APPENDIX.
The crime ofCinq Marsconsisted in his treating all means as allowable, provided they had for end the favourite’s downfall; his treason to Louis; his appeal to Spain. The fault of De Thou lay in his preference to an individual over his country, in private affections too strong for public virtues. An extract from Montresor’s Memoirs, detailing the last days of their lives, must find a place here. By translating closely, I have tried as much as possible to preserve the manner of the quaint original—“Journal of all which took place in Lyons during the Proceedings instituted for the Trial ofMessrs. de Cinq Marsandde Thou.”
‘Monsieur de Cinq Marsarrived at Lyons the 4th of September of the present year 1642, about two hours after noon, in a coach drawn by four horses, in which were fourgardes du corpscarrying their muskets, and surrounded by foot guards, belonging to the Cardinal Duke’s household, to the number of one hundred. Before the carriage marched two hundred horsemen, for the most part Catalonians, and three hundred more well mounted followed.Monsieur le Grand[1]was attired in musk coloured cloth of Holland covered over with gold embroidery, having a scarlet cloak withlarge silver buttons. Being arrived on the bridge which crosses the Rhone before entering the town, he askedMonsieur de Ceton,[2]lieutenant of the Scotch guards, if he permitted that the coach should be closed. This was refused him, and he was conducted to the bridge of St. Jean, thence to the Exchange and by theRue de Flandresto the foot of the castle of Pierre Encise. As he passed along the streets, continually showing himself at the carriage door, he saluted the crowd with a smiling countenance, leaning half out of the coach, and even recognized many to whom he bowed, calling them by name. Arrived beneath Pierre Encise, he was surprised when told he must descend, and mount on horseback to arrive at the castle by a road which skirted the town: “This then,” he said, “will be the last time.” He had imagined that orders were given to conduct him to Vincennes, and had several times asked the guards if would be permitted hunting when arrived there.
‘His prison was situated at the foot of the great tower, having for only view that from the two narrow windows which looked on a small garden, beneath which were stationed guards, as well as in his chamber, whereMonsieur Cetonwith four soldiers lay, in that adjoining and without all the doors.
‘The next day, fifth of the month, the Cardinal Bichy went to visit him, and asked if it were his pleasure to see some one in his prison with whom he might converse. He said he should be glad of such favour, but that he did not deserve that for him any should be troubled.
‘Whereupon the Cardinal of Lyons summoned the Jesuit Malavette, desiring that, since such wasMonsieur de Cinq Mars’will, he should go thither; and he went on the 6th at five in the morning, remaining until eight. He found him laid in a bed of scarlet damask, incommoded by a stomach disorder which had annoyed him throughout his journey and of which he was not rid till his death, and therefore very feeble and pale. The priest’s converse so solaced him, that again that night he prayed his company, and afterwards during the days his imprisonment lasted continued to see him eve and morning. When all was over, the above named father rendered an account to the Cardinal Duke (Richelieu), and the Cardinal of Lyons, and the chancellor, of all which he had said to him, and remained a long while in conference with his Ducal Eminence, although at that time he allowed himself to be seen by no one.
‘The 7th day of the month, the chancellor visitedMonsieur de Cinq Mars,and treated him courteously, saying he had no reasons for fear, but all for hope; that he knew he had an upright judge, mindful of favours received from his benefactor, since through his goodness, and his power only, the king had not dispossessed him from his office, and this great kindness deserved not only an eternal remembrance, but to be repaid with infinite gratitude. The pretended occasion of this compliment was thatMonsieur le Grandhad once heretofore appeased the king’s anger greatly excited against the chancellor, but the true reason of his civility was a fear of being refused by him for judge and also of his appealing to the parliament of Paris, and being delivered by the people, by whom he was loved passionately.Monsieur le Grandreplied, that he thanked him for a courtesy whose excess confused him, but “nevertheless,” he said, “I notewell from the mode in which this affair proceeds that my life is the mark aimed at. Sir, my fate is sealed, the king forsakes me; I look on myself henceforth but as a victim about to be sacrificed to mine enemies’ passion and the king’s easy temper.” To this the chancellor answered, “that such opinions were erroneous, and by nothing warranted, and that his own experience brought with it a contrary conviction.” “Heaven grant it,” repliedMonsieur le Grand;“but I believe it not.” The 8th day of the month, the chancellor went to hear him, accompanied by sixmaîtres de requêtes,two presidents, and six counsellors from Grenoble; but, having interrogated him from seven in the morning till two hours after noon, they could extract no replies.
‘The 10th, they departed altogether for Vivey, a mansion belonging to theAbbéofAisnay, Monsieur de Villeroy’sbrother, two leagues distant from Lyons, whither Monsieur, the king’s brother, repaired fromVillefranche,and where all proofs and papers were compared and examined.
‘The 12th, all the judges sitting in Lyons,Monsieur le Grandwas brought thither in a coach from the castle at about eight o’clock in the forenoon, conducted by the “chevalier du guet,” and his company, and being introduced and placed in the accused’s seat, he answered and confessed all which he had already made known to the chancellor in that conference which, on the 7th of the month, they had held together, and with gentleness and tranquillity of mind so great withal, that his judges gazed one at the other in wonder and admiration, constrained to acknowledge that never before had they seen or heard of constancy so unshaken, or a mind so strong and clear. After this hewas bid retire to a chamber, whither, soon as the chancellor had collected the votes, and his condemnation was written, they entered to read to him his sentence; and also that before its execution, the question, both ordinary and extraordinary, should be administered, in order to obtain from him more fully, the declaration of who were his accomplices.
‘During the performance of this mournful office, which drew tears from the eyes of his judges and his guards, he neither changed colour nor countenance, losing nothing of his accustomed cheerfulness and that air of majesty which accompanied all his actions; but towards its close, at the mention of torture, he said to his judges, though with unaltered mildness, “Sirs, this seems harsh to me; a person of my age and my condition should scarce be subjected to these formalities. I know what the forms of justice demand, but I know mine own rank also. I have told, and will again tell all; I receive death with willingness and unflinchingly, and therefore is the torture needless. I confess my weakness, and that this prospect hath power to disturb me.”
‘He continued his speech yet some time farther, with so much grace and gentleness, that his judges’ compassion prevented their reply, in contradiction, or refusal of that indulgence he hoped to obtain from them.
‘Father Malavette at this time arriving inquired of him what might be the subject of his demand, saying that these were gentlemen well nurtured, and that from them he might expect as much favour as from the king.
‘“It is of small moment, father,” he replied; “I do but confess a weakness and that it paineth me to submit to the torture; disturbing my spirit not fromapprehension of pain, for I shall go unto death with joy and firmness, but because, having told all I know, it were vain to use torture.”
‘The father, embracing him, answered, “Sir, be not uneasy; you have no concern with merciless judges, since already they give your ill fortune tears;” and taking aside two of the “maîtres de requêtes,” the priest told them that they mistook this master spirit; that he saw well the extreme constraint he imposed upon himself, and that they did ill so to shake his fortitude as to risk the casting it down. The while he spoke came thither two judges more, who said in secret to the priest, that the question would not be administered toMonsieur le Grand,but that, for the sake of justice and in obedience to its forms, they must conduct him to the torture chamber. Whereupon the reverend father accostedCinq Mars,and drawing him aside from his guards, he said, “Are you capable of keeping an important secret?” He said, “Father, I pray you to believe I have been wanting in faith to none save God.” “Well then,” he returned, “you will not suffer, nor will you be presented to the torture; you come only to the chamber, whither I will accompany you in guarantee of the word I pledge you.”
‘They went together, andMonsieur le Grandmerely saw the cords and other fearful instruments of torture. Meanwhile about ten o’clock,Monsieur de Thouwas conducted from the castle of Pierre Encise to the palace, and presented to the judges to be interrogated there; and after the usual demands, the chancellor asked whetherMonsieur d’Effiat (de Cinq Mars)had not revealed to him the conspiracy? To which he made answer: “Gentlemen, I might deny, and absolutely, that I knew aught of this, nor could youconvict me of falsehood, for byMonsieur de Cinq Marsonly you can be apprised of my knowledge, since to no man breathing have I spoken or written on the subject. An accused man cannot validly accuse another, and a man cannot be condemned to death save by the testimony of two irreproachable witnesses. Thus you see that my life, my death, my condemnation or absolution rest on mine own tongue; nevertheless, gentlemen, I confess that I knew of this matter. I avow it frankly for two reasons. First, because the three months of my imprisonment I have so passed in contemplation of life and death, as to know undoubtingly, that however long the life I may enjoy, it can only be unhappy. And that death is an advantage to me, seeing I hold it as the most certain proof of my election; such as renders me ready to die, for which I can never be better disposed than now. Wherefore I would not let pass this opportunity of salvation. My second reason is, that, notwithstanding this my crime be punishable with death, nevertheless, gentlemen, you observe that it is neither extraordinary, nor of great magnitude, nor of deep dye. I do confess I knew the plot; I did all that in me lay to dissuade him from its accomplishment. He believed me his only and devoted friend, and I would not betray him; therefore I deserve death and I condemn myself by the law, Quisquis....”
‘This speech, which he spoke with a wondrous spirit and vivacity, so favourably impressed his judges, that with difficulty they roused themselves from the feelings it excited, nor was there one there present who felt not a passionate inclination to save him and preserve to France the brightest hope of her court, for so was he called even by his foes.
He was thereupon sentenced to death, as well asMonsieur le Grand;and as he quitted the hall he met there the reverend father Mambrun the Jesuit, who in Pierre Encise had confessed him, and he exclaimed in a religious transport, “Come, on my father, let us go to death and to heaven; let us forward to true glory. What through life have I done for my God to obtain from him this favour he now grants me, to die ignominiously that I may sooner arrive at true life?” and expressing the same thought unceasingly, he was conducted to the chamber where wasMonsieur de Cinq Mars.Soon as the latter perceived him, he ran towards him exclaiming, “Oh! friend, friend, how I mourn thy doom!” butMonsieur de Thouembracing him, said, “Ah how happy we are to die thus!” The one asked pardon of the other; they embraced five or six times successively with claspings of a most unmatched love; bidding their very guards burst into tears, for this was such a spectacle as might soften rocks.
‘While these embracings lasted, three or four of their judges came; which obliged them to retire to the extremity of the chamber, where they conversed yet half an hour with most entire affection, of which they gave proof by exclamation and gesture, the while the Father Malavette prayed the judges who were there to promise him that they should not be bound, neither see the executioner till arrived on the scaffold, which was granted after some slight difficulty. And still while this lasted,Monsieur le GrandembracedMonsieur de Thou,ending his discourse thus: “Dear friend, let us go to think on God, and employ the remainder of our lives in working out our salvation.”
‘“It is well said,” repliedMonsieur de Thou,andtaking his confessor by the hand, he led him to a corner of the chamber and made his confession there.Monsieur de Cinq Marsbegged of the guards that they would give him another chamber, which they refused, saying that one was spacious enough, and that if so pleased him to go to the other corner, he might confess himself with all convenience. But still urging his request with grace and mildness, he at last obtained that he asked for. Being entered into another chamber, he made a general confession of his whole life, which lasted a long hour; then wrote three letters, the one to his mother theMaréchale d’Effiat,wherein he prayed her to make payment to two creditors, to whom he wrote two other letters. After which he said to the priest that he could bear up no longer, having swallowed nothing during twenty-four hours.
‘The father prayed his comrade to go in search of wine and eggs, and the guards having brought both, he begged them to place all on the table. When they had gone forth, the said father offered him wine, but he rinsed his mouth only and swallowed nothing. MeanwhileMonsieur de Thouhad confessed himself, and with marvellous promptitude indited two letters, and this done, paced the chamber reciting aloud the psalm, “Miserere mei, Deus,” with enthusiasm of mind so shown in the movements of his body, that it seemed he were about to take flight from earth. He repeated the same verses ofttimes, exclaiming aloud and with ejaculations, mingling in his oration passages from St. Paul and the Holy Scripture, then taking up the “Miserere” once more, and reciting nine times after it, “Secundum magnam misericordiam tuam.”
‘During these devotions came several gentlemen to pay their respects to him, but he waved themaside, “My thoughts are with God, I pray you disturb me not, I am no longer of this world.” Notwithstanding this ecstacy, there approached him one gentleman sent by his sister thePrésidente Pontac,who had come to Lyons to intercede for her brother. He asked him from her if he wanted aught, and he replied, “I need nothing, sir, saving her prayers and yours; nothing but death to conduct me to life and glory.” And as he commenced reciting the psalm, “Credidi propter quod locutus sum,” the guardian of the conventdes Observantinsof Tarascon, who had confessed him in prison there, came near and inquired what inscription he chose on the chapel founded by himself in their convent. He replied, “What you will, my father;” but the latter urging his request, he asked for a pen, and with such wondrous promptitude as showed more than human facility and presence of mind, he wrote, “Christo liberatori votum in carcere pro libertate conceptum Franciscus Augustus Thuanus è carcere vita jam liberandus, merito solvit.”
‘Having laid down the pen, he recommenced his prayers, reciting the psalm “Confitebor tibi, Domine, in toto corde meo,” yielding to such enthusiasm as at times almost overcame him. The guards looked on trembling themselves with respect and awe. One of their judges arrived in the meantime, demanding what they waited for, and where wasMonsieur le Grand.One knocked at his chamber door where he still was with his confessor, andMonsieur de Cinq Marsreplied with his admirable gentleness, that it would be finished soon, and once more drawing the priest aside, he spake to him of his conscience with such feeling of his own offences, and of the goodness of God, that the priest perforce embraced him, adoring in his person themight of God’s grace and that of the mind of man; and then they prepared themselves to go forth.Monsieur le GrandandMonsieur de Thoubeing met on the steps, and having exchanged salutes, they encouraged one another with zeal and joy, such as proved that the Holy Spirit of a truth had filled their souls and bodies. At the foot of the steps they found their judges, and each made to them a fair speech with thanks for the mild treatment granted them.
‘Being on the steps without the hall, they gazed attentively at the great crowd assembled before the palace, and bowed on all sides low and gracefully.Monsieur de Thou,seeing how they were to be conducted in a coach to the place of execution, said aloud to the people, “Gentlemen, this is indeed goodness to carry thus two criminals to their death, we who merit to be drawn thither in a cart and dragged on hurdles—the Son of God, the symbol of innocence, having been for us so done to death with shame and scandal.”
‘After this they entered the coach which had been prepared for them.Messieurs de Cinq Marsandde Thouplaced themselves in the back seat, the two priests’ companions opposite the confessors themselves, one at either door, the guards who accompanied them being about a hundred, belonging to thechevalier du guet,with three hundredcuirassiers,the officers of justice and the provost marshal. They began this sad journey reciting the litanies of the Holy Virgin, after whichMonsieur de ThouembracedMonsieur de Cinq Marsfour separate times with the ardour of an angel, saying, “Dear friend, what during our lives have we done so pleasing to God as to induce him to do us the favour to die together? with a little infamy to wipe away our crimes, by a slight shame to conquer heavenand its glory? Alas! is it not true that we have not deserved it? let us mortify our hearts and spend our strength in thankfulness, and receive death with all the affection of our souls.”
‘To thisMonsieur le Grandreplied by such words of virtue, faith, charity and resignation, as exalted their confessors above themselves. The people so thronged in the streets that the coach could hardly move forward, and the despair was such as for like cause has seldom been seen depicted on human countenances. Arrived at the slope of the bridge of theSaône, Monsieur de Thousaid toMonsieur de Cinq Mars,“Well, dear friend, who shall first die?” “Your choice shall decide,” he answered. Father Malavette, now speaking, said toMonsieur de Thou,“You are the oldest.” “True,” repliedMonsieur de Thou;but turning toCinq Mars,“You are the most generous, you will show me the road to heaven and glory.” “Alas,” saidCinq Mars,“I opened before you the path to the precipice, but let us fling ourselves there bravely, and we shall rise to the brightness and happiness of God.”
‘During the remainder of the way,Monsieur de Cinq Mars,continuing his acts of piety, recommended himself to the people’s prayers, putting his head forth from the carriage windows. A group of young girls moved withal uttered a great cry, and Father Malavette, affected by their sorrow, could not restrain his own and wept: butMonsieur le Grand,observing him, said, “How, father, are you more interested for me than I for myself? I pray you shed no tears, we need your firmness to fortify our own.”
‘As to the Jesuit Mambrun, he was so affected by the sorrow of the people, the guards and judges, thatneither in the palace nor on the way could he utter a word, his speech stifled by his sobs.
‘Monsieur de Thoucontinued his journey, repeating an hundred times, “Credidi propter quod locutus sum,” making the priest promise that he should be allowed to recite the whole on the scaffold ere he died.
‘Arrived on thePlace des Terreaux,Father Malavette first descended, takingMonsieur le GrandandMonsieur de Thouby the hand, and saying these words, “Go, sir; a moment will part us now, but soon shall we be united before God and to all eternity. Do not regret that which you lose; you have been great on earth, you will be greater in heaven, and your grandeur will have no fall.” And having embraced once again with last tokens of friendship,Monsieur le Granddescended from the coach, and some insolent soldiers attempting to tear his cloak from him, he turned to the provost marshal and asked to whom it should be given. He bade him dispose of it as he chose, and he gave it to the priest’s companion, desiring that its price might be bestowed on the poor. Another soldier having taken his hat, he asked him for it civilly, and it was returned, and he ascended the scaffold, having his head covered, with graceful agility and gaiety kissing his hand ere he gave it to Malavette to assist him to reach the summit. He took a turn on the scaffold, still wearing his hat, and bowing round to the crowd with his fine and majestic countenance. Then he flung his hat from him, and knelt down, raising his eyes to heaven in adoration. Next approaching the block, he made trial of it, asking how he should place himself and whether he did well. He took the crucifix from the priest’s hand himself on his knees, and kissed it with a tenderness inconceivable.And as he repeated the action a thousand times, the father called aloud to the people to pray for him; andMonsieur le Grand,stretching forth his arms and then clasping the hands which still held the crucifix, repeated a like prayer.
‘The executioner now approached, but the father bade him retire, and turningCinq Marsfrom him, his companion aided to undo the doublet, and thenMonsieur le Grandembraced them both, and kneeling they recited together “Ave Maria, stella,” and at its close he received absolution, and casting himself in the priest’s arms remained there while one might say a Miserere.
‘The executioner again advancing to cut the hair,Monsieur de Cinq Marsasked for scissors. The father took them from his hand and gave them toMonsieur le Grand,who called the priest’s companion, desiring he would cut it, and this he did, and he laid his head on the block to try it again, and the father gave a medal into his hand and he received indulgence and kissed the cross. He then kneeled down with wondrous tranquillity, begging of the priest’s companion that he would continue to hold the crucifix before his eyes which he refused to have bound, in order that he might see it till he died. Embracing the block, he placed himself thereon and received the mortal blow from a large butcher’s knife, made after the fashion of the antique axes or rather like those of England, and the one blow ended him, though the head still held to the trunk by the skin of the throat not quite severed. The executioner was an old needy wretch. Unnerved by the necessity of cutting through this skin which remained, and letting the head roll on the scaffold, it fell unto the ground.
‘The people, densely crowded on the square, at the windows and on the towers, broke through the breathless silence which had lasted throughout, and when the axe was raised, uttered a wild cry. The sobs and groans recommenced with a noise and tumult altogether startling.
‘After this,Monsieur de Thou,who had remained within the coach which had been closed, came forth from it boldly, and ascended the scaffold with such alertness that one might have thought he flew, and arrived at its summit he took two turns hat in hand, bowing to the multitude; then flung in a corner his hat and the cloak, and the executioner approaching embraced him and called him brother, and stripped his doublet without a moment’s delay.
‘Father Mambrun who accompanied him was so profoundly affected as to be unable to utter a word. He begged Father Malavette, who had descended while the assistants stripped the body ofCinq Mars,to return and he did so. They recited the psalm “Credidi” together and aloud, and after ejaculations uttered in a firm and loud voice, in a transport and fervour like that of a seraphim, and gestures which seemed as if his body yielded to his soul flying to heaven, he received absolution and gained the indulgence.
‘And having performed all Christian duties, he adored the cross ere yet he lay his head on the block, then kissed the blood ofCinq Marswhich stained it, and bound his eyes himself with his kerchief. Having taken his post, he received a blow on the bones of the skull which grazed it only and he passed his hand on the wound falling backwards. The executioner repeated the blow, grazing the skull once more, this time above the ear, casting his victim down who kickedviolently in his agony. The executioner dealt yet a third blow on the throat which finished him, and he received yet two more ere he could cut the head completely off—so embarrassed was this wretched executioner. His body was then stripped instantly, and the two bodies being placed in a coach were borne to the church of the Feuillans.
‘The next morning the corpse ofMonsieur de Thouwas embalmed by order of his sister and carried thence; and that ofMonsieur le Grandwas interred under the balustrade of the said church, through the goodness and authority ofMonsieur de Gay,treasurer of France.
‘Thus died these two great men, expiating by religion and constancy the enormity of their crime.’
[1]
He was so styled, beinggrand écuyer.
He was so styled, beinggrand écuyer.
[2]
I suppose Seyton.
I suppose Seyton.
THE END.
London: Printed byW. ClowesandSons, Stamford Street.
Transcriber’s notes
1. Silently corrected typographical errors and inconsistencies; retained non-standard spelling.
2. Correctly accented some French words for improved software readability.