[1] The case of the Sire de Retz is one to make us see the great danger there is in trusting to feelings in matters of religion. “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments,” said our Lord. How many hope to go to heaven because they have pious emotions!
Then he commenced reciting the prayers of the dying; the executioner passed the cord round his neck, and adjusted the knot. He mounted a tall stool, erected at the foot of the gallows as a last honour paid to the nobility of the criminal. The pile of firewood was lighted before the executioners had left him.
Pontou and Henriet, who were still on their knees, raised their eyes to their master and cried to him, extending their arms,—
“At this last hour, monseigneur, be a good and valiant soldier of God, and remember the passion of Jesus Christ which wrought our redemption. Farewell, we hope soon to meet in Paradise!
The stool was cast down, and the Sire de Retz dropped. The fire roared up, the flames leaped about him, and enveloped him as be swung.
Suddenly, mingling with the deep booming of the cathedral bell, swelled up the wild unearthly wail of the _Dies iræ_.
No sound among the crowd, only the growl of the fire, and the solemn strain of the hymn
Lo, the Book, exactly worded, Wherein all hath been recorded; Thence shall judgment be awarded.
When the Judge his seat attaineth, And each hidden deed arraigneth, Nothing unavenged remaineth.
What shall I, frail man, be pleading? Who for me be interceding? When the just are mercy needing.
King of Majesty tremendous, Who dost free salvation send us, Fount of pity! then befriend us.
Low I kneel, with heart-submission; See, like ashes, my contrition— Help me in my last condition!
Ah I that day of tears and mourning! From the dust of earth returning, Man for judgment must prepare him! Spare, O, God, in mercy spare him! Lord, who didst our souls redeem, Grant a blessed requiem!
Six women, veiled, and robed in white, and six Carmelites advanced. bearing a coffin.
It was whispered that one of the veiled women was Madame de Retz, and that the others were members of the most illustrious houses of Brittany.
The cord by which the marshal was hung was cut, and he fell into a cradle of iron prepared to receive the corpse. The body was removed before the fire had gained any mastery over it. It was placed in the coffin., and the monks and the women transported it to the Carmelite monastery of Nantes, according to the wishes of the deceased.