Alfred de Rosann by G.W.M. Reynolds — page 81: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

64 Alfred de Rosann. mockery of the sorrows of him whose life was speedily to pass away beneath it. At first the sharp and heavy iron fad hung aloft as an obscure and dark thing; but when its terrors were revealed and rendered palpable by that abrupt emanation of light, an universal groan issued from the breasts of those who beheld it. De Rosann turned away from the barred window in unutterable horror; Belle- Rose muttered an anathema of some emphasis against the ungrateful Edouard ; and Champignon made so frightful a face, that, had any attention been paid to it, an observer would have fancied he was under the influence of a sudden strangulation. But luckily no one took notice of his contortions; and he sate down to ponder for the first time in his life on something unconnected with cookery. Presently the roll of drums, and the march of soldiers, called De Rosann and his companions once more to the windows. A strong military force, with loaded muskets, and fixed bayonets, guarded every avenue of the extensive prison, and surrounded the square, in the midst of which the guillotine was erected. But it was easy to discern by their countenances, that there was not a warrior amongst the martial throng, whose heart was not softened at the melancholy tragedy about to be enacted. Heroes that have bled at Wagram, Austerlitz, Jena, and Arcole, and that have trampled upon con- quered thousands beueath the banners of Napoleon, can still dropa tear at the sight of a fellow-creature’s sufferings! No sooner had the soldiers taken up their station as described, than the convicts were chained in couples as a precautionary measure against the inclination to create a tumult, which invariably possesses a lawless multitude on such occasions, and were then conducted to the large square to be spectators of Francois’ execu- tion ; while Edouard, whose excuses could not totally overcome the sagacity of the prison-doctor, was himself doomed to witness a sight of which he was the cause. As he had just left the hospital he was not shackled ; and, as if his evil genius were determined to torment him, or rather to place temptation to fresh crimes in his way, as will appear by the result, he found himself in the front rank nearest the guillotine. When he was perceived by his immediate neigh- bours, a repetition of the previous day’s reproaches and gibes com- menced; but an order from one of the inspectors soon enforced a strict silence. All was now prepared; the presence of the victim was alone re- quired to complete the sad ceremony. At length he came, supported by two priests, and listening to their holy consolations with the utmost attention. His face was feath-like pale—his limbs trembling—his glances bent downwards. The conduct of Edouard had put the seal upon his former misery; his heart was broken—his energies were gone— hope was blasted within him. His head was bare—it had not een necessary to cut the thin white locks that still hung down his neck ; for they were few, and could offer no impediment to the force of the deadly weapon soon to sever them. He looked not to the right, nor to the left—and all present guessed wherefore he chose to cast his eyes upon the ground. But Edouard stared at him with undisguised brutality, as he passed; and the care-worn appearance of the old man failed to produce any effect upon the ruthless boy. (GO) COnicbooolks