Philip of Langenlonsheim, in the Year 1529

One of the last brothers whom they executed in the town of Creitze was Philip of Langenlohsheim. When the executioner struck off his head, something flew into his face, so that he put up his hands to it, which the people plainly noticed; however, they did not know what it was, or why he did it. Then the report spread that something like a black hen had fluttered before his face, so that he defended himself with his hands; some said that the blood had squirted into his face; and though he himself knew best what it was, it was nevertheless seen afterward what it must have been: for the executioner's nose dropped off close to his face. Thus God punished and visited him, because of the innocent blood with which he had stained his hands to so great an extent (Proverbs 6, verse 17); and by this God made known openly and unmistakably how greatly they oppressed the pious. The Palsgrave also was terrified and troubled in various ways, so that afterward he no longer had any desire to wash his hands in innocent blood, and would have given much if it had never taken place.