[232] 'The one, because they are wicked and evil-doers; the others because they gratify the wicked.'—_Le Misanthrope._ [233] MSS. Bibl. imp. F. Supplément, No. 133. [234] _Lettres de la Reine de Navarre_, i, p. 299. [235] 'Beda conjectus est in carcerem accusatus criminis læsæ majestatis.'—Cop to Bucer, 5th April, 1535. [236] _France Protestante_, art. _Marguerite_. Freer, _Life of Marguerite d'Angoulême_, ii. p. 142. CHAPTER XI. EXPIATIONS AND PROCESSIONS. (END OF 1534 AND BEGINNING OF 1535.) An expiation was required for the purification of France—solemn ceremonies, sacrifices, and the stake. Nothing must be wanting to the expiatory work. Du Bourg, Milon, Poille, and their friends were lying in prison, waiting for the day when they were to appear before their judges. The poor paralytic had remained as calm as in his father's shop: he was even calmer. Formerly, when friends or kindred, well accustomed to lift him, had taken him in their arms, he had cried out with the pain he felt in every limb. But now, in prison, he bore it all without pain, and 'the roughest handling seemed tender.' Receiving unknown strength from God, he was tranquil and joyful under tribulation. That holy patience spread peace in the hearts of his companions in misfortune. 'It is impossible to tell the consolation he afforded them,' says the chronicler. They all found themselves in a dark road which led to a cruel death, but this poor man walked before them like a torch, to guide and gladden them with its soft light. The day of trial arrived: it was the 10th of November, a fortnight after the placards. Seven prisoners were taken to the Châtelet: entering that ancient building, where some remains of Cæsar's walls are still to be seen, they appeared before the criminal chamber, and the king's advocate in his scarlet robe called for a severe sentence. The poor paralytic could not be accused of running about the city to fasten up the handbills; he was convicted all the same of having some at his father's shop. Justice was at once prompt and cruel. These virtuous men were all condemned to have their property confiscated, to do public penance, and to be burnt alive at different places, and on different days. The court thought that by spreading the punishments, they would extend the terror more widely. The sentence was confirmed by the parliament.[237] [Sidenote: MARTYRDOM OF MILON.]