Capt. Johnsons last Farewel;
Who was arraigned for being assisting in the stealing a young
Heiress, for which he received Sentance of Death, and was accordingly Exe-
cuted at Tyburn, the 23d. of this instant December, 1690.
To the Tune of Russels Farewel.
Licensed according to Order.
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1.
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YOu noble Lords of high Degree,
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that see my dismal Doom,
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Have some regard to pity me,
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who now, alas! am come
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To dye an ignominious Death,
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as well it doth appear;
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While I declare with my last Breath,
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the Laws are most severe.
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2.
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In Scotland was I bred, and born
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of noble Parents there;
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Good Education did adorn
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my Life, I do declare:
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No Crime did e'er my Conscience stain,
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till I adventured here;
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Thus have I reason to complain
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the Laws are most severe.
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3.
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In Flanders I the French have fac'd,
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likewise in Ireland,
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Still eagerly pursu'd the Chace
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with valiant Heart and Hand:
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Why was not I in Battel slain,
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rather than suffer here
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A Death which Mortals doth disdain:
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the Laws are most severe.
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4.
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I did no hurt nor wrong intend,
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I solemnly protest;
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But meerly for to serve my Friend,
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I granted his Request,
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To free his Lady out of Thrall,
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his Joy and only Dear;
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And now my Life must pay for all,
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the Laws are most severe.
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5.
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I coming from my Native Land,
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in this unhappy time,
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Alas! I did not understand
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the Nature of the Crime;
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Therefore I soon did condescend,
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as it doth well appear,
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And find therein I did offend,
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the Laws are most severe.
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6.
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In the same Lodging where I lay,
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and liv'd at Bed and Board,
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My Landlord did my Life betray
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for Fifty Pounds Reward:
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Then being into Prison cast,
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altho' with Conscience clear,
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I was arraigned at the last,
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the Laws are most severe.
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7.
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The Lady would not hear my moan,
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while dying Words I sent;
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Her cruel Heart more hard than stone,
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could not the least relent;
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But triumph in my wretched State,
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as I did often hear;
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I fall here by the Hand of Fate,
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the Laws are most severe.
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8.
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Will not my good and gracious King
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be merciful to me?
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Is there not in his Breast a Spring
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of Princely Clemency?
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No, not for me, alas! I dye,
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the Hour's drawing near;
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To the last Minute I shall cry
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the Laws are most severe.
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9.
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Farewel dear Country-men, said he,
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and this tumultuous Noise;
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My Soul will soon transported be
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to more Coelestial Joys;
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Tho' in the Blossom of my Youth,
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pale Death I do not fear;
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For to the last I'll speak the Truth,
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the Laws are most severe.
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10.
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Alas! I have not long to live,
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and therefore now, said he,
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All that have wrong'd me I forgive,
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as God shall pardon me;
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My Landlord, and his subtle Wife,
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I do forgive them here:
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Farewell this transitory Life;
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the Laws are most severe.
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