The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-03-25
MfsrelIameous.
EXECUTION OF THE LADY JANE
GREY.
From the {" Tower of London. ~


Monday, the 18th Of February, 1854. the fata
day destined to terminate James earthly suffer
ings at length arrived. Executing n couple o.
4 hours which she allowed to rest, at the urgent
entreaty of her companion, she had passed the
whole Of the night in prayer. Angela kept watch
over the lovely sleeper; anG the effect produced
by the contemplation of her features during this
her last slumber was never afterwards efiaced
| The repose OF an infant could not be more calm
and holy. A celestial smile irritated her coun-
tenance; her lips moved as if in prayer and il
good angels are ever permitted to visit the dreams
OF those they love on earth, they lowered that
night over the couch Of Jane.
| Thinking il cruelty to disturb her from such a
blissful state, Angela let an hour pass beyond
the appointed time. But observing change
come over her countenance-seeing her bosom
heave, and tears gather beneath her eye-lashes,
she touched her, and Jane instantly arose
| Is it four O'Clock p she inquired.
| 1T has just struck five, madam replied An
gela. 4 have disobcyed you for the first and
last time. But you seemed so happy that Icould
not find in my heart to waken YOU
i was happy replied Jane, for dreamed
that all was over-without pain to me-and that
my soul was borne to regions Of celestial bliss by
a troop Of angels who had hovored above the
scaffold,'
1T will be so, madam replied Angela, fer
vently. You will quit this earth Immediately
for heaven, where you will rejoin your husband
in everlasting happiness
trust So replied Jane, in an altered tone,
but in that blessed place searched in vain for
him. Angela you let me sleep TOO long, or not
long enough
Your pardon, dearest madam cried the
other, fearfully.
Nay, you have given me no offence returned
Jane, kindly. What ] meant was that had
not time to find nv husband,
Oh, you mill find him, dearest madam re-
| turned Angela, doubt it not Your rayers
would wash out his offences, if his own could
not
i trust So replied Jane. And will now
pray for him, and do you pray too
Jane then retired to the recess, and in the
gloom, for it was vet dark, continued her devo-
tons until the clock struck seven. She then
arose, and assisted by Angela, atlired herself
with great care.
Il pay more attention 70 the decoration of my
body now am about to part with it, she obser
we'd, than ! would do, if il was to serve me lon
ger So joyful is the occasion to me, that were
to consult my own feeling, would put on my
richest apparel to indicate my contentment Of
heart. will not, however, so brave my fate,
but array myself in these weeds And she put
on a gown of black velvet without ornament of
any kind; tying round her slender throat ESQ
soon, alas to be severely simple white falling
collar. Her hair was left purposely unbranded,
an | was confined by caul of black velvet. As
Angela performed these sad services, she sobbed
audbly.
Nay, cheer thee, child observed Jane
When was clothed in the robes Of royalty,
and had the crown placed upon my brow--nay,
when arrayed on my wedding day felt not
half so joyful as now
All! madam exclaimed Angela, in pa
roxysm OF grief, my condition is more pitiable
than yours. You goto certain happiness. But
lose YOU
Only for a while, dear Angela returned
Jane. Comfort yourself with that thought
Let my fate be a warning to you. Be not daz-
Zied by ambition. Had not once Welded,
had never thus persisted. Discharge your duty
strictly to your eternal and your temporal rulers,
and rest assured we shall meet again-never to
part
Your counsel shall be craven on my heart,
madam returned Angela And oh NAV nv
end be as happy as yours
Heaven grant itn calculated Jane, fervently.
And now,' she added, as her toilet was ended,
Il am ready TO die
'Will you not take some refreshment, ma
dam 2 asked Angela,
NO. replied Jane, have done with the
body p
The morning was damp and dark. A thaw
came on little before day break, and drizzling
shower of rain fell. This was succeeded by
thick mist, and the whole of the fortress was for
while enveloped in vapor. 1t brought to James
mind the day on which she was taken to trial.
But moral gloom likewise overspread the for
tress. Every one within it, save her few enc
mics, (and they were few indeed lamented
James approaching fate. Her youth, her inno-
cence, her plety touched the sternest breast,
and moved the pity even of her prosecutors.
All felt that morning as il some dire calamity
was at hand, and instead Of looking forward 10
the execution as an exciting spectacle, (tor so
such revolving exhibitions were then considered,)
they wished il over. Many prayer was breath
cd for the speedy release of the sufferer; many
a sigh heaved many a groan uttered; and if
ever soul was waited to heaven by the fervent
wishes of those on earth, James was So
IL was late before there were any signs of stir
and hustle within the fortress. Even the sol
diers gathered together northumberland those
who conversed, spoke in whispers. Dudley,
who, il has been stated, was imprisoned in the
Beauchamp Tower, had passed the greater part
| of the night in devotion. But towards morning
| he became restless and uneasy, and unable TO
compose himself, resorted to the customary EN-
| pluyuent OF captives in such cases. and with
nail which he had found, carved his wifes name
in two places on the walls OF his prison These
inscriptions still remain
! At nine O'Clock the bell Of the chapel began
10 toll, and an escort of halberdiers and argue
bussers drew up before the Beauchamp Tower,
while Sir Thomas Brydges and Feckenham en-
tered the chamber OF the prisoner, who received
| them with an unmoved countenance.
/ Before you set out upon Journey from which
you will never return, my lord said Fecken-
ham, i would ask you, for the last time, if any