he said, What does this mean, my father? you feel more for me than I do for myself.'

Monsieur Thomé, provost of Lyons, with archers, &c. had orders to conduct them to the place of execution. On the steps of the great hall, Monsieur de Thou, seeing a coach waiting for them, said to Monsieur de Cinq-Mars, See, Sir, they take us in a coach: is this to be our conveyance to heaven? I expected to be bound and drawn on a sledge: these gentlemen treat us with much civility in not binding us.'

Monsieur de Cinq-Mars was handsomely dressed in a suit of fine dark-brown Dutch cloth, covered with wide gold lace, a hat turned up in the Spanish fashion, with green silk stockings, over which were drawn a pair of white stockings, trimmed with lace, and also a scarlet cloak.

Monsieur de Thou was dressed in a suit of mourning, made of Dutch or Spanish cloth, and a short cloak.

The executioner followed on foot. He was a porter, advanced in years, deformed, and dressed like a mason's assistant: he had never before acted in his present capacity, except in administering the torture; but they could get no other, the executioner of Lyons having broken his leg. In the coach they prayed with their confessors, and performed many acts of contrition, with expressions of entire submission to the divine will. From time to time they observed the crowds of people which surrounded them, and saluted them as they passed. After again interchanging assurances of mutual forgiveness, Monsieur de Thou said to Monsieur Cinq-Mars, You, Sir, must naturally regret life more than I do : you are younger, of higher rank in the world, you had greater hopes, you were the favourite of a powerful king; but I consider your death, as well as mine, as an infallible proof of our predestination, for which we ought to bless God a thousand times more than if he had given us all the riches and honours of the world.' These words affected Monsieur de Cinq-Mars almost to tears.

When they drew near the Place des Terraux, Father Manbrun reminded Monsieur de Thou, that when on the scaffold he should remember to recure a plenary indulgence, by the means of a medal which he had given him, saying the word Jesus three times. When Monsieur de Cinq-Mars heard this, he said to Monsieur de Thou, Sir, since I am to die first, let me add your medal to mine, that I may first have the benefit of them, after which they shall be kept for you.' A contest now ensued, which of them should first undergo the sentence of the law, Monsieur de Cinq-Mars saying it was his right, as being the most guilty, adding, that he should die two deaths if his friend suffered before him. Monsieur de Thou claimed it as the privilege of his seniority. Father Malavalette decided the dispute by saying to Monsieur de Thou, "It is true, Sir, that you are the oldest, and therefore you ought to be the most generous;' which Monsieur de Cinq-Mars having confirmed, Monsieur de Thou turned towards him, and said, Well, Sir, you will then be my forerunner in the path of glory.' "Ah!' said Monsieur de Cinq-Mars, I have indeed led you to the brink of the precipice; but let us now boldly plunge into the gulph of death, that we may rise together in eternal life.'

The coach being arrived at the place of execution, and the provost having informed Monsieur de Cinq-Mars that he must now mount the scaffold, he took leave of Monsieur de Thou in the most affectionate manner, rejoicing that they should speedily meet in heaven. He then left the coach with a smiling countenance; when an archer belonging to the provost attempting to take from him his cloak, which he said was his due, his confessor prevented

it, and asked the provost whether his archers had really any right to it; and being answered no, the father desired Monsieur de Cinq-Mars to give it whom he chose, on which he presented it to the Jesuit, who accompanied his confessor, requesting him in return to pray for him.

After the trumpet had, as usual, sounded three times, thè Greffier Criminel de Lyon, being on horseback near the scaffold, read their sentence aloud, to which neither of them paid any attention; and the window-blind nearest the scaffold was put down, that Monsieur de Thou might not see what was passing from the coach, where he remained with his confessor and his assistant. Monsieur de Cinq-Mars having bowed to those who were near the scaffold, was mounting the ladder with a steady step, when another archer belonging to the provost came behind him and took off his hat; when, quickly turning, he said, Pray, leave me my hat; which the provost hearing, he was offended with the archer, who immediately restored it. Being arrived on the scaffold, he walked round it with as good grace as if on a theatre, saluting those around him with a smiling countenance; and having embraced his confessor, who had followed him, he leaned on his arm, frequently lifting his eyes to heaven, while, with a low voice, the reverend father uttered his prayers and exhortations. He then kissed the crucifix with ardour, and, kneeling down, received the last absolution; after which he walked to the block, and falling on his knees, laid his head upon it, as if to try which was the best posture. Being told that he must take off his doublet, he desired his confessor to assist him in unbuttoning it, which, by the help of his assistant, was immediately done. His gloves remained on his hands, till the executioner took them off after his death. Again going to the block, the executioner approached him with a pair of scissars, which he perceiving, took them from his hands, not choosing that he should touch him; and presenting them to his confessor, intreated him to perform this last service, by cutting off his hair; which being done, and the collar of his shirt being also cut to lay his neck entirely bare, he again kneeled down, and with much fervour pronounced the following prayer: Oh, my heavenly Father, to thee do I entirely and unfeignedly devote myself. If my life had been prolonged, it would, I trust, have been very different from what it has been; but since it is thy pleasure that I should die, I cheerfully offer thee the sacrifice of an ignominious death in expiation of my offences! At these words, the crucifix being presented to him, he again kissed it, and asking the confessor's assistant for the medals, he thrice repeated the name of Jesus, and then returned them to the priest. Then looking round with firmness on the executioner, who was standing behind him, and had not yet taken the axe from the bag which contained it What are you about?' said he; what are you waiting for?' Then desiring his confessor to assist him with his prayers, they knelt together, and he lifted up his hands and eyes to heaven with the most fervent devotion. The executioner now drew from the bag his axe, which was in form like a butcher's cleaver, but thicker and more square; and then, after ejaculating My God, have mercy upon me! into thy hands do I commit my spirit!" he placed his head on the block, without having his eyes bound, and with incredible firmness, waiting for the blow, he shut his eyes and mouth, while the executioner, who was standing on his left, holding the axe with both his hands, gave a slow and heavy stroke. On receiving it, he uttered a loud but momentary cry, which was immediately stifled in his blood; he raised his knees from the block as if to get up, and then fell into the same position; the head not being entirely separated from the body, the executioner gave another stroke,

after which he threw the head on the scaffold, where it rebounded to the ground, and appeared with the eyes open and palpitating for some time. His body remained before the block, which was strongly grasped in his arms, but the executioner having stripped it, covered it with a cloth, and threw his cloak over it. The head was brought back to the scaffold, and placed with the body under the same covering.

6

Monsieur de Cinq-Mars being dead, Monsieur de Thou left the coach with a cheerful countenance, and having civilly saluted those who were near him, ascended the scaffold with much alacrity, holding his cloak folded over his right arm; but seeing the executioner, he threw it from him, and ran to embrace him, saying,Ah! my friend, how great are iny obligations to thee ! this day thou wilt bring me to the happiness of heaven! Then walking to the front of the scaffold, he bowed to the people, and threw his hat behind him, which fell on the feet of Monsieur de Cinq-Mars. Then having held some discourse in a low voice with his confessor, he received absolution; and taking off his doublet, kneeled down and repeated the 115th Psalm in Latin, which he paraphrased in French with a loud voice and energetic gesture, his countenance animated with a holy joy. Then rising, the executioner approached to cut off his hair, to which he readily submitted; but as the man was awkward and clumsy, the reverend father took the scissars from him, and his assistant performed this friendly office. This being done, he knelt down on the block, and offered himself to God with much fervour and devotion. Then having earnestly requested a pater and ave-maria from the bystanders, after having kissed the crucifix, he demanded his medals in order to procure the indulgence, and then enquired whether a bandage was to be placed over his eyes? On being told by his confessor that this was entirely at his own option, he replied, Yes, father, let it be done.' Then, with a smile, addressing those around him, he said, Gentlemen, I own I am a coward. When I think of death, I tremble and shudder; therefore if you observe any thing like firmness in my conduct, attribute it to the right cause, to the mercy of God, who effects a miracle in my behalf. I have, in truth, no resolution, but God strengthen me with his powerful support.' He then put his hand in his pocket to take out his handkerchief to bind over his eyes; but having drawn it out half way, he put it up again, so that none observed it but those who were with him on the scaffold. He then very gracefully advanced, and requested those below to throw him one, and immediately two or three being thrown up to him, took one of them, and expressed his thanks, adding, that he would pray for his benefactors in heaven, not having time left him to do it on earth. The executioner then came to bind on the handkerchief, but did it very awkwardly, so that the corners of it hung down before his mouth, but he turned them up himself and fastened it more commodiously. Having done this, he laid his head on the block (which one of the attendant Jesuits had wiped with his handkerchief, it being wet with blood), and asked whether he lay in the right posture? when being desired to put his head a little farther forward, he did so. At the same time, the executioner, perceiving that the strings of his shirt were not loosened, began to untie them, which, having felt, he asked whether his shirt was to be taken off also? and on being answered, No, it is only necessary to untie the strings,' he assisted in drawing down his shirt so as to uncover his neck and shoulders, and then again placed his head on the block, and pronounced his last words, which were, Maria mater gratiæ, mater misericordiæ, tu nos ab hoste protege, et hora mortis suspice;' and then, in manus tuas,' &c. &c. His arms appeared to tremble while he

was expecting the stroke, which was given on the highest part of the neck, too near to the head, which being only half severed, the body fell on its back on the left side of the block, the face upwards and the legs and hands feebly moving. The executioner attempted to turn it round, so as to finish what he had begun, but frightened by the cries and exclamations of those around him, he gave three or four hasty blows on the throat, and thus cut off the head, which remained on the scaffold.

The executioner, having stripped the body, carried it, covered with cloth, into the coach which had brought them. With it he also placed that of Monsieur de Cinq-Mars, with their heads (the eyes of both being still open, particularly that of Monsieur de Thou, which appeared as if living). From thence they were carried to the Fueillans, where Monsieur de Cinq-Mars was interred before the high altar. The body of Monsieur de Thou was embalmed and placed in a lead coffin, to be conveyed to the burying place of his family. Thus ended this mournful tragedy, in which two persons suffered an ignominious death, whose lives might have longer been preserved with honour, had not their crime precipitated them into inevitable destruction. We saw,' adds our author, the favourite of the greatest and most just of kings lose his head on a scaffold at the age of twenty-two, with a degree of fortitude which can scarcely find a parallel in any part of our histories :-we also beheld a counsellor of state die like a saint, after the commission of a crime which men cannot justly pardon. All who knew of their conspiracy against the state, must have thought them deserving of death, but there were few who were acquainted with their rank in life, and the fine qualities with which nature had endowed them, who did not sincerely pity their misfortune.'

FATAL CONCEIT.

Marcus Donatus, in his Hist. Med. Rar. records the case of a person of the name of Vincentinus, who believed that he was of such enormous size, that he could not go through the door of his apartment. His physician gave orders that he should be forcibly led through it; which was done accordingly, but not without a fatal effect, for Vincentinus cried out, as he was forced along, that the flesh was torn from his bones, and that his limbs were broken off; of which terrible impression he died a few days after, accusing those who conducted him of being his murderers.

REMEDY FOR DUELLING.

In one of the campaigns of Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, the irrational practice of duelling arose to such a height in his army, not only amongst persons of rank and fashion, but between common soldier and common soldier, that he published a severe edict, and denounced death against every delinquent. Soon after a quarrel arose between two officers of high command, and, as they knew the king's stedfastness in keeping his word inviolable, they agreed to request an audience, and besought his permission to decide the affair like men of honour. His majesty took fire in a moment, but repressed his anger with such art that they easily mistook him: of course with some reluctance, but under the appearance of pitying brave men, who thought their reputation injured, he told them, that he blamed them much

for their mistaken notions concerning fame and glory; yet, as their determination seemed to be the result of deliberate reflection to their deluded capacity, he would allow them to decide the affair at a time and place specified: and, gentlemen, said he, I will bear witness myself of your great valour and high spirit. At the hour appointed Gustavus arrived, accompanied by a small body of infantry, whom he formed into a circle round the combatants, now, says he, fight till one man dies; and calling the executioner of the army to him, friend, added he, the instant one is killed, behead the other before my eyes. Astonished at such firmness, the two generals, after pausing a moment, fell down on their knees and asked the king's forgiveness, who made them embrace each other, and give their promise to continue faithful friends to their last moments, as they both did with sincerity and thankfulness. From this period we find no duel between men of any note in Gustavus's service.

CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

M. De Voltaire does not think two witnesses sufficient to prove the crime of a delinquent; and he alleges several cases, which seem to justify his opinion. 'A cabal,' says he, of the populace of Lyons, declared in 1772, that they saw a company of young people carrying, amidst singing and dancing, the dead body of a young woman, whom they had ravished and assassinated. The depositions of the witnesses to this abominable fact, or pretended fact, were unanimous; and, nevertheless, the judges acknowledged solemnly, in their sentence, that there had been neither singing nor dancing, nor girl violated, nor dead body carried. This may have been, in part, the fault of the judges, who, (as our author insinuates, and even affirms) are in France often more corrupt than the witnesses. The case, indeed, of M. de Pivardiere is most singular, as it is almost incredible, and is nevertheless a public fact. Madame de Chauvelin, his second wife, was accused of having had him assassinated in his castle. Two servant maids were witnesses of the murder: his own daughter heard the cries and last words of her father, My God! have mercy upon me!' One of the maid servants, falling dangerously ill, took the sacrament; and while she was performing this solemn act of religion, declared before God, that her mistress intended to kill her master. Several other witnesses testified that they had seen linen stained with his blood; others that they had heard the report of the gun, by which the assassination had commenced. His death was averred: nevertheless, at length it appeared, that there was no gun fired, no blood shed, nobody killed. What remains is still more extraordinary: M. de Pivardiere returned home; he appears in person before the judges of the province, who were preparing every thing to execute vengeance on his murderer. The judges are resolved not to lose their process; they affirm to his face that he is dead; they brand him with the accusation of imposture for saying that he is alive; they tell him that he deserves exemplary punishment for coining a lie before the tribunal of justice; and maintain, that their procedures are more credible than his testimony. In a word, this criminal process continued eighteen months before the poor gentleman could obtain a declaration of the court that he was alive.'

The story of Monthaille, who, without any accuser, witness, or any probable or suspicious circumstances, was seized by the superior tribunal of Arras in 1770, and condemned to have his hand cut off, to be broken on the wheel,