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Do you refuse then to hearken to the voice of mercy?—If that is the case, I have done with you. (Turns to the band.) Hear, you fellows,—hear the mouth of justice!—If you immediately deliver up to me this condemned malefactor, you shall have a full pardon—even the remembrance of your crimes shall be blotted out—our holy mother Church will open her bosom to receive you, like the strayed sheep of the flock—you shall be purified in the waters of regeneration, the road of salvation shall be open to you, and every one of you shall get—posts and places!—Here—read with your own eyes—here is a general pardon—signed and sealed—(He gives Switzer a paper with an air of triumph.)—Well, how does your honour like that?—Come, courage! bind your leader, hand and foot—and be free men!

Do you hear that, gentlemen?—hear you that? Why stand you thus in amaze?—What stops you? How can you hesitate?—You are already prisoners, and you have an offer of your liberty—You are already under sentence of death, and you have an offer of your lives—You are promised honours, places, and emoluments—and what can you gain,