One day, in a frame of mind more devout than ordinary, I composed the following LAMENTATION, which I desire…

All ye good people who are assembled here this day, Let my shameful end a warning be to you I pray, Behold a dying victim who for his sins doth pardon crave, Who once liv'd in good credit among his friends both fine & brave. THOMAS MOUNT is my name, And to my shame cannot deny In New-Jersey I was born, And on Little-Rest now must die. Of robbing I own that I guilty be, O may my dear redeemer from further torments set me free, Through all this country 'tis well they know my name; From Boston to New-York 'tis well they know my fame; From New-York to Philadelphia, from thence unto Charlestown, So basely I've behaved in roving up and down; From Charlestown to Baltimore, I quickly have set out, For robbing of a merchant I was oblig'd to scout; For robbing of another man I closely was pursu'd, And my faithful comrade Lipton was taken on the road; From thence to Newport gaol, which is the truth of my song, So here I lie dismal bound down in irons strong. Come all ye young men a warning take by me, Love your wives, and mind your work, and shun bad company; Quit gaming, and fine whores, Pay off your tavern scores, For they'll be flaring at your daring, When you can spend no more. My wife pities my misfortune, alas! both night and day; My comrades take good council and go no more astray: I tried hard myself for to clear, My relations will shed many a tear, My wife she cries and tears her hair, Oh! go I must, and the Lord knows where. I hope my soul to heaven may flee, And there remain to eternity: Hoping that Christ will receive my soul. And pardon my sins which are many fold. Now on my dying day, Pray for me all ye standers by, (My friends do not parade With sad and mournful tragedy.) May the GOD of mercy grant me full pardon for my sin, Open the gate, good Lord, and let a penitent sinner in.