Page:Celebrated Trials - Volume 1.djvu/460

vation of your soul. Your mother sends you her best blessings. We all implore for you the divine mercy; and are confident, that it will open to you the gates of heaven." At these words Grandier was quite revived, and felt himself a new man. Joy sparkled in his eyes, and he thanked the father with a serene and smiling aspect; conjuring him to supply the place of a son to his mother, to pray to God for him, and recommend him to the prayers of his brethren: he assured him that he had the comfort to die innocent of the crime for which he was condemned; that he had grounds to hope that his death would be received as an atonement for his sins, and usher him into the joys of eternity. This affecting conversation was interrupted by the provost-marshal's guards, who pushed Father Grillau with violence into the church. Grandier was next conducted before the church of holy cross, where he renewed his former penance; and from thence he was led to the market-place, which was appointed for the scene of his execution. Happening by the way to cast his eyes upon le Frene, Moussaut and his wife, who were of the number of his enemies, he told them he died their servant, and prayed them to forgive him. When he was arrived, he turned towards the monks who accompanied him, and prayed them to give him the kiss of peace, which accordingly they did. The minister of justice asked his forgiveness. Upon which Grandier said to him: "Sir, you have given me no offence in discharging the duty of your office." René Bernier, curate of the town of Trois-Moutiers, who was reckoned among his enemies, likewise begged him pardon; and asked him if he did not for-give all who had injured him, even those who had deposed against him, and if he was not desirous that he should pray to God for him, and say a mass for the re-pose of his soul. Grandier replied, that "He forgave his enemies, as he hoped that God would forgive him; and that he should be obliged to him for offering up prayers and sacrifices to God on his behalf."

The executioner set him upon a hoop of iron, which was fastened to a stake, making him turn his back to the church of holy-cross.

The market-place was so crowded with people, that