The life, apprehensio[n,] arraignement, and execution of Char[les] Covrtney, alias Hollice, alias Worsley, and Clement Slie fencer with their escapes and breaking of prison: As also the true and hearty repentance of Charles Courtney w[ith] other passages, worthy the note and reading.

THE APPREHENSION AND ARRAIGNMENT of CHARLES COVRTNEY , alias Hallice , gentleman , with the forme of his Life .

HE , that as in a glasse , will behold the picture of a wretched Life , or the liuely representation of the myseries incident to Mankind , the image of both may be séene in this man : here may be discerned , the mutations of Fortunes , the inconstancie of things , and the vncertaintie of daies , since sinne hath spred it selfe like a leprosie ouer all flesh , and iniquitie hath so gotten the vpper hand , that a Spider is able to choake vs , a haire to stifle vs , and a tyle falling on our heads to extinguish vs , euen in that moment , when we least suspect so suddaine a calamitie .

Our life then so momentanie , that in that minute we breath ( if not defended by our Maker ) in that minute we are breathlesse . Why should any flesh , endowed with that heauenly reason , which God hath onely giuen to men and Angels , so forget his vncertaintie ? as for a little gold , which is but the dregges of the earth , for vanitie , the pleasures of the world , or for the world it selfe ; possest with an exterior appearance of goodnesse , and within lined with loathsome corruption , which is but like to réeds , who when they shoot out first , in the spring of the yeare , intice , and with their fresh greene colour , delight the eye for a while ; but if we breake , and looke within them , we find nothing but emptinesse and hollownesse ) neglect his Maker , and the dignity of his creation , who being ordained for vertuous dispositions , conducts his whole life to vitious actions ; beeing men but in shew , and like birds in their course , who gréedily flee to pecke vp corne , till they bée caught in the ginne : or like fishes , who earnestly swimme to catch the baite , till they be choaked with the hooke .

But why doe I talke of the frensie of others , when no mans madnesse hath beene equall to mine ? or who will receiue a homely counsel from that tongue , whose folly hath brought him to be condemned himselfe ?

Foelix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum .

Then let me forget the world , pittie her infirmities , and with my soules sorrow , and heartie repentance , build me vp a ladder , on the steppes of whose petitions I might climbe toward heauen . Yet alas words vttered from mee , are but like birds feathers , who serue their bodies vse to flée withall , whilst they are aliue , and others regardlesse lie downe vpon them , when they are dead . The repetition of my sinnes , is but with the winnowerand the wind , to fanne away the chaffe , and leaue the growth of the graine to liue : with my shame , I may say , I haue sinned , and doe sing I repent , yet the Law must haue his power , and the liuing giue their verdict : my griefe is the spring , which my sorrow lets out , and Iustice is the pipe , which doth take , and can stoppe , whilst the world , as a spunge that suckes vp the superfluous , is of power to be squéezd forth , as the multitude please : what though I sigh , yet my sinnes must be strucke , the Law requires it , and mine iniquities haue deserued it : what though I dying complaine , the liuing must haue their willes , and they haue willes can reprooue whatsoeuer I say ( then since the Law , as from the fountaine of my offences , hath had power to draw my life from me , and the world , euen after death , may haue strength to condemne mée , words vttered with teares , but requests of them thus : That since my body shall haue power to blunt the edge of affliction , my vntimely fall may haue force to abate the kéene sharpnes of their rumouring tongues ; and if any thirstie or vnsatisfied spleen , either reioycing at my death , or bemoning my ruine , shall desire to sée vnraueld the whole web of my life , he shall here behold the péece of my Trauels : in reading which , I desire him to wash from his memorie the stains of my name : here shall he reade my diurnall transgressions , which I request him to pardon , and not to reprooue ( since no Curre is so cruell to bite the dead : ) heere as in a Mirror , shall hée looke into my miseries , hand-workes , my sinnes , my sorrow , my life , my death , and the building of mine owne labour , began from the time of my apprehension at Dunstable in Bedfordshire , from whence I was conuaid to Bedford Gaole , from thence to Newgate ▪ where , after my seueral escapes , it was most vntimely concluded at Warwicke lane end , néere Newgate to die . For my birth and education , it was fortunate , and commendable . It was a credit to my carefull and louing Father , and he was obeyed by me , as a dutifull sonne . In my youth I grewe vp like a straight plant , and was expected of the worthiest , and hoped for of the best of my countrey , to haue prooued the Timber of a fruitfull tree : my company to the best of the Gentrie was accounted so welcome , that they estéemed mée more for pleasure , then expences ; and the contempt I held to associate with the base , had brought my faire demeanure to bee beloued with the best , that my fellowship entirely desired , and my condition held honest ▪ my Father was proud to call mée his happy sonne . In my prime , and fitting yeares , my Father endeauoured to ioyne mée in mariage , as well to ioy in the posteritie of his sonne , as a wife by bringing a dowrie with her , should strengthen my estate : which desire of his , was equalled by diuers Gentlemen of good worship in our Countrey : and to mine owne loue and liking , with the ioy and wishes of our Parents , I was ioyned in wedlocke with a vertuous Gentlewoman ; with whom , during the liues of our Fathers , whose eyes were like carefull Sentinels , watchfull of our safeties , I liued decently and orderly , as did befit a sonne , and a husband , and shée louing and dutifull , as should a daughter and a wife . But Time , the parent of Death , and finisher of all things , calling them our Nourishers to their graues , and I entred the gappe of wilfulnesse , and libertie ; the which , before ▪ either their graue discretions had rained mée from , or I had not leisure to find out : I grewe now to be a worser man , and did not séeme in any thing , like that which before I had béene : my ciuilitie was turned to disorder , my temperance to drunkennesse , my thrift to ryot , my honestie to misbehauiour ; and my whole life to those vnséemely acts , that I should blush to record .

In which tide of expences , consuming my meanes reserued by my Parents to defend my reputation , and vpholde our house , want , the Enemie to superfluitie , Tauerns , Dyce , and whores came on like a greedy purseuant to arrest me , with whose gripe I beeing toucht , and finding my state so infeebled , that I could not continue in the course I had begun : my vndertakings grue desperate , fearelesse to attempt , and carelesse of the headlongst danger that could ensue . To rob I was resolued , not fearing the law , and to persist I grew bolde , not regarding my ruine .

To recken vp now all the Robberies I haue done , were but to adde griefe to a number , that should heare of the accompt , and little benefit to me , that am going to my graue . A many they are , which particularly to expresse would beget doubt to the Readers beleefe , yet thus much Reader for thy satisfaction , I haue beene too prosperous in these Aduentures , so that I neuer failed in any purchase I went about , I neuer stood vpon the way to watch for any passengers , nor neuer vndertooke any Robberie , but what was appoynted and certaine notice giuen vs which way they would passe , and what store of Coyne they carried , by some who were trusted , more then mistrusted . I neuer tooke from the néedy , or those whose pouertie might cause them to complaine , but all my aime either at house or highway , were at such Curmugions , who care not who starues so themselues bee Corne fed .

In the effecting of all my Robberies and Burglaryes , neuer ( to my soules Comfort ) did I shed any blood , but still my care was how to preuent that stayne to my soule , onely it was my ill Fate to stumble vpon one Robberie , for which I heartily wish I had beene taken and receiued the law , according to my deserts , I had then preuented the vntimely end of two worthie gentlemen , whose names I forbeare . For the reputation of their house that were apprehended , endited , arraignd , condemned , iudged and most innocently hanged for a Robbery which I did , Oh that my cradle had béene my graue , I had not then offended my maker . For the blood of the Innocents , for which I doe first most earnestly on the knées of my heart begge forgiuenesse of the Lord , hoping through my vnfained and harty repentance to obtaine remission of that grieuous sin , next of those friends , which were by me made friendlesse of two hopefull gentlemen , which in time might haue prooued fruitfull vines to defend their posteritie , yet thus much Reader for thy satisfaction , these gentlemen were apprehended , iudged and dead ere I knew of it , for I protest ( as I thinke ) had I known thereof before their execution , I should haue yéelded , my owne life , and haue thought it chiefe meanes to obtaine remission of God , for my manifold transgressions to saue the Innocents . This warning péece should haue Chastised me , foreuer vndertaking the like Enterprise .

My Conscience for the time was greeued , complayned on it , yet my wilfulnesse regarded it not , but like a Dog , Redi●t ad vomitum , I was still the same and persisted . Insomuch , that my conscience being Clogged with the blood of Innocents , I retired my selfe for releefein London .

In which Denne of acquaintance , I met with many , who had béene my Consorts , with whom we Reuelled , while we had money , drancke while we had Credit , whored whilst we had health , regardles of any good wee applied our selues to all villanies whatsoeuer , but these being weake sinewes to maintaine strength without supplie , and none of vs all hauing meanes to relieue himselfe , in the worst of our Credit , we began to Consult , our Resolue was thus , he that is borne must be kept , we are borne and therefore must be kept , & will find Nurses in the world though to other mens charge . Briefly we stood not long vpon it , but our Conference was , how we might come by a Purse on the highway , that was worth the taking , or enter some house that might benefit the breaking . Euery man gaue his Resolue , some that the highway was the best , hauing Ostlers ready to furnish them with horses , and euerie Countrie in the whole Kingdome for their free escape . Others knowing me a better théefe then the rest , swore they would be ruled by me , and desired me to set downe some Course what should be done , I neuer paused on it , but finding them all fit Fry for the gallowes as my selfe was , I desired to bee heard , and told them this , that there was a Gardner in the towne that sowed séede , and gathered the Croppe for himselfe . A man , an vsurer , one that would take much in paune , and lend little on it . One that would keepe a house of great vse , yet haue no hospitalitie in it , neere about Temple Barre was this Gardners Orchard : One whose fruitewe must plucke for our profit , the course was likte , the Plot approued , and my selfe best knowing the conueyance of the house , hauing oftentimes resorted thither , when my Pockets were Lancke , both to pleasure my selfe , and other of my friends with a good Pledge , I must be the man must bring the matter to Act.

Two seuerall times we had vndertooke this Enterprise , and were as often preuented , entending to breake into the house , but finding the house too strong for our weake purposes , hopeles to effect , we were about to giue it ouer , till on the sudden , it came in my minds that this Gardner , was so ielous of his substance , and so distrustfull of euery one ( nay euen of his wife ) her selfe , that he would neuer goe abroad , but he would take his Key of his doore with him , reseruing to himselfe certaine houres in the day , when he would not faile to be at home , to meete with his customers , and to furnish them with money . So that some Certaine meanes must be found out for the getting of his Key , or all our Labour was lost , and we had vndertooke abooteles attempt . In breefe I hauing by this time so insinuated my selfe into his loue by faire words , and as faire behauiour , that no man was more welcomer to his house then my selfe , neither could any draw him forth sooner then I : still baiting the booke of my plot , with bestowing euery morning a pinte of wine or two on him , as they vse to say , for his first draft , but neuer suffering him to spend a Penie , as we satebibling together oftentimes , thus hand to hand turning ouer the Cuppes , with no other Complement then this , here father Gardner , heere s to you , and sonne Courtney to you . I warrant you an oath 〈…〉 ew not out of my mouth for the world , and Circumstance was seldome of any thing else but of thrift , and thriuing , how we might get wealth and hoord it vp , being got , I knew now that buttermilke would serue in summer both for meat and drinke , as well as himselfe , that a good sauer might stand Chéeke by Iole with a great getter , and could now tell how to multiply a hundred to a thousand , with the best of them all , so that I stood in doubt at last he would make me his heire .

Our familiaritie thus linckte , and the rest of our Crue being nine or tenne in number , acquainted , therewith , it was by generall Consent agréed vpon that at some Tauerne or other , a solemne supper should be prepared , and M. Gardner and his wife inuited and brought thither as my guests . I stood not much vpon the vndertaking of it , and the rather , because I knew good chéere , and of frée Cost , was both baite and line , and would draw my Gudgeon at ease . The time is come , supper ready , the Cloath is laid , my gallants in the roome attending for M. Gardener his wife , and my selfe , who at the houre appointed , made our appearance , when according to Course , to some that were there before , and the worthiest in shew , I must entreate of them to bid these friends welcome , who are especially mine , and what Curtesie soeuer they extended towards them , I should euer approue it manifested towards me , whereby the good woman is with al Curtesies placed at the vpper end of the Table , and a chaire with a soft Cushion , prouided for the good man , euery one is ready to carue vnto her , and all are as forward to quaffe vnto him .

Supper ended and the signe of the wine beganne to shew in his face , a noise of Fidlers was prouided to come in , iust in the Nicke , and now in the Deuils name , we must needs goe daunce , when in protesting of Loue , imbracing and hugging of him , one of the Crue whose fingers were nimbler then the rest , had daunced the Key out of his pocket , Intelligence was straight giuen to me of that which was done , and by meas priuately borne to the rest with strickt warning to kéepe him vp in his mirth , for by his wealth we were in hope to be euer made .

About then slippe the healthes , more Iouiall then before , whilst three of vs on the sudden slunke downe the stares , hast to the house , open the doore , and vp into the Chambers , where we found that we came for , and stoode not long a Culling out , but like craftie Marchants , taking vp our Commodities by the great , we were now onely puzled how , and in what , to Carry it from thence . But I being my Crafts-Master puld off a fetherbed , ript vp the ticke , powred out the Fethers , and in this Case for Conueiance , wee put as much plate and Iewels as wee could find , and conueniently carry away , Onely one bagge of monie of some thirty pound was scattered about the Roome , the bagge brooke . It was not farre off but for the instant we had a warehouse prouided for the Harbouring of it . My Confederates all this while kept them at the tauerne , excusing mine , and the others suddaine departure to some extraordinarie businesse which wee had to doe . When they thought we had our purpose , call for a reckoning , paid it , and so like honest , louing , familiar friends , wee quietly and peaceably departed the Tauerne .

By this , Master Gardner with his wife come home to their house , find their doore shut , there was no hurt in that , bids his wife light a candle , there was no hurt in that , but missing his key , was forced to breake the doore open : comming vp into his chamber , espying the feathers scattered all about one roome , and money about another , the windows shut , and walles safe , ( not without cause ) my old friend began to wonder at that : and béeing suddainly affrighted , flées to his Counting-house , where , when he saw what ransacke was made , what a pittifull heat was my olde Grandfire in , let euery one iudge .

It was no time for him to delay , Enquiry was made amongst the neighbours , what passengers they had seene goe into his house since his departure , suspition was had of vs ; search euery where was made for vs , Hue and Crie into all places sent after vs , all ports and hauens laid for vs , our habits and personages described , warning left at all Gold-smithes and Iewellers , if any such plate came to be sold , to make stay of it : all Newgate Coniurers set a worke , with promise of great reward , if by their Art they could find any of vs out . But wée béeing lodged secure from present danger , began to consult what meanes might be vsed for our frée escape . Some were so fearefull ( as it hath bin still my happe to robbe with cowards ) that they would haue giuen one legge , and their shares in the Robbery , to haue had the other legge safe in France . I knew my selfe as safe here as in France , but ayming at the full purchase , holding it no sinne to deceiue the deceiuers , perswaded them how dangerous it was to abide here , and told them that I knew the malice of Gardner to be such nothing could satisfie him but life , or restitution : this feare infected them all , & they that before thought scorne of my company , now became sutors to mee , to plot their escape . I conueyed them with spéed to an old Sea-thiefe , an acquaintance of mine , which dwelt néere the Sea coast , that would at any time for a small gratuitie , conuey a Fellon , or one in danger , out of this land ; told them he must haue a great reward for his paines , and for the plate & iewels , we would share them there where hée tooke shippe : for I made them beléeue this Sea-thiefe was still full of money , to furnish these occasions . Hée béeing acquainted with my purport , perswaded them their securest harbour was on shipboord , till he could prouide me money vpon these pawnes . They béeing all shipt , one night I caused a false alarme to be sent , that they were pursued , my selfe taken , the towne laid for their apprehensions . This newes made them forget what they staied for , preferring their liues before any thing else , cried Hoist sayle , away to France : the wind béeing then good , away they went , and left me with my old Sea-thiefe , reuelling in the towne . So all the plate and iewels which we tooke from Gardner , which amounted to a good round summe , of which some nine or tenne should haue shared , I shared to my selfe ; onely some money they got from mee , nothing to their expectations , and some charge they put me to , in sending them away .

Now hauing conueyed them safe away , I must vse a course to protect my selfe : I knew all places where it was knowne I had any acquaintance , was laid for mée , with promise of reward to them that could apprehend mée : so that my safest refuge was where I was least knowne . In one place I would neuer abide long , but coursing the countries , I happened to lodge at Dunstable , where I was taken vpon Suspition of Felonie , béeing knowne by my horse , was committed to Bedford Gaole : and notice of my apprehension was giuen vnto Gardner , who procured authoritie to fetch mée from Bedford to London . Whither I was safely , and with great care conueyed . And béeing brought to Newgate , was lodged on the Masters side : where my smooth tongue , ciuill carriage , and friendly courtesie ( not onely to the worthiest and best estéemed on that side , but euen to the worst boy in the house ) had gotten me such a good opinion amongst them , that I was of euery one beloued , and pittied : and euery one behind my backe commended mée to the Kéeper , and would often produce me for example to others . But all this was but a curtaine to shadow my villanie : for when I séemed fréest from thought of wrong , I was most busie to worke my escape . My life , I knewe , was forfeit to the Law , which at the next Sessions I was sure to pay , vnlesse it were ventured by breaking out of prison . I found the Gaole to be of that approoued strength , as it was impossible to be broken : besides , being lodged in a chamber with other prisoners , I could not haue time to doe it . Yet still persisting in my Resolue , and taking hold of any occasion that might further my attempt , I did perceiue a doore which did leade out of a gentlemans chamber , that was a prisoner , into the Leades , which doore was continually lockt , this was the doore must leade me to my pardon , I let no time slippe , but by meanes of a déere friend , I had a Iacke line conueied vnto me , and a Chissell of Iron , and that night I purposed to get away , being in the Hall at supper , with the rest of the prisoners , I made excuse , to goe vp to my Chamber , to write a letter . To worke I went , where without long labour , as it séemed to me , being a cunning workeman , I had opened the doore that led into the Leades , and finding an olde doore in the gutter , on the backe of which were fastened barres to kéepe close the boordes , and with the helpe thereof , I climed vp to the Battlements , where my eye measuring the way that I held best for my discent , I fastened my cord to the toppe of one Battlement , on the west side of the gate , and beganne to slide downe , but see the will of our iust God , that giues preuention to euill , for the prosperitie of honest and good men , ( which I now heartily pray for ) that I that had the Contriuing to open the Lockes , the Cunning how to sort out the time , should not for this which I held my aduantage , haue had the foresight to haue laid some cloath , or other helpe , betwixt the edge of the wall , whereunto I had fastened the cord , and the stay of the rope . So that in my slipping downe , striuing to vntangle the cord being small , it cut my right hand to the bone , and the force of my body , with the sharpenes of the stone cut in sunder the cord , by the breaking of which I fell downe into the gutter , belongiug to a Linnen Draper adioyning to Newgate , lying a quarter of an houre astonied , ere I recouered my selfe .

Being come to my remembrance , and seeing my hope frustrate , and no helpe for me to be gone , at last I groaped out a garret window , the doore of which opened into the gutter , but being bolted in the inside , I was as much in a maze as I was before , where presently my inuention helping me againe , and by the shaking of the doore , learnt whereabout the staple was fastened , I had in a trice with my nayles scraped out a hole , yet no bigger but where I might thrust two of my fingers , so thrusting backe the boult , I opened the gutter doore , hauing a cord about my middle , wherewith I ment to get out of the gutter into the stréete . But the maister kéeper whose diligence , and care in his well gouerning of the Prison , I must with modestie commend , hauing béene forth with some friends of his , and comming in againe , at the time they vse to locke vp , demaunded if the Gaole were safe , and all well with the Prisoners , and being answered yes , I knew not by what meanes , but sure God had a hand in it , hauing a strange impression on the sudden in his minde , came vp into the maisters side , and the first he askt for was me , where receiuing a strange answere from euery one , as that he was here euen now , or such like , going into euery roome , still calling , still calling , Maister Courtney , Maister Courtney , but Maister Courtney could not heare . It was perfectly euident , I had wrought my escape . In what a conflict was this gentleman in , the danger I had brought him in , let euen Charitie iudge . But it was no time for delay , search round about the house was made , which way I might escape , some perswaded him , I was gone out of the doore in some disguise , some that I had got out at the leades , the leades were viewed , at last they found the cord tied about the Battlements . Linkes then were sent for , the Cunstable and his watch beset euery house on that side , from Newgate to Pie Corner , the Leades were likewise beset with linckes . All this I did sée though to my great gréefe , into the garret then I crept , and there hid my selfe vnder a table , couered with a cloake , this Drapers house being searcht , as the likeliest place , I should take for my refuge , till the hurry was ouer . In the garret where I lay , they came , and found me not , but God would not suffer me to escape , nor would suffer them to giue ouer their search in that house . Into the garret the Kéeper came againe , with a cudgel in his hand turning vp the cloake , espied me lying as it were a sleepe waking me without blowes or signe of anger , called to me , come Maister Courtney , will you goe , when looking heauily vp , and seeing it was he , I fell downe on my knees asking him forgiuenesse , who most mildly without afflicting me gaue me this answere , nay neuer aske forgiuenesse of me , there is no hurt done Maister Courtney , for I am the gladdest to see you of any man aliue .

So from thence being carried vp to the common Gaole , and sessions comming on , I was called vp to triall according to my merit . Conuict , but by the fauour of the bench , some promises of mine owne to helpe some to their goods , who had béene robbde of a number , and at the especiall sute of my friends , I was for that sessions repreeued without iudgement , the sessions following , I had my sentence of death , but in the distance betwixt my conuiction and sentence , my remaine being still in the common Gaole . I had searching eies touching the strength of the prison , the condition and humor of the officers , and where and what hower it was fittest for me to labour my deliuerance , whose pollicie failing , I was certaine of death . In briefe I had found the way , and manner of my conueiance , and had I not beene preuented , by my vnexpected sentence , at the following sessions after my conuiction , and that night according to the custome due to Condemned and Iudged men , being lodged in a dungeon , which is called the Limbord , that instant night , with one Clement Sli● a fencer by title , and lay condemned for Murther , whome I had wrought to bee an agent with me , I had him as forcibly as after I performed , confirmed by escape .

Now séeing I was preuented , and knowing I must die with the rest of the prisoners , I found now there was no refuge left , but to labour our repreeue , which cunningly , and not ordinarily , I thus brought to effect , there was a gentleman , and at that time a prisoner for debt , whom I had vnderstood his intreats would preuaile with some honourable personages in this land , I commended me to him , to his conference with me , and in this manner solicited him , that I was a gentleman , as himselfe was , and for lacke of meanes , and neglect of friends , compeld to take offending courses , the which himselfe knew the law had taken hold of , to the marke of my life I importune him to consider of me , yet in no kind whereby himselfe , whom I labour , should be brought into danger , neither those whom he should mooue for mee , should receiue discredit but gaine .

For when I stoode condemned , for this apparent robbery of Gardner , I desired him to be certaine , that I had euer this care in the euill of my life , not so to ouerthrow the state of my being , but in spight of calamitie , I would alwaies some what reserue , should be as a fence to my health , in spight of my sin , namely , that of the same I stand conuicted for , being most of it in plate , I had at that time , as much , the which in one moneth I would make mony of , as should amount to the summe of sixe hundred poundes , foure of which I would assure to any honourable or worshipfull friends should labour my repréeue , and effect my pardon , and the other hundred poundes should be to gratifie him , that should trauel in the cause since himselfe was a prisoner ) till it were fully confirmed . And if within foure daies , after my repreeue , I did not answere my word , I would willingly yeelde to my sentence of death .

This made my gentleman labour , this drew a friend of his to question with me , and was satisfied with my promise . So that the vntimely morning I was expected by the gaze of the multitude to haue gone to execution with the rest , I had my repréeue brought in hope of my promise , which indeede was onely coyned for another end .

The effect was this , that I being still continued in the Gaole , and night coming on , I began to argue with Slie of our former plot , whom I found to bee the man , whome I wished to be , namely , to goe forward in the attempt , which before we had enterprised , whom I finding to be confident , and resolute still , that night we made a vow , to confirme our purpose .

It is heere to be noted , that in the same ward where we lay , namely the Maisters Chamber was also lodged one Woodward for suspect of Coyning , whom wee taking down into the seller , amongst other prisoners , we made so absolutely drunke , that hee was forced vpon mens shoulders to be carried vp staires , this fellow thus drunke , and we were sure now , in a dead sleepe , in the dead of the night , we fell to worke , and preuailed so farre , that we came vp through a seeling , and a planke that was broken in a roome , that is commonly called the high hall , with a rope that vseth to draw vp , and let downe the beere into the Taphouse , hauing beene vsed , then time out of minde , and dreadlesse of that , by which we made vse of it , we determined our escape . But being both aboue , and out of the roome where we lay , all the pollicie and actiuitie wee had , could not clime vp to the beame , to vnroofe the house , whereby we were forst to come downe quietly to bed , but the next day , and two or three nights together , hauing conueied to vs a line , and a darke lantorne , by a friend which was sent to vs , which before we wanted , with certaine stickes , which we had priuily conueyed out of the kitchen Iaole , we made vs a ladder of roapes , with the helpe of which the Satturday night following , being the last of Februarie , as before Sly climing vp the beame , with my helpe fastened the ladder of Roapes , whereon I getting vp into the high hall , got vp to the beame , where being , we vntiled a hole in the toppe , which led into the leades , and the same rope which he had taken from the Pullice , we fastened to the Battlements , and so slidde downe into the presse yard , and there by meanes of a ladder , which by chaunce we found there , got into the stréete , went downe warricke lane , so to Saint Giles , from thence into Hide-Parke , where we lay in a hole , or a hogstie all Sunday , without any sustenance . On sunday night , we were directed of a letter sent , vnto me , whilst I was in prison , if we escapte , to come into a gentlemans Chamber in the Temple , which we should know by a light burning in the window , and by the same letter , we were directed the way , which candle burnt there thrée nights afore , and should haue done thrée nights longer , if we had not come , to which place we went on Sunday night , and there with others plotted to robbe a worshipfull gentleman at Layton on munday night , wée tooke water at the Temple stares , and landed at Saint Katterns , where we spent our time , till the night following , and then with some foure or fiue more effected this Robberie , and repaired againe to the Temple , where , by what meanes , we were betrayed and taken , God knoweth best , for we doe not , but I doe applie it the worke of God to cléere a great many , which were most vniustly accused , for consenting to our escape , of whom I doe aske pardon , there we were taken the thursday night after our escape , and from thence brought bound to Newgate , where we temained till the day of our execution .

On fryday mourning , being the thirteenth of this instant moneth of March , I was sent for to Sir Henry Mountegues in Aldersgate stréete , where being examined of some poyntes concerning the Robbery done at Layton , after a worthy & zealous exhortation made vnto me to forget the world , & all hope of life , & to spend that litle time I had to liue , in praier . For you are ( quoth he ) appointed to morrow with your companion Sly , to yéelde your liues to the law , which so many waies you haue offended , and so sent me backe againe to Newgate , where all that after noone , I spent my time onely in praier , being still frequented with diuers good & godly men , who laboured zealously for the good of my soule , and who I hope can testifie to the world , that I died a true penitent & seruant of God . God for his mercie grant vnto at other offenders the like vnfained contrition , and true féeling of his benefits , and vnto me life euerlasting , A men .

On Satterday morning was two gibbets set vp one within the gate , néere warricke lane end , whereon was hanged Charles Courtney gentleman , & one other without the gate at the olde Baily end , where on was hanged Clement Slie a Fencer , for killing a Fencer néere about Kentish towne . The body of Charles Courtney , was begd by the Barbar Surgeons , for an anatomie . The body of Clement Slie was buried in Christs Church in Christian Burial .