"I am called Marie Antoinette of Lorraine, in Austria," answered the queen.
"What is your condition?" was the next question.
"I am widow of Louis, formerly King of the French," was the reply.
"What is your age?"
"Thirty-seven."
The long act of accusation was then read. Among other charges was the atrocious one of attempting, by depravity and debauchery, to corrupt her own son, "with the intention of enervating the soul and body of that child, and of reigning, in his name, over the ruin of his understanding."
The queen recoiled from this charge with a gesture of horror, and, when asked why she did not reply to the accusation, she said,
"I have not answered it because there are accusations to which nature refuses to reply. I appeal to all mothers if such a crime be possible."
The trial continued for two days. When all the accusations had been heard, the queen was asked if she had any thing to say. She replied,