The Dying Speech of John Selman

at his place of execution, Charing Cross, on 7 January 1612

I am come (as you see) patiently to offer up the sweet, and dear sacrifice of my life, a life, which I have gracelessly abused, and by the unruly course thereof, made my death a scandal to my kindred and acquaintance: I have consumed fortune's gifts in riotous companies, wasted my good name in the purchase of goods unlawfully gotten, and now ending my days in too late repentance, I am placed in the rank of reprobates, which the rusty canker of time must needs turn to oblivion. I stand here as shame's example, ready to be spewed out of the Commonwealth. I confess, I have known too much, performed more, but consented to most: I have been the only corruption of many ripe witted youth, and leader of them to confusion. Pardon me God, for that is now a burden to my conscience, wash it away sweet Creator, that I may spotless enter into thy glorious kingdom. Whereupon being demanded, if he would discover any of his fraternity, for the good of the Commonwealth or not: Answered, that he had already left the names of diuers notorious malefactors in writing behind him, which he thought sufficient. So he requested the quietness of conscience that his soul might depart without molestation. For (quoth he) I have deserved death long before this time, and deservedly now I suffer death. The offense I die for, was high presumption, a fact done even in the Kings Majesty's presence, even in the Church of God, in the time of divine Service, and the celebration of the Sacred Communion, for which if forgiveness may descend from God's tribunal Throne, with penitence of heart I desire it, all which being spoken, he patiently left this world for another life.

But see the graceless and unrepenting minds of such like kind of liuers: for, one of his quality (a pickpocket, I mean) even at his execution, grew master of a true man's purse, who being presently taken, was imprisoned, and is like the next sessions to wander the long voyage after his grand Captain, Monsieur John Selman, God if it be his blessed will turn their hearts, and make them all honest men.

FINIS
THE ARRAIGNMENT of John Selman, who was executed near Charing Cross the 7 of January, 1612. for a Felony by him committed in the Kings Chapel at White-Hall upon Christmas day last, in presence of the King and diuers or the Nobility. [woodcut of John Selman holding a purse, 13.5 cm. x 18 cm.]  LONDON. Printed by W.H. for Thomas Archer , and are to be sold at his shop in Popes-head Palace, 1612.

Only pp. 16-17 quoted here. Black-letter except for roman header.

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