The execution took place on the 27th of May, 1610, with the most atrocious severities of torture, of which the drawing by horses was but the last out of a scene that continued for many hours. The day before he had been racked to the very extremity of human suffering. The horses dragged at the wretch's body for an hour in vain; at length a nobleman present sent one of his own, which was stronger; but this even would not suffice. The executioner had to sever the mangled body with his knife, before the limbs would give way. I could add more of these details, but the subject is intolerable.
The execution of Ravaillac was followed with the utmost exactness, but with more cruelty, if possible, in the case of Damiens (sentenced for the attempt on Louis le Bien-Aimé), who suffered on the Place de Grève, March 28. 1757. The frightful business lasted from morning till dusk! Here again the knife was used before the body gave way, the horses having dragged at it for more than an hour first; the poor wretch living, it is said, all the while!
I believe this was the last instance of the punishment in France, if not in Europe.
A concise summary of the trials of these men, and all the hideous details of their tortures and execution, will be found, by those who have a taste for such things, in the third volume of the new series of the Neuer Pitaval, edited by Hitzig and Haring (Leipzig, Brockhaus),—a collection of causes célèbres which has been in course of publication at intervals since 1842. The volume in question appeared in the present year (1850).
V.
Belgravia.
Vineyards (Vol. ii., p. 392.).—At Ingatestone Hall, in Essex, one of the seats of Lord Petre, a part of the ground on the south side of the house still goes by the name of "the Vineyard." And this autumn grapes came to great perfection on the south wall.
J.A.D.
Cardinal (Vol. ii., p. 424.).—The expression referred to by O.P.Q. was in some degree illustrated at the coronation of Edward II., 1308, when the Pope, wishing the ceremony to be performed by a cardinal, whom he offered to send for the purpose, was strenuously opposed by the king, and compelled to withdraw his pretensions. (See Curtis's History of England, vol. ii. p. 309.)
C.H.