“Do you seek a word which furnishes all you need?—die, or cause others to die.”
The great Terror began at Lyons.
“The great day of vengeance has arrived,” cried one Cholier. “Five hundred men amongst us deserve to share the fate of the tyrant. I will give you the list—be it your part to strike!”
He then seized a crucifix, dashed it upon the ground, and trampled upon it.
Here is another theory which was applauded:—
“Any man can be an executioner—it is the guillotine which really takes life.”
This Cholier, who had trampled upon the crucifix, clung to it when condemned to the death he was always seeking for others. The knife was blunt, and five times it was raised before the head fell. “Quick—quick!” the wretch cried, when it was raised for the fifth time.
Some time after, when the Terror was rising to its height, Cholier was looked upon as a martyr; his body was burnt, and the ashes placed in an urn, were carried triumphantly through the streets, and placed upon an altar of patriotism raised to him.
The altar in question was soon thrown down.