The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1866-05-02
Execution OF Mary, queen OF scots.

Execution OF dary, Queen Of Scots.
The great hall of Fotheringay was hung
with black; in the midst was scaffold cov-
cred with sage, and surrounded with low
railing. Around this gloomy object nigh
| two hundred persons were assembled {;
amongst them were the principal gentle
men of the county, who obcyed the sum-
mons of the sheriff, in total ignorance of
the object for which they were required to
be present Behind the block stood the
lelecutioner and his assistant. clad in suits
Of sable velvet, the last holding the axe be-
hind him in such position that it was con-
,ealed from the eyes of Mary. AS the
sheriff of Northampton and his officers en-
tered the hall there was profound silence,
many breath was painfully drawn; but
when the Queen herself appeared the most
manly eye was moistened. Never had Ma
~ appeared to greater advantage; she
walked firm, scarcely leaning on the two
nobemen by whom she was supported !;
her dress, which was that Of Queen Dow
ager of France, adding to 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 armes were suspended a pair
of beads. falling collar completed cos
tune at once regal and becoming. AS she
gazed around, neither abashed by the nu-
lnerous spectators, nor shrinking from the
death trappings before her, a murmur of
admiration and pity was with difficulty
suppressed. Her attendants followed her
to the foot of the scaHold, which was rails
ed about two feet from the ground, but be-
fore ascending she exclaimed to Melville:
pray for thy mistress and Queen. Thou
shalt now see the end of Mary Stuart's
| tr als.''
Thanks, SIR she continued to Paulct,
who offered his arm with rather penitent
expression of countenance, sit is the last
trouble you will experience at my hands. -
On the scaffold was small stool and
cushion, and no sooner had Mary's foot
touched the fatal planks than the execu-
toner, knceling before her, prayed her to
forgive him for the Office he was about to
! perform but at this moment her eye fell
upon this axe, and she exclaimed:
"Ah! would rather have my head ta-
ken off by sword, as they do in France"
Blame me not, madam" answered the
functionary, Il am forced to disregard
your Majesty's wishes; | was not remind
ed to bring sword, and am, therefore,
obliged to use this axe, which found here.
That will not, trust, induce you to with
hold your pardon
81 do pardon you. my friend,' said Ma
nv, giving him her hand to kiss.
"Strange,n she murmured, "that your
own Queen, when she expected similar
fate at the hands of an offended sister, SO
dreaded the axe that she told Castenau she
intended to desire an eXecutioner should
be sent from France, skillful in the use OF
the sword.'
| Mary now seated herself, and with as
sistants grouped around her, prepared to
listen to the warrant, which was read
aloud by Bcale. At this moment little
Bonum "a favorite dog) contrived to make
his way noiselessly through the press, and,
trembling and shaking in every limb, con-
cealcd himself, as usual, in the folds OF
the Queens robe, without being per-
ceived.
Mary paid slight attention to the read
ing, but when the sonorous voice of Beale
! pronounced 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 Burgoine, 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 Parlia'
ment of England, was about to suffer the
victim of violence and injustice. She
spoke Of Imprisonment, and the wrongs
she had endured at the hands of the
Queens counsellors, protested her limo
cence of all the charges brought against
her. thanked God for thus allowing her to
confess her faith, and prayed that her enc
mics 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"
DIR. Fletcher by no means approved this
Indifference to his own eloquence h
therefore pertinaciously continued, .'Mad
am, you have but moment to live; chang
your opinions, aajure your errors, in orde
that you may be saved
''It is useless answered the Queen; "yO,
waste your time; leave me to die in peace.
Then turning herself round on the stoo
she began to pray; but the Dean maxim.
the circuit of the scaffold, again addressed
her.
Trouble me no farther" repeated Mary
returning to her former position; but here
the Earl of Shrewsbury, heartily ashamed
of the scene, interposed, to the no small
modification of the Jealous divine.
Mary, then falling on her knees, recite'
a portion of the Psalms aloud in Latin
} together with her attendants, concludin.
with a prayer in French, and held the cru
ci6x between her clasped hands.
'sMadam," interrupted the Earl of Kent
unable longer to contain himself, "cas
aside these Popish trumperies."
But Mary continued her devotions, ferv
emily exclaiming, "Lord! Lord receiv
mo into your extended arms, and pardon NJ
) nv sins" As she reseated herself. tn
Earl of Kent roughly inquired if she ha.
! done. "For, if so, Madam" be concluded
|, prepare"
The executioner now approached, bu
the Queen gently repulsed him. II on
not used,'' she said with faint smile, st
undress before SO numerous company, Q
to be served by such grooms."
Then calling her assistants, she assiste
Elspeth to take the pins from her head
dress, the girl being almost useless iroI
the violence Of her sobs.
''Do not Weep" s2id the Queen in French
III have answered for YOU" She the
u kissed them both, and desired her other a