"You know my late sentiments on this point," Struensee replied, "and I assure you they are this very moment just the same."
"Do you trust in the redemption of Christ as the only ground of your being pardoned before God?"
"I know no other means of receiving God's mercy, and I trust in this alone."
"Do you leave this world without hatred or malice against any person whatever?"
"I hope nobody hates me personally; and as for the rest, you know my sentiments on this head; they are the same as I told you before."
Doctor Münter then laid his hand upon Struensee's head, and said with deep emotion, before he delivered him up to justice:—
"Then go in peace whither God calls you! His grace be with you!"
Struensee then took off his fur pelisse, removed his hat, and tried to undress himself, but his strength failed him in doing so, and he was obliged to ask the executioner's help. After this he produced a white handkerchief to bind his eyes with, but the executioner said that it was not necessary, and then assisted him in removing his shirt.
Struensee then walked with hesitating steps the few yards leading to the block, which still reeked with the blood of his dearest friend; a stronger mind than Struensee ever possessed might have been unhinged by the dreadful scene before his eyes. He knelt down, but had great difficulty in placing himself in the proper position. As the executioner raised the axe to cut off his right hand, Münter began slowly pronouncing the words:—