'As he has been judged by so learned and discriminating a commission,' observed count Tessin, 'and as the knighthood and nobility have approved the sentence, it should be carried into full and complete effect. Should I advise any clemency, it must be in harmony with those who have a more minute knowledge of all the individual views presented by the commission, which are said to be very exact and to comprehend the particulars of Goertz' crimes. The Italian proverb indeed says: Morta la bestia, morto il veneno--but something is necessary by way of example, that others may be deterred from meddling with the business of state--and I know not but it might be well to think of another expedient, which is often resorted to in other places, viz; the erection of a monument, which shall inform posterity of his conduct and his fate, and which may prove a warning to foreigners not to intrude themselves into this kingdom, exciting its subjects to such violence as he has instigated. Yet I only throw out these ideas for the gracious and favorable consideration of your majesty and your excellencies.'

'I still adhere to the opinion I before advanced,' said count Horn; 'and God knows that I am not influenced by any prejudice. But I am convinced that smaller offences are oftentimes more severely punished. From affection to my native country must I adhere to the sentence.'

'If we examine the circumstances of this case,' remarked count Stromberg deliberately, 'we find them very bad. I am therefore compelled to support the opinion of count Horn.'

'For his pernicious projects,' said count Rhenskioeld, 'Goertz has well deserved the punishment of death. I suggest however for the gracious consideration of your majesty, whether mercy should not be extended to him in consideration of his family.'

'As it appears to me,' said count Gyllenstierna, taking up the argument, 'the present question is only whether the condemned shall be buried under the gallows. That he must die, is already decided by a majority of the voices. Now, the object being accomplished by his death, I see no objection to his being buried any where else, so that his family may be spared too great suffering through such ignominy.'

'He is disgraced sufficiently when he falls under the hands of the executioner,' said the queen in her most scornful tone. 'As for the rest, the diet may do what they please with him.'

'It must be confessed,' said Cronhielm timidly, 'that he was not permitted to exercise the right of defence so fully as the law allows, and that he had not the benefit of legal counsel. Besides, he is a member of the Franconian nobility, who are very jealous of their privileges. They will maintain that the accused could not be legally judged here, and, to avoid irritating them, it appears to me that it would be well not to deal too severely with him.'

'I know nothing to induce me to suppose,' said Horn, 'that Goertz had not the privilege of defending himself.'

'If he had not,' said Tessin, 'he must be allowed a new trial.'

'I call for the votes of the special commission,' said Cronhielm. 'Stiernkrona has explicitly declared it contrary to law and equity to deprive Goertz of the means of defending himself.'