A deep sigh was heard to accompany his last effort, which laid Stafford forever at rest.

All the spectators seemed to feel the blow.

And when the head was held up to them with the usual cry, "This is the head of a traitor," no clamor of assent was uttered.

Pity, remorse, and astonishment had taken possession of every heart, and displayed itself in every countenance.
This is the last blood which was shed on account of the Popish plot; an incident which, for the credit of the nation, it were better to bury in eternal oblivion; but which it is necessary to perpetuate, as well to maintain the truth of history, as to warn, if possible, their posterity and all mankind never again to fall into so shameful, so barbarous a delusion.
The execution of Stafford gratified the prejudices of the country party; but it contributed nothing to their power and security: on the contrary, by exciting commiseration, it tended still further to increase the disbelief of the whole plot, which began now to prevail.

The commons, therefore, not to lose the present opportunity, resolved to make both friends and enemies sensible of their power.