Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1868-04-29

anu then, WIN MS ifcmDilnG VOICE cdihtu
and strengthened by the greatness of his sub
jcct, preached from the text, " For the Son Of
man came to give his life a ransom for many
How long and how well the towns-people re-
membercd this, the last sermon they ever
heard in their beloved city.
Two days after, the Governor, deciding
that resistance had become hopeless, appeared
on the city walls aud asked for a parley
Sir Walter Nanny came from the English
side and the talk was long and earnest
/ Then the Governor came back to the waiting
people in the market-place, and, with talter-
/ ing voice, told them the disgacelul condi-
/ tions on which alone the English King would
receive the city Six of the most prominent
Icitizeus--barclooted barohoaded, and with
ropes about their neek., ready for execution
must come out to him bearing the keys Of the
castle
At first a great silence iellupm the people,
then weeping and lamentation. arose.
Standing beside his wife, among the crowd,
was Eustace de 81. Pierre He cast look
full of compassion apon the wailing multi
tude, then bowed his head and said softly to
himself He gave his life ransom for
many In another moment clear voice
rose above the sound Of weeping. IL said,
F" If the six men are not sacrificed, the whole
population will be- offer myself as the
first" Then all eyes were turned upon the
speaker Eusiace dc 81. Pierre, who had quit
city taken hs stand before the Governor
seat While men looked at one another,
stirred to a like heroism yet hardly strong
enough TO commit themselves to its guidance,
Victor de St. Pierre, without hesitation, had
placed himself beside his brother. Next
came the cousins St. jean Alphonse and Ja-
ques. companions from boyhood, almost more
than brothers, cousin. too Of the ST. Pierres
for it was a noble family, and in it the spirit
of self-devotion was broad and deep enough
to find more than one channel.
\ long pause followed while men reasoned
with themselves; so many arguments in the
forms of wives and children and life was
dear even under all the trials which had been
and were still to be. 1t was not enlisting for
battle; it was volunteering for execution.
But presently old Guilbert la Motto, man
with sivery hair and beard, said, 81 have
certainly but few years more on earth. If |
can spend them in 50 good a service, 1t is
well. | count myself The fifth"
Now one man more stepped from the crowd
he was soldier, Scared and bronzed with
exposure " | am not" said he ga promi-
nent citizen. am of humble birth, but il
my life will serve my country, offer it free
, w." Then the Governor answered, BY this
act if by no other, have you declared your
self noble aud worthy of place beside the
most honorable" And he was counted the
sixth And now the six martyrs made ready
and the mourning population followed them
to the city gate. Marie st. Pierre walked
beside her husband, but she was not weeping
tears could not express the new and reverAnt
emotion that sancti6ed her grief
Arrived at the English camp, they were re-
ceiyed by the wrathfu King, who ordered
that they should all be instantly hung. Ther
Sir Walter Nanny came forward and courage
ously spoke in their behalf. Sire he said
" these men have but done their duty. Ar,
you not Furnishing them for the very acts yot
would applaud in your own soldiers 2' Bu
the King would not listen, he was angered by
the long siege he must pay himself in ven
geance for the year he had spent before Cal
ais, and the six citizens saw no look of mercy
for them in his stern face.
At this moment a fair aud gentle woman
entered tue tent anu thfeW heTsell ~ th'
Kings feet 1t was Philippa, his goot
Queen, herself of French birth. "Give then
to me, dear King, she pleaded; they ar
my countrymen. Grant me this one favor
Bcstow upon me this one gift"
King Edward loved his beautiful wife; h
could not refuse her 1t is true he said, 50
wish you had been anywhere but here; yet
since you ask this favor, | must grant it,
Then she looked at the brave men, an,
tears filled her eyes as she saw their bare feet
and tattered clothes, and their thin, wasteC
faces so she called an English knight anc
bade him lead them to the banqueting hal
that had been built by the King for his noble
to carouse in during the tiresome days Of tn,
siege. In the anteroom they found provide'
for them rich dresses beftting knights, anc
;, having clothed themselves, they sat down t.
the most sumptuous feast they had seen 70
many month, Then Eustace de st. Pierre
. in the ameof the whole, gave thanks, frs
to their God who had brought them safel
!, through so perilous time; and next 10 tn
beautiful Queen into whose heart God ha
!. put such gentle pity.
!. Can you imagine the JOY of their friends
4 when dressed in their goodly garments, am
i singing hymns of praise, the six liberate
q men went back at evening to Calais? ?