MAJOR SiEMPLE LISLE, 91. • 



the deftined theatre of regicide. Here the fatal 

 machine was erected in fuch a manner, that the 

 ilkiftrious fufferer, could, from the fcaffold fee 

 at one view, the once pleafing palace of the 

 Tuiileries, and the pedeftal and fragments of - 

 his predeceflbr's ftatue. 



The guillotine was furroundcd by troops, of 

 which the Marjeillois held the moft confpicuous 

 fituation, as it was between them and the fcaf- 

 fold that the King muft pafs. A place on the 

 right was kept open for the General Staff, and 

 the cannon filed round into the front of the ma- 

 chine, where they w-ere kept primed, with mat- 

 ches lighted, and one in particular was pointed 

 at the place of death, with orders on the fmalleft 

 cry for mercy from the people, to lire and put 

 at once an end-to all hopes. 



When the carriage drew up oppofite the 

 ladder of the fcaffold, M. de Frimont the 

 King's confeffor alighted, and his Majcdy was 

 likewife preparing to do fo, but was flopped as 

 foon as he put his head out of the door by San- 

 terre, who imperioufly bade him g^o back ; this 

 order was inftantly obeyed, and the King being 

 heavy, fnook the coach when he face down; 

 hence arofe the report that he had famted on 

 feeing the machine, than which nothing could 

 be more falfe. 



Santcrre 



