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Updated: June 24, 2025
Of a cold and cautious character, Francis Paslew, second of the name, held aloof from the insurrection, and when his brother was arrested he wholly abandoned him. Still the owner of Wiswall had not altogether escaped suspicion, and it was probably as much with the view of degrading him as of adding to the abbot's punishment, that the latter was taken to the hall on the morning of his execution.
In answer to inquiries, it appeared that Francis Paslew had departed for Northumberland on the previous day, taking all his household with him.
But when all was done, Demdike motioned to a man standing behind him to advance, and the person who was wrapped in a russet cloak complied, drew forth an infant, and held it in such way that the abbot could see it. Paslew understood what was meant, but he uttered not a word. Demdike then knelt down beside him, as if ascertaining the security of the cords, and whispered in his ear:
For you," he added, as the order was obeyed, and addressing the other prisoners, "and especially you, John Paslew, who have shown some compunction for your crimes, and to prove to you that the king is not the ruthless tyrant he hath been just represented, I hereby in his name promise you any boon, which you may ask consistently with your situation. What favour would you have shown you?"
"Recall thy malediction, and my dagger shall save thee from the last indignity." "Never," replied Paslew; "the curse is irrevocable. But I would not recall it if I could. As I have said, thy child shall be a witch, and the mother of witches but all shall be swept off all!" "Hell's torments seize thee!" cried the wizard, furiously.
Presently he reached the rocky fragment on which Ralph Assheton rested. The latter was in great danger from the surging torrent, and the stone on which he had taken refuge tottered at its base, and threatened to roll over. "In Heaven's name, help me, lord abbot, as thou thyself shall be holpen at thy need!" shrieked Assheton. "Be not afraid, Richard Assheton," replied Paslew.
"Thy hour is come, accursed woman!" cried the phantom, in thrilling accents. "Thy term on earth is ended, and thou shalt be delivered to unquenchable fire. The curse of Paslew is fulfilled upon thee, and will be fulfilled upon all thy viperous brood." "Art thou the abbot's shade?" demanded the hag. "I am thy implacable enemy," replied the phantom.
Sir Ralph Assheton was great grandson of Richard Assheton, who flourished in the time of Abbot Paslew, and who, in conjunction with John Braddyll, fourteen years after the unfortunate prelate's attainder and the dissolution of the monastery, had purchased the abbey and domains of Whalley from the Crown, subsequently to which, a division of the property so granted took place between them, the abbey and part of the manor falling to the share of Richard Assheton, whose descendants had now for three generations made it their residence.
And embracing the prior for the last time, he added, "Vale, carissime frater, in æternum vale! et Dominus tecum sit in ultionem inimicorum nostrorum!" "It is the king's pleasure that you say not a word in your justification to the mob, Paslew," observed the earl. "I had no such intention, my lord," replied the abbot. "Then tarry no longer," said the earl; "if you need aid you shall have it."
Tidings were brought to the abbey this morning, that the Earl of Derby is assembling forces at Preston, to march upon us." "We will give him a warm reception if he comes," replied Paslew, fiercely.
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