“Michel-Jean-Louis, Baron de Castelnau-Chalosse, accused and convicted of the crime of lese-majeste, and of attempts against the person of the king.”
“No,” said Castelnau, proudly, “it cannot be a crime to oppose the tyranny and the projected usurpation of the Guises.”
The executioner, sick of his task, saw a movement in the king’s gallery, and fumbled with his axe.
“Monsieur le baron,” he said, “I do not want to execute you; a moment’s delay may save you.”
All the people again cried, “Mercy!”
“Come!” said the king, “mercy for that poor Castelnau, who saved the life of the Duc d’Orleans.”
The cardinal intentionally misunderstood the king’s speech.
“Go on,” he motioned to the executioner, and the head of Castelnau fell at the very moment when the king had pronounced his pardon.
“That head, cardinal, goes to your account,” said Catherine de’ Medici.
The day after this dreadful execution the Prince de Conde returned to Navarre.