And now having him in the place where they would, their next study to secure their revenge, was closely to make him away; which they concluded to be by poyson. To this end, they consult with one Mrs. _Turner_ (the first inventer of that horrid Garb of yellow Ruffs and Cuffs, and in which Garb she was after hanged) she having acquaintance with one _James Franklin_, a man skilled for that purpose, agreed with him to provide that which should not kill presently, but cause one to languish away by degrees, a little and a little. Sir _Gervas Yelvis_, Lieutenant of the Tower, being drawn into the Conspiracy, admits one _Weston_, Mrs. _Turners_ man, who under pretence of waiting upon Sir _Thomas_, was to act the horrid Tragedy. The Plot thus continued, _Franklin_ buyes certain Poysons, _viz. Sosater_, _white Arsenic_, _Mercury sublimate_, _Cantharides_, red _Mercury_, with three or four other deadly Ingredients, which he delivered to _Weston_, with instructions how to use them. _Weston_, (an apt Scholar in the Devil's School) tempers them in his Broth and Meat, increasing or diminishing their strength according as he saw him affected. Besides these, poyson'd Tarts & Jellies are sent him by the Viscount. Nay, they poysoned his very Salt, Sauce, Meat and Drink; but being of a very strong Constitution, he held out still: At last they effected their work by a poysoned Clyster which they administed unto him, so that the next day he died thereof; and because there were some Blisters and ugly Botches on his Body, the Conspirators gave it out he died of the _French Pox_.
Thus by the Malice of a Woman this worthy Knight was murdered, who yet still lives in that witty Poem of his, entituled, _a Wife_; as is well expressed by these Verses under his Picture.
A man's best Fortune, or his worst's a Wife: Yet I that knew no Marriage, Peace, nor Strife, Live by a good one, by a bad one lost my Life.
But God, who seldom suffers Murder to go unrevenged, revealed the same; for notwithstanding what the Conspirators had given out, Suspitions grew high that Sir_ Thomas_ was poysoned: Whereupon _We port_ is examined by the Lord _Cook_, who at first flatly denied the same; but being perswaded by the Bishop of _London_, he tells all: How Mrs. _Turner_ and the Countess came acquainted; what relation she had to Witches, Sorcerers and Conjurers; and discovers all those who had any hand in it: whereupon they were all apprehended; some sent to the _Tower_, others to _Newgate_. Having thus confessed, being convicted according to course of Law, he was hanged at _Tyburn_; after him Mrs. _Turner_, after her _Franklin_, then Sir _Gervas Yelvis_, upon their several Arraignments, were found guilty, and executed. Some of them died very penitent: The Earl and his Countess were both condemned, but through the King's gracious Pardon had their Lives saved, but were never admitted to the Favour of the Court.