The Shasta courier., 1866-03-10
Execution of Mary, Queen OF Scots.

The great hall of Fotheringay was hung
with black in the midst was scaffold
covered with sage, and surrounded by low
railing. Arouud this gloomy object nigh
two hundred persons were assembled !;
amongst them were the principal gentlemen
of the county, who obeyed the summons of
the sheriff. in total ignorance of the object
for which they were required to be present.
Behind the block stood the executioner and
his assistant, clad in suits of sable velvet,
the last holding the axe behind him in such
position that it was concealed from the
eyes of Mary. As the Sheriff of Northamp-
ton and his officers entered the hall there
was profound silence, many breath was
painfully dra rn; but when the Queen her
self appeared, the most manly eye was moist
ened. Never had Mary appeared to greater
advantage she walked firmly, scarcely
leaning on the two noble men by whom she
was supported; her dress, which was that
the dignity of her department. Her pointed
Golf, edged with bone lace, shaded her
wasted features, and around her neck she
wore gold cross, and from her arms was
suspended a pair of beads a falling collar
completed costume at once regal and be-
coming. As she gazed around, neither
abashed by the numerous spectators, nor
shrinking from the death trappings before
her, murmur of admiration and pity was
with difficulty suppressed. Her atte endants
followed her to the foot of the scaffuld, which
was raised about two feet from the ground,
but before ascending she exclaimed to Mel
Vile
"Once more, farewell. good Andrew !;
pray for thy mistress and Queen. Thou
shalt now see the end of Mary Stuart's
trials'
Thanks, SIR" she continued to Paulet,
who offered his arm with rather penitent
! expression of countenance, 1T is the last
trouble you will experience at my hands,
| On the scaffold was small wooden stool
and a cushion, and no sooner had Mary s
foot touched the fatal planks than the execu-
toner, kneeling before her, prayed her to
forgive him for the Office he was about to
| perform but at this moment her eye fell
on the axe. and she exclaimed quickly
"Ah l would rather have my head
taken off by sword. as they do in France. y
Blame me not, madam" answered the
functionary, :. l am forced to disregard your
Majesty's wishes; was not reminded to
bring a sword, and am. perforce, obliged to
use this axe. which l found here. That
will not, l trust, induce you to withhold
your pardon"
Il do pardon you, my friend" said Mary
giving him her hand to kiss.
Strange!" she murmured, "that your
own Queen, when she expected q similar
fate at the hands of an offending sister, go
dreaded the axe that she told Castlenau she
intended to desire an executioner should be
sent from France, skillful in the use of the
sword"
Mary now seated herself, and with the
assistants grouped around her, prepared to
listen to the warrant, which was read aloud
by Beale. At this moment little Bonum
Ia favorite dog), contrived to make his way
noiselessly through the press, and trembling
and shaking in e, cry limb, concealed him
self, as usual. in the folds of the Queens
robe, without being perceived.
Miry paid slight attention to the reading,
but when the sunorous voice of Beale pro
nuunced the concluding ''God save Queen
Elizabeth she reused herself from her
reverie, and. gracefully rising, prepared to
| address the assembly. Her countenance
was slightly flushed, and Bourgoine, who
had known her longest, remarked, it wore
the look of happier days" Her voice was
clear and ringing, as she called all present
to witness that she, sovereign princess, in
no way subject to the laws or Parliament of
England, was about to suffer-the victim Of
violence and injustice. She spoke of her
| impr sonment, and the wrongs she had ell
dured at the hands OF the Queens council.
lors, protested her innocence of oil the
charges brought against her, thanked God
for tnus publicly allowing her to confess her
faith, and prayed that her enemies might be
forgiven.
Madam" interrupted DR.. Fletcher, the
Dean of Peterborough, my honored mis-
tress has commanded"
Sir" exclaimed Mary, "with you
have nothing to do; will not hear you,
and Command you to retire."
DR.. Fletcher by no means approved this
Indifference to his own eloquence; he there
fore pertinaciously continued, Madam, you
have but moment to live: change your
opinions. abjure your errors, in order that
you may be saved"
''It is useless" answered the Queen,
"you waste your time: leave me to die in
peace" Then turning herself round on the
stool she began to pray but the dean, max
ing the circuit Of the scafEold,- again address.