The executioner then besought his forgiveness.
“With all my heart,” replied the earl. “I forgive all my enemies—even the most malicious of them—and I forgive you.”
Seeing the man look hard at him, he added:
“Thou wilt find a purse in my pocket. 'Tis thine with its contents.”
“I thank your lordship. Will you now try how the block fits you?”
Thereupon the earl made the essay.
Apparently satisfied, he turned to the executioner, and said:
“Is thine axe sharp?”
“So sharp that it will take off a head at a blow. I pray your lordship to feel the edge.”
“Nay, I shall feel it soon enough,” replied the earl with a slight shudder.