[Satan’s Invisible World Contents]
ABout the time, that the Earle of Traquair, was his late Majesties Commissioner in Scotland, it happened at Dalkeith where he resided, that one Spalding a townsman killed his neighbour one Sadler. The Murderer fled and absented himself, for a year and more. Yet sometimes, came home in the Night time, finding that no man pursued him. After he had been wearied of this way of living, he resolved to cast himself upon the Commissioners Mercy. He coming one day near to the town of Dalkeith in Coatch, Spalding came in a most humble manner, and prostrat himself before him, and begged mercy. The Commissioner enquired what the business was? The Servants told him, he was such a man, that had killed his Neighbour a townsman. Thereupon, he appointed him to be conveyed to Prison, where he lay for a year and more. At last ane Assize found him guilty, and appointed him to be hanged. When he heard this sentence, he cried out, Oh must I die like a Dog! Why was not I sentenced to lose my head. After he came to the Scaffold, and Prayer was ended, he goes up the Ladder, and the rope being put about his Neck, he cryes with a loud voice in the Audience of all. Lord (says he) let nether this Soul of mine depart from this Body till it be reconciled with thee. And having said this, the Executioner threw him off the Ladder. When he had hung the ordinary time sufficient to take away any mans life he was cut down, and his Body put into a Bier, and carried to the Tolbuith to be Woon. When they had opened the lid of the Bier; the man bangs up upon his Bottom, and his eyes staring in his head, and fomeing at the mouth, he made a noise and roared like a Bull, stricking about him with his Fists, to the great consternation of all. The Magistrates hearing of it, gave orders, that he should be strangled better. The Executioner fell to work, and puting the Rope about his neck, stood upon his Breast, and strained his neck so hard, that it was no bigger about than his Wrist. And he continuing after this manner for a sufficient time, was carried to the Grave: and covered with earth. Notwithstanding of all this, he made such a rumbling and tumbling in it, that the very Earth was raised, and the Muiles were so heaved up that they could hardly keep them down. After this his house at the East end of the town (as I am informed) was frequented with a Ghost, which made it stand empty for a long time. Whether any have dwelt in it since I know not. This I have from a very creditable Person, who being a Schollar there, at that time, was an eye and ear witness, who is yet alive.
