Notes and Queries, Number 61, December 28, 1850 — John Shaqi
Notes and Queries, Number 61, December 28, 1850Various
History
Notes and Queries, Number 61, December 28, 1850
Various
Questions and answers -- Periodicals
The execution took place on the 27th of May, 1610, with the most
atrocious severities of torture, of which the drawing by horses was but
the last out of a scene that continued for many hours. The day before he
had been racked to the very extremity of human suffering. The horses
dragged at the wretch's body for an hour in vain; at length a nobleman
present sent one of his own, which was stronger; but this even would not
suffice. The executioner had to sever the mangled body with his knife,
before the limbs would give way. I could add more of these details, but
the subject is intolerable.
The execution of _Ravaillac_ was followed with the utmost exactness, but
with more cruelty, if possible, in the case of _Damiens_ (sentenced for
the attempt on Louis le Bien-Aime), who suffered on the Place de Greve,
March 28. 1757. The frightful business lasted from morning till dusk!
Here again the knife was used before the body gave way, the horses
having dragged at it for more than an hour first; the poor wretch
living, it is said, all the while!
I believe this was the last instance of the punishment in France, if not
in Europe.
A concise summary of the trials of these men, and all the hideous
details of their tortures and execution, will be found, by those who
have a taste for such things, in the third volume of the new series of
the _Neuer Pitaval_, edited by Hitzig and Haring (Leipzig,
Brockhaus),--a collection of _causes celebres_ which has been in course
of publication at intervals since 1842. The volume in question appeared
in the present year (1850).
V.
Belgravia.
_Vineyards_ (Vol. ii., p. 392.).--At Ingatestone Hall, in Essex, one of
the seats of Lord Petre, a part of the ground on the south side of the
house still goes by the name of "the Vineyard." And this autumn grapes
came to great perfection on the south wall.
J.A.D.
_Cardinal_ (Vol. ii., p. 424.).--The expression referred to by O.P.Q.
was in some degree illustrated at the coronation of Edward II., 1308,
when the Pope, wishing the ceremony to be performed by a cardinal, whom
he offered to send for the purpose, was strenuously opposed by the king,
and compelled to withdraw his pretensions. (See Curtis's _History of
England_, vol. ii. p. 309.)
C.H.
St. Catherine's Hall, Cambridge.
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