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In Naples a city of Italy, there happen'd in a great siege that endured long, that the Governour made a severe Order, That every man should be put to death, that being above such an age, did not wear a Sword; but not long after, as he was rideing thro the street, to see how well his order was put in exe∣cution, he spied a Gentleman without a sword, and commanded him to be brought before him, then
was the order read, and he condemned to die the death appointed, which was to be hanged on the next sign post. The Gentleman, after he had plea∣ded several things in his own behalf, but could a∣vail nothing; nevertheless desired this favour, that he might not die so ignominiously, but that the next Gentleman that passed, might run him through with his sword: the request being reasonable, was granted, and the execution prorogued till the next came. Now it happen'd that a young gallant was coming from a gameing house that way, that have∣ing lost all, so much as the blade of his sword, which was good merchandise at that time, did not dare, in regard of the severe order, to go home, until a wooden one was fitted to the handle: This Gen∣tleman was stopt, and the dying mans case laid o∣pen; but this ingenious person, knowing his own insufficiency, What, said he, must I be a common executioner? Must I stain my hands in bloud with∣out passion? and be a reproach to all men? Never∣theless this argument availed nothing, and kill him he must: then putting off his cloak, he began a pray∣er to this effect, Thou who seest all the transactions here below, judg I pray thee, and vindicate the cause of those that suffer wrong; in especial manner grant that if this man here ought not to die, this sword may be turned into wood. Then drawing it forth, it appeared to be wood; wherefore the dying Gentleman was released immediatly with abun∣dance of joy, and the wooden sword was carried with great solemnity, and hung up in the cathedral Church, as a true link to the chain of Popish Mi∣racles.