Deacon, at the Angel in Guilt-spur-street, without Newgate.

Tune Data

Reference: The Rich Merchant Man (Simpson 1966, pp. 602-604), or George Barnwell

Notes

See also:
A just account of the horrid contrivance of John Cupper, and Judith Brown his servant, in poysoning his wife. [microform] Who were tryed at the assizes held at Shrewsbury; Cupper to be hang'd in chains, and Judith Brown to be burnt. Together with their dying confessions. Published by me William Smith, rector of Bitterley, their minister, to prevent false reports. (NLA, copy of BL and Bodleian originals, on EEBO)
PepysC_2_151_2448x2448.jpg
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Thu, 24 May 2018 13:43:27 +1000
<![CDATA[The Clippers execution,]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/902

Title

The Clippers execution,

Subtitle

or, Treason justly rewarded manifested in the fearful example of two Women who were Notorious offenders, and tryed at the Old-Bayly the 13th of this present April, 1678. for clipping and defacing his Majesties Coyn, where they were found Guilty of High Treason, and received Sentence to be Drawn on a Hurdle to the place of Execution, and there their Bodies to be Burnt. One of them being accordingly Executed in Smithfield upon the 17th of the said Moneth; as a warning for all others to avoid the like Dreadful Punishment. To the tune of, In summer time.

Synopsis

'Coin-clipping' was a kind of forgery: the practice of taking small chunks of gold coins in order to melt them down and make new coins. It was considered treasonous, and so these women were burned for it.

Digital Object


Image notice

Full size images of all ballad sheets available at the bottom of this page.

Image / Audio Credit

Image: Bodleian Library, Wing / C4716. Recorded in EEBO (institutional login required). Audio recording by Hannah Sullivan.

Set to tune of...

In summer time

Transcription

Lament, lament, good Christians all,
who now draw near unto this place,
To see a wretched Sinners fall,
who here doth die in great disgrace:
Although the Laws are ne'r so strict,
some daily do the same transgress,
And warnings all they do neglect;
they'r rooted so in wickedness.

As by this sad example here,
it is confirm's to every one,
Now that the Devil lays his baits,
to bring us to destruction:
For every one he hath a snare,
to please, and satisfie their mind,
And for their ruine doth prepare,
according as they are inclin'd.

This woman being Covetous,
for to grow rich it was her aim,
She did not value by what means,
which did procure her lasting shame:
Some of them did a practice make,
our Soveraigns Coyn for to deface,
Not thinking at the last to come,
To end their lives in foul disgrace.

But though they for a time did Raign,
and prosper in their wickedness,
They now are brought to open shame,
their heinious crimes for to confess:
This wretched woman being one,
who having not the Fear of God,
Now for her Crime is hither come,
to feel his dreadful heavy Rod.

Her Clipping and her Fileing Trade
in private she long time did use,
Hoping she should not be betraid,
the King and Country did abuse:
A little Girl she us'd to send
unto the Shops her Coyn to change,
And so convei'd it to her friend,
who put it off in manner strange.

At length the same suspected was,
by one that liv'd neer Temple-Barr,
who watcht the Girl when home she went
she being not of him aware:
With Officers the House they searcht,
and there one woman they did find,
With Clippings in a Handbaskit,
which did appear of the same kind.

In breaking ope another door,
they likewise plainly did perceive,
Clippings and Fileings on the floor
which carelesly they chanc't to leave;
A File, and Shears, likewise there was,
and Melting-pot, which they did use,
And all things for their purpose fit,
the blinded world for to abuse.

For which to Prison they were sent,
until their Tryal for to lye,
And time they had for to repent,
to make their peace before they dye:
Two of them Sentence did receive,
upon a Hurdle drawn to be,
And Burnt to Ashes in the Flames,
where people all the same might see.

This wretched woman being one
which here is brought unto your view,
To pay for her transgression,
because she proved so untrue:
A Spectacle of misery,
she doth appear in this same place,
Being bound the Law to satisfie,
and end her life in great disgrace.

All you good Christians who are here,
and see her sad and woful fall,
Pray that with patience she may beat,
and unto Christ for mercy call:
Who knows but that the Lord on high,
In mercy may her her soul receive,
And free her from all misery,
if firmly she in him believe.

Let her Example warn you all,
to have the Lord still in your mind;
Least to such crimes you hap to fall,
and unto Sin you be inclin'd:
Beware of filthy averice,
and strive your lives for to amend,
Do not presume to follow vice,
least you come to untimely end.

A dreadful thing it is you see,
her body in the flames to burn,
But worse when soul, and body both,
into eternal Flames shall turn.
Therefore once more I say beware,
and strive Gods mercy to imbrace,
And let it be your onely care;
to find a Heavenly resting place.

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

clipping gold coins

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Smithfield

Printing Location

London[?] : Printed for F. Coles, T. Vere, J. Wright and J. Clarke

Tune Data

Recording is another song in that tune
Anon-The_Clippers_execution_or_Treason-Wing-C4716-1648_07-p1.tif
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Thu, 24 May 2018 13:43:28 +1000
<![CDATA[The Lady Isabella's Tragedy;]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/907

Title

The Lady Isabella's Tragedy;

Subtitle

OR, The Step-Mothers Cruelty. Being a Relation of a most Lamentable and Cruel Murder, committed on the body of the Lady Isabella, the only Daughter of a Noble Duke occasioned by the means of a Step-Mother and the Master-Cook, who were both adjudged to suffer a Cruel death, for committing the said Horrid Act.

Synopsis

A fictional ballad, included here to demonstrate how similar they were - in lyric, melody, and appearance - to ballads about genuine events. A wicked stepmother conspires with the cook to kill her stepdaughter. He kills her and bakes her into a pie, but the scullery boy is an eye-witness and warns the duke before he eats his daughter. The murderers are executed and the scullery boy becomes heir to the dukedom.

Digital Object


Image notice

Full size images of all ballad sheets available at the bottom of this page.

Image / Audio Credit

University of Glasgow Library - Euing Ballads 1.182; Pepys 2.149; EBBA 31937. Audio recording by Molly McKew.

Set to tune of...

Transcription

THere was a Lord of worthy fame and a Hunting he would ride,
Attended by a noble Train, of Gentry by his side,
And whilst he did in chase remain, to see both sport and play,
His Lady went as she did feign, unto the Church to pray.

This Lord he had a Daughter fair whose beauty shin'd so bright:
She was belov'd both far and near of many a Lord and Knight.
Fair Isabella was she call'd, A Creature fair was she,
She was her fathers only joy, as you shall after see.

But yet her Cruel step-Mother, did envy her so much,
That day by day she sought her life her Malice it was such.
She bargain'd with the Master-Cook to take her life away,
And taking of her Daughters Book she thus to her did say.

Go home sweet daughter, I thee pray go hasten presently.
And tell unto the Master-Cook these words that I tell thee.
And bid him dress to dinner straight, that fair and milk white Doe,
That in the Park doth shine so bright, there's none so fair to show.

THis Lady fearing of no harm, obey'd her Mothers will,
And presently she hasted home her mind for to fulfill.
She straight into the Kitchin went, her message for to tell:
And there the Master-Cook she spy'd who did with malice swell.

You Master-Cook it must be so, do that which I thee tell
You needs must dress the milk-white doe, which you do know full well.
Then straight his cruel bloody hands, he on the Lady laid,
Who quivering and shaking stands, whilst thus to her he said.

Thou art the Doe that I must dress, see here behold my Knife,
For it is pointed presently, to rid thee of thy life.
O then cry'd out the Scullen boy as loud as loud might be,
O save her life good Master-Cook, and make your Pies of me.

For pitty sake do not destroy, my Lady with your Knife,
You know she is her fathers joy, for Christs sake save her life.
I will not save her life he said, nor make my Pies of thee,
But if thou do this deed bewray thy Butcher I will be,

But when this Lord he did come home for to sit down and eat,
He called for his Daughter Dear, to come and carve his meat.
Now sit you down this Lady said O sit you down to meat,
Into some Nunnery she is gone, your Daughter dear forget.

Then solemnly he made a vow before the company,
That he would neither eat nor drink, until he did her see.
O then bespake the Scullen boy, with a loud voice so high,
If that you will your Daughter see, my Lord cut up that Pye.

Wherein her flesh is minced small; and parched with the fire:
All caused by her Step-Mother, who did her death desire.
And cursed be the Master-Cook, O cursed may he be,
I proffered him my own hearts blood, from death to set her free.

Then all in black this Lord did mourn, and for his Daughters sake
He judged for her Step-mother, to be burnt at a Stake,
Likewise he judg'd the Master-Cook in boyling Lead to stand,
and made the simple Scullen Boy, the Heir to all his Land.

Method of Punishment

burning at stake (for stepmother), boiling lead (for male cook)

Crime(s)

murder

Gender

Date

Printing Location

Printed for P. Brooksby at the Golden Ball in Pye-corner.

Tune Data

The Ladies Fall (Simpson 1966, pp, 98, 104, 105, 248, 369-371, 368), is linked with In Peascod Time.

Notes

Fictional tale
Euing_1_182_2448x2448.jpg
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Thu, 24 May 2018 13:43:29 +1000
<![CDATA[The Lamentation of Mr. Pages Wife of Plimouth,]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/913

Title

The Lamentation of Mr. Pages Wife of Plimouth,

Subtitle

Who being forced to Wed against her will, did consent to his Murder, for the love of George Strangwidge. for which Fact they suffered Death at Barnstable in Devonshire.

Digital Object

Image / Audio Credit

Magdalene College - Pepys Library, Pepys Ballads 2.170-171, (cf. Roxburghe 3.742-743, EBBA 31453; Roxburghe 3.744-745, EBBA 31455); EBBA 20787

Set to tune of...

Transcription

U Nhappy she whom Fortune hath forlorn,
Despis'd of grace, that proffer'd grace did scorn,
My lawless love hath luckless wrought my woe,
My discontent, content did overthrow.
My loathed life too late I do lament,
My woful deeds in heart I do repent:
A Wife I was that wilful went awry,
And for that fault am here prepar'd to dye:
In blooming years my Fathers greedy mind,
Against my will a match for me did find,
Great wealth there was, yes, gold and silver store,
But yet my heard had chosen one before.
Mine eyes dislik't my Fathers likeing quite,
My heart did loath my Parents fond delight:
My greedy mind and fancy told to me,
That with his Age my Youth could not agree.
On knees I pray'd they would not me constrain,
With tears I cry'd, their purpose to refrain:
With sighs and sobs I did them often move:
I might not Wed whereas I could not Love.
But all in vain my speeches still I spent,
My Mothers will my wishes did prevent,
Though wealthy page possest the outward part,
George Strangwidge still was lodged in my heart.
I Wedded was and wraped all in woe,
Great discontent within my heart did grow:
I loath'd to live, yet liv'd in deadly strife,
Because perforce I was made pages Wife.
My chosen eyes could not his sight abide,
My tender Youth did loath his aged side,
Scant could I tast the meat whereon I fed,
My Legs did loath to lodge within his bed.
Cause knew I none, I should despise him so,
That such disdain within my heart did grow:
Save onely this, that fancy did me move,
And told me still George Strangwidge was my love.
Lo here began my downfal and decay,
In mind I mus'd to make him straight away:
I that became his Discontented Wife,
Contented was he should be rid of Life.
Methinks the Heavens cry vengeance for my fact,
Methinks the World condemns my monstrous act,
Methinks within my conscience tells me true,
That for that Deed Hell fire is my due.
My pensive Soul doth sorrow for my Sin,
For which offence my soul doth Bleed within,
But mercy Lord, for mercy still I cry,
Save thou my soul, and let my body dye.
Well could I with that page enjoy'd his life,
So that he had some other to his Wife:
But never could I wish of low or high,
A longer life than see sweet Strangwidge Dye.
O woe is me that had no greater grace,
To stay till he had run out natures race:
My Deeds I rue, but more I do Repent,
That to the same my Strangwidge gave consent.
You Parents fond that greedy minded be,
And seek to graft upon the Golden tree:
Consider well, and rightful judges be,
And give your Doom, 'twixt parents love & me.
I was their Child, and bound for to obey,
Yet not to love where I no love could lay,
I married was in muck and endless strife,
But faith before had made me Strangwidge Wife.
O wretched world whom canker'd rust doth blind
And cursed men who bear a greedy mind:
And hapless I whom Parents did force so,
To end my Days in sorrow, shame, and woe.
You Devonshire dames, & courteous Cornwal Knights,
That here are come to visit woful wights,
Regard my grief, and mark my woful end,
But to your Children be a better friend.
And thou my Dear which for my fault must Dye,
Be not afraid the sting of Death to try:
Like as we liv'd and lov'd together true,
So both at once let's bid the World adieu.
Ulalia thy friend doth take her last farewel
Whose soul with thee in Heaven shall ever dwell,
Sweet Saviour Christ do thou my soul receive,
The World I do with all my heart forgive.
And Parents now whose greedy mind doth show,
Your hearts desire, and inward heavy woe:
Mourn you no more, for now my heart doth tell,
E're Day be done, my Soul shall be full well.
And Plimouth proud I bid thee now farewel,
Take heed you Wives, let not your hands Rebel,
And farewel life wherein such sorrow shows,
And welcome Death that doth my Corps inclose.
And now sweet Lord forgive me my misdeeds,
Repentance crys for Soul that inward bleeds,
My Soul and Body I commend to thee,
That with thy Blood from Death redeemed me.
Lord bless our King with long and happy life,
And send true Peace betwixt each Man and Wife:
And give all Parents Wisdom to foresee,
The match is marr'd where minds do not agree.

The lamentation of George Strang-
widge, who for consenting to the Death of Mr.
Page of Plimouth, suffered Death at
Barnstable .
T He Man that sighs end sorrows for his sin,
The Corps which care & woe hath wraped in:
In doleful sort records her Swan-like Song,
That waits for death, and loaths to live so long.
O Glansfield cause of my commited Crime,
So wed in Wealth as Birds in Bush of Lime:
What cause had'st thou to hear such wicked spight
Against my Love and eke my hearts delight.
I would to God thy wisdom had been more,
Or that I had not entred in thy door:
Or that thou hadst a kinder Father been
Unto thy child, whose Years are yet but green.
The match unmet which thou for me didst make,
When aged page thy Daughter home did take;
Well may'st thou cue with tears that cannot dry,
Which is the cause that four of us must die.
Ulalia more brighter than the Summers Sun,
Whose beauty has for ever my Love won:
My soul more sobs to think of thy disgrace,
Then to behold my own untimely race.
The deed late done in heart I do repent,
But that I lov'd I cannot yet relent:
Thy seemly sight was ever sweet to me,
Would God my Death could thy excuser be.
It was for me alas thou didst the same,
On me by right they ought to lay the blame:
My worthless love hath brought my life in scorn,
And woe is me that ever I was born.
Farewel my love, whose Royal heart was seen,
I would thou hadst not half so constant been:
Farewel my Love, the pride of plimouth Town,
Farewel the Flower whose beauty is cut down.
For twenty Years great was the cost I know,
Thy unkind Father did on thee bestow:
Yet afterwards so sowre did Fortune lowre,
He lost his joy and Child within an hour.
By wrong and woe to God I do commit,
Who was the cause of matching them unfit:
And yet I cannot so my guilt excuse,
We gave consent his life for to abuse.
Wretch that I am, that my consent did give,
Had I deny'd, Ulalia still should live:
Blind fancy said, this suit do not deny:
Live thou in bliss, or else in sorrow dye.
O Lord forgive this cruel deed of mine,
Upon my soul let beams of mercy shine:
I n justice Lord do thou no vengeance take,
F orgive us both, for Jesus Christ his sake.

The Complaint of Mrs. Page for
causing her Husband to be Murthered, for the love
of George Strangwidge , who were execu-
ted together.
I F ever woe did touch a womans heart,
Or grief did gall for sin the outward part:
My conscience then and heavy heart within,
Can witness well the sorrow for my sin.
When Years were Young, my father forc'd me wed
Against my will, where fancy was not fed:
I was content their pleasure to obey,
Although my heart was linkt another way.
Great were the gifts they proffered in my sight,
With wealth they thought to win me to delight,
But Gold nor gifts my mind could not remove
For I was linkt whereas I could not love.
Methought his sight was loathsome to my Eye,
My heart did grudge against him inwardly :
This discontent did cause my deadly strife,
And with his wealth did cause a grievous life.
My constant love was on Young Strangwidge set,
And woe to him that did our welfare let:
His love so deep a root in me did take,
I would have gone a beging for his sake.
Wronged he was through fond desire of gain,
Wronged he was even through my Parents plain:
If faith and troth a perfect pledge might be,
I had been Wife unto no man but he.
Eternal God forgive my Fathers Deed,
And grant all Parents may take better heed.
If I had been but constant to my friend,
I had not matcht to make so bad an end.
But wanting Grace I sought my own decay,
And was the cause to make my Friend away;
And he on whom my earthly joys did lye,
Through my amiss a shameful Death must die.
Farewel sweet George, always my loving friend
Needs must I laud and love thee to the end:
And albeit that Page possest thy due,
In sight of God thou wast my Husbandtrue.
My watry eyes into the Heavens I bend,
Craving of Christ his mercy to extend
My bloody deed do me O Lord forgive,
And let my Soul within thy Kingdom live.
Farewel false world, and friends that fickle be,
All Wives farewel, example take by me.
Let not the Devil to murder you entice,
Seek to escape such foul and sinful vice.
And now, O Christ to thee I yield my breath,
Strengthen my faith in bitter pangs of Death:
Pardon my faults and follies I thee pray,
And with thy blood wash thou my sins away.

Composer of Ballad

Thomas Deloney

Method of Punishment

burning, hanging

Crime(s)

murder

Gender

Execution Location

Barnstaple, Devonshire

Printing Location

Printed for J. Clarke, W. Thackery, and T. Passinger.
PepysC_2_170-171_2448x2448.jpg
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Thu, 24 May 2018 13:43:30 +1000
<![CDATA[The vnnaturall Wife:]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/925

Title

The vnnaturall Wife:

Subtitle

Or, The lamentable Murther, of one goodman Dauis, LockeSmith in Tutle-streete, who was stabbed to death by his Wife, on the 29. of Iune, 1628. For which fact, She was Araigned, Condemned, and Adiudged. to be Burnt to Death in Smithfield, the 12. Iuly 1628.

Digital Object

Image / Audio Credit

Magdalene College - Pepys Library, Papys Ballads 1.122-1.123r; EBBA 20051

Set to tune of...

Bragandary

Transcription

IF woefull objects may excite,

the minde to ruth and pittie,
Then here is one will thee affright

in Westminsters faire Citie:
A strange inhumane Murther there,
To God, and Man as doth appeare:

oh murther,

most inhumane,
To spill my Husbands blood.
But God that rules the host of Heaven,

did give me ore to sinne,
And to vild wrath my minde was given,

which long I lived in;
But now too late I doe repent,
And for the same my heart doth rent:

oh murther,

most inhumane,
To spill my Husbands blood.
Let all curst Wives by me take heed,

how they doe, doe the like,
Cause not thy Husband for to bleed,

nor lift thy hand to strike;
Lest like to me, you burne in fire,
Because of cruell rage and ire:

oh murther,

most inhumane,
To spill my Husbands blood.
A Locke-Smith late in Westminster,

my Husband was by trade,
And well he lived by his Art,

though oft I him ubbraide;
And often times would chide and braule,
And many ill names would him call:

oh murther,

most inhumane,
To spill my Husbands blood.
The second part. To the same Tune.
I And my Husband foorth had bin,

at Supper at that time,
When as I did commit that sin,

which was a bloody crime;
And comming home he then did crave,
A Shilling of me for to have:

oh murther,

most inhumane,
To spill my Husbands blood.
I vow'd he should no Money get,

and I my vow did keepe,
Which then did cause him for to fret,

but now it makes me weepe;
And then in striving for the same,
I drew my knife unto my shame:

oh murther,

most inhumane,
To spill my Husbands blood.
Most desperately I stab'd him then,

with this my fatall knife,
Which is a warning to Women,

to take their Husbands life;
Then out of doores I streight did runne,
And sayd that I was quite undon,

oh murther,

most inhumane,
To spill my Husbands blood.
My Husband I did say was slaine,

amongst my Neighbours there,
And to my house they straite way came,

being possest with feare;
And then they found him on the floore,
Starke dead all weltring in his goore,

oh murther,

most inhumane,
To spill my Husbands blood.
Life faine I would have fetcht againe,

but now it was too late,
I did repent I him had slaine,

in this my heavie state;
The Constable did beare me then
Unto a Justice with his men:

oh murther, etc.
Then Justice me to Newgate sent,

untill the Sessions came,
For this same foule and bloody fact,

to answere for the same;
When at the Barre I did appeare,
The Jury found me guiltie there:

oh murther, etc.
The Judge gave sentence thus on me,

that backe I should returne
To Newgate, and then at a Stake,

my bones and flesh should burne
To ashes, in the winde to flie,
Upon the Earth, and in the Skie.

oh murther, etc.
Upon the twelfth of Juely now,

I on a Hurdle plac't,
Unto my Excecution drawne,

by weeping eyes I past;
And there in Smith-field at a Stake,
My latest breath I there did take:

oh murther, etc.
And being chayned to the Stake,

both Reedes and Faggots then
Close to my Body there was set,

with Pitch, Tarre, and Rozen,
Then to the heavenly Lord I prayd,
That he would be my strength and ayde.

oh murther,

most inhumane,
To spill my husbands blood.
Let me a warning be to Wives,

that are of hasty kinde,
Lord grant that all may mend their lives,

and beare my death in minde,
And let me be the last I pray,
That ere may dye by such like way.

Oh Father

for thy Sonnes sake,
Forgive my sinnes for aye.

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

murder

Gender

Date

Printing Location

London for M. T. Widdow

Tune Data

Bragandary is a lost tune (Simpson 1966, p. 743).
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Thu, 24 May 2018 13:43:32 +1000
<![CDATA[A warning for all desperate VVomen.]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/930

Title

A warning for all desperate VVomen.

Subtitle

By the example of Alice Dauis who for killing of her husband was burned in Smithfield the 12 of Iuly 1628. to the terror of all the beholders.

Synopsis

One of two ballads about Alice Davis, convicted of petty treason for the murder of her husband and burned at the stake in Smithfield, London in 1628. Davis was one of a spate of executions of women for this crime in early seventeenth-century London, and the ballad's judgmental tone is meant to teach a lesson of subservience to all listening wives.

Digital Object


Image notice

Full size images of all ballad sheets available at the bottom of this page

Image / Audio Credit

Magdalene College - Pepys Library, Pepys Ballads 1.120-121; EBBA 20050.  Audio recording by Hannah Sullivan.

Set to tune of...

Transcription

UNto the world to make my moane,
I know it is a folly,
Because that I have spent my time,
which have beene free and jolly,
But to the Lord which rules above,
I doe for mercy crie,
To grant me pardon for the crime,
for which on earth I dye.

Hells fiery flames prepared are,
for those that live in sinne,
And now on earth I tast of some,
but as a pricke or pin,
To those which shall hereafter be,
without Gods mercy great,
Who once more calls us to account,
on his Tribunall Seate.

Then hasty hairebraind wives take heed,
of me a warning take,
Least like to me in coole of blood,
you burn't be at a stake;
The woman which heere last did dye,
and was consum'd with fire,
Puts me in minde, but all to late,
for death I doe require.

But to the story now I come,
which to you Ile relate,
Because that I have liv'd like some,
in good repute and state,
In Westminster we lived there,
well knowne by many friends,
Which little thought that each of us,
should have come to such ends.

A Smith my husband was by trade,
as many well doe know,
And divers merry dayes we had,
not feeling cause of woe,
Abroad together we had bin,
and home at length we came,
But then I did that fatall deede,
which brings me to this shame.

He askt what monies I had left,
and some he needes would have,
But I a penny would not give,
though he did seeme to crave,
But words betwixt us then did passe,
as words to harsh I gave,
And as the Divell would as then,
I did both sweare and rave.

The second Part, To the same tune.

And then I tooke a little knife,
and stab'd him in the heart.
Whose Soule from Body instantly,
my bloody hand did part,
But cursed hand, and fatall knife
and wicked was that houre,
When as my God did give me ore
unto his hellish power.

The deede no sooner I had don,
But out of doores I ran,
And to the neighbours I did cry,
I kil'd had my good man,
Who straight-way flockt unto my house,
to see that bloody sight,
Which when they did behold with griefe,
it did them much affright.

Then hands upon me there was lay'd,
And I to Prison sent,
Where as I lay perplext in woe,
and did that deede repent,
When Sizes came I was arraign'd,
by Jury just and true,
I was found guilty of the fact,
for which I have my due.

The Jury having cast me then,
to judgment then I came,
Which was a terrour to my heart,
and to my friends a shame,
To thinke upon my husbands death,
and of my wretched life,
Betwixt my Spirit and my flesh,
did cause a cruell strife.

But then the Judge me sentence gave
to goe from whence I came,
From thence, unto a stake be bound
to burne in fiers flame,
Untill my flesh and bones consum'd,
to ashes in that place,
Which was a heavie sentence then,
on on[e] so voyd of grace.

And on the twelfth of July now,
I on a sledge was laid,
To Smithfield with a guard of men
I streight way was conveyd,
Where I was tyed to a stake,
with Reedes was round beset,
And Fagtos, Pitch, and other things
which they for me did get.

Now great Jehovah I thee pray,
my bloudy sinnes forgive,
For on this earth most wretched I
unworthy am to live.
Christ Jesus unto thee I pray,
and unto thee I cry,
Thou with thy blood wilt wash my sinnes
away, which heere must dye.

Good wives and bad, example take,
at this my cursed fall,
And Maidens that shall husbands have,
I warning am to all:
Your Husbands are your Lords & heads,
you ought them to obey,
Grant love betwixt each man and wife,
unto the Lord I pray.

God and the world forgive my sinnes,
which are so vile and foule,
Sweete Jesus now I come to thee,
O Lord receive my Soule.
Then to the Reedes they fire did put,
which flamd up to the skye,
And then she shriek'd most pittifully,
before that she did dye.

The Lord preserve our King & Queene,
and all good Subjects blesse,
And Grant the Gospell true and free,
amongst us may encrease.
Betwixt each husband and each wife,
send lond and amitie,
And grant that I may be the last.
that such a death did dye.

[F]INIS.

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

murder

Gender

Date

Printing Location

Printed for F. Coules

Tune Data

The Ladies Fall (Simpson 1966, pp, 98, 104, 105, 248, 369-371, 368), is linked with In Peascod Time. Tune first appeared in 1597.
PepysC_1_120-121_2448x2448.jpg
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Thu, 24 May 2018 13:43:33 +1000
<![CDATA[A warning for wiues,]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/931

Title

A warning for wiues,

Subtitle

By the example of one Katherine Francis, alias Stoke, who for killing her husband, Robert Francis with a paire of Sizers, on the 8. of Aprill at night, was burned on Clarkenwell-greene, on Tuesday, the 21 of the same moneth, 1629.

Digital Object

Image / Audio Credit

Magdalene College - Pepys Library, Pepys Ballads 1.118-119; EBBA 20049

Set to tune of...

Bragandary

Transcription

ALas what wretched bloody times doe we vile sinners live in!
What horrid and what cruell crimes are done in spight of heaven!
What barberous murders now are done none fowler since the world begun!

Oh women, Murderous women. whereon are your minds?

The Story which I now recite, expounds you meanings evill
Those women that in blood delight,
Are ruled by the Devill,
Else how can th' wife her husband kill,
Or th' Mother her owne childs blood spill,
Oh women,
Murderous women, etc.

At Cow-crosse, neere to Smithfield-barres, adjacent to the City,
A man ands wife at houshold jarres long liv'd, the more's the pitty,
Like Cat and Dog they still agree'd;
Each small offence did anger breed:
Oh Women, etc.

She oftentimes would beat him sore, and many a wound she gave him,
Yet hee'd not live from her therefore, to stay ill fate would have him,
Till she with one inhumane wound,
Threw him (her husband) dead toth' ground,
Oh women, etc.

Upon the 8 of Aprill last, betweene this man and wife,
Some certaine words of difference past; and all their cause of strife,
Was but about a trifle small, yet that procur'd his fatall fall,
Oh women, etc.

This was about the houre of tenne, or rather more that night,
When this was done, whereof my Pen, in tragicke stile doth write;
The maner of's death most strange appeares
Being struck ith' neck with a pair of sheeres,
Oh women, etc.

As many of the neighbours say, that thereabout doe dwell,
This couple had most part oth' day beene drinking, so they tell,
And comming home at night so late,
She did renew her former hate.
Oh women, etc.

The second part To the same tune

ANother woman that was there, she out oth' doores did send,
And had her fetch a Pot of Beere, oh then drew nere his end,
For ere the woman came againe,
This wife had her owne husband slaine:

Oh women,
Murderous women, whereon are your minds?

She long had thirsted for his blood, (even by her owne confession)
And now her promise she made good, so heaven gave permission
To Satan, who then lent her power
And strength to do't that bloody houre.
Oh women, etc.

It seemes that he his head did leane toth' Chimney, which she spide,
And straight she tooke, (O bloody queane) her Sisers from her side,
And hit him therewith such a stroake
Ith necke, that (some thinke) he nere spoke.
Oh women, etc.

She having done that monstrous part, (woe worth her for her labour)
No power had from thence to start, but went unto a neighbour,
And told him, that she verily thought, that she her husbands death had wrought.
Oh women, etc.

The man amaz'd to heare the same, caught hold of her, and said,
Ile know the truth, and how this came, if such a part to be plaid,
No sooner had he said the same,
But neighbours did her fact proclaime.
Oh women, etc.

Then to New Prison was she sent, because it was so late,
And upon the next day she went (through Swithfield to New Gate,
Where she did lye untill the Session,
To answer for her foule transgression.
Oh women, etc.

Where she condemned was by Law, in Clarkenwell to be burned,
Unto which place they did her draw, where she to ashes turned,
A death, though cruell, yet too milde
For one that hath a heart so vlide.
Oh women, etc.

Let all good wives a warning take, in Country and in City,
And thinke how they shall at stake be burned without pitty.
If they can have such barbarous hearts,
What man or woman will take their parts,
Oh women,
Murderous women. whereon are your minds?

Composer of Ballad

Martin Parker

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

murder

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Clerkenwell

Printing Location

London for F. G. on Snow-hill.

Tune Data

Bragandary is a lost tune (Simpson 1966, p. 743).

Notes

'Middlesex Sessions Rolls: 1629', Middlesex county records: Volume 3: 1625-67 (1888), pp. 25-30.

8 April, 5 Charles I. - True Bill that, at Cowcrosse co. Midd. on the said day, Katherine Francis, late the wife of Robert Francis alias Katherine Francis late of the said parish spinster, assaulted the said Robert then her husband, and then and there murdered him by stabbing him with a pair of scissors in the neck, so that he then and there died instantly. G. D. R., . . . . April, 5 Charles I.
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Thu, 24 May 2018 13:43:33 +1000
<![CDATA[A Cabinet of grief,]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/951

Title

A Cabinet of grief,

Subtitle

or, The French midwife's miserable moan for the barbarous murther committed upon the body of her husband

Digital Object

Image / Audio Credit

Reproduction of original in the Bodleian Library, Wing / 1611:04. Recorded in EEBO (institutional login required). 

Set to tune of...

The Pious Christians Exhortation

Transcription

A CABINET of Grief: OR, THE French MIDVVIFE'S Miserable mean for the Barbarous Murther committed upon the Body o[...] her Husband

With the manner of her Co[...]veying away hi[...] Limbs and of her Execution; She being Burnt to Ashes on the 2d. of March in Leicester-Fields.

For the better impressing of this Subject on your Hearts and Minds, take these following Lines, which may be Sung [H] to the Tune of, The Pious Christians Exhortation.

A Lack! my very heart does bleed,
to see my woful Destiny,
You that my Dying Lines shall read,
I pray you all to pitty me.

A Murder here I did commit,
for which I have deserved Death,
This Crime I never shall forget,
as long as I have life or breath.

With grief and sorrow am I slain,
to see the Race that I have run,
A thousand times I wish in vain,
this Wicked deed I had not done.

It was my Husband whom I kill'd,
and Mangl'd at so strange a rate,
The World may be with Wonder fill'd,
while I this Tragedy relate.

In sorrow here my hands I wring,
on Wrack of Conscience am I rowl'd,
What did provoke me to this thing,
in brief to you I will unfold.

With care and grief I was opprest,
e're since I did become his Wife,
And never could have peace or rest,
but led a discontented life.

No Tongue is able to express
what I with him did undergo,
He Cruel was and pittiless,
which now has prov'd our overthrow.

From time to time he Riffl'd me,
scarce leaving any Cloaths to wear,
Besides his Acts of Cruelty,
this drove me into deep Dispair.

My heart was ready then to break,
in private I shed many a Tear,
As knowing not what course to take,
my sorrows they were so severe.

Against me his whole heart he set,
and often vow'd my Blood to spill,
Morning and Night when e're we met,
confusion was our Greeting still.

When him I strove to Reconcile,
saying, thou know'st how 'tis with us,
Maliciously he'd me Revile,
and swear it should be worse and worse.

Though he to Wickedness was bent,
and show'd himself so cross and grim,
I own this was no Argument
that I, alas! should Murder him.

But Sin and Satan so took place,
by living so from time to time,
For want of Gods preventing Grace,
I did commit this horrid Grime.

When Man and Wife lives at discord,
they may expect both fear and dread,
For there's no Blessing from the Lord,
where such a Wicked life is led.

For coming from bad Company,
when I was in a sweet Repose,
He from the sleep did waken me,
with many cruel bitter Blows.

This did the height of Anger raise,
when he did such unkinkness show,
That I resolv'd to end his days,
altho' it prov'd my overthrow.

To Bed he straight ways did repair,
as soon as he these Blows did give,
Thought I thy life I will insnare,
thou hast but little time to live.

I vow'd no favour to afford,
to him that us'd me so amiss,
Straight he I Strangl'd with a Cord,
when as he little thought of this.

Altho' he strugl'd for his life,
as surely very well he might,
Yet I his cruel-hearted Wife,
resolved to expell my spight.

Thus him of life I did deprive,
then in his Bed some days he lay,
My greatest care was to contrive,
how to convey his Corps away.

To bear him forth my self alone,
I cut off Head, Arms, c'ry Limb,
Had I not had a Heart of Stone,
I could hot thus have Mangl'd him.

His Head into a Vault I threw,
his Carcass on a foul Dung-hill,
His other Limbs into the Thames,
and then I thought all things was well.

Safe was I then, as I did think,
yet seiz'd I was in a short time,
For Heavens Justice would not wink
at such a black and bloody Crime.

Then to a Prison was I sent,
there to bewail my wretched state,
And there in Tears I did lament,
but this was when it was too late.

To Justice was I brought indeed,
where Conscience in my face did flye,
Guilty was all that I could plead,
I knew I did deserve to Dye.

O then my sad and dismal Doom,
soon after this I did receive,
It was in Fire to Consume,
which made my very heart to grieve.

Alas! I knew not what to say,
'tis Death alone must end the strife,
Behold this dreadful dismal Day,
the which must end my dearest Life.

Altho' I Weep and make sad moan,
as being Wounded to the heart,
I cannot chuse but needs must own
it is no more then my Desert.

To see me go some Thousands throng,
and thus in shame and much disgrace,
Through many Crowds I past along,
unto the Execution place.

Lord, tho' my Body here must Burn,
for my sad Crime so gross and foul,
Yet when I shall to Ashes turn,
receive my poor Immortal Soul.

FINIS.

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

murder

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Leicester-Fields

Printing Location

Licensed accordin[...] to Order Blare, at the Looking-Glass on London-Bridge. 1688.

Notes

Ballad follows a prose account of the event
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Thu, 24 May 2018 13:43:36 +1000
<![CDATA[The complaint and lamentation of Mistresse Arden of Feversham in Kent,]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/959

Title

The complaint and lamentation of Mistresse Arden of Feversham in Kent,

Subtitle

who for the loue of one Mosbie, hired certaine Ruffians and Villaines most cruelly to murder her Husband; with the fatall end of her and her Associats.

Digital Object

Image / Audio Credit

British Library - Roxburghe, C.20.f.9.156-157; EBBA 30458

Set to tune of...

Transcription

AY me, vile wretch, that ever I was borne,
Making my selfe unto the world a scorne:
And to my friends and kindred all a shame,
Blotting their blood by my unhappy name.
Unto a Gentleman of wealth and fame,
(One Master Arden, he was calld by name)
I wedded was with joy and great content,
Living at Feversham in famous Kent.
In love we livd, and great tranquility,
Untill I came in Mosb[i]es company,
Whose sugred tongue, good shape, and lovely looke,
Soone won my heart, and Ardens love forsooke.
And living thus in foule adultery,
Bred in my husband cause of jealousie,
And lest the world our actions should bewray,
Wee did consent to take his life away.
To London faire my Husband was to ride,
But ere he went I poyson did provide,
Got of a Painter which I promised
That Mosbies sister Susan he should wed.
Into his Broth I then did put the same,
He likt it not when to the boord it came,
Saying, Theres something in it is not so[un]d,
At which inragd, I flung it on the ground.
Yet ere he went, his man I did conjure,
Ere they came home, to make his Master sure,
And murder him, and for his faith and paine,
Susan, and store of gold that he should gaine.
Yet I misdoubting Michaels constancy,
Knowing a Neighbour that was dwelling by,
Which, to my husband bore no great good will,
Sought to incense him his deare blood to spill.
His name was Greene; O Master Green (quoth I)
My husband to you hath done injury,
For which I sorry am with all my heart,
And how he wrongeth me I will impart.
He keepes abroad most wicked company,
With whores and queanes, and bad society;
When he comes home, he beats me sides and head,
That I doe wish that one of us were dead.
And now to London he is rid to roare,
I would that I might never see him more:
Greene then incenst, did vow to be my friend,
And of his life he soone would make an end.
O Master Greene, said I, the dangers great,
You must be circumspect to doe this feat;
To act the deed your selfe there is no need,
But hire some villaines, they will doe the deed.
Ten pounds Ile give them to attempt this thing,
And twenty more when certaine newes they bring,
That he is dead, besides Ile be your friend,
In honest courtesie till life doth end.
Greene vowd to doe it; then away he went,
And met two Villaines, that did use in Kent
To rob and murder upon Shooters hill,
The one calld Shakebag, tother namd Black Will.
Two such like Villaines Hell did never hatch,
For twenty Angels they made up the match,
And forty more when they had done the deed,
Which made them sweare, theyd do it with al speed
Then up to London presently they hye,
Where Master Arden in Pauls Church they spy,
And waiting for his comming forth that night,
By a strange chance of him they then lost sight.
For where these Villaines stood & made their stop
A Prentice he was shutting up his shop,
The window falling, light on Blacke-Wills head,
And broke it soundly, that apace it bled.
Where straight he made a brabble and a coyle,
And my sweet Arden he past by the while;
They missing him, another plot did lay,
And meeting Michael, thus to him they say:
Thou knowst that we must packe thy Master hence
Therefore consent and further our pretence,
At night when as your Master goes to bed,
Leave ope the doores, he shall be murthered.
And so he did, yet Arden could not sleepe,
Strange dreames and visions in his senses creepe,
He dreamt the doores were ope, & Villaines came,
To murder him, and twas the very same.
The second part. To the same tune.
HE rose and shut the doore, his man he blames,
which cunningly he strait this answer frames;
I was so sleepy, that I did forget
To locke the doores, I pray you pardon it.
Next day these Ruffians met this man againe,
Who the whole story to them did explaine,
My master will in towne no longer stay,
To morrow you may meete him on the way.
Next day his businesse being finished,
He did take horse, and homeward then he rid,
And as he rid, it was his hap as then,
To overtake Lord Cheiney and his men.
With salutations they each other greet,
I am full glad your Honour for to meet,
Arden did say; then did the Lord reply,
Sir, I am glad of your good company.
And being that we homeward are to ride,
I have a suite that must not be denide,
That at my house youle sup, and lodge also,
To Feversham this night you must not goe.
Then Arden answered with this courteous speech,
Your Honours pardon now I doe beseech,
I made a vow, if God did give me life,
To sup and lodge with Alice my loving wife.
Well, said my Lord, your oath hath got the day,
To morrow come and dine with me, I pray.
Ile wait upon your Honour then (said he)
And safe he went amongst this company.
On Raymon-Downe, as they did passe this way,
Black-will, and Shakebag they in ambush lay,
But durst not touch him, cause of the great traine
That my Lord had: thus were they crost againe.
With horrid oathes these Ruffians gan to sweare,
They stampe and curst, and tore their locks of haire
Saying, some Angell surely him did keepe.
Yet vowd to murther him ere they did sleepe.
Now all this while my husband was away,
Mosby and I did revell night and day;
And Susan, which my waiting maiden was,
My Loves owne sister, knew how all did passe.
But when I saw my Arden was not dead,
I welcomd him, but with a heavy head:
To bed he went, and slept secure from harmes,
But I did wish my Mosby in my armes.
Yet ere he slept, he told me he must goe
To dinner to my Lords, heed have it so;
And that same night Blacke-will did send me word,
What lucke bad fortune did to them offord.
I sent him word, that he next day would dine
At the Lord Cheinies, and would rise betime,
And on the way their purpose might fulfill,
Well, Ile reward you, when that you him kill.
Next morne betimes, before the breake of day,
To take him napping then they tooke their way;
But such a mist and fog there did arise,
They could not see although they had foure eyes.
Thus Arden scapd these villaines where [?]
And yet they heard his horse goe by that way,
I thinke (said Will) some Spirit is his friend,
Come life or death, I vow to see his end.
Then to my house they strait did take their way,
Telling me how they missed of their pray;
Then presently, we did together gree,
At night at home that he should murdered be.
Mosby and I, and all, our plot thus lay,
That he at Tables should with Arden play,
Black-will, and Sakebag they themselves should hide
Untill that Mosby he a watchword cride.
The word was this whereon we did agree,
Now (Master Arden) I have taken ye:
Woe to that word, and woe unto us all,
Which bred confusion and our sudden fall.
When he came home, most welcome him I made,
And Judas like I kist whom I betraide,
Mosby and he together went to play,
For I on purpose did the tables lay.
And as they plaid, the word was straightway spoke,
Blacke-Will and Sakebag out the corner broke,
And with a Towell backwards puld him downe,
which made me think they now my joyes did crowne
With swords and knives they stabd him to the heart
Mosby and I did likewise act our part,
And then his body straight we did convey
Behind the Abbey in the field he lay.
And then by Justice we were straight condemnd,
Each of us came unto a shamelesse end,
For God our secret dealings soone did spy,
And brought to light our shamefull villany.
Thus have you heard of Ardens tragedy,
It rests to shew you how the rest did die:
His wife at Canterbury she was burnt,
And all her flesh and bones to ashes turnd.
Mosby and his faire Sister, they were brought
To London for the trespasse they had wrought,
In Smithfield on a gibbet they did die.
A just reward for all their villanie,
Michael and Bradshaw, which a Goldsmith was,
That knew of letters which from them did passe,
At Feversham were hanged both in chaines,
And well rewarded for their faithfull paines.
The painter fled none knowes how he did speed,
Sakebag in Southwarke he to death did bleed,
For as he thought to scape and ran away,
He suddenly was murdered in a fray.
In Kent at Osbridge, Greene did suffer death,
Hangd on a gibbet he did lose his breath:
Blacke-Will at Flushing on a stage did burne,
Thus each one came unto his end by turne.
And thus my story I conclude and end,
Praying the Lord that he his grace will send
Upon us all, and keepe us all from ill,
Amen say all, ift be thy blessed will.

Method of Punishment

burning, hanging, hanging in chains,

Crime(s)

murder

Gender

Execution Location

Various: Canterbury (burning), Smithfield (hanging), Feversham (hanging in chains), Osbridge in Kent (hanging)

Printing Location

Printed at London for C.W.

Notes

Wikipedia:  Thomas Arden, or Arderne, was a successful businessman in the early Tudor period. Born in 1508, probably in Norwich, Arden took advantage of the tumult of the Reformation to make his fortune, trading in the former monastic properties dissolved by Henry VIII in 1538. In fact, the house in which he was murdered (which is still standing in Faversham) was a former guest house of Faversham Abbey, the Benedictine abbey near the town. His wife Alice had taken a lover, a man of low status named Mosby; together, they plotted to murder her husband. After several bungled attempts on his life, two ex-soldiers from the former English dominion of Calais known as Black Will and Loosebag (called Shakebag in the play) were hired and continued to make botched attempts. Arden was finally killed in his own home on 14 February 1551, and his body was left out in a field during a snowstorm, hoping that the blame would fall on someone who had come to Faversham for the St Valentine's Day fair. The snowfall stopped, however, before the killers' tracks were covered, and the tracks were followed back to the house. Bloodstained swabs and rushes were found, and the killers quickly confessed. Alice and Mosby were put on trial and convicted of the crime; he was hanged and she burnt at the stake in 1551. Black Will may also have been burnt at the stake after he had fled to Flanders: the English records state he was executed in Flanders, while the Flemish records state he was extradited to England. Loosebag escaped and was never heard of again. Other conspirators were hanged in chains. One - George Bradshaw, who was convicted by an obscure passage in a sealed letter he had delivered - was wrongly convicted and posthumously acquitted.
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]]>
Thu, 24 May 2018 13:43:37 +1000
<![CDATA[AUTRE Sur le même Sujet.]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/969

Title

AUTRE Sur le même Sujet.

Subtitle

Air: J'entends autour de ma prison.

Synopsis

Wikipedia: Antoine Franois Desrues (1744-1777) was a French poisoner.

He was born at Chartres, of humble parents. He went to Paris to seek his fortune, and started in business as a grocer. He was known as a man of great piety and devotion, and his business was reputed to be a flourishing one, but when, in 1773, he gave up his shop, his finances, owing to personal extravagance, were in a deplorable condition.

Nevertheless he entered into negotiations with a Madame de la Motte for the purchase from her of a country estate, and, when the time came for the payment of the purchase money, invited her to stay with him in Paris pending the transfer. While she was still his guest, he poisoned first her and then her son, a youth of sixteen. Then, having forged a receipt for the purchase money and taken on the aristocratic name "Desrues de Bury," he endeavoured to obtain possession of the property.

But by this time the disappearance of Madame de la Motte and her son had aroused suspicion. Desrues was arrested, the bodies of his victims were discovered, and the crime was brought home to him. He was originally sentenced to life in prison, but was retried and condemned to be torn asunder alive and burned. He was condemned to death and executed in Paris in 1777, Desrues repeating protestations of his innocence to the last. An extended debate ensued after his death, which was seen as a touchstone for understanding both the last years of the Ancien Régime and the early revolutionary period, with Balzac, Hugo, and Dumas among the participants. As late as 1828 a dramatic version of it was performed in Paris.


French Wikipedia: Antoine-Franois Desrues, né en 1744 à Chartres et roué en 1777 à Paris, est un empoisonneur franais.

Marchand épicier à Paris, Desrues s'enrichit par des escroqueries et des crimes et sut, par son hypocrisie, se faire une telle réputation de vertu que pendant longtemps on ne put le souponner. Ayant acheté à M. de La Motte, écuyer du roi, la terre de Buisson-Soö‚f, qu'il devait payer 130 000 livres, il résolut de faire mourir toute la famille de son créancier afin de s'emparer du bien sans rien débourser : il avait déjà empoisonné la femme et le fils, lorsque son crime fut découvert. Il fut roué vif en 1777 en place de Grve à Paris, son corps fut brulé et cendres dispersées.

Ce fut Charles-Henri Sanson, futur bourreau du roi Louis XVI, qui procéda au supplice.

Soutenu par le petit peuple qui voyait en lui un simple martyr, victime de l'arbitraire royal ne lui ayant mme pas épargné le bùcher, ce fils de petit boutiquier eut ses cendres filtrées par une foule étant allée jusqu'à se battre pour en récupérer le moindre bout d'os, reliques auxquelles elle attribuait des vertus magiques (enrichissement) et qui furent ensuite l'objet d'un commerce.

Sa femme, enfermée à la Salptrire, fut assassinée par les émeutiers lors des massacres de Septembre, en 1792.

Set to tune of...

J'entends autour de ma prison.

Transcription

VEnez entendre les noirceurs
Qui sont aujourd'hui mes malheurs;
J'en ai grand regret dans mon âme;
Car une vie aussi infâme
M'attire avec juste raison
La plus rude punition.

Ayant méprisé de tout tems
Les bons avis de mes parens,
Me fortifiant dans le vice,
Creusant ainsi mon précipice:
Les forfaits les plus odieux
Me sembloient aisés à mes yeux.

Je ne faisois point de façon
D'employer dans tout le poison;
Et dans la plus noire malice,
Je n'épargnois point l'artifice;
Je ne craignois nul châtiment
Pourvu que j'aye de l'argent.

Voulant encore pousser plus loin,
Pour acquérir un plus gros bien,
Feignanat mon commerce en déroute,
Je faisois souvent banqueroute:
Mettant le comble à ces forfaits,
J'escroquois aussi mes billets.

Ma plus grande méchanceté
Et ma plus noire cruauté,
C'est envers une bonne Dame,
Et son fils d'une bien belle ame;
Sans avoir en pitié d'eux,
Je les empoisonnai tous deux.

Pour que ce forfait inoui
En secret fùt enseveli,
Je fus vîte louer une cave
Où je mis le corps de la Dame;
Et puis je fus trouver le fils,
Et l'emmenai dans mon logis.

Je lui fis prendre du poison,
Et puis sortant de ma maison
Je le conduisis à Versailles,
Où je lui fis ses funérailles.
Il me disoit sur le chemin
Qu'il ne pouvoit aller plus loin.

Mais hélas! ce pauvre innocent
Me demandoit soulagement;
Il me disoit avec confiance,
Hélas! donnez-moi assistance,
Ses pauvres yeux tout baignés d'eau,
A moi qui étois son bourreau.

Après il tombe évanoui,
Je feignis de pleurer aussi;
Son visage devint tout blême,
Enfin il mourut à l'heure même;
Vite je le fis enterrer,
Croyant mieux par-là me cacher.

Puis en femme étant déguisé,
A Lyon je m'en fus allé:
Dans l'artifice de mon ame,
Je pris le nom de cette Dame;
C'etoit pour faire croire aussi,
Qu'avec l'argent elle avoit fui.

Mais hélas! tant de cruautés
Ne furent pas long tems cachées;
Dieu permit que d'un si grand crime
Je devins enfin la victime:
La Justice m'a arrêté,
Et en prison on m'a jetté.

Mis dans le plus noir des cachots,
Je pousse à présent des sanglots:
Hélas! je ne dois pas me plaindre,
Quoique les tourmens soient à craindre,
Voilà les terribles regrets
Que me causent tous mes forfaits.

Vous tous qui voyez mon malheur,
Priez donc pour nous le Seigneur,
Qu'il me donne la patience,
D'endurer si grande souffrance;
Et que cette punition
Puisse m'obtenir mon pardon.

FIN.

Method of Punishment

breaking on the wheel, burning

Crime(s)

murder

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Paris, place de Greve

Printing Location

Vu l'Approbation, permis d'imprimer, ce 7 Mai 1777. LE NOIR.
IMG_1795.jpg
IMG_1796.jpg
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IMG_1798.jpg
]]>
Thu, 24 May 2018 13:58:32 +1000
<![CDATA[Chanson nouvelle d'une servante de Laon laquelle a esté bruslee toute vive pour avoir empoisonné sa maistresse, pensant avoir son Maistre en Mariage.]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/973

Title

Chanson nouvelle d'une servante de Laon laquelle a esté bruslee toute vive pour avoir empoisonné sa maistresse, pensant avoir son Maistre en Mariage.

Subtitle

Sur le chant, Il y a un cler en ceste ville, &c.

Set to tune of...

Il y a un cler en ceste ville, &c.

Transcription

Escoutez un cas déplorable,
De moy chetive & miserable,
Qu'ay fait par trop aventureux
Par un conseil pernicieux.
Moy que estois pauvre servante,
Mal avisée & peu sçavante
Ay faict à ma maistresse tort,
la mettant du tout à mort.
C'est ennemy remply de rage,
Pour me tirer à son servage
M'est venu ainsi recevoir,
Pour mon âme excellente avoir.
Disant d'invention meschante,
Que plus je ne serois servante,
Si poison voulois acheter
Pour ma maistresse empoisonner.
Moy entant ainsi poursuivie
De ce faux Sathan par l'envie,
Je m'absenta de la maison
Pour acheter ceste poison.
Et puis par une folle rage
Je la vins metter en son potage
Dont ma maistresse par l'effort
De ce poison fut mise à mort.
Dequoy esmerveillé mon magister
Qui rien ne sçavoit du faict traistre
Que j'avois meschamment commis
Fut en grande tristesse mis.
Faisant soudain devoir extreme,
Pour donner remede à sa femme,
De courir aux Chirurgiens,
Pour y trouver quelques moyens.
Mia il n'ont seu en nulle sorte
Retarder ceste poison forte,
Dont ma bonne maistresse helas,
Fut tout soudain mise au trespas.
Mon maistre ignorant la furie
De la poison & maladie,
Fit subit ma maistresse ouvrir,
Pour le vilain faict descouvrir.
Aussi tost ma maistresse ouverte,
Ceste poison fut descouverte
Et fut tout averé le cas,
De sa mort subite & trespas.
Voyant la trahison meschante
Et que j'estois seule servante
Mon maistre s'en va au Prevost
Lequel me vient saisir bien tost.
Estant ainsi en prison mise
Et puis par la justice enquise
De ce meschant traistre forfait
Soudain j'ay confessé mon faict.
Disant que soubs espoir volage
D'avoir mon maistre en mariage
J'avois donné ceste poison
A ma maistresse en trahison.
Le cas confessé, la justice
Me condamne au dernier supplice
Et de passer par la rigueur
Du feu en tresgrande douleur.
Ainsi par ma faute insensée
Seray toute vive bruslée
Comme je l'ay bien merité
Par mon faict plein de cruauté.
Or entre vous autres servantes
Ne soyez comme moy meschantes,
Priez pour moy le doux Jesus
Conduire mon ame là sus.

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

murder

Gender

Date

Printing Location

Lyon: Simon Rigaud, 1606
'La Fleur du Rozier des chansons'
]]>
Thu, 24 May 2018 13:58:33 +1000
<![CDATA[Chanson nouvelle de deux hommes qui ont mangé quatre cens quarante neuf enfàs en forme de Loups, lesquels ont esté bruslés dans la ville de Liege,]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/974

Title

Chanson nouvelle de deux hommes qui ont mangé quatre cens quarante neuf enfàs en forme de Loups, lesquels ont esté bruslés dans la ville de Liege,

Subtitle

Sur le chant de Montgommery.

Set to tune of...

Montgommery

Transcription

Combien pernicieux,
Que laisse le service,
Du puissant Roy des cieux,
Pour dans le précipice:
De Sathan, malheureux,
Et aux absides creux,
Y faire sa demeure,
Ce Lyon furieux,
Nous a aillé les yeux,
C'est une chose seure.
Comme Loups ravissants,
Nous courons la campagne
Pour nuire aux innocents,
Le mal nous accompagne:
Des dents plus que du fer:
Pour plaire à Lucifer,
Nous faisons grand carnage,
Tant aux villes qu'aux champs,
Comme bourreaux meschans,
Les enfans en bas aage.
Quelque temps sans cesser,
Dura nostre malie:
Mais il faut confesser:
Que tout c'est artifice:
Car nos petits enfants:
Qui n'en estoyent contens:
Le dirent à leurs mres,
Desireux de vanger:
Le meurtre & le danger:
Des innocens leurs frres.
Les frres n'osant pas:
Dire la boucherie:
Ny le cruel repas
Que faisait la furie
De ces deux malheureux
Par trop impetueux:
Encontre l'innocence,
Le sang messe d'iceux
Monta jusques aux cieux
Elle demanda vengeance.
Les enfans de rechef
Commencerent à voix haute
De chanter le meschef
De leur pre & la faute,
Disant nos peres loups,
Se jetteront sur nous:
Aussi leur fiers rage,
Grand Dieu soyez nous doux
Et que vostre courroux
Leur soit pour héritage.
La Justice entendit
De ces enfans la plainte,
Qui bien les deffendit
De senrir nos attaintes
Nous confessons pour gray
Que des innocents c'ay
Quatre cents & quarante
Et plus avons mangez
En cruels loups changés
Chacun s'en mescontente.
Nous sommes condamnés,
Pour aller au supplice:
Et au feu destinez,
Pour si grande malice
De Dieu le jugement
Perpetuellement:
Juste et équitable:
Ne laissent tels forfaits
N'y tels bourreaux infects
Jamais impunissables.
Messieurs ne souffrez pas
Aller votre jeunesse
Pour gouster les appas
Des Sorciers qui sans cesse
Blasphement en tout lieux
Encontre le gray Dieu
Et de leur maléfice
Se vengent contre tous
Car le Diable est jaloux
De son divine service.

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

murder, werewolves

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Lige

Printing Location

Lyon: Simon Rigaud, 1606
'La Fleur du Rozier des Chansons Nouvelles'

Notes

Lyrics to chant de Montgommery (1559):
Combien est oublieux
Qui se ¥åe à fortune!
Encor' plus malheureux
Qui par trop l'importune.
En sont souvente fois
Les princes et les roys
En grand meschef et honte :
Moy trs bien le cognois
Que nagures j'estois
De Mont-GommeryäóÖ comte.
]]>
Thu, 24 May 2018 13:58:33 +1000
<![CDATA[COMPLAINTE HISTORIQUE ET CIRCONSTANCIéE]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/982

Title

COMPLAINTE HISTORIQUE ET CIRCONSTANCIéE

Subtitle

Sur les cruautés commises par le nommé Derues, Epicier-Droguiste a Paris. Air: Camarade, il nous faut chanter.

Image / Audio Credit

BHVP

Set to tune of...

Camarade, il nous faut chanter.

Transcription

APprochez, fidéles Sujets,
Pour entendre l'Histoire
D'un des plus horribles forfaits
Qu'on ait sçu de mémoire;
Car les coeurs les plus endurcis
Doivent frémir à ces récits.

Ce Marchand des mieux établis
Faisoit un gros commerce
Dedans la Ville de Paris,
Vendant de toute espece;
Mais, hélas! son ambition
A causé sa perdition.

Depuis longtems ce malheureux
Avoit fait banqueroute;
Devenant plus audacieux,
S'imagina, sans doute,
Que pour s'enrichir promptement,
Il feroit tout impunément.

Il faisoit aussi des billets
Pour de la marchandise,
Lorsqu'on lui confioit ses effets
Avec grande franchise,
Il les déchiroit promptement,
Et gagnoit ainsi cet argent.

Sçavoit-il quelqu'un retiré
Et vivant à son aise,
Sitôt d'un air de vérité
Et sans qu'il y paroisse,
Pour le volet, dans sa boisson
Lui faisoit prendre du poison.

Mais ses plus noires trahisons
C'est envers une Dame,
Qui venoit de lui vendre un fonds;
Car, hélas! cet infâme
A souper lui ayant donné,
En mangeant l'a empoisonné.

Tout aussitôt ce scélérat,
Pour cacher le cadavre,
Et pour éviter tout éclat,
S'en fut louer une cave,
Secrettement l'y conduisit
Et l'enterra pendant la nuit.

Non content de cette action,
D'un coeur très-sanguinaire
S'en fut aussi à la pension
Du fils de cette mere,
Et par le plus noir sentiment
Lui donna un poison plus lent.

L'ayant bu, dans le même instant
Il l'emmene à Versailles;
En chemin ce pauvre innocent
Sentoit dans ses entrailles
Du poison le funeste effet
Qui au tombeau le conduisoit.

De-là il s'en fut à Lyon,
Et s'y déguise en femme,
En y prenant aussi le nom
De cette bonne Dame;
Montrant par ce déguisement
Qu'elle partoit avec l'argent.

Mais Dieu irrité à la fin
De toutes ces victimes,
Permit que de cet inhumain
On découvrit les crimes,
Il fut bientôt emprisonné
Et très-justement condamné.

Pour punir ses méchancetés,
Il fut avec justice
Jugé d'être rompu, brùlé,
Méritant ce supplice:
C'est bien la peine des méchans
D'expirer dedans ces tourmens.

Prions pour tous les malheureux
Péris par cet infâme;
Que Dieu veuille avoir pitié d'eux,
Pour le Fils & la Dame,
Et que nous soyons préservés
Du sort de ces infortunés.

FIN.

Method of Punishment

breaking on the wheel, burning

Crime(s)

murder

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Paris, place de Greve

Notes

Wikipedia: Desrues was born at Chartres, of humble parents. He went to Paris to seek his fortune, and started in business as a grocer. He was known as a man of great piety and devotion, and his business was reputed to be a flourishing one, but when, in 1773, he gave up his shop, his finances, owing to personal extravagance, were in a deplorable condition.

Nevertheless, Desrues entered into negotiations with a Madame de la Motte for the purchase from her of a country estate, and, when the time came for the payment of the purchase money, invited her to stay with him in Paris pending the transfer. While she was still his guest, he poisoned first her and then her son, a youth of sixteen. Then, having forged a receipt for the purchase money and taken on the aristocratic name "Desrues de Bury," he endeavoured to obtain possession of the property.

But by this time the disappearance of Madame de la Motte and her son had aroused suspicion. Desrues was arrested, the bodies of his victims were discovered, and the crime was brought home to him. He was originally sentenced to life in prison, but was retried and condemned to be torn asunder alive and burned. He was condemned to death and executed in Paris in 1777, Desrues repeating protestations of his innocence to the last. An extended debate ensued after his death, which was seen as a touchstone for understanding both the last years of the Ancien Régime and the early revolutionary period, with Balzac, Hugo, and Dumas among the participants. As late as 1828 a dramatic version of it was performed in Paris.


//

Antoine-Franois Desrues, né en 1744 à Chartres et roué en 1777 à Paris, est un empoisonneur franais.

Marchand épicier à Paris, Desrues s'enrichit par des escroqueries et des crimes et sut, par son hypocrisie, se faire une telle réputation de vertu que pendant longtemps on ne put le souponner. Ayant acheté à M. de La Motte, écuyer du roi, la terre de Buisson-Soö‚f, qu'il devait payer 130 000 livres, il résolut de faire mourir toute la famille de son créancier afin de s'emparer du bien sans rien débourser : il avait déjà empoisonné la femme et le fils, lorsque son crime fut découvert. Il fut roué vif en 1777 en place de Grve à Paris, son corps fut brulé et cendres dispersées.

Ce fut Charles-Henri Sanson, futur bourreau du roi Louis XVI, qui procéda au supplice.

Soutenu par le petit peuple qui voyait en lui un simple martyr, victime de l'arbitraire royal ne lui ayant mme pas épargné le bùcher, ce fils de petit boutiquier eut ses cendres filtrées par une foule étant allée jusqu'à se battre pour en récupérer le moindre bout d'os, reliques auxquelles elle attribuait des vertus magiques (enrichissement) et qui furent ensuite l'objet d'un commerce.

Sa femme, enfermée à la Salptrire, fut assassinée par les émeutiers lors des massacres de Septembre, en 1792.

IMG_1792.jpg
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IMG_1794.jpg
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Thu, 24 May 2018 13:58:34 +1000
<![CDATA[Execution remarquable d'un nommé François Sarazin,]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/989

Title

Execution remarquable d'un nommé François Sarazin,

Subtitle

natif de la Ville de Caën, lequel à assassiné M. Berne, Abbé de Rennes en Bretagne, dans l'Eglise Nostre-Dame de Paris, en élevant le Corps & sang de Jesus-Christ.

Synopsis

Sarazin murders priest with sword on altar of Notre Dame 3 August 1670, then knocks over and tramples the host and wine. He is sentenced to amende honorable, have his finger/hand cut off, and burned alive with ashes scattered.

Transcription

Messieurs de l'Eglise Romaine
Escoutez l'infame forfait,
Contre la Majesté Divine,
Dans nostre-Dame que j'ay fait,
Poussé du Demon infernal
Certes, il en est l'original.
Mais moy pire que le Demù méme
J'ay commis ce qu'il n'oseroit
Faite, ceque j'ay fait moy mesme
Devant la Vierge, il ne pourroit
Comme moy j'ay fait le chemin
Plus criminel qu'inhumain.
Voicy le sujet de ma vie.
De ma lignée mesmement
Aussi de maudite envie
Que vous sçaurez presentement
Ma qualité & mon renom
Mon lieu, ma naissance & mon nom.
J'estoit de Caën en Normandie
Fils d'un Marchand de ce lieu
Voicy toute ma tragedie,
Que j'ay fiat là trop hodieux.
Mon nom c'est François Sarazin,
Aprenez mon traistre dessein.
J'estois de fort bonne naissance,
Mais je me suis bien trompé,
Et puis j'ay commis l'impudence
De la vray Loy abandonné
En esperant qu'en peu de temps
L'on verroit bien du changement.
Croyant la place de mon pere
De posseder m'appartenant
Mais nos anciens pour me distraire
Ont dit que j'estois inconstans
Que je n'estois ferme à leur Loy,
Qu'il falloit un autre que moy.
Me voyant refuser de mesme
Pour avoir renoncé ma Loy
Je leur dit de collere extréme
Vous entendrez parler de moy,
Apres je m'en vins à Paris
Faire à Dieu un triste mespris.
Satan qui possedoit mon ame
Ma tanté de faire ce mal-heur
Que j'ay fait dedans Nostre Dame,
Par ma rage & ma fureur
Sans reconnoistre l'Eternel
J'ay tué un Prestre à l'Autel.
Devant l'image de la Vierge
Levant le corps de Jesus-Christ
L'Advocat & la Concierge
De tous les bons divins esprits,
J'ay mis l'épée en main d'abord
Deux coups luy ay percé le corps.
Chacun épris de se vacarme,
Les balustres j'ay sauté,
Je sorty hors de Nostre Dame;
Mais un Cocher m'a arresté,
Ou je fut conduit en prison
Pour ma trop grande trahison.
Entre les mains de la Justice
Je fus pris & interrogé
De mon nom & de tout mon vice
Puis en peu de temps fus jugé,
De souffrir la plus rude mort
Mon Dieu soyez mon reconfort.
Il me faut amande honorable
Faire pour ma punition,
Dedans l'Eglise Cathedralle,
Où j'ay fait la noire action,
Et puis le point couppé aussi
Ensuitte mes jours accourcy.
Pour punission de mon offence,
Il me faut équitablement
Mourir en douleur & souffrance,
D'estre bruslé cruellement
Vif, & pour mon chastiment,
Et mes cendres jetter au vent.
A petit feu faut que j'endure,
Finir mes jours sensiblement,
O! mal hureuse [sic] avanture,
Je le merite uniquement,
Ainsi je vais finir mes ans,
Adieu, adieu cher assistans.

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

murder

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Paris

Notes

Accoompanying arrest and mandement in Gueullettte
Arrest 1.JPG
Arrest 2.JPG
Arrest 3.JPG
Arrest 4.JPG
Execution remarquable d'un nommé Francois Sarazin 1.JPG
Execution remarquable d'un nommé Francois Sarazin 2.JPG
Execution remarquable d'un nommé Francois Sarazin 3.JPG
Execution remarquable d'un nommé Francois Sarazin 4.JPG
Mandement 1.JPG
Mandement 2.JPG
Mandement 3.JPG
Mandement 4.JPG
Mandement 5.JPG
Mandement 6.JPG
]]>
Thu, 24 May 2018 13:58:35 +1000
<![CDATA[HISTOIRE TRAGIQUE ET MORALE,]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/990

Title

HISTOIRE TRAGIQUE ET MORALE,

Subtitle

D'un ci-devant Epicier-Droguiste, Faussaire & Empoisonneur.
Sur l'Air: Approchez-vous, honorable assistance, &c.

Synopsis

Antoine Franois Desrues (1744-1777) was a French poisoner.

He was born at Chartres, of humble parents. He went to Paris to seek his fortune, and started in business as a grocer. He was known as a man of great piety and devotion, and his business was reputed to be a flourishing one, but when, in 1773, he gave up his shop, his finances, owing to personal extravagance, were in a deplorable condition.

Nevertheless he entered into negotiations with a Madame de la Motte for the purchase from her of a country estate, and, when the time came for the payment of the purchase money, invited her to stay with him in Paris pending the transfer. While she was still his guest, he poisoned first her and then her son, a youth of sixteen. Then, having forged a receipt for the purchase money and taken on the aristocratic name "Desrues de Bury," he endeavoured to obtain possession of the property.

But by this time the disappearance of Madame de la Motte and her son had aroused suspicion. Desrues was arrested, the bodies of his victims were discovered, and the crime was brought home to him. He was originally sentenced to life in prison, but was retried and condemned to be torn asunder alive and burned. He was condemned to death and executed in Paris in 1777, Desrues repeating protestations of his innocence to the last. An extended debate ensued after his death, which was seen as a touchstone for understanding both the last years of the Ancien Régime and the early revolutionary period, with Balzac, Hugo, and Dumas among the participants. As late as 1828 a dramatic version of it was performed in Paris.
French wikipedia: Antoine-Franois Desrues, né en 1744 à Chartres et roué en 1777 à Paris, est un empoisonneur franais.

Marchand épicier à Paris, Desrues s'enrichit par des escroqueries et des crimes et sut, par son hypocrisie, se faire une telle réputation de vertu que pendant longtemps on ne put le souponner. Ayant acheté à M. de La Motte, écuyer du roi, la terre de Buisson-Soö‚f, qu'il devait payer 130 000 livres, il résolut de faire mourir toute la famille de son créancier afin de s'emparer du bien sans rien débourser : il avait déjà empoisonné la femme et le fils, lorsque son crime fut découvert. Il fut roué vif en 1777 en place de Grve à Paris, son corps fut brulé et cendres dispersées.

Ce fut Charles-Henri Sanson, futur bourreau du roi Louis XVI, qui procéda au supplice.

Soutenu par le petit peuple qui voyait en lui un simple martyr, victime de l'arbitraire royal ne lui ayant mme pas épargné le bùcher, ce fils de petit boutiquier eut ses cendres filtrées par une foule étant allée jusqu'à se battre pour en récupérer le moindre bout d'os, reliques auxquelles elle attribuait des vertus magiques (enrichissement) et qui furent ensuite l'objet d'un commerce.

Sa femme, enfermée à la Salptrire, fut assassinée par les émeutiers lors des massacres de Septembre, en 1792.

Set to tune of...

Approchez-vous, honorable assistance, &c.

Transcription

Approchez-vous, hommes, filles & femmes
De tous états, & vous aussi garçons;
Venez frémir des exécrables trames
D'un noir complot forgé par les démons;
De cette histoire,
Qu'on ne peut croire,
Le châtiment
Fait preuve assurément.

Le criminel, de qui la Providence
A découvert les tours de son métier,
Reut d'abord à Chartres sa naissance,
Puis dans Paris, un tems, fut Epicier;
Fit banqueroute,
C'est-la la route
De bien des gens
Pour se rendre opulens.

De longue main, entr'antes entreprises
Qu'il méditoit en son maudit cerveau,
Ayant tiré ses bonnes marchandises,
Il en soutrait le meilleur, le plus beau,
Rit en son âme,
Et met la flâme
Au magasin,
C'est-à dire au fretin.

Grande rumeur, il fuit, il se désole,
Tape du pied, s'arrache les cheveux,
Tous les voisins n'ont que cette parole,
Ah! le pauvre homme! ah! qu'il est malheureux!
Par cette ruse,
Le traître abuse
Maint créancier
Pour ne le pas payer.

Qui n'iroit pas jusqu'à rouler carrosse
Par des chemins qui ne sont pas plus francs?
Le revenu de cet escroc atroce
Montoit, sans faute, à quinze mille francs.
O moeurs peu sages!
Tous les hommages
Vont aux grands trains,
De ces brillans coquins.

Et nonobstant des actions si vilaines,
Il affectoit Catholique maintien,
Communiant de deux à trois semaines,
Pour déguiser comme il étoit vaurien:
Ce monstre insigne
Qui vous indigne,
Sous le Soleil
N'eut jamais son pareil.

Oui, monstre étoit, d'homme il n'eut que le masque;
Impossible est de détailler ses coups:
Or passons vîte à sa derniere frasque,
Dans leurs fureurs les tygres sont plus doux;
Quand on y pense,
Quelle impudence!
Vouloir pour rien
S'approprier un bien.

Ayant appris qu'une terre est à vendre,
Cupidité se réveille en son sein;
Voyez comment ce lâche va s'y prendre,
Pour l'acquérir, moyennant un larcin:
Il se fatigue,
Rève, s'intrigue,
Se dit en fond,
Ecrit, on lui répond.

En place & lieu du possesseur malade,
Bref, vient l'épouse ayant tout ce qu'il faut;
Au devant d'elle, avec douce acolade,
En patelin il accourt auusi tôt:
Venez, Madame,
Près de ma femme,
Vous conviendrez
Que bien mieux vous serez.

Foible brébis, te voilà sous la patte
D'un loup cruel, qui ne le paroît pas,
Il te prévient, te caresse, te flatte;
Tant d'amitié n'est que pour ton trépas,
Ancien Droguiste,
Il fait la liste
De tout venin
Fatal au corps humain.

[A]h! le moyen d'éviter un tel piége!
Le poison donne une invisible mort:
La Dame avoit un sien fils au Collége,
Qu'il fut chercher pour un semblable sort.
Ses funérailles
Sont à Versailles,
Il fit semblant
Que c'étoit son parent.

Ah! quelle horreur! on ne sçauroit s'en taire,
Chacun eùt fait l'office du bourreau.
Où cacha-t'il la malheureuse mere?
Dans une cave il creusa son tombeau.
Cordes & toile
Servant de voile,
Ballot de vin
Présentoient pour certain.

Un Acte faux à Lyon il fabrique
Qui de la somme atteste le reçu;
Mais Dieu voit tout, & confond la rubrique
De l'Imposteau, dont l'esprit est déçu;
On l'emprisonne,
On le questionne,
Il est subtil,
On ne tient pas le fil.

L'Epous guéri retombe dans la peine.
Il part, arrive, & s'informe par tout.
Nouvelle aucune, & sa recherche est vaine,
Il croit sa femme en fuite... Il est à bout.
Mais le coupable,
Chose admirable!
Notez ce point,
Aux Loix n'échape point.

Impunément jamais on ne se souille
Du sang humain, ce fait est démontré.
En plusieurs lieux on fouille & l'on refouille,
Tant qu'à la fin ce corps est déterré:
Lors on transporte,
Avec escorte,
Le scélérat
Auteur de l'attentat.

Sa mine étoit on ne peut pas plus have:
Le repentir produit toujours cela;
On l'observoit descendre dans la cave,
Fixer les yeux, l'âme se montre-là.
Quoiqu'on s'exerce,
Vérité perce:
Juste à l'endroit
Ses yeux vont donner droit.

On instruit donc soudain la procédure,
Son aveu fait, témoins réconfrontés,
Il est rompu tout vif, c'est la torture,
Ensuite au feu ses membres sont jettés:
Et c'est justice
Qu'un tel supplice.
A ce pervers,
Dieu! sauvez les Enfers.

Vaut mieux un gain petit, mais légitime,
N'est-il pas vrai, que tout l'or des méchans?
Sans nul remord, du vice on passe au crime,
Lorsqu'on ne suit que ses mauvais penchans.
Qu'on est à plaindre
De voir s'éteindre
Dedans son coeur
La crainte du Seigneur.














Method of Punishment

breaking on the wheel, burning

Crime(s)

murder

Gender

Execution Location

Paris, Place de Greve

Tune Data

Approchez-vous, honorable assistance, &c.

CANTIQUE DE L'INNOCENCE-RECONNUE DE STE. GENEVIÈVE
Sur l'air :Que devant vous tout s'abaisse. [from Lully, 'Atys' 1676]

Lyrics to Atys
Performance

Words to cantique:

Approchez-vous honorable assistance.
Pour entendre reciter en ce lieu,
L'innocence reconnue, la patience
De Genevive trs-aimée de Dieu,
Etant Comtesse de grande Noblesse,
Née de Brabant étoit assurément.
Genevive fut nommée au Baptme,
Ses pre & mre l'aimoient tendrement,
La solitude prenoit d'elle-mme,
Donnant son coeur au sauveur tout puissant,
Son grand mérite, fit qu'à la fuite,
Ds dix-huit ans fut mariée richement.
En peu de tems s'élvent de grandes guerres,
Son mari, Seigneur du Palatinat,
Fut obligé pour son honneur & gloire,
De quitter la Comtesse en cet état,
Etant enceinte d'un mois sans feinte,
Fit ses adieux ayant les larmes aux yeux.
Il a laissé son aimable Comtesse,
Entre les mains d'un méchant intendant,
Qui vouloit la séduire par finesse,
Et l'honneur lui ravir semblablement ;
Mais cette Dame, pleine de charmes,
N'y voulut pas consentir nullement.
Ce malheureux accusa sa maîtresse,
D'avoir péché avec son écuyer,
Les serviteurs il gagna par caresse,
Et la Comtesse il fit emprisonner,
Chose assurée est accouchée,
Dans la prison d'un beau petit garon.
Le tems fini de toute cette guerre,
Ce Seigneur s'en revint dans son pays,
Golo s'en fut au-devant de son maître,
Jusqu'à Strasbourg accomplir son désir,
Ce téméraire lui fit accroire
Que sa femme adultre avoit commis.
Etant troublé de chagrin dans son ame,
Il enchargea à Golo ce tyran,
D'aller au plutôt tuer sa Dame,
Et massacrer son petit innocent :
Ce méchant traître quitte son maître,
Va d'un grand coeur exercer sa fureur.
Ce bourreau à Genevive si tendre,
La dépouilla de ses habillemens,
De vieux haillons la fit vtir & prendre,
Par deux valets fort rudes & trs-puissans,
Ils l'ont menée, bien désolée,
Dans la fort avec son cher enfant.
Genevive approchant du supplice,
Dit à ses deux valets, tout en pleurant,
Si vous voulez bien me rendre service,
Faites-moi mourir avant mon cher enfant,
Et sans remise, je suis soumise,
A votre volonté présentement.
La regardant, un dit, qu'allons-nous faire ?
Quoi, un massacre, je n'en ferai rien,
Faire mourir notre bonne maîtresse,
Peut-tre un jour elle nous fera du bien ?
Sauvez-vous Dame, pleine de charmes,
Dans ces forts qu'on ne vous voye jamais.
Au fonds d'un bois dedans une carrire,
Genevive demeura pauvrement,
Etant sans pain, sans feu, ni sans lumire,
Ni compagnie que son trs-cher enfant ;
Mais l'assistance qui la substente,
C'est le bon Dieu qui la garde en ce lieu.
Elle fut visitée d'une pauvre biche,
Qui tous les jours allaitoit son enfant,
Les oiseaux chantent & la réjouissent,
L'accoutumant à leur aimable chant.
Les btes farouches prs d'elle se couchent,
La divertissent elle & son cher enfant.
Voici son mari dans de grandes peines,
Dans son château consolé par Golo,
Ce n'est que jeux que festins qu'on y mne,
Mais ces plaisirs sont bien mal à propos,
Car dans son ame, sa chre Dame,
Pleure sans fin avec un grand chagrin.
Jesus-Christ découvre l'innocence
De Genevive par sa grande bonté,
Chassant dans la fort en diligence,
Le Comte, des chasseurs s'est écarté,
Aprs la biche qui est la nourrice
De son enfant qu'elle allaitoit souvent.
La pauvre biche s'enfuit au plus vite,
Dans une grotte, auprs de l'innocent,
Le Comte aussi-tôt fait la poursuite,
Pour la tirer de ce lieu promptement,
Vit la figure d'une créature,
Qui étoit auprs de son cher enfant.
Appercevant dans sa demeure obscure,
Cette femme couverte de ses cheveux,
Lui demanda, qui tes-vous, créature,
Que faites-vous dans ce lieu ténébreux ?
Ma chre amie, je vous en prie,
Dites-moi donc, s'il vous plaît votre nom.
Genevive, c'est mon nom d'assurance,
Née en Brabant, où sont tous mes parens,
Un grad Seigneur m'épousa sans doutance
Dans son pays m'emmena promptement ;
Je suis Comtesse de grande noblesse,
Mais mon mari fait de moi grand mépris.
Il m'a laissée étant d'un mois enceinte,
Entre les mains d'un méchant intendant,
Qui voulut me séduire par contrainte,
Et me faire mourir semblablement :
De rage felonne dit à deux hommes,
De me tuer moi & mon cher enfant.
Le Comte ému, reconnoissant sa femme,
Dedans ce lieu la regarde en pleurant,
Quoi, est-ce vous, Genevive, chre Dame ?
Que je pleure il y a si long-tems ?
Mon Dieu, quelle grace, dans cette place,
D'y rencontrer ma trs-chre moitié.
Ah ! que de joie au son de la trompette,
Voici venir la chasse & les chasseurs,
Qui rencontre le Comte, je proteste,
A ses côtés sa femme & son coeur,
L'enfant, la biche, les chiens chérissent,
Les serviteurs rendent grace au Seigneur.
Ce grand Seigneur, pour punir l'insolence,
Et perfidie du traître Golo,
Le fit juger par sentence,
D'tre écorché vif par les bourreaux,
A la voierie, je certifie,
Que son corps fut jetté par morceaux.

Notes

From Pascal Bastien, L'execution publique a Paris au XVIIIe siecle:
BnF, MS Fr 6682, p. 357: 'Tous les colporteurs avoient pris son arrt chez le sieur Simon, imprimeur du Parlement, et ils les vendoient en quantité comme à toute sorte de prix. Quelques jours aprs sa mort, on vendoit non seulement ses os et cendres, mais encore son portrait gravé, seul en bonnet de nuit et en robe de chambre, comme aussi sur une trs grande planche représentative des diverses circonstances de son crime et des cruelles épreuves que ce crime l'avoit mis dans le cas de subir.'
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<![CDATA[Cantiques de plusieurs autheurs:]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/1008

Title

Cantiques de plusieurs autheurs:

Subtitle

ou sont comprins ceux des cinq prisonniers executez pour le tesmoignage de l'Evangile, à Lyon, au mois de Juin, L'an de nostre Seigneur Jesus Christ. 1553

Synopsis

LES CINQ DE LYON (11).

Lausanne, comme Genve, voyait affluer dans ses murs des réfugiés, et, dans son académie récemment fondée, des jeunes gens venus de France se formaient en vue d'y retourner pour exercer le ministre évangélique. Pierre Viret, pasteur de l'église de Lausanne et Théodore de Bze, professeur à l'Académie, donnaient une attention toute spéciale à la préparation de ces candidats au ministre, qui étaient surtout candidats au martyre. C'est de Lausanne que partirent, au printemps de 1552, cinq étudiants franais, munis de lettres de recommandation des pasteurs de cette ville, auxquelles Calvin joignit la sienne, à leur passage à Genve. C'étaient Martial Alba, de Montauban ; Pierre Escrivain, de Boulogne en Gascogne ; Bernard Seguin, de la Réole en Bazadois Charles Favre, de Blanzac en Angoumois, et Pierre Navihres, de Limoges. Leur but, en rentrant dans leur pays, était, dit l'un d'eux, de Œ‚ servir à l'honneur et à la gloire de Dieu et tâcher d'amener à la connaissance de son Fils Jésus-Christ tous ceux qu'il lui plairait d'appeler par leur moyen. Œé Entre Genve et Lyon, ils rencontrrent un homme qui se rendait comme eux à Lyon et qui les invita à le venir voir ; ils se rendirent à cette invitation, mais, comme ils étaient à table chez lui, le prévôt, escorté de ses sergents, fit irruption dans la maison et les arrta. C'était le 1er Mai 1552. Conduits dans les prisons de l'archevque, ils furent examinés sur leur foi, reconnus entachés d'hérésie et livrés au bras séculier. Mais ils en appelrent de cette sentence, et, grâce à l'intervention des autorités bernoises qui les réclamrent comme leurs écoliers, ils obtinrent un sursis qui fit traîner en longueur leur procs pendant plus d'une année.

Cette année de captivité nous a valu de précieuses lettres, dont les unes ont été publiées dans le Martyrologe de Crespin, tandis que les autres, conservées à la bibliothque vadiane de Saint-Gall, n'ont été mises en lumire que de nos jours (12) Il semble que Dieu ait voulu que ces jeunes lévites, à défaut du ministre de la parole auquel ils s'étaient préparés, aient pu ainsi rendre témoignage par leurs écrits en attendant de le faire par leur mort sur le bùcher.

Bornons-nous à citer un court extrait de l'une de ces lettres, pour montrer dans quelles dispositions ces jeunes gens se préparaient à la mort :

Œ‚ Nous ne voyons devant nos yeux que confusion, cruels tourments et l'horrible face de la mort ; nous mourons tous les jours et à toute heure pour notre Seigneur Jésus et pour l'espérance que nous avons en lui, toutefois nous ne perdons courage aucunement, ni ne nous troublons point ; mais, étant assurés et certains de l'amour et charité que notre bon Dieu nous porte, étant environnés de ses ailes, et cachés sous les plaies de Jésus-Christ, nous dépitons toute la rage du monde et du diable, de la mort et de l'enfer, et nous réjouissons d'une joie et liesse incompréhensible et inénarrable, attendant, en grand désir et repos de conscience, cette bienheureuse journée en laquelle notre Seigneur apparaîtra pour nous recueillir en son royaume céleste, auquel nous vivrons et régnerons avec lui éternellement. N'avons-nous donc pas grande matire de nous réjouir et de nous glorifier en la croix de notre Seigneur Jésus, puisque notre bon Dieu nous fait tant de bien et d'honneur que de nous recevoir au nombre de ses martyrs, nous qui ne sommes que pauvres vers de terre, et de nous retirer de ce val de misres et de maux pour nous emmener en son royaume éternel ? Oui, vraiment (13) ! Œé


Pendant leur long emprisonnement, les cinq étudiants eurent à subir les assauts des prtres et religieux qui avaient mission de les ramener au giron de l'Eglise romaine. Ils eurent aussi à tenir tte aux tentatives de parents et d'amis qui essayaient de les décider à sauver leur vie en reniant leur foi. D'autre part, ils reurent d'abondantes consolations par les lettres que leur écrivirent Calvin et Viret et par les sympathies des fidles dont l'écho réussissait à percer les murs de leur prison.

öó la fin de février 1553, arriva de Paris l'arrt de la Cour du Parlement qui rejetait l'appel des cinq étudiants. Un dernier effort, tenté par les seigneurs de Berne auprs du cardinal de Tournon, retarda encore l'issue du procs. Le 16 mai enfin, ils reurent avis que leur pourvoi était rejeté, et lecture leur fut faite de la sentence qui les condamnait à tre brùlés vifs le jour mme. Ils se mirent alors à prier et à chanter des psaumes, en attendant d'tre menés au supplice. Sur la charrette, ils entonnrent le psaume IX, puis s'encouragrent en répétant des passages de l'écriture, et témoignrent leur foi, en récitant le symbole des apôtres.

Arrivés à la place des Terreaux, ils furent attachés au poteau qui surmontait le bùcher. Le plus âgé, Martial Alba, fut attaché le dernier. Il demanda la permission d'embrasser ses frres et ils échangrent le suprme baiser, en se disant : Œ‚ Adieu, mon frre ! Œé Au milieu des flammes qui bientôt les envelopprent, on entendit ces mots : Œ‚ Courage, frres, courage ! Œé Œ‚ Ce furent là, Œé dit Crespin, Œ‚ les dernires paroles entendues du milieu du feu, qui bientôt consuma les corps de ces cinq vaillants champions et vrais martyrs du Seigneur. Œé


Set to tune of...

Psalms, various

Transcription

Le premier Cantique ou chanson des cinq prisonniers de Lyon.

Sur le chant du Pseaume 143

Quatriesme Chanson.
Sur le chant, du Psalme. 137

Dedans Lyon ville tres renommee,
Nous souspirons en prison bien fermee
Nous souvenant de l'habitation
Du bon pais & congregation,
Ou nous soulions, tant aux champs qu'en la ville
Ouir prescher le tressainct Evangile.
Certainement nous sommes en detresse,
Non pour prison, on peine qui nous presse
Mais pour autant que pas magnifier
Nous ne pouvons, n'aussi glorifier
Nostre bon Dieu, & ouyr sa Parolle:
Qui noz esprits resjouit & console.
Car maintenant, estans melancoliques,
Sommes contrains d'ouir propos iniques,
Le plus souvent conter & reciter,
Las, tel propos ne sont qu'à inciter
L'ame & le corps à faire chose infame,
Qui devant Dieu les pollue & diffame.
Beaucoup aussi de parolles lubriques,
Nous entendons, & chansons impudiques,
A haute voix en prison resonner,
Et ce pendant on nouse pense estonner,
Si nous chantons les divines louanges,
De nostre Dieu en ces prisons estranges.
Voila pourquoy nostre coeur tant aspire
A toy Seigneur, & qu'il crie & souspire,
En desirant qu'en liberté remis
Tost nos soyons, à fin qu'au large mis,
Nous annoncions à gens de toutes guises
Tes grans bontez parfaictes & exquises.
Doncques Seigneur, par ta grande clemence,
Aye de nous s'il te plaist souvenance,
Pour nous tirer de ceste affliction:
Car puis apres de saincte affection,
Te servirons en toute nostre vie:
Maugré qu'en ait l'Antechrist plein d'envie:
Et en prison quoy qu'on nouse dise ou face
Ne delaissans ave joyeuse face,
A te chanter, o Seigneur nostre Dieu,
Confesserons en toute place & lieu,
Qu'a toy tout seul se faut fier & croire,
Partant Seigneur n'imprime en ta memoire
Tant de pechés, qu'en ce bas territoire,
Nous commettons tous les jours contre toy
Engrave aussi dedans noz coeurs ta loy
Pour te servir obeir & complaire,
Si que tousiours craignions de te desplaire.
Princes Bernois nous avons esperance,
Que Dieu par vous donnera delivrance,
A nous voz humbles & petis escoliers,
Par vous serons de prison deliez,
Si plaist à Dieu, & au bon Roy de France:
Et plus n'aurons dedans Lyon souffrance.

Autre chanson.
Sur le chant, du Psalme XLVI (46)

Puis qu'adversité nous offence,
Seigneur Dieu sois nostre deffence,
Au besoing montre toy amy:
Pour repousser nostre ennemy,
Long temps y a c'est chose seure
Sans ton secours qui nous asseure,
Que de nous eut esté vainqueur,
Et nous eust fait perdre le coeur.
Car Seigneur tu vois leur courage,
Tant enflammé, & plein de rage,
Qu'il nous poursuit journellement,
A la mort tres cruellement:
Voire à grand tort, mesme sans cause:
Car contre luy aucune chose,
N'avons commis, n'aussi pensé:
Dont tenir se puisse offensé:
Nous n'avons offensé en somme
Dedans Lyon femme ny homme,
Dont vient cela donc o Seigneur,
Qu'il nous tient si grande rigueur?
C'est pour autant que l'Evangile
Nous confessons de coeur agile
Et que n'avons point approuvé,
Ce que les Papes ont trouvé.
Donc s'il te plaist Dieu, nostre Pere,
Voy par pitié le vitupere,
Que nous souffrons journellement,
Pour ta Parolle seulement.
Regarde & voy, que d'heure en heure,
Crainte de mort en nous demeure,
Car si aux hommes regardons:
Rien que la mort nous n'attendons.
Si tost qu'on vient ouvrir la porte,
Nostre chair craint en telle sorte:
Qu'elle juge subitement,
Que c'est pour aller au torment.
Incontinent si fort nous tremble,
Le pouvre coeur, las qu'il nous semble,
Que le bourreau nous vient querir,
Pour au feu nous faire mourir.
O pouvre chair par trop fragile.
Pourquoy crains-tu pour l'Evangile,
Et pour verité endurer:
Pour puis apres tousjours durer?
Considere & pense en toy-mesme,
Que Jesus mainte angoisse extreme,
Helas, en ce monde a souffert:
Pour tes pechez en croix offert.
Mourir par feu, c'est mort tresdure
A toute humaine creature:
Mais toutesfois c'est peu de fait,
Du feu qui nostre corps deffait.
O combien plus est redoutable,
Le feu d'enfer au miserable,
Qui par peché sera vaincu,
Et selon Dieu n'aura vescu.
Or sus arriere peur & crainte,
Meure ton effort & attainte,
C'est peu de fait, c'est peu de cas,
De ce qu'endurons icy bas.
Car c'est une chose certaine,
Que tout torment & toute peine,
Qu'on nous pourroit mettre en avant,
Passeront tost comme le vent:
Et pource toute defiance
Delaissons, & nostre fiance
En Dieu mettons entierement,
Qui nous sauvera vrayement.
Cependant faisons luy prieres
Mes compaignons amis & freres,
Qu'il luy plaise nous pardonner.
Et ne nous point abandonner.














Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

heresy

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Lyon, Place des Terreaux

URL

http://www.regard.eu.org/Livres.14/Portraits-recitséhuguenots/10.php#n11
]]>
Thu, 24 May 2018 13:58:38 +1000
<![CDATA[S'ensuyvent les Regretz et Complainte de Nicolas Clereau, avec la mort d'icelluy]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/1031

Title

S'ensuyvent les Regretz et Complainte de Nicolas Clereau, avec la mort d'icelluy

Synopsis

From Journal d'un bourgeois de Paris de 1515-1536:

Audict an, samedy, troisiesme d'octobre (1529), Nicolas Clereau, vinaigrier de Paris, qui estoit marié,
pour les grandz maulx, meurdres, bateries et larrecins qu'il avoit faictz tant à Paris que dehors, fut, par sentence de maistre Jean Morin, baillyf du Palais, confirmée par arrest de la cour, pendu par les aisselles en une corde et eslevé hault, puis jecté et bruslé en un grand feu en la place de Grve. Et fut cest exécution faicte huict jours aprs avoir esté amené de Bourges par l'huissier Bachelier, accompaigné de dix ou douze hommes,
tout enferré et lié; car la cour y avoit envoié ledict huissier le querir et le prendre d'entre les mains et prisons du prevost des mareschaux dudict paö¿s de Bourges et l'amener en la Conciergerie. Laquelle cour le bailla s mains dudict Morin pour luy faire son procs, lequel incontinent l'envoia prisonnier au Petit-Chastelet du Petit-Pont, pource qu'environ deux ans auparavant, estant prisonnier en ladite Conciergerie, il y avoit rompu les prisons. Et le condamna ledict baillyf Morin comme dessus, dont le criminel appella; neantmoins, ladicte sentence fut confirmée. Il avoit regné plus de six ans à faire les maulx pour lesquels il fut condamné à mort.

Transcription

Comme esbahy et esveillé d'ung somme,
Voyant la mort, qui toute gent assomme,
Qui me suivoit et chassoit de trop prs,
Pa[r] quoy j'ay fait ces regretz par exprs,
Pensant comment ds le temps de jeunesse
J'estoys nourry et tenu en liesse
Trs soefvement entre les miens parens,
Dont me complains, par cas bien apparens,
Quant je me voy en douleurs si extresmes
Qu'il me convient mourir, dont en moy-mesmes
Je suis dolent sans aucun reconfort;
Mais, pour m'oster ceste douleur, au fort
Le mien escript je compose en complaincte,
En demonstrant comment, par douleur mainte
Suis assailly de pleurs, gemissemens,
Qui m'ont causé de trs cruelz tourmens,
Disant en moy: Ha! povre malheureux,
Pleure ton dueil et ton cas douloureux;
Ne voys-tu pas triste mort qui t'attend?
Sans delayer, cela elle pretend;
Il convient rendre au grand jugement compte
Bien tost sans plus: point n'y fault de mescompte
Pense donc bien dedans ta conscience,
Car sans elle tu n'as point de science.
Regarde bien les maulx que tu as faitz;
Espluche bien, car ce sont villains faitz.
A! Nicolas, Nicolas dit Clereau,
Ton cas n'est pas à ceste heure trop beau;
Car tu es prins en main de la justice
Qui pugnit ont tout le tien malefice.
Voy-tu pas bien que l'on mayne le bruit
Dedans Paris, c'est que tu es destruit;
Dames, seigneurs et menu populaire
T'ont condamné comme de faulx affaire.
- Las! que feray-je au devant du grant juge,
Ne que diray! Je n'ay point de reffuge
Sinon à toy, doulce vierge Marie!
Devant ton filz, je te pry, ne m'oublie.
Raison pourquoy? tu es la tresorire
Des cieulx haultains et advocate chre
De nous pecheurs. J'ay en toy ma fiance;
Donnes-moy donc maintenant pascience.
Helas! helas! quel dangereux diffame
Pour mes parens et pour ma doulce femme!
Ha! doulce amye! ayez bonne atrempance;
Ne vous courroucez, voyant ma doleance;
Prenez bon coeur sans avoir nul esmoy:
Plus je vous plains que je ne fais pas moy.
Quant je vous voy seulle [sinsi] demourée,
Je vous plains fort; vous estes demourée
Sans nul confort, comme toute dolente,
Et je m'en voys sans faire longue attente.
Priez pour moy le trs souverain Dieu
Qu'en paradis me donne place et lieu,
C'est assavoir qu'il colloque mon ame
Au ciel divin; je vous pry, doulce dame.
Encor vous dis qu'aprs la mienne mort
Gouvernez-vous honnestement d'acort;
Ne faites rien que de vous l'on mesdise;
A faire bien soyez tousjours aprise.
Bien say de vray que je vous ay laissée,
Dont me desplaist; je vous ay offencée.
Pardonnez-moy, j'ay faulcé mariage;
Je suis marry trop fort en mon couraige.
Enfans, enfans, qui avez liberté,
Gouvernez-vous en humble honnesteté,
Faictes si bien que vous n'encourez hayne
[missing line - printer printed next line twice]
Et n'ayez point le coeur si trs volage
Comme j'ay eu, et je dis davantage
Que ne soyez de si fresle pensée.
Suyvez tousjours la bonne compaignée
Sans estre oyseulx et tenir en paresse.
Adieu vous ditz, toute joye et liesse;
Adieu vous ditz, m'amye l'artyllre;
Adieu vous ditz, ma doulce amye et chre;
Adieu vous ditz, celle que tant j'amoye;
Adieu vous ditz, mon plaisir et ma joye;
Adieu vous ditz, toutes filles pucelles;
Adieu vous ditz, et femmes et ancelles;
Adieu vous ditz, mon cher amy et frre;
Car je m'en vois mourir de mort amre
Comme ung larron et ung traistre meurtrier;
Mais, s'il vous plaist, veuillez pour moy prier
Le trs bon Dieu, et qu'à mon ame face
Don de mercy, en me donnant sa grace.
Helas! je suis en grant perplexité,
Pensant comment à Bourges la cité
Je fus surpris et mené à Paris,
Qui est la fin de tous les miens perilz.
Là arrivay, au petit Chastellet
Fus enfermé: cela me fut fort lait,
Et cependant on faisoit mon procs,
Et le baillif, voyant des maulx l'excs,
Me fist venir au dedans des Requestes,
Là où il fist de moy bonnes enquestes,
Combien pour vray que rien ne vouluz dire,
J'avoys le cueur remply de dueil et ire;
Mais non pourtant m'amena des tesmoings
Qui contre moy tesmoignrent maulx maintz,
Par quoy je fuz trs fort honteusement
Condampné lors à mourir briefvement,
Et, mis au feu, estre bruslé tout vif.
Voillà l'exploit que me fist le baillif.
A ceste heur, pour vous le faire court,
J'en appelle vistement en la court,
Où il fut dit j'avoys mal appellé
Et bien jugé; point ne me fust cellé.
Voilà comment je fus expedié
De par messieurs; par quoy je fus prié
De souffrir lors la mort paciemment.
Hé Dieu! voicy trs grant encombrement;
Paris, Paris, cité et bonne ville,
Adieu te ditz; il m'est bien difficile
De maintenant mourir si durement.
Gentilz gallans, tenez-vous hardiment,
Sans point faillir, tousjours sus vostre garde;
Car je fus prins par trs grande mesgarde.
Trs bons crestiens, quant mourir me verrez,
Priez Jesus, comme faire saurez,
Affin que j'aye en luy ma remembrance:
Car j'ay tousjours en sa grace fiance.
Vous, mes parens, faites chanter des messes
Pour prier Dieu à faire mes adresses
En paradis, là où est toute joye.
S'il est aulcun à qui meffait je aye,
Grace et pardon me donne maintenant.
Je voys mourir, en ceste main tenant
La saincte croix où mourut le Seigneur,
Le redempteur de nous et enseigneur.
Enfin je sens la mort, puis qu'elle vient,
Sans resister: car mourir me convient,
Comme celuy qui l'a trs bien gaignée.
O dure mort, que j'ay tant esperée,
Rendre me vueil à toy sans resistance!
O crestiens, qui estes en assistance,
Sans plus parler je m'en voys sans attendre
En gloire; lors vueillez à moy entendre
Tant que mort soys, car je ne foys que frire.
Adieu vous ditz: plus ne vous say que dire.

Si bien virez et revirez,
Le nom de l'auteur trouverez.
[Last 13 lines but one spell 'Gilles Coroset']

Plus que moins


Composer of Ballad

Gilles Corrozet

Method of Punishment

hanging, burning

Crime(s)

murders

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Place de Grve, Paris

URL

http://archive.org/stream/recueildeposie01montuoft#page/108/mode/2up/search/Nicolas
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=zrQDAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=recueil+de+po%C3%A9sies+fran%C3%A7aises+des+XVe+et+XVIe+volume+1&hl=en&sa=X&ei=R0ykUcSLBs7OkAWo-oDIDg&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=complainte&f=false

Notes

from Google Books; receueil de poesies francaises des XV et XVIe siecles (Montaiglon)
]]>
Thu, 24 May 2018 13:58:42 +1000
<![CDATA[Ein Warhafftige vnd gründtliche Beschreibung]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/1048

Title

Ein Warhafftige vnd gründtliche Beschreibung

Subtitle

Auß demm Bistumm Würtz-vnd Bamberg / Deßgleichen von dem gantzen Fränckischen Kraiß / wie man alda so vil Hexen Mann vnd Weibspersohnen verbrennen laßt / vnd was sie nur für schröckliche Sachen bekannt haben / ist mit fleiß auß Glaubwürdigen SchreiBen zusamen getragen / Vnd inn das Lied versetzt.
Im Thon: Hilff GOTT das mir gelinge / etc.

Digital Object

Image notice

Full size images of all ballad sheets available at the bottom of this page.

Image / Audio Credit

Wolfenbüttel, Herzog-August-Bibliothek 23, [2] Bl ; 4°, C 1627A. VDLied Digital. 

Set to tune of...

Hilff Gott daß mir gelinge

Transcription

1. Hoer O mein Christ besunder 
die schröckliche Geschicht. 
also mit grossem Wunder 
davon ich euch bericht 
so gar ein jämmerliche That 
was sie da hat begeben 
Zu Würtzburg inn der Statt. 

2. Alda thut man verbrennen 
Vil Hexen Mann vnd Weib 
was sie schröcklichs bekennen 
Davon ich jetzund schreib 
das ist traurig zuhören an 
wie nun derlaidig Teuffel 
die Leuth verführen kan. 

3. Mancher Vatter vnd Mutter 
wußt nichts von seinem Kind 
manche Schwester vnd Bruder 
von andern wurd verbrennt
ja mannicher Mann von seinem Weib 
der Teuffel thet sie blinden 
An Seel vnnd auch am Leib. 

4. Ein Kramer wurdt verbrennet 
zu Würtzburg inn der Statt 
Der hat gantz frey bekennet 
daß er vom Teuffel hat 
all Monat zweintzig Thaler gut 
Zwölff Jahr jhr Haubtman gwesen 
gar fleissig dienen thut. 

5. Ein reiche Fraw darneben 
mit jhm verbrennet war 
die thet gäntzlich fürgeben 
Vnd saget also klar 
Sie hett drey hundert Fuder Wein 
Aber das Hexen Leben 
thet jhr vil lieber seyn. 

6. Wie ein Metzger vnd Gerber 
die auch haben bekennt 
Ein Beck vnd auch Schwartzferber 
Als man sie hat verbrennt 
Sprachen es müßten sie tawren doch 
wann sies nit hetten gelernet 
sie woltens lernen noch. 

7. Zu Bamberg auch deßgleiche 
verbrennt man alle Tag 
Ja mehrer theil die Reiche 
sing ich mit wahrer sag 
Ein Schulmeister war da verbrinnt 
drey Jahr das Hexen Leben 
thet lehrnen seine Kind. 

8. Dann der bekennt mit namen 
 das ist ein schröcklich Werck 
 Wie sie seyn gweßt beysammen 
 Auff dem Fraw Venus Berg 
 Eben an der Waldburgen Nacht 
 so vil inn der Welt waren 
 hond sie zusammen bracht. 

9. Ein Fahnen sie da führen 
 darinn der Teuffel war 
 gemahlet vnd gezieret 
 die Bildnuß Christi klar 
 war vnder sein Füß gethon 
 darmiter sie beredet 
 Gott soll kein Gwalt mehr hon. 

10. Deßwegen sie sehr preysen 
 jhren GOtt Lucifer 
 Ihm grosse Ehr beweisen 
 Den wahren GOtt vilmehr 
 Verfluchen sie jnnsonderheit 
 vnnd auff ein newes absagen 
 Der hochen Dreyfaltigkeit. 

11. Zum dritten mal mit Wunder 
 der Himmel offen war 
 Ein Stimm schry laut herunder 
 Heur 
 heur inn disem Jahr 
 muß das Geschlecht zu boden gohn 
 inn gantzer Welt jetzunder 
 sollen sie kein Frid hohn. 

12. Wie man schon thut erfaren 
 inn mannichem Landt vnd Statt 
 das man kein fleiß thut sparen 
 schon vil verbrennet hat 
 vnd greifft je länger vnd fester an 
 der Welt Gottloses Leben 
 Gott nimmer sehen kan. 

13. Der Bischoff wirdt jetzunder 
 verbrennen auff einmal 
 zu eim Beyspil vnd Wunder 
 ja Hundert an der Zahl 
 der gantzen werthen Christenheit 
 daß man sie soll vertreiben 
 dann es ist grosse Zeit. 

14. Wa mans nit will verbrennen 
 so geben sie sich dar 
 Frey öffentlich bekennen 
 wie kund vnnd offenbahr 
 man soll sie richten mit dem Schwerdt 
 Sie künden nicht mehr leben 
 vor lauter Angst auff Erd. 

15. Ein Müller vnd Beckh eben 
 zu Werdten inn der Statt 
 hond sie selber dargeben 
 die man verbrennet hat 
 Bekandten auch vor jrem Todt 
 vil Menschen habens verführet 
 Auß lauter Hungersnoth. 

16. Ein Edle Fraw deßgleiche 
 wie man sie hat verbrennt 
 dann sie war mächtig Reiche 
 Die schrye vor jhrem End 
 Mich rewt die gute Tag vnnd Stund 
 So wider werden haben 
 Die arme Bettelhund. 

17. Also habt jhr vernummen 
 von diser Teuffels Rott 
 so gar inn kurtzer Summen 
 Ach du mein frommer GOTT 
 Wer alles hie beschreiben will 
 Ist gar schröcklich zuhören 
 vnd auch zu lesen vil. 

18. O GOtt thu vns behüten 
 Jetzund vnd allezeit 
 vors Teuffels List vnd wüthen 
 Du hoch Dreyfaltigkeit 
 Mach der bösen Welt ein End 
 Mein Leib 
 mein Seel 
 mein Leben 
 nimb HERR inn deine Händ 
 AMEN. 


Folget die Bekandtnuß dises Vnkrauts.
ERstlich haben sie bekennt / Wann ein Hochzeiter / mit seiner Braut zur Kirchen geht / vnd mit dem lincken Fuß vor inn die Kirchen trit / so könden sie machen / das keines kein Lust mehr zum andern haben kan. 
Zum andern / Wann nun die Braut vor dem Bräutigam inn das Beth geth / so können sie dem Bräutigam sein Mannheit nemmen. 
Zum Dritten / Ein Hebamm hat bekennt / wann ein Fraw das erste Kind trag / vnd der Mann jhr die Hebamm nicht selber holl / so könne sie das Kind vmbbringen / vnd die Mutter verderben. 
Zum Vierdten / So man die Kinder vnder zwölff Wochen inn das Bad / oder Badstuben trägt / dieselbe Kinder könden sie verzaubern / daß sie weder wachßen / noch zunemmen. 
Zum Fünfften / Wann man die Stuben oder Hauß außkehr / vnnd den Vnflat hinder der Thür ligen läßt / so wollen sie denselbigen Menschen verderben. Es kan sie auch der Teuffel Leibhafftig darhindert verbergen. Auch künden sie wissen / was im gantzen Hauß geschicht. 
Zum Sechsten / Wann ein Mensch früe auffsteht / vnnd wäscht die Händ nicht / was nun derselbig Mensch angreiff den gantzen Tag / da könden sie bekommen / vnd haben macht vber alle Sach. Wer mit Viech vmbgeht / es seyen Pferdt / Kühe / Ochßen / Schwein oder Schaaff / so kan das Viech nicht gedeyen vnd zunemmen. Auch können sie die Milch / Butter / Käß vnd Schmaltz bekommen. Können auch die Kühe selber Melcken. Deßwegen sie im Franckenlandt die Milch Dieb genennt werden. 
Zum Sibenden / wann man die Füß wäscht / vnd das Wasser vber Nacht stehen laßt / so könden sie den Teuffel jren Buhlen darein baden / sonderlichen am Sambstag zu Nacht / Auch sonst vil Vnglück darmit anrichten. 
Zum Achten / Wann ein Mensch Eyr ißt / vnd würfft die Schalen inn die Schissel / vnd zertruckt sie nicht / so könden sie einen Menschen darmit verderben. Zum Neundten / wann ein Magdt oder Jungkfraw / auß dem Bad geht / vnd das Badthuch vber Nacht naß ligen laßt / so können sie demselben Menschen jhr Weibliche Blumen nemmen / vnd jhr auch nimmermehr zuhelffen sey. Zum Zehenden / Wann die Mägdtlein auff den Tantz gehen / vnnd den linckhen Schuh vor einpressen oder schnieren / so hab der Teuffel macht mit jhr zu Tantzen. Zum Eylfften / Wann man an einem Sambstag Saltz oder Eyr außleyht / so kan sie machen / daß dieselbige Nacht kein Mensch im gantzen Haus schlaffen kan / oder wol gar das Jüngst oder Eltist verderben. 
Zum Zwölfften / Noch ein andere Bekandtnuß / wie vnd durch was für List Mann vnd Weibspersohnen / hinder das Hexenwerck kommen vnd gebracht werden. 
Zum Dreyzehenden / Wann die Gesellen auf die Buhlschafft gehn / da erscheint jhn der Teuffel inn Gestallt seines Buhlen / durch die Gesellen betrogen vnnd verführt werden. 
Zum Vierzehen / Wann die Baurenknecht am Mittwochen zwischen eylff vnd zwölff Vhren / sich heimlich zu der Magdt wollen legen / So schlaffen sie beym Teuffel. Vnd also verführt werden. 
Zum Fünffzehenden / Wann die Mägdtlein inn dem Gunchelhauß oder Roggenstuben selber mit einander Tantzen / so hat der Teuffel macht vber alle die da im Hauß sein. 
Zum Sechzehenden / vnd Sibenzehenden / Bekennen das vil tausendt Mägdtlein also sind verführt worden / deßwegen die GunckelHäuser oder Roggenstuben inn der gantzen Welt solt man abschaffen. 

Also habt jhr zu einem Exempel vnnd trewhertziger Warnung / was fromme Christen seyn / gnugsamb verstanden / Alles hie zuerzehlen / wer gar schröcklich zu hören. 

Der Allmächtige GOTT vnnd Vatter / im Namen JEsu Christi / seines lieben Sohns / durch die Krafft deß H Geists / wölle vns gnädiglich behüten vnd bewahren / vor deß Teuffels Trug vnd List / vnd seim gantzen Anhang. O du H. Dreyfaltigkeit / laß dir vnser Leib vnnd Seel befohlen seyn / von nun an biß in alle ewigkeit / Amen / HErr JEsu Amen. 
E N D E.

 

1. Hear O my Christ ..
the shocking story
how with great miracle
of which I will also report

Of what occurred
In Wurtzburg in the city.

2. There were burned
Many witches, husbands and wives.
What they shockingly confessed
I can now write.
It is sad to listen to,
How the wretched devil
Can lead people astray.

3. Many a father and mother
knew nothing of their child.
Many a sister and brother
were burned by the other.
Yea, many a man by his wife.
The devil blinded them
Both in soul and in body

4 A grocer was burned
in WÙrtzburg in the city 
He quite freely confessed 
that he from the devil
all month has twenty good Thalers
twelve years formerly he was captain
Serving him industriously.

5 A rich woman darneben
burneth with him was the
thet g_ntzlich fÙrgeben
and so clear you saith
hett drey hundred cart-loads of wine
But the witches living 
 her thet much rather be .

6 How committed a butchers and tanners 
 who also 
 A Beck and also a blackdyer 
 When she has burns 
 languages äó†äó†it they would tawren but 
 when sies nit Hetten taught it 
 they woltens learn.

7 At Bamberg also de¤gleiche 
 you burn all day 
 Yes in part of several empires 
 I sing with true say 
 A schoolmaster was there burns 
 three years the witches Lehrner life 
 thet his child.

8 Then confesses with name 
 this is a schr_cklich Werck 
 How Being gwe¤t beysammen 
 Auff the woman Venusberg 
 Eben on the forest castles night 
 so much in the world were 
 hond they brought together .

9 A flags as they lead 
 darinn the Teuffel was 
 gemahlet adorned VND 
 Bildnu¤ Christ the clear 
 his foots gethon 
 darmiter was persuaded them under 
 God is no more Violence is hon .

10 De¤wegen it very praise 
 her Elohim Lucifer 
 prove him great honor 
 the true Elohim vilmehr 
 cursing them innsonderheit 
 and eye-catching one newes cancel 
 it's high- Trinity.

11 For the third time with miracles 
 the heavens were open 
 A voice crying loud herunder 
 Hear 
 hear inn this year 
 The race must go the ground 
 inn the whole world here under 
 she should not Frid scorn .

12 How does already erfaren 
 inn mannichem Lands and cities 
 that you do not see any assiduity does save 
 already much has burneth 
 greifft and the longer and firmer 
 World Godless life 
 God never kan

13 The Bischoff wirdt book now under 
 burn auff once 
 to eim example and wonders 
 even hundreds in number 
 gantzen worthy of Christendom 
 that they should sell 
 it's big time.

14 Wa mans do not want to burn 
 so they give themselves is 
 Frey publicly confess 
 as known and open bahr 
 one should judge them with the sword 
 announce you no longer live 
 from fear auff earth .

15 A miller and Beckham just 
 to Werdten inn the city 
 she hond itself dargeben 
 one has burneth 
 Bekandten even before her death 
 many people were seduced 
 by sheer famine .

16 A noble woman de¤gleiche 
 how she burns 
 she was mighty empires 
 The schrye before their end 
 Mich rewt good day vnnd hour 
 Thus resist have 
 The poor beggar's dog.

17 So you vernummen 
 of images this Teuffels Rott 
 so very inn Kurtzer sums 
 Oh my GOD pious 
 Who wants to describe everything here 
 Is schr_cklich even listen 
 and also read a lot.

18 O Elohim thu protect us 
 Jetzund and forever 
 pre Teuffels cunning and rage 
 you highly Trinity 
 do the wicked world one end 
 My body 
 my soul 
 my life 
 nimb LORD inn your dealer 
 AMEN .

 

 

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

witchcraft

Gender

Date

Ein Warhafftige vnd gründtliche Beschreibung.gif
Ein Warhafftige und grundtliche Beschreibung 1.jpg
Ein Warhafftige und grundtliche Beschreibung 2.jpg
Ein Warhafftige und grundtliche Beschreibung 3.jpg
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]]>
Thu, 24 May 2018 14:57:58 +1000
<![CDATA[This lytle treatyse declareth the study and frutes of Barnes]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/1151

Title

This lytle treatyse declareth the study and frutes of Barnes

Subtitle

borned in west smythfelde in London the .xxx. daye of Iuly in the .xxxii. yeare of the raygn of our Soueraygne Lorde Kynge Henry the viij. Newely compyled, and nowe newely Imprynted.

Synopsis

Robert Barnes (c. 1495 – 30 July 1540) was an English reformer and martyr, burned for heresy under Henry VIII.

Digital Object

Image / Audio Credit

Foxe's Book of Martyrs Plate IV - Barnes and his Fellow-Prisoners Seeking Forgiveness, by Joseph Martin Kronhein (Wikimedia Commons). This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 100 years or less.

Transcription

The Gospell.
NOwe it is true, that I harde tell
Whiche to me is no great meruell
Barnes the bolde / the vicar of hell
In learnynge som sayde, he dyd excell
Yet he expoundeth, wronge the gospell
Wrestyng and wrythyng it lyke a false fryer.
Which hath brought hym to a fayre fyer.

Of prechynge
Many he hath / to the trade brought
By his teachynge and preachyng, in pulpyt al ofte
Sayenge (we haue founde) that no ma[n] hath sought
Our wyttes, our lernynge, the spryte in vs wrought
Deceyuyng the people / tyl his workes came to nought
Suche was the study, of the false fryer
Who is now brent, in a fayre fyer.

Of fastyng and praying.
His carnall belly-ioye, whiche neuer wolde faste carnall] carnanall 1540
Gullynge and drynkynge, as he wolde braste
Despysyng al prayers / sayeng our wynd we dyde waste
And all holy sayntes, he dyde out_caste
To turne mens hertes, tyl nowe at the laste
He is prouyd an herytyke, and a false lyer
And brent to poudre, in a fayre fyre.

Of Dissimulacion.
Many thynges / he wolde, haue brought to passe.
[Through dissymulacion / ................................] leaf bisected, with loss of text here and in the next line
To blynde the people [styll, warne and .................]
But what he thought (the Sacrament was)
I wyll not iudge, but we maye synge, and say (alas)
That euer was borne, this Antechrist fryer
Which by true iudgement, was brent in the fyer.

Of Holy-breade and Holy-water.
God blessed the erth, and the fyrst creature
That euer was made of, mans nature
Moche more blessed is he, that is our sauyour
Receyuyng his baptysme / blessed the water
In thy name Iesus, the worlde to endure
This name ones spoken, with hartty desyre
Shall halowe / both bread, water and fyer.

Of lawe,
Yf his great-graund-father /longe had ben suffered
Both gods lawe, and mans lawe, wold haue ben subuertid
Lyke bestyall beastes, we shulde then haue raygned
Wtout lawe or good ordre, he had so Imagynyd
After the luteryan fasshyoned, but god be thanked
To put in our Kynges hed: further to enquyre
Of the false heretyke, and braynles fryer.

Of Prestes to haue wyues.
¶All thynges in commune, is the luteryans lyfe
A preest / a fryer, must nedes haue a wyfe
Who wolde blame Barnes then, to begyn the stryfe
Betwene the spyrytuall, and temporall, it was ryfe
It grudged, good mens conscyence, this great myschefe
And the conuycyous wordes of the false fryer
Whiche for his heresyes, is burnt in a fayre fyer.

Of Repentaunce.
O howe [lyk]e / a Christen man he dyed hole torn in leaf, with loss of text here and in the next line
Styffly hol[dy]nge / his handes by his syde
Sayeng, yf euer were any saynt / that dyed
I wyll be one / that must nedes be tryed
Without repentaunce, the deuyll was his gwyde
All this he sayd / lyke a false lyer
Yet all coulde not saue hym, from the fayre fyer.

Of Presumpcion.
To se the pryde / and great presumpcyon
Of the false heretyke, that wolde become
A saynt in the deuyls name, throughe dissimulacyon
Without gods mercy / it is his confusyon
I praye god there be no mo (I saye but mom)
Awaye with hym, away with hym, quod barnes the fryer
Somtyme in the pulpyt, and nowe in the fyer

Of Reliquis.
Hys stampynge, his starynge, is [.......]ne. leaf torn away, with loss of text here and in the two following lines
Thankes be to god, and our kyng a[l]one
And that I myght haue, of hym a stynky[nge] bone
To make it a relyke / for he sayd, there is none
That he coulde fynde, in Mathewe or in Iohnn
Whether he sayd true / or spake lyke a lyer
Let other trye the trueth / for he was / an heretyke fryer

Of a Marter.
[O] holy Barnes / of all Heretykes the father leaf damaged
[Y]e be a saynte / yet ye [be no confessour] leaf bisected, with loss of text here and in the next line
[..........................................]
[Sm]ylynge and iestynge / when ye lyste clatter leaf damaged with loss of text here and in the following three lines
[Bu]t I thynke surely, ye be a stynkynge marter
[W]ho that thynketh contrary, thynketh lyke a lyer
L[e]t hym that so thynketh / beware of the fyer

Of his Newe lernynge.
Take hede and beware / of his false doctryne
And to bele[u]e Christes churche, let vs inclyneletter illegible
Our hertes to god, and to our kynge, both thyne and myne
To serue them truely / with hart diuyne
Then mayst thou saye, thou drawest the tr[ewe] lyne leaf damaged with loss of text here and in the following two lines
Le[t] of his newe lernyng, I the requyre
An[d] gyue [n]o credence, to the heretyke fryer

[A]nd nowe louyngly, let vs all [with o]ne voyce pray. leaf damaged with loss of text here and in the next line
For the preseruacyon, of Henry, our m[ost no]ble kynge
And katherine / our Quene, that they togyther may
Prosperously contynue, to theyr hertes desyrynge,
And Edwarde our Prynce that most angelyke thyng
That they all-togyther, may long lyue and reste
And after with hym to raygne / Qui in celis est

Amen.
God saue the Kynge.
Imprynted at London in Pater_noster_rowe by Iohnn_Redman, for Richard_bankes,
Cum priuilegio Regali. et Ad imprime[n]dumimprimendum] imprimemdum 1540 solum

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

heresy

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Smithfield, London

Printing Location

London: John Redman for Richard Bankes, 1540

URL

'The Study and Fruits of Barnes Burned in West Smithfield'Textbase of Early Tudor English Website, The University of Otago

More information on Robert Barnes' execution in The Cambridge History of Early Modern English Literatureedited by David Loewenstein and Janel Mueller.
415px-Joseph_Martin_Kronheim_-_Foxe's_Book_of_Martyrs_Plate_IV_-_Barnes_and_his_Fellow-Prisoners_Seeking_Forgiveness.png
]]>
Wed, 06 Jun 2018 13:41:51 +1000
<![CDATA[Ein erschröckliche jedoch warhafftige und erbärmliche Newe Zeitung Von Häxenmeisteren und Zauberern von welchen so vil zarte Jugend durch deß leydigen Teüffels Betrüg seynd verführt worden]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/1211

Title

Ein erschröckliche jedoch warhafftige und erbärmliche Newe Zeitung Von Häxenmeisteren und Zauberern von welchen so vil zarte Jugend durch deß leydigen Teüffels Betrüg seynd verführt worden

Subtitle

auch wie solches an tag kommen / dar von zwar etliche erlöst worden / theils aber bey 42. vom Leben zum Todt erbärmlich seynd hingerichtet worden.
Geschehen zu Reüdlingen im Herzogthumb Wirtenberg zu End deß 1665. und Anfangs diß 1666. Jahrs.
Im Thon: Wie man den Sündfluß singt.

Synopsis

42 people are executed for witchcraft in Wirtemburg in 1665/6

Digital Object

Image notice

Full size images of all ballad sheets available at the bottom of this page.

Image / Audio Credit

Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz Ye 7541, VD17 1:693643U. VD Lied Digital.


Set to tune of...

Wie man den Sündfluß singt.

Transcription

1.
Kom her Mentsch laß dir sagen
schröckliche Wundergschicht
darvon vor wenig Tagen
mit Trauren wurd bericht
mit Kummer und mit Schmerzen
gar mancher Bidermann
mein Christ führs wol zu Herzen
dann ich trieb gar kein Schärken
drumb merckend Fraw und Mann.

2.
Ein Statt die ist gelegen
im Wirtenberger-Land
darvon ich euch will sagen
ist Keüdlingen genant
ein Mann da ward einzogen
wegen der Zauberey
und anderen Teüfferls-Künsten
die er lang triben sonsten
wurd an die Marter bracht.

3.
Darumb wolt er nichts geben
von ihn man nichts vernam
der Bôß zu ihm thät sagen
dein Kind gib mir zu Lohn
dann ich bin bey dir gewesen
dort in der Marter groß
ce sprach ja z’Nacht solst kommen
gschwind hat dFraw ihr Kind gnommen
in Jesu Christe Nam.

4.
Jörg Balle war sein Nammen
ein Rumor er anfieng
auffs new wurd er gefangen
der Jammer da angieng
sagt er sey nicht alleine
mit Zauberey behafft
sie werden noch vil finden
Weib/Mann unnd kleine Kinder
die all dem Bösen verpflicht.

5.
Der Ergst ward auch einzogen
Jost Nabel bekent doch nichts
ein Hembd man ihm anzogen
so auff ein Stund zugricht
gesponnen und gewäben
darauff bekant er frey
uber fünffzig Mägdlein und Knaben
die Künst von ihm glehrt haben
durch Teüffels hilst und List.

6.
Die Kind so er kont nennen
hat man all gschriben auff
und solche lassn kommen
fast alle auffs Rahthauß
darunder hat man gsehen
etlich gar junge Kind
die hat man thün probieren
mit Silber/Gold/D und Biren
welches ihn lieber sey.

7.
Den Kindern gab man die Wahle
sie solten nemmen fein
Duccaten/Silberkronen
oder kleine Wässerlein
die Kinder thäten langen
eins nach eim Depffel schön
daß ander ein Messer eben
sdritt Ruß unnd Biren wolt haben
für alles Gold und Gelt.

8.
Dise thät man verschliessen
wol in ein Stuben groß
zu Gott solt Männiglich rüffen
war der Gelehrten Rath
daß sie der Herz erlöse
vons Teüffels Joch und Band
der wie ein Löwrumb streichet
biß er die Mentschen erschleichet
und endtlich stürßt zugrund.

9.
Deren hat man etlich erhalten
durch Gottes Gnad und Krafft
die aber schon veraltet
legt man in Gfangenschafft
biß s Vrthel war ergangen
daß man sie mit dem Schwert
vom Leben zum Todt solt bringen
ihr Leib hernach verbrennen
nach Keyferlichem Recht.

10.
Hört Wunder liebe Christen
ein Statt-Knecht gien gar spat
ein grosser Herz solt schicken
sein Sohn und Tochter grad
der Herz sprach wart biß morgen
ich wills erfahren seibs
waß sie gelehrnet haben
wie ich vil ghört sagen
und wie es sey bewant.

11.
Morgens weckt er den Knaben
sprach Michel schlaffest wol
wüntscht ihm ein güten Morgen
der Knab ihm dancket schon
er sprach ich hab vernommen
es seyen Leuth in eim Land
können Haasen unnd Hirzen machen
ganze gJägt unnd andere Sachen
daß seynd wol gschickte Leüth.

12.
Vatter das ist kein Kunste
ich kan das alles wol
führt ihn in die grosse Stuben
macht ihm ein Gseg daher
von Hünd/Füchs/Haasen/Hirzen
auch ein Gestrüpp darzu
der Sohn darzu thät singen
dem Vatter möcht sHerz zerspringen
sprach mein Sohn es ist gnüg.

13.
Der Vatter thäte gehen
zum anderen Kämmerlein
Annelt wilst auffstehn
gehn mit der Müetterlein
so thü dich gschwind anziehen
Vatter ich fertig bin
er sprach hast nichts vernommen
in ein Land seynd Leüth kommen
können vil schöner Künst.

14.
Nämblich auß eim Tisch zäpffen
weissen undrothen Wein
die schönste Milch zu melcken
auß einem Zwähelein
wann wir nur das auch könten
es sprach das kan ich wol
er sprach so laß mich sehen
ein Melchteren thät da stehen
nun milck mir auch hierein.

15.
Daß Mägdlein fieng an melcken
auß einem Tischtüch güt
biß vast voll war die Melchtern
und sprach habt jeß vergüt
sonst müeßt die Kuh verderben
der Herz sprach milck nur fort
bald schrauwe ein Burger mit Sorgen
mein beste Kuh ist verdorben
war erst frisch und gesund.

16.
Der Herz sprach lieder Nachbaur
ich weiß wers hat gethan
gehe hin zu meiner Scheiiren
da werden zehen stan
nimb welche dir geliebet
mein Tochter hats gethan
seine Kind thät er selbs führen
auffs Rathauß zu seinen Mit-Herren
sagt wies ergangen war.

17.
Daß Urthel war gefellet
uber den Meister gschwind
an ein Saul ward er bunden
s Fewr under ihm anzündt
mit glüeenden heissen Zangen
zer?iß man ihm sein Leib
verbrent zu Staub und Aschen
weil er so Gottsvergessen
verführt manchs Mütterkind.

18.
Einen anderen lebendig
man ins Fewr gworffen hat
bey vierzig Söhn und Töchteren
gerichtet mit dem Schwert
mehrtheils hernach verbrennet
weil sie so schröckenlich
Mentchen und Viech verderbet
durch Hagel wil verhenet
und sonst vil Böses gstifft.

19.
Ihr frommen Mann und Weiber
laßt euch diß z Herzen gahn
thüt kein Gspött hierauß treiben
rüfft Jesum Christum an
der für uns ist gestorben
vergoß am Creüz sein Blüt
daß Er uns wöll erlösen
vom Teüffel und allem Bösen
Amen das werde war.

[followed by ‘Geistliches ABC’]

Partial Translation:
17.
That verdict was delivered
Swiftly upon the master
He was bound to a post,
The fire under it ignited.
With glowing hot pliers
His body was torn
Burned to dust and ashes
Because he, so godforsaken,
Ensnared many mothers’ children.

18.
Another one was
Thrown alive into the fire
With forty sons and daughters
Judged by the sword
More were then burned
Because they, so terrifying,
People and livestock ruined
Through hail much bewitched
And much further evil struck.

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

witchcraft

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Wirtemburg

Printing Location

Augspurg by Christoff Schmid

Notes

Digital document also available at e-rara.ch
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Tue, 16 Jul 2019 12:21:07 +1000
<![CDATA[Erschreckliche Newe Zeitung]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/1212

Title

Erschreckliche Newe Zeitung

Subtitle

Welche sich begeben vnd zugetragen in diesem 1650. Jahr / in der Oster-Nacht / im Schweitzer Gebirge / bey der Stadt Dillhofen auff einem Dorffe Dimdurff genandt / in welchem drey Hexen gewohnet / da die eine 25. Jahr eine Heb-Amme gewesen / viel Menschen vnd Vieh verderbet: wie dann weiter durch jhr Teuffels-Kunst in Willens gewesen in dem 51. Jahr alles Getreyde auff dem Felde / Wein vnd Obs zu verderben / ja sie hetten die Erde vnd Lufft wollen vergifften / daß viel tausent Menschen / Vieh vnd Vögel / hetten bey hauffen sollen wegsterben / solches jhr böses Vornehmen aber ist durch zwey Schäferknechte durch Gottes Allmacht / welche des Nachts jhre Heerde gehütet / offenbar worden / wie im Gesange besser zu vernehmen.
Im Thon: Wie man den Störtzenbecher thut singen / etc.

Digital Object

Image notice

Full size images of all ballad sheets available at the bottom of this page.

Image / Audio Credit

Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Nehlsen. BLF 2069. VDLied digital.


Transcription

1.
NVN höret zu jhr Frawen vnd Mann / schreckliche Wunder wil ich zeigen an / was sich hat zugetragen / wol in den Schweitzer Bergen / thu ich mit Warheit sagen.

2.
Darinn ein Stadt gantz wohl bekandt / Dillhofen wird sie genandt / ein Dorff auch darneben / Dimdurff sein Nahme / höret was da ist geschehen.

3.
Da waren drey Hexen bey der Stadt / haben sich verbunden mit des Teuffels Rath / das gantze Land zu verderben / durch jhre grosse Zauberey / daß Menschen vnd Vieh dadurch sollen sterben.

4.
Auch Wein vnd Korn auff dem Felde / alles was durch Gottes Segen war außgestellt / die Früchte auff den Bäumen [3] darneben / soll durch Hagel vnd Vngewitter alles verderbet werden.

5.
Ja auch die kleine Gräthe geradt / die sieben dreissig Jahr mit dem Teuffel gebuhlet hat / war ein Bademutter darneben / hat mehr dann zweyhundert Kinder ermordt vnd gebracht vmbs Leben.

6.
Alß sie nun die Zauberey hatten zusamen gebracht / giengen sie in der heiligen Oster-Nacht / wolten sie ins Feldt begraben / aber GOtt wolt es leiden nicht / daß es muste gerathen.

7.
Zwey Schäfers wahren in dem Felde / bey jhrer Hürte wie ich melde / sie warten jhr Gut für Schaden / sie hatten grosse starcke Hunde / die thäten das verrathen.

8.
Die Schäfer hetzten fleißig zu / die Hexen hatten keine Ruh / die Hunde machten jhnen so bange / biß die Schäfer kamen darzu / vnd nahmen sie gefangen.

9.
Die Schäfer sprachen was machet jhr da / in der heiligen Osternacht / das gibt euch ein böse Verdacht / thut vns die Warheit sagen / oder wir wollen mit den Haken schlagen / das wird euch bringen Schaden.

10.
Die kleine Grethe sprach gar geradt / Ich bin die Bademutter von Dimdurff bey der Stadt / die Todtgebohrne Kinder muß ich begraben / Allemann muß das wissen nicht / thu ich in Warheit sagen.

11.
Die Schäfer sprachen diß ist nicht recht / die todtgeborne Kinder begräbt man in der Stadt auch all recht / man muß das besser erfahren / jhr solt die Pött für den Herren tragen / oder wollen euch zu Boden schlagen.

12.
Als sie die Pötte vor die Herren haben gebracht / auch selbsten haben auffgemacht grosse Hexerey hat man da vernommen / haben sie Korn vnd Weitzen / auch allerley Frucht darein gefunden.

13.
Auch Schlangen / Mäuse / Raupen vnd Kröten / ein schrecklich Vngeheure / viel Todtenknochen darneben / dardurch viel tausende Menschen vnd Vieh / hat sollen vergifftet werden.

14.
Alßbald haben sie sondern Zwang zu Hand / eine schreckliche Vbelthat bekandt / wie sie der Teuffel hat bezwungen / vnd alles ins Werck gestellt / welches jhm doch mißlungen.

15.
Alßald hat man sie behalten in der Stadt / biß man sie mit Fewr verbrandt hat / vnd jhn jhrn Lohn gegeben / den sie wol verdienet han / in jhrem bösen Leben.

16.
Darumb jhr Christen Jung vnd Alt / verschwert euch nicht dem Teuffel so bald / thut euch jhm nicht ergeben / er bringet euch vmb Leib vnd Seel / vnd vmb das ewige Leben.


17.
Ach HERR führ vns in Versuchung nicht / wenn vns der böse Geist anficht / bewahr vns alle zusammen / daß wir erlan die ewige Frewd vnd Seligkeit / durch JEsum Christum / Amen.
E N D E.

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

witchcraft

Date

Printing Location

Erstlich gedruckt zu Dilhofen bey Matthias
Hammern / im Jahr 1650.
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Tue, 16 Jul 2019 13:34:23 +1000
<![CDATA[Warhafftige geschicht, und eigentliche Beschreibung]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/1213

Title

Warhafftige geschicht, und eigentliche Beschreibung

Subtitle

Von den Hexen Weybern, so man zu Rottenburg am Necker, und inn Westfahlen, Prißgew und anderstwo, [et]c. verbrand hat, dises 1596. Jar, in Reimen weiß verfast. Es mag gefunden werden, Im Thon. Herr Jesu Christ war Mensch vnd Gott, [et]c. Die ander Zeyttung, Von dem Erschröcklichen Wätter vnd Wunderzeichen, in Pusterthal, in Tyrol, geschehen den 3. tag Julij, diß 96. Jar. Im Thon. Kompt her zu mir spricht Gottes Son.

Digital Object

Image notice

Full size images of all ballad sheets available at the bottom of this page.

Image / Audio Credit

Bibliogr. Nachweis: VD16 ZV 26699. Public domain, digitised by Open Access LMU

Set to tune of...

Herr Jesu Christ war Mensch vnd Gott, [et]c.

Transcription

Als man zalt fünffzeben hundert Jar
Sechs und Neunzig und das ist war
Inn Brachmon der Sibenzehen tag
Ward zu Rottenburg an grosse klag.
Denselben tag/ wie erst genendt
Hat man Dreyze Hexen verbrend.

Die haben also vil gethon
Kein Mensch es schier glauben kan.
Dem Teuffel seind willen verbracht
Vil groß un gräwlich Wätter gmacht
Niemand vor ihn kond haben Ruh
Also setzen sie vilen zu.

Vor ihn kund niemand sicher sein
Von in Lid man vil grosse pein.
Färten also ein frölich wesen
Kein Mensch vor in nicht kond genesen.
Zehen zvor auff sie haben bkend
Die man den sibenzehend May verbrent.

Der gleichen Laster habens triben
Wie man vorhin / von ihn geschriben.
An disem allem was nicht gnug
Man greifft weiter zu ihn mit fug
Die weil sie nicht wöln lassen nach.
Biß mans verbrent und vor all fach.

Den eylfften Newmonat zunacht.
Im Spital Junge Nüner zwegbracht
Ihn die selbnacht nicht mögen gedeyen
Und sich ir müsen gar verzyhen
Das, in Meydlin an eim Sontag
Den vierzehenden Newmon ich euch sag

Der Satan gäntzlich genommen ein
Hat auß ihm gered gut Lattein.
Darüb r schier vil Leut verzagt
Vil seltzam ding das Maydlin sagt.
Wie es mit Rottenburg werd gon
Wan man solch Leut nicht werd abthon.

Dern ein grosse anzales hab
Schnitzmacherm nennets vorabl
Die kom zu im mit gantzem fleiß
Zu dem Tantzen auff manche weiß
Sey auch beim Tantz davornen dran
Wie das Meydlin erzelen kan.

Darumb so greifft man weiters drauff
Das man solch Hexen gsind raum auff.
Und eilgs gar hin auß diser Welt
Dann solches gsind Gott nicht gefelt.
Deuteronimij stet es wol
Wie mann sich hierin halten sol.

Wa man werd hörn inn einer Statt
So dir dein Herz Gott geben hat
Da seyen Kinder Belial
So dienen frembden Götter all.
Und forschet nun mit allem fleiß
Wann ihrs erfahrn dan braucht solch weiß.

Daß solches werd zu nicht gemacht
Die Statt und alles werd umbracht.
Ja alles sol man zu Todt schlagen
Biß auff das Dich die Schrifft thut sagen.
Als von/r samlen auff die Gassen
Und man sol ein fewr drein stassen.

Auch als mir ein ander Verbrennen.
Wann si meinen Namen nicht kennen.
Was wirt aber ?erundt Gott sagen
Man sol solch Leut nemen brym kragen.
Und solche mit Brand und Fewr straffen
Inn solchem allem nict thun schlaffen.

Wie man dann zu Rottenburg thut
Verschonst da keins Zaubers blut.
Vil seind albereit einzogen
Vil verbrent ist nicht erlogen.
Den ein und zwenzigsten Newmont.
Deß flecken Hirschaw nicht geschont.

Ein grewlich schröcklich Wätter gmacht
Solch Bawers volck in groß klagn bracht.
Die Fenster inn dem Dorff zerschlagen
Uber das feld auch hefftig klagen.
Die Stöck / Bäum / auß dem gerund grissen.
Die Frucht in den Boden geschmissen.

Das solches als zur Barmen ist
Also hat es alles verwüst
Hin geflöst ihnen gar den Grund
Man hat Sturm geschlagen vil stund
Sie schrien all mist grosser klag
Ach Gott es ist der Jüngste tag.

Vil andern schaden hat es thon
Dun man gern wolt verklaget hon.
Das feld ihnen so gar verderbt
Vil Bäum auß dem Boden zert.
Die Reben sahen als ein Brach
In vil Jarn / nicht gerecht mans mach.

Die Mawren ihnen gerissen nider
Mit groser müh macht mans wider.
Hand zu hoffen auff kein Wein und Korn
Daß ander Gewechs / ist als verlorn.
Zu Derdingen fast auch also
Bey ihnen auch gar erschlagen do.

Solches zwo Hexen haben bekend
Wie das bey ihn auß manchem end.
Der Hexen gewesen / ohn zal
Deren vil auß dem Ammerthal.
Wurden von ihnen zeiget an
So bey ihn waren auff disem Plan.

Auff dem Newberg bey eim Tanz
Damit ihr Hezenwerck wer ganz
Wolten Rottenburg gar verderben
Das man het müssen / Hungers storben.
Steyls woltens Würtenberger Land
Bringen in groß unglück und Stand.

Lezlich ein Hafen stieffens umb
Da verflog gar die Hexen Summ
Und gemelde Wätter gleich drauff kam.
Und Hirschaw gar ihr frücht hin nam
Theyl haben auch anders bekendt
Wie sie haben an manchem end.

Die Leut geritten / vil Vich getödt
Darzu der Teuffel sie genöt.
Im Scholßgarten getanz zu Nacht
Vil selzam ding alda gemacht.
Ein Pfaffen Hur bekent auch vil
So auch ward kommen in das spil.

Die sag geht / eins sey enerunnen
Vileycht wer sie jetz auch verbrunnen.
Im Julij wurden drey zehen verbrent
So obgemeld sachen hand bekendt.
Noch hat man wider mehr gefangen
Thut täglich mehr auch darzu langen

Damit man solch Leut ganz auß reüt
Als dann volgt wider gutte Zeyt.
Zu Truchtelfingen / sagt man auch an
Zu brennen und starck Absuthan.
Dam doch Gottes Zorn gestilt
Sein wil durch uns auch werd erfült.

Wie dan schon vil hewer diß Jar
Der Hexen vil kommen in fewrs gfahr.
In der Stewermarck greifft man auch zu
Im Preyßgem last man in kein ruh.
Inn Westfahlen verbrent man auch vil
Dennocht seind ihr noch gnug im spil.

Die mögen wol jezund abstahn
Sie müsen sonst ins Fewr auch gahn.
Kein Mensch nicht mehr sie bschirmen Kan
Wie der Zauberer Wierus hat thon.
Der vil verthädingen hat wöllen
Ich halt darfür / er hab noch gsellen.

Es darff sich keiner mehr mercken lahn
Und nimermehr zun Hexen stan.
Es sey nun auff diß mal gnug
Mann wayß der Teuffel ist gar klug.
Wie das er dis Leut starck verfürt
Solchs auch die Oberkeyt bald spiert.

Lasts allenthalben Ziehen ein
Darmit sie erfahren fewers pein.
Das ihnen Gott gebe verstandt
Das sie Regieren Leut und Landt.
Und die Hexen straffen mit dem Brand.
Und sie nicht mehr nemem uberhandt.





Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

witchcraft

Date

Printing Location

Inßbruck: Agricola, 1596
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Tue, 16 Jul 2019 13:53:33 +1000
<![CDATA[Zwo Warhafftige / vnd doch Männiglich zuvor bekante Newe Zeitungen.]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/1214

Title

Zwo Warhafftige / vnd doch Männiglich zuvor bekante Newe Zeitungen.

Subtitle

Die Erste / Von dem grossen Jammer / Welcher sich begeben in der Marggraffschafft Baden / wie allda schon vber die fünfftzig Hexen / Mann / Weib / Knaben und Mägdlein / sein verbrant worden / was dieselben für schröckliche Sachen bekant haben / vnd etlich hundert Menschen durch ihr Teuffels Kunst vmb das Leben gebracht / auch die Liebe Frücht auff dem Feld verderbt / vnd was sie sonst für Vbels angericht / ist mit fleiß beschrieben / vnd in ein Gesang verfast / Im Thon: Kompt her zu mir spricht GOttes Sohn / etc.

Synopsis

Of the great misery that has occurred in the Margravate of Baden, how there over fifty witches, men, women, boys and girls were burned, what shocking things those same people confessed to, and how they through their devil's art had murdered several hundred people, also how they had spoiled the good fruits in the field, and what other evils they had wrought, is with diligence described and in a song composed.

Digital Object

Image notice

Full size images of all ballad sheets available at the bottom of this page.

Image / Audio Credit

Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel, Exemplar mit der Signatur: 202.70 Quod. (15), VD17 23:250479P. VDLied Digital.


Set to tune of...

Kompt her zu mir spricht Gottes Sohn

Transcription

Die Erste

HOert zu ihr Frawen vnd auch Mann / groß Wunder will ich zeigen an / so newlich ist geschehen / wie daß der böse Feind so gar / die Menschen bringt in gefahr / thu ich mit warheit sagen.

Wie ihr jetzund werd hören thun / was für jammer geschehen schon / mit dieser Teuffels Rotte / die sich dem Bösen Geist verpflicht / ja viel Vnglück han angericht / davor behüt uns Gotte.

Erstlich in deß Marggraffen Land / genent von Baden wolbekant / schon viel verbrand sein worden / zu Kupene vnd zu Rastatt / bey 50 man verbrennet hat / an diesen dreyen Orthen.

O frommer Christ thue wol verstahn / was sie für vbel han gethan / wil ich mit warheit singen / von Mann / Weib / Knaben vnd Mägdlein / was sie bekanten in der pein / wil ich euch vorbringen.

Ein junger Gesell verbrennet war / seins alters auff die 13 Jar / der bekent in der Summen / das er zu Nachts in Weibergstalt / ein rechte Teufflin mercket bald / habe zu der Ehe genommen.

Vnd mit ihr gehalten die Hochzeit / dabey auch wahren stattliche Leut / die zahl war bey 3000. sein Hochzeit wehret siben Nacht / den grossen Reiffen habens gemacht / der also vbel gehauset.

Wol in dem Würtenberger Land / wie Männiglichen wolbekant / daß der Wein ist erfroren / Gott es jhn nicht verhengen wolt / sonst in dem Land man habe / warhafftig wenig Korn.

Ein Mägdlein hat man auch verbrent / dasselbig öffentlich bekent / ihr allererst zeichen must sie an ihrem Vatter thun / an Händ und Füß erkrümmen nun / daß thet sie bald dergleichen.

Ach GOtt in deinem höchsten Thron / wie kans ein Kind eim Vatter thun / eim Stein möcht es erbarmen / O du getrewer JEsu Christ / behüt vns vor deß Teuffels list / komm du zu hülff vns Armen.

Ein reiche Bäwrin auch bekennt / wieviel sie Menschen hab verlemdt / zwey hundert / drey darneben / mit ihrer losen Zauberey / viel junge Kinder / Mann vnd Weib / hab sie bracht vmb das Leben.

Ein Hebamm auch darunder war / die bekannt vnd sagt offenbar / wie daß sie thet vmbringen 200. Kind in der Geburt / das Leben ihr genemmen wurd / das Herz möcht eim durchdringen.

Die Schwanen Wirthin zu Rastatt / gantz offentlich bekennet hat / wie sie hab zu essen geben / das Katzenfleisch für Hammel gut / das Hirn sie einmachen thut / kost manchem sein Leben.

Auch haben sie ein Pulver werht / wann sie das werffen auff die Erd / die Menschen gehn darüber / so an dem Morgen gehn von Hauß / den lincken Fuß vor setzen nauß / bekompt er das Fieber.

Vnd muß es haben ein gantzes Jar / ein gutleuth Fraw auch bey jn war / die thet ein ruthe tragen / wer nit am morgen wascht die Händ / der muß aussätzig werden geschwind / wenn sie damit thut schlagen.

Wer hie alles beschreiben wolt / ein gantzen Tag zubringen solt / Ach bittet hie allsamen / den getrewen Gott HErr JEsu Christ / daß er zerbrech deß Teuffels list / wer das begert / sprech Amen.

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

witchcraft

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Margravate of Baden

Printing Location

Moltzen, 1626.
Zwo Warhafftige _ vnd doch Männiglich zuvor bekante Newe Zeitungenpg 1.jpg
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Tue, 16 Jul 2019 14:00:50 +1000
<![CDATA[Ein Warhafftige Zeitung.]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/1215

Title

Ein Warhafftige Zeitung.

Subtitle

Von etliche[n] Hexen oder Unholden/ welche man kürtzlich im Stifft Mäntz/ zu Ascheburg/ Dipperck/ Ostum/ Rönßhoffen/ auch andern Orten/ verbrendt/ was Ubels sie gestifft/ und bekandt haben : Im Thon: Pomey/ Pomey/ ihr Polen/ [et]c.

Synopsis

multiple witches burned

Digital Object

Image notice

Full size images of all ballad sheets available at the bottom of this page.

Image / Audio Credit

VD17 1:691858R, SBB-PK Berlin: Ye 5581. VDLied Digital.


Set to tune of...

Pomey, Pomey, ihr Polen
(cf. Avery Gosfield re Jewish Italian songs)

Transcription

Merckt auff was ich will singen
Ir Christen jung unnd alt
Von Wunderlichen dingen
So sich gar manigfalt
in Teueschemlandt begeben hat
In manchem ort in mancher Statt
mit Hexenwethern frey
sing ich on alle schey.

Ein Berg wie ich vernommen
Ist meniglich bekandt
Sind sie zusamen kommen
Im Spessert wirt es gnandt
Der Hexenweiber jung und alt
Das mah nit alles zehlen kundt
Ihr anschlag endelich war
Alls zu erfröhern gar.

Sie theren ranzen und springen
Die Hexen jung und alt
Under denselben dingen
Neun-hundert der gestalt
Die kunst nicht länger dann ein Jar
Mit Zauberen getriben zwar
dardurch wil Weib und Mann
All lahm gemachet han.

Ir König mich verwundert
In anferleget hat
Das sollen die Neunhundert
Diß Jar ohn alle gnad
der Kinder so vil bringen umb
Als irer seyen in der Summ
Auch heissen Wein unnd Korn
Alles erfrören thon.

Als sie wider auffsassen
Führ ein jede in ir Land
Zu Füchssen unnd zu Hasen
Sie sich gemachet hand
auch wie die schwarzen Raben sein
Geflogen auff di schaff und schwein
die müsten sterben all
Da sie auffsassen bald.

Man thüt ir vil verbrennen
In manchem Land fürwar
groß ubels thons bekennen
So sie getriben zwar
Wie dann kürzlich geschehen ist
An der Bolnischen Stäng gar wol bewist
Jetzt will ich zeygen an
Was sie bekennet han.

Ein junges Schwein mercket eben
Sie außgenommen kan
allerley Frücht darneben
Haben sie drein gethan
Und es da eingenäht geschwind
Zugleich wie ein Sechswochens kind
zum Meßner glauffen dar
Das er soll leuten zwar.

Der Meßner kam geschwindt
Und wolt leuthen dem Kindt
Kein Glock wolt da nit klingen
Das war ein seltzam ding
das kinlin man besehen that
Ein junges schwein wol an d’stat
Die Weiber auß gfüllt hett
Mit ab?erley Gerreyd.

Man nam die Weiber gfangen
Da haben sie bekandt
Wann es ihn wer angangen
Solt in dem gangen land
Weder Wein noch Korn gerathen sein
Sondern erfroren inn gemein
Darauff man sie auch hat
Verbrennet an der stat.

Damit ichs turz beschliesse
Und komme zum Anfang
Bitt laßt euchs nicht verdriessen
Hört noch ein selzam ich wang
So sich in Aschenburg ? Statt
Newischen zu getragen hat
mit diser Hexen schaar
Wie ir solt hörent zwar.

Ein K?fraw mit verlangen
zum Ochssen gwohnet hat
Drey Burger kamen gangen
auff einen Abentspat
Ein Maß wein haben sie begert
Ettwas zü essen ohn gefehr
Ein richt Kramats rögel zür
Man in aufficken thut.

Als sie nun hetten gessen
Unnd alle waren faart
der ein thets nit vergessen
Ein Vogel auffheben that
als er nun komment thet zü hauß
Den Vogel er thet ziehen rauß
Da wars ein Ratt mit eim langen schwanz
Das war ein selzamt schanz.

Von herzen thet erschröcken
Gieng zü sein Gesellen hin
Die sach ihn thet entdecken
Darauff sie schnell unnd gschwind
Zur Würtin wider kamen ein
hiessen in tanzen ein Maß wein
Darzu mit freyem Müt
Ein Richt Kramats vögel güt.

Die Würtin die thet bringen
mehr Vögel ohne granz
Die Gäst namens geschwindt
Und giengen auß dem Hauß
Das bracht der Wirtten groß gefahr
Ratten mit langen Schwänzen zwar
man zergts der Oberkeit an
Die Wütrtin man gsangen nam.

Man thet sie gar bald fragen
Peinlichen an der stett
Da thet sie alles sagen
wie sie gei?set het
Uber Sechshundert gulden bat
Auß Ratten unnd auch Raupen zwar
Darzu wil Wein unnd Korn
Alles erfrören thon.

Weitter müß ich berichten
Zu Dipperg in der Statt
von Wunderselzam gschickten
So sich zutragen hat
Etlich Weiber man gfangen nam
welches verdroß gar sehr ir Mann
darauß kam grosse klag
Ir leben es kostet hat.

Die Wether thet man verhören
Man wolt nicht recht mit dran
die Männer theten wöhren
Den Bischoff mans zeygt an
Man solt die Weiber wie ich bericht
Doch lassen gehn sie weren nicht
Under diser Hexen schar
Der bericht ihn wider war.

Man solt sie recht hernommen
Wie ander Weiber zwar
Das thet verdriessen die Männer
sie giengen gar baldt dar
Unnd schriben ein Supplication
Den Kirchner gabens güten lon
Den brieff den solt er gan
An Sogen schlagels an.

Der sach thet man nachfragen
Als man den brieff vernam
Auff den Kirchner kam die klage
Hett den brieff gschlagen an
Man leget ihn gefangen bhend
Da bekendt er auch gleich am end
Wer in het schreiben thon
Das bracht in bösen lohn.

Man nam die Männer gfangen
Ein Kupfferschmid es war
ein Beck auch mit verlangen
Das bracht ihn groß gefahr
Da thetens bekennen für jederman
Den Bischoff woltens erschossen han
Oder eim andern geben lohn
Der es für sie hett thon.

Das Urtel wurd den Männern
Das man sie Viertheilen solt
Die Weiber auch verbrennen
Das war ein böser Sold
Weil sie ihr Churfürstliche gnad
Täglichen darzu früh und spat
Nach leib un leben schon
Wolten gestellet hon.

Zu Ostum wirdt auch gefangen
Ein Wirt wie ich euch sag
Hört weiter mit verlanngen
Was erbekennet hat
Wil Weins hab er erfrören thün
Auch Menschen unn Viech gemachet lam
Viel selzam sachen mehr
Hat er bekennet her.

Zu Künzhofen an der Tauber
auch Weiber hat verbranndt
möcht einem doch wol grawen
Was sie haben bekannt
Viel Korn und Wein habens erfröhrt
Auch manches Mütterkind erlämt
Mit salben die sie han
Die Leuth gestrichen an.

Noch eins müß ich anzeygen
Ich kans nit underlan
Ein Sprithet man in geigen
Auff irem Hexen blan
Derseln ein zerrißnen Muzen hett
Der Teuffel kam bald an der stett
Gib du dein Muzen mir
Ein Manttel gib ich dir.

Den Mantel im thet umbhencken
Damit trat stolz zu hauß
und leget in auff die bänckhe
Gieng zu Bet ohne grauß
Als er des morgens auff thet stan
Den Mantel recht wolt schawen an
Da wars ein gschundner S/Gaul
Die Zotten hiengen im umbs Maul.

Ein Sackpfeiff im auch het geben
die wolt er rüsten zu
Als er sie thet besehen
Und auch lügen darzu
Da wars ein schwarze dürrt Raz
Er warff sie nider das es schmazt
Darumb sich jederman
Mag fleißig hüten thon.

Die sach thüt recht bedencken
Ihr Christen jung und alt
Dann das find selzam schwenckt
Den Teuffel manigfalt
Laßt euch nicht so verführen thon
Jesum Christum thüt rüffen an
Das er uns helff auß aller not
Ewiglich hie und dort
Amen.

Erstlich getruckt zu Franckfurt. 1603.

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

witchcraft

Gender

Date

Execution Location

multiple (German Lands)

Printing Location

Erstlich getruckt zu Franckfurt
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Tue, 16 Jul 2019 14:38:22 +1000
<![CDATA[Gewisser Bericht des Truten und Hexenbrennens Bambergischen Gebiets]]> https://omeka.cloud.unimelb.edu.au/execution-ballads/items/show/1221

Title

Gewisser Bericht des Truten und Hexenbrennens Bambergischen Gebiets

Subtitle

wie lang es gewehrt / Was für ubels / ihrer Außsag nach / sie viel Jahr hero an Menschen / Vihe / Früchten und andern verübet / was allbereit verbrennet / un vermög heiliger Göttlicher Schrifft (kein Zauberer man leben lassen) hingerichtet / Und in summa / wie sie von Teuffel betrogen un hinter das Liecht geführet worden. All frommen Christen zur sonderlichen trewherzigen Warnung in ein Lied gebracht / Im Thon: Es ist gewißlich an der zeit.

Synopsis

account of multiple witches and sorcerers burned in Bamberg region

Digital Object

Image / Audio Credit

Set to tune of...

Es ist gewißlich an der zeit

Transcription

Dann man ansicht feßt unser zeit
in welche wir sind kommen
Findet man nichts denn Herzenleid
welch uberhand genommen
So gar daß wol nicht erger sein
fan auff Erden in aller gemein
steht es ubler alß ubel.

Wie wolt es auch nict ubel stehen
weil nicht nur sünd und schande
uber all heuffig im schwang gehn
daß fast in allen Landen
Krieg / Blutvergiessen / mord un brand
uber all auch de Oberhand
bekommen /Gott seys geklaget.

Sondern welchs zu erbarmen ist
wie auch schrecklich zu hören
daß der so sein wil ein guter Christ
sich lest so gar bethören
Daß er sich dem Teuffel ergibt
mit Leib und Seel durch ein gelübd
absaget seiner Tauffe.

Die heilige Dreyfaltigkeit
verleugnet auch dem Teuffel
sich mit Leib und Seel ganz ergert
stürzt sich ohn allen zweifel
nur schendlichen wollusts wegen
so sie mit dem Teuffel pflegen
der sie doch nur betrieget.

Ein Tausentkünstler allezeit
der Teuffel ist gewesen
welcher auch in der Christenheit
gestisstet groß unwesen
mit Hexerey und Zauberey
und durch die Unholden mancherley
zu seim Werckzeug gebrauchet.

Wie dann mehr alß denn wolbekant
im Bambergischen Lande
durch unterschiedliche Trutenbrant
solch Hexerey unn schande.
Jezund vermög heiliger Schrifft
außgerottet wird welche spricht:
Kein Zauberer solt lassen leben.

Weil sie bekennen so viel Mord
und unseglichen Schaden
gestisstel han an manchen ort
daß keine Frucht gerhaten
So viel Jahr her und ob sie wol
gerhaten sind auch etlichmal
haben sie alls verzaubert.

Daß Vieh und Menschen sind zu grund
gangen durch ihr beshweren
und bezaubert zu aller stund
des Teuffels sies thun lehren.
Verspricht ihnen darbey güldne Berg
geht doch endlich alls uberzwerg
mitbetrug sie bezahlet.

Zu Zeit sind unterschiedlich Brandt
jetzt in eim halben Jahre
gesechehen und nimmet uberhand
je mehr man brennt fürware.
Je mehr der Hexen finden sich
welchs erschrecklich und erbermlich
von Christen ist zu hören.

Die Großköpffin und Canzlerin
sampt dero beyde Töchter
der Großkopff selbst ist auch schon hin
zuin brennen sie all dochten
wegen ihrer Zauberey und Hexerey
so sie getrieben haben haben.

Die dicke Kandelgiesserin
hat auch herhalten müssen
welche lange zeit ein Trütnerin
und Zauberwerck bewiesen.
Da sie sebsten bekennet hat
sie sey froh daß man an diese stat
zum verbrennen sey kommen.

Sie sey vom Teuffel immer zu
gewesen hart geplaget
hab ihr gelassen kein rast noch ruh
ihr gewissen genaget.
Daß sie nach all dem willen sein
außstehen müssen Marter unnd Pein
die ganze zeit ihres Lebens.

Reiche Kramer ohn unterschied
wie auch fürnehme Herren
sampt dero Weibern sind dereit
verbrennt worden und werden.
Teglich mehr eingefangen viel
kein ansehen der Person gilt
Reich / Arm / Schön / Herr und Frawen.

Ein grosses Hauß mit viel gemach
ist allbreit erbawet
darein man teglich einfacht
vielen noch dafür grawet.
Doch geschict keinem kein unrecht
denn solchem zaubrischen Beschlecht
gehört mit ins Fewer.

Ein grosser Ofen ist erbawt
zu Zeilda man ein hauffen einwerffen kan
man hört und schawt
keine kan da entlauffen
Der Teuffel betrengt sie sehr
alß ob es Phantasey wer
mit den Truten verbrennen.

Uberredet die albern Leut
Er laß keinen verbrennen
Er errette sie zu rechter zeit
wie sies hernach bekennen.
Gibt ihnen ein die grosse Frewd
sey hinderstellig gar kein Leid
laß er den seinen wiederfahren.

Solch und dergleichen Ubelthat
sind abgeschaffet worden
Mit dem Schwerdt darnach man sie hat
geworffen an den orten.
Ins Fewer sie verbrant zu staub
etlichen wird auch abgehawt
die Händ werden gezwicket.

Mit glüend Zangen welche viel
und groß ubel verübet
wie denn der noch sehr viel im Spiel
welche manch Mensch betrübet.
Erkrummet / erlamt / erschreckt / getödt
Daß der es alles erzehlen thet
müst ein gantzen Tag haben.

Ach Gott erhör uns deine Kind
behüt uns fürs Teuffels listen
und vor dem zauberischen Gesind
dein recht gleubige Christen.
Gib O Heilig Dreyfaltigkeit
dir zu dinnen je und allezeit
wer das wil thun sprech Amen.

Method of Punishment

burning

Crime(s)

witchcraft

Gender

Date

Execution Location

Bamberg, Germany

Printing Location

Schmalkalden
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Tue, 10 Dec 2019 14:31:34 +1100