Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-03-22
Slaughtered Women.
LAST MOMENTS OF BRAVE WOMEN WHO
DIED ON THE SCAFFoLD.

Princess Monaco. one OF the MANY vic
Tins of the French revolution, half an
hour previous to her execution. gave evil
dence OF heroism Breaking a pane of
glass, the only article having cutting
edge which she could get. she sawed off
her hair as mementoes for her children.
She then with the greatest GOODNESS. col
ored her cheeks with rouge, so that the
populace might not see her quail should
she be unable to nerve herself at the try
ing moment when her head should be
taken off.
Madam Roland showed even greater
firmness. A man who was to be execut-
ed on the same occasion was observed to
show fearful terror. She begged that he
would ascend to the scafiold, being con-
WINGED that he had not sufficient courage
to witness her execution. besides, sir. y"
she added, "you certainly have too much
good breeding TO refuse the last request of
a lady"
Two hundred notables of the country
surrounded the executioner's block when
Mary, queen of Scots, was beheaded.
They came at the instance OF the sheriff,
not knowing the object. Mary walked
firmly. not fearing the death dealing in
struments at hand. Her bearing was that
of a queen by rights. Seeing the ak she
started, exclaimlng, "Ah! | would rather
have my head taken off by a sword. as
they do in France" Her executioner
begged pardon tor being compelled to
disregard her wishes. 81 do pardon you,
my FRIEND" Mary said, giving him her
hand to kiss. Being seated, the warrant
was read, to which she paid lit.
tie or no attention; but at its conclu-
sion, when the heavy voice of Beale
burted out. "God save Queen Eliza
BETH" Mary's countenance flushed. She
arose, and on her face was a look of the
happier days. She spoke in clear, ring
ing voice, as she called upon all present
| to witness that she. sovereign princess,
in no way subject to the laws of parlia-
ment, was to suffer fora victim of vio-
lence and injustice. She spoke of all her
wrongs, disclaimed the charges brought
against her, thanked God tor allowing her
to publicly confess her faith and prayed
that her enemies might be forgiven.
"Madam,' broke in DR.. Fletcher, my
honored mistress has commissioned"
"Sir!" exclaimed Mary, with you
heve nothing to do; | will not hear you,
egotism was hurt, but he pertnaciouslv
continued: Madam, you have but mo-
ment to live; change your opinions, abb
lure your errors. in order that you NAV
be saved" Leave me to die in peace, ~
she said turning around; but Fletcher
made the circuit of the scaffold. and
again faced the brave woman. Trouble
me no further" The Earl of Shrewsbury
here interposed. In few moments the
executioner approached her, but she re-
pulsed him. 81 am not used to undress
before so numerous company" she said
with a faint smile. cor to be served with
such grooms.' She quietly laid aside her
outer garment, and then raised herself.
that her maid might bandage her eyes.
Meekly she laid her head upon the block,
clasping her hand under her chin-the one
hand holding the crucltix and the other
the book of Hours Thus she contin-
ued her prayer. Every other voice was
sutfocated with tears and sobs, with the
exception of those of the Dean of Peter
borough and the ianatical Earl of Kent
CHICAGO Tribune