dier uttered neither groans nor complaints, but regarded this horrible testimony of their hate with supernatural serenity, while the marrow of his bones was seen to drop on the pavement. In this extremity, he pronounced distinctly a strain of fervent adoration, which was copied from his mouth by one of the attending magistrates, but which he was not permitted to preserve. After this terrible scene, he was stretched before the fire, and recovered from frequent faintings by some strong liquor, which was poured into his mouth. Here he named two confessors, to whom he wished to consecrate his last moments, but they were both refused. This instance of unrelenting malice forced some tears down his cheek; and when other confessors were offered him, he desired that no one might interpose between God and himself.

for you

"In his way to the place of execution, he cast a look of pity and complacency on those that accompanied him; and often kissed a lighted torch which he held in his hand. Father Grillau, whom he had demanded for his confessor, approached him with these consoling words: Remember that your Saviour Christ ascended to heaven by the way of sufferings. Your poor mother blesses you. I implore the divine mercy; and I believe firmly that God will receive you in heaven.' At these words, a placid joy overspread the countenance of Grandier, which never forsook him from that moment, till the flames devoured him. The executioner would feign have strangled him before he had set fire to the pile; but the exorcists had done all in their power to prevent this miserable charity, by filling the cord so full of knots that it could not be effected. At this moment, father Lactance seized a torch, and thrust

ing it into Grandier's face, Wretch,' cried he, renounce the devil; you have but a moment longerconfess! Without waiting for the order, this implacable friar applied his torch to the pile, and publicly performed the office of executioner. Ah! where is thy charity, Lactance?' cried the poor ecclesiastic. " There is a God that will judge both you and me. I cite you to appear before him within the

month.'

"There was a vast concourse of people in the square, among whom this devilish conduct of a minister of God excited a murmur of abhorrence. They cried out with one voice to the executioner, Strangle him! strangle him!' but the flames had already seized his body, and prevented this last sad act-of dreadful compassion. Thus miserably perished the body of Urbain Grandier, sacrificed to the most diabolical hate that ever possessed human bosoms, and condemned by the most iniquitous tribunal that ever mocked with a show of justice."

END OF VOL. XLIII.

Printed by Elerton and Byworth, Johnson's Court, Fleet Street.

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