“I pray you let me be,” said Rogers, taking a Prayer-book from his breast, and turning the leaves.
“Thou shalt not read that book,” cried the sheriff, snatching it from him. “I will cast it into the fire with thee. Make ready, I say.”
On this Rogers went up to the stake, and pressing his lips fervently to it, exclaimed, “Welcome the cross of Christ! Welcome eternal life!”
On turning round, he would have addressed a few more words to the people, but the sheriff, perceiving his design, authoritatively forbade him.
Then one of the men standing near the stake came up and besought his forgiveness.
“Forgiveness for what?” rejoined Rogers. “Thou hast done me no injury that I know of.”
“I am one of those appointed to burn you,” replied the man.
“Nay, then, I freely forgive thee, good fellow,” replied Rogers. “And I will give thee thanks also, if thou wilt heap plenty of wood about me.”
With that he took off his gown and doublet, and bestowed them upon the man. Then, kneeling down by the stake, he passed a few moments in deep and earnest prayer; after which he arose, and said, in a firm voice, “I am ready.”
Thereupon, a smith and his man, who were in attendance with the sheriffs, stepped forward, and putting the chain around him, fastened it at the back of the stake. An iron hoop was likewise passed around his body, and nailed to the post.