E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Jemmy Dawson
was one of the Manchester rebels, who was hanged, drawn, and quartered on Kennington Common, Surrey, July 30th, 1746. A lady of gentle blood was in love with the gallant young rebel, and died of a broken heart on the day of his execution. (Percy’s Reliques, series 2, book iii. 26.)
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Shenstone has a ballad on it, beginning, “Come, listen to my mournful tale.”
