S. Baring-Gould - The Book of Were-wolves

8/11/2019 S. Baring-Gould - The Book of Were-wolves

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THE BOOK OF WERE-WOLVES

by SABINE BARING-GOULD

Smith, Elder !"#, L"$d"$

%&'(

!ONTENTSCHAPTER I

INTRODUCTORY 1

CHAPTER II

LYCANTHROPY AMONG THE ANCIENTS

Definition of LycanthropyMarce!!"# Si$ete#%ir&i!Hero$ot"#O'i$P!inyA&riopa#Storyfro( Petroni"#Arca$ian Le&en$#E)p!anation offere$ *

CHAPTER III

THE +ERE+OL, IN THE NORTH

Nor#e Tra$ition#Manner in -hich the Chan&e -a# effecte$%.!"n$ar /'.$aIn#tance# fro(the %0!#"n& Sa&aHro!f# Sa&a/ra2a,aro3#e Poe(He!&a /'i$a%atn#$4!a Sa&aEyr5y&&6aSa&a 17

CHAPTER I%

THE ORIGIN O, THE SCANDINA%IAN +ERE+OL,

A$'anta&e of the St"$y of Nor#e Literat"re8ear an$ +o!f#2in Dre##e#The 8er#er2irTheirRa&eThe Story of ThorirPa##a&e# fro( the Ai&!aThe E'enin& +o!fS2a!!a&ri( an$ hi# SonDeri'ation of the +or$ 9Ha(r:9 of 9%ar&r9La-# affectin& O"t!a-#9To 5eco(e a 8oar9Recapit"!ation ;e$(rou te.

o0F ge m:n en eJ$in geneh3 nhtoMs m6g Jneiar.


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aiF d llai mapsauHrai epipne0ousi alassan.

aiF d h'toi p0ptousai es heroeide pJnton3

phHma m6ga nhtoiHsi3 kakhH/ (ousin a6llh/.

llote d llai ae0si3 diaskidnaHsi te nhHas3

na(tas te $e0rousi.kakouH d ou g0gnetai alkh

andrsin3 o0F ke0nh/si sinntwntai katN pJnton.

aiF d a ka katN gaiHan ape0riton3 anemJessan6rg eratN $e0rousi "amaigen6wn anrw'pwn3

pimpleuHsai kJniJs te ka argal6ou kolosurtouH

+esiod. 4heog.*Fse1.

In 5oth (o$ern Gree2 an$ Lith"anian ho"#eho!$ (ytho!o&y the $ra&on or $ra2e ha# 5eco(e ano&re a &i&antic (an -ith fe- of the $racontine attri5"te# re(ainin&? %on Hahn in hi# Griechischeund Al&anesische 5


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the (o"ntain# -ith 'apo"r it i# #ai$ 9The $ar2ne## #too$ retainin& the -ater the (o"ntain# !ay inthe 5e!!y of %ritra?9 8y $e&ree# %ritra #too$ o"t (ore pro(inent!y a# a $4(on an$ he i# $e#cri5e$a# a 9$e'o"rer9 of &i&antic proportion#? In the #a(e -ay R@2#ha#a# o5taine$ corporea! for( an$in$i'i$"a!ity? He i# a (i##hapen &iant 9!i2e to a c!o"$9 -ith a re$ 5ear$ an$ re$ hair -ith pointe$

protr"$in& teeth rea$y to !acerate an$ $e'o"r h"(an f!e#h? Hi# 5o$y i# co'ere$ -ith coar#e5ri#t!in& hair hi# h"&e (o"th i# open he !oo2# fro( #i$e to #i$e a# he -a!2# !"#tin& after the f!e#h

an$ 5!oo$ of (en to #ati#fy hi# ra&in& h"n&er an$ "ench hi# con#"(in& thir#t? To-ar$# ni&htfa!!hi# #tren&th increa#e# (anifo!$? He can chan&e hi# #hape at -i!!? He ha"nt# the -oo$# an$ roa(#ho-!in& thro"&h the 6"n&!e in #hort he i# to the Hin$oo -hat the -ere-o!f i# to the E"ropean?

A certain -oo$ -a# ha"nte$ 5y a R@2#cha#a he one $ay ca(e acro## a 8rah(in an$ -ith a5o"n$ reache$ hi# #ho"!$er# an$ c!"n& to the( e)c!ai(in& 9Heh &o on -ith yo"9 An$ the8rah(in "a2in& -ith fear a$'ance$ -ith hi(? 8"t -hen he o5#er'e$ that the feet of theR@2#cha#a -ere a# $e!icate a# the #ta(en# of the !ot"# he a#2e$ hi( Ho- i# it that yo" ha'e #"ch-ea2 an$ #!en$er feet The R@2#cha#a rep!ie$ 9I ne'er -a!2 nor to"ch the earth -ith (y feet? Iha'e (a$e a 'o- not to $o #o?9 Pre#ent!y they ca(e to a !ar&e pon$? Then the R@2#cha#a 5a$e the8rah(in -ait at the e$&e -hi!#t he 5athe$ an$ praye$ to the &o$#? 8"t the 8rah(in tho"&ht: 9A#

#oon a# the#e prayer# an$ a5!"tion# are o'er he -i!! tear (e to piece# -ith hi# fan an$ eat (e? Heha# 'o-e$ not to -a!2 I -i!! 5e off po#t ha#te9 #o he ran a-ay an$ the R@2#cha#a $are$ not fo!!o-hi( for fear of 5rea2in& hi# %O+? ,antschatantra '? 1;? There i# a #i(i!ar #tory in theMah@5h@rata )iii? an$ in the /ath@ Sarit S@&ara '?


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circ"(#tantia! -hich ha# appeare$ that I con$en#e into the fo!!o-in& chapter#?

9The (o#t (on#tro"#!y $epra'e$ i(a&ination9 #ay# M? Henri Martin 9ne'er co"!$ ha'econcei'e$ -hat the tria! re'ea!#?9 M? Lacroi) ha# 5een o5!i&e$ to $ra- a 'ei! o'er ("ch thattran#pire$ an$ I ("#t $ra- it c!o#er #ti!!? I ha'e ho-e'er #ai$ eno"&h to #ho- that thi# (e(ora5!etria! pre#ent# horror# pro5a5!y "n#"rpa##e$ in the -ho!e 'o!"(e of the -or!$# hi#tory?

D"rin& the year 1


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'ani#he$ !itt!e one# -o"!$ ne'er 5e #een a&ain?

8"t on no part of the co"ntry $i$ the #ha$o- of thi# &reat fear fa!! #o $eep!y a# on the 'i!!a&e# inthe nei&h5o"rhoo$ of the Ca#t!e of Macheco"! a &!oo(y ch@tea" co(po#e$ of h"&e to-er# an$#"rro"n$e$ 5y $eep (oat# a re#i$ence ("ch fre"ente$ 5y Do Ret not-ith#tan$in& it# #o(5rean$ rep"!#i'e appearance? Thi# fortre## -a# a!-ay# in a con$ition to re#i#t a #ie&e: the $ra-5ri$&e-a# rai#e$ the portc"!!i# $o-n the &ate# c!o#e$ the (en "n$er ar(# the c"!'erin# on the 5a#tiona!-ay# !oa$e$? No one e)cept the #er'ant# ha$ penetrate$ into thi# (y#terio"# a#y!"( an$ ha$co(e forth a!i'e? In the #"rro"n$in& co"ntry #tran&e ta!e# of horror an$ $e'i!ry circ"!ate$ in-hi#per# an$ yet it -a# o5#er'e$ that the chape! of the ca#t!e -a# &or&eo"#!y $ec2e$ -ithtape#trie# of #i!2 an$ c!oth of &o!$ that the #acre$ 'e##e!# -ere encr"#te$ -ith &e(# an$ that the'e#t(ent# of the prie#t# -ere of the (o#t #"(pt"o"# character? The e)ce##i'e $e'otion of the(ar#ha! -a# a!#o notice$ he -a# #ai$ to hear (a## thrice $ai!y an$ to 5e pa##ionate!y fon$ ofecc!e#ia#tica! ("#ic? He -a# #ai$ to ha'e a#2e$ per(i##ion of the pope that a cr"cifer #ho"!$

prece$e hi( in proce##ion#? 8"t -hen $"#2 #ett!e$ $o-n o'er the fore#t an$ one 5y one the-in$o-# of the ca#t!e 5eca(e i!!"(ine$ pea#ant# -o"!$ point to one ca#e(ent hi&h "p in ani#o!ate$ to-er fro( -hich a c!ear !i&ht #trea(e$ thro"&h the &!oo( of ni&ht they #po2e of a fierce

re$ &!are -hich irra$iate$ the cha(5er at ti(e# an$ of #harp crie# rin&in& o"t of it thro"&h theh"#he$ -oo$# to 5e an#-ere$ on!y 5y the ho-! of the -o!f a# it ro#e fro( it# !air to 5e&in it#noct"rna! ra(5!e#?

On certain $ay# at fi)e$ ho"r# the $ra-5ri$&e #an2 an$ the #er'ant# of De Ret #too$ in the&ate-ay $i#tri5"tin& c!othe# (oney an$ foo$ to the (en$icant# -ho cro-$e$ ro"n$ the(#o!icitin& a!(#? It often happene$ that chi!$ren -ere a(on& the 5e&&ar#: a# often one of the #er'ant#-o"!$ pro(i#e the( #o(e $ainty if they -o"!$ &o to the 2itchen for it? Tho#e chi!$ren -hoaccepte$ the offer -ere ne'er #een a&ain?

In 1


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9Te!! (e the tenor of thi# parch(ent9 #ai$ Gi!!e# $e Ret -ith $i&nity?

9O"r &oo$ Sire of 8rittany en6oin# yo" (y !or$ 5y the#e pre#ent# to fo!!o- (e to the &oo$ to-nof Nante# there to c!ear yo"r#e!f of certain cri(ina! char&e# 5ro"&ht a&ain#t yo"?9

9I -i!! fo!!o- i((e$iate!y (y frien$ &!a$ to o5ey the -i!! of (y !or$ of 8rittany: 5"t that it(ay not 5e #ai$ that the Sei&ne"r $e Ret ha# recei'e$ a (e##a&e -itho"t !ar&e## I or$er (y

trea#"rer Henriet to han$ o'er to yo" an$ yo"r fo!!o-er# t-enty &o!$ cro-n#?99Gran$(erci (on#ei&ne"r I pray Go$ that he (ay &i'e yo" &oo$ an$ !on& !ife?9

9Pray Go$ on!y to ha'e (ercy "pon (e an$ to par$on (y #in#?9

The (ar#ha! ha$ hi# hor#e# #a$$!e$ an$ !eft Macheco"! -ith Ponto" an$ Henriet -ho ha$thro-n in their !ot -ith hi(?

It -a# -ith !i'e!y e(otion that the peop!e in the 'i!!a&e# tra'er#e$ 5y the !itt!e troop #a- there$o"5te$ Gi!!e# $e La'a! ri$e thro"&h their #treet# #"rro"n$e$ 5y #o!$ier# in the !i'ery of the D"2eof 8rittany an$ "nacco(panie$ 5y a #in&!e #o!$ier of hi# o-n? The roa$# an$ #treet# -ere thron&e$

pea#ant# !eft the fie!$# -o(en their 2itchen# !a5o"rer# $e#erte$ their catt!e at the p!o"&h to thron&

the roa$ to Nante#? The ca'a!ca$e procee$e$ in #i!ence? The 'ery cro-$ -hich ha$ &athere$ to #eeit -a# h"#he$? Pre#ent!y a #hri!! -o(an# 'oice -a# rai#e$:

9My chi!$ re#tore (y chi!$9

Then a -i!$ -rathf"! ho-! 5ro2e fro( the !ip# of the thron& ran& a!on& the Nante# roa$ an$on!y $ie$ a-ay a# the &reat &ate# of the Chatea" $e 8o"ffay c!o#e$ on the pri#oner?

The -ho!e pop"!ation of Nante# -a# in co((otion an$ it -a# #ai$ that the in'e#ti&ation -o"!$5e fictitio"# that the $"2e -o"!$ #creen hi# 2in#(an an$ that the o56ect of &enera! e)ecration-o"!$ e#cape -ith the #"rren$er of #o(e of hi# !an$#?

An$ #"ch -o"!$ pro5a5!y ha'e 5een the e'ent of the tria! ha$ not the 8i#hop of Nante# an$ the

&ran$#ene#cha! ta2en a 'ery $eci$e$ co"r#e in the (atter? They &a'e the $"2e no peace ti!! he ha$yie!$e$ to their $e(an$ for a thoro"&h in'e#ti&ation an$ a p"5!ic tria!?

=ohn %? no(inate$ =ean $e To"cheron$e to co!!ect infor(ation an$ to ta2e $o-n the char&e#5ro"&ht a&ain#t the (ar#ha!? At the #a(e ti(e he -a# &i'en to "n$er#tan$ that the (atter -a# not to5e pre##e$ an$ that the char&e# "pon -hich the (ar#ha! -a# to 5e trie$ -ere to 5e #oftene$ $o-na# ("ch a# po##i5!e?

The co((i##ioner =ean $e To"cheron$e opene$ the in'e#ti&ation on the 1*th Septe(5era##i#te$ on!y 5y hi# c!er2 =ean Tho(a#? The -itne##e# -ere intro$"ce$ either #in&!y or in &ro"p#if they -ere re!ation#? On enterin& the -itne## 2ne!t 5efore the co((i##ioner 2i##e$ the cr"cifi)an$ #-ore -ith hi# han$ on the Go#pe!# that he -o"!$ #pea2 the tr"th an$ nothin& 5"t the tr"th:

after thi# he re!ate$ a!! the fact# referrin& to the char&e -hich ca(e "n$er hi# co&niance -itho"t5ein& interr"pte$ or interro&ate$?

The fir#t to pre#ent her#e!f -a# Perrine Loe##ar$ !i'in& at !a Roche8ernar$?

She re!ate$ -ith tear# in her eye# that t-o year# a&o in the (onth of Septe(5er the Sire $eRet ha$ pa##e$ -ith a!! hi# retin"e thro"&h !a Roche8ernar$ on hi# -ay fro( %anne# an$ ha$!o$&e$ -ith =ean Co!!in? She !i'e$ oppo#ite the ho"#e in -hich the no5!e(an -a# #tayin&?

Her chi!$ the fine#t in the 'i!!a&e a !a$ a&e$ ten ha$ attracte$ the notice of Ponto" an$ perhap#of the (ar#ha! hi(#e!f -ho #too$ at a -in$o- !eanin& on hi# #"ire# #ho"!$er?

Ponto" #po2e to the chi!$ an$ a#2e$ hi( -hether he -o"!$ !i2e to 5e a chori#ter the 5oy rep!ie$

that hi# a(5ition -a# to 5e a #o!$ier?9+e!! then9 #ai$ the #"ire 9I -i!! e"ip yo"?9


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The !a$ then !ai$ ho!$ of Ponto"# $a&&er an$ e)pre##e$ hi# $e#ire to ha'e #"ch a -eapon in hi#5e!t? There"pon the (other ha$ ran "p an$ ha$ (a$e hi( !ea'e ho!$ of the $a&&er #ayin& that the5oy -a# $oin& 'ery -e!! at #choo! an$ -a# &ettin& on -ith hi# !etter# for he -a# one $ay to 5e a(on2? Ponto" ha$ $i##"a$e$ her fro( thi# pro6ect an$ ha$ propo#e$ to ta2e the chi!$ -ith hi( toMacheco"! an$ to e$"cate hi( to 5e a #o!$ier? There"pon he ha$ pai$ her c!o-n a h"n$re$ #o!# to

5"y the !a$ a $re## an$ ha$ o5taine$ per(i##ion to carry hi( off?

Ne)t $ay her #on ha$ 5een (o"nte$ on a hor#e p"rcha#e$ for hi( fro( =ean Co!!in an$ ha$ !eftthe 'i!!a&e in the retin"e of the Sire $e Ret? The poor (other at partin& ha$ &one in tear# to the(ar#ha! an$ ha$ entreate$ hi( to 5e 2in$ to her chi!$? ,ro( that ti(e #he ha$ 5een a5!e to o5tainno infor(ation re&ar$in& her #on? She ha$ -atche$ the Sire $e Ret -hene'er he ha$ pa##e$thro"&h La Roche 8ernar$ 5"t ha$ ne'er o5#er'e$ her chi!$ a(on& hi# pa&e#? She ha$ "e#tione$#e'era! of the (ar#ha!# peop!e 5"t they ha$ !a"&he$ at her the on!y an#-er #he ha$ o5taine$ -a#:98e not afrai$? He i# either at Macheco"! or e!#e at Tiffa"&e# or e!#e at Pornic or #o(e-here?9Perrine# #tory -a# corro5orate$ 5y =ean Co!!in hi# -ife an$ hi# (otherin!a-?

=ean Le(e&ren an$ hi# -ife A!ain D"!i) Perrot D"pone#t G"i!!a"(e G"i!!on G"i!!a"(ePortayer Etienne $e Monc!a$e# an$ =ean Lefe5"re a!! inha5itant# of S? Etienne $e Mont!"c

$epo#e$ that a !itt!e chi!$ #on of G"i!!a"(e 8rice of the #ai$ pari#h ha'in& !o#t hi# father at the a&eof nine !i'e$ on a!(# an$ -ent ro"n$ the co"ntry 5e&&in&?

Thi# chi!$ na(e$ =a(et ha$ 'ani#he$ #"$$en!y at (i$#"((er an$ nothin& -a# 2no-n of -hatha$ 5eco(e of hi( 5"t #tron& #"#picion# -ere entertaine$ of hi# ha'in& 5een carrie$ off 5y ana&e$ ha& -ho ha$ appeare$ #hort!y 5efore in the nei&h5o"rhoo$ an$ -ho ha$ 'ani#he$ a!on& -iththe chi!$?

On the th Septe(5er =ean $e To"cheron$e a##i#te$ 5y Nico!a# Chatea" notary of the co"rt atNante# recei'e$ the $epo#ition# of #e'era! inha5itant# of Pont$eLa"nay near 8o"'ron: to -itG"i!!a"(e ,o"ra&e an$ -ife =eanne -ife of =ean Lef!o" an$ Richar$e -ife of =ean Gan$ea"?

The#e $epo#ition# tho"&h 'ery 'a&"e affor$e$ #"fficient ca"#e for #"#picion to re#t on the(ar#ha!? T-o year# 5efore a chi!$ of t-e!'e #on of =ean 8ernar$ an$ another chi!$ of the #a(ea&e #on of Mn&" ha$ &one to Macheco"!? The #on of Mn&" ha$ ret"rne$ a!one in thee'enin& re!atin& that hi# co(panion ha$ a#2e$ hi( to -ait for hi( on the roa$ -hi!#t he 5e&&e$ atthe &ate# of the Sire $e Ret? The #on of Mn&" #ai$ that he ha$ -aite$ three ho"r# 5"t hi#co(panion ha$ not ret"rne$? The -ife of G"i!!a"(e ,o"ra&e $epo#e$ that #he ha$ #een the !a$ atthi# ti(e -ith an o!$ ha& -ho -a# !ea$in& hi( 5y the han$ to-ar$# Macheco"!? That #a(e e'enin&thi# ha& pa##e$ o'er the 5ri$&e of La"nay an$ the -ife of ,o"ra&e a#2e$ her -hat ha$ 5eco(e of!itt!e 8ernar$? The o!$ -o(an neither #toppe$ nor an#-ere$ f"rther than 5y #ayin& he -a# -e!!

pro'i$e$ for? The 5oy ha$ not 5een #een #ince? On the *th Septe(5er the D"2e of 8rittany 6oine$another co((i##ioner =ean Co"ppe&or&e an$ a #econ$ notary Miche! E#ta!!"re to To"cheron$e

an$ Chatea"?The inha5itant# of Macheco"! a !itt!e to-n o'er -hich the Sire $e Ret e)erci#e$ #"pre(e

po-er appeare$ no- to $epo#e a&ain#t their !or$? An$r 8ar5ier #hoe(a2er $ec!are$ that !a#tEa#ter a chi!$ #on of hi# nei&h5o"r Geor&e# Le5ar5ier ha$ $i#appeare$? He -a# !a#t #een &atherin&

p!"(# 5ehin$ the hote! Ron$ea"? Thi# $i#appearance #"rpri#e$ none in Macheco"! an$ no one'ent"re$ to co((ent on it? An$r an$ hi# -ife -ere in $ai!y terror of !o#in& their o-n chi!$? Theyha$ 5een a pi!&ri(a&e to S? =ean $An&e!y an$ ha$ 5een a#2e$ there -hether it -a# the c"#to( atMacheco"! to eat chi!$ren? On their ret"rn they ha$ hear$ of t-o chi!$ren ha'in& 'ani#he$the #onof =ean Gen$ron an$ that of A!e)an$re Ch@te!!ier? An$r 8ar5ier ha$ (a$e #o(e in"irie# a5o"tthe circ"(#tance# of their $i#appearance an$ ha$ 5een a$'i#e$ to ho!$ hi# ton&"e an$ to #h"t hi#ear# an$ eye# "n!e## he -ere prepare$ to 5e thro-n into a $"n&eon 5y the !or$ of Macheco"!?

98"t 5!e## (e9 he ha$ #ai$ 9a( I to 5e!ie'e that a fairy #pirit# off an$ eat# o"r !itt!e one#9

98e!ie'e -hat yo" !i2e9 -a# the a$'ice &i'en to hi( 95"t a#2 no "e#tion#?9 A# thi#


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con'er#ation ha$ ta2en p!ace one of the (ar#ha!# (en at ar(# ha$ pa##e$ -hen a!! tho#e -ho ha$5een #pea2in& too2 to their hee!#? An$r -ho ha$ r"n -ith the re#t -itho"t 2no-in& e)act!y -hyhe f!e$ ca(e "pon a (an near the ch"rch of the Ho!y Trinity -ho -a# -eepin& 5itter!y an$ cryin&o"t9O (y Go$ -i!t Tho" not re#tore to (e (y !itt!e one9 Thi# (an ha$ a!#o 5een ro55e$ of hi#chi!$?

Licette -ife of G"i!!a"(e Ser&ent !i'in& at La 8onear$ire in the pari#h of S? Croi) $eMacheco"! ha$ !o#t her #on t-o year# 5efore an$ ha$ not #een hi( #ince #he 5e#o"&ht theco((i##ioner# -ith tear# in her eye# to re#tore hi( to her?

9I !eft hi(9 #ai$ #he 9at ho(e -hi!#t I -ent into the fie!$ -ith (y h"#5an$ to #o- f!a)? He -a#a 5onny !itt!e !a$ an$ he -a# a# &oo$ a# he -a# 5onny? He ha$ to !oo2 after hi# tiny #i#ter -ho -a#a year an$ a ha!f o!$? On (y ret"rn ho(e the !itt!e &ir! -a# fo"n$ 5"t #he co"!$ not te!! (e -hatha$ 5eco(e of hi(? After-ar$# -e fo"n$ in the (ar#h a #(a!! re$ -oo!!en cap -hich ha$ 5e!on&e$to (y poor $ar!in& 5"t it -a# in 'ain that -e $ra&&e$ the (ar#h nothin& -a# fo"n$ (ore e)cept&oo$ e'i$ence that he ha$ not 5een $ro-ne$? A ha-2er -ho #o!$ nee$!e# an$ threa$ pa##e$ thro"&hMacheco"! at the ti(e an$ to!$ (e that an o!$ -o(an in &rey -ith a 5!ac2 hoo$ on her hea$ ha$

5o"&ht of hi( #o(e chi!$ren# toy# an$ ha$ a fe- (o(ent# after pa##e$ hi( !ea$in& a !itt!e 5oy 5y

the han$?9Geor&e# Le5ar5ier !i'in& near the &ate of the ch@te!et $e Macheco"! &a'e an acco"nt of the

(anner in -hich hi# #on ha$ e'ane#ce$? The 5oy -a# apprentice$ to =ean Pe!!etier tai!or to M(e?$e Ret an$ to the ho"#eho!$ of the ca#t!e? He #ee(e$ to 5e &ettin& on in hi# profe##ion -hen !a#tyear a5o"t S? 8arna5a# $ay he -ent to p!ay at 5a!! on the ca#t!e &reen? He ne'er ret"rne$ fro( the&a(e?

Thi# yo"th an$ hi# (a#ter =ean Pe!!etier ha$ 5een in the ha5it of eatin& an$ $rin2in& at theca#t!e an$ 5a$ a!-ay# !a"&he$ at the o(ino"# #torie# to!$ 5y the peop!e?

G"i!!a"(e Hi!aire an$ hi# -ife confir(e$ the #tate(ent# of Le5ar5ier? They a!#o #ai$ that they2ne- of the !o## of the #on# of =ean Gen$ron =eanne Ro"en an$ A!e)an$re Ch@te!!ier? The #on of=ean Gen$ron a&e$ t-e!'e !i'e$ -ith the #ai$ Hi!aire an$ !earne$ of hi( the tra$e of #2inner? Heha$ 5een -or2in& in the #hop for #e'en or ei&ht year# an$ -a# a #tea$y har$-or2in& !a$? One $ayMe##ie"r# Gi!!e# $e Si!! an$ Ro&er $e 8ri"e'i!!e entere$ the #hop to p"rcha#e a pair of h"ntin&&!o'e#? They a#2e$ if !itt!e Gen$ron (i&ht ta2e a (e##a&e for the( to the ca#t!e? Hi!aire rea$i!ycon#ente$ an$ the 5oy recei'e$ 5eforehan$ the pay(ent for &oin&a &o!$ an&e!"# an$ he #tarte$

pro(i#in& to 5e 5ac2 $irect!y? 8"t he ha$ ne'er ret"rne$? That e'enin& Hi!iare an$ hi# -ifeo5#er'in& Gi!!e# $e Si!! an$ Ro&er $e 8ri"e'i!!e ret"rnin& to the ca#t!e ran to the( an$ a#2e$-hat ha$ 5eco(e of the apprentice? They rep!ie$ that they ha$ no notion of -here he -a# a# theyha$ 5een a5#ent h"ntin& 5"t that it -a# po##i5!e he (i&ht ha'e 5een #ent to Tiffa"&e# anotherca#t!e of De Ret?

G"i!!a"(e Hi!aire -ho#e $epo#ition# -ere (ore &ra'e an$ e)p!icit than the other# po#iti'e!ya##erte$ that =ean D"6ar$in 'a!et to Ro&er $e 8ri"e'i!!e ha$ to!$ hi( he 2ne- of a ca#2 #ecrete$in the ca#t!e f"!! of chi!$ren# corp#e#? He #ai$ that he ha$ often hear$ peop!e #ay that chi!$ren -ereentice$ to the ch@tea" an$ then ("r$ere$ 5"t ha$ treate$ it a# an i$!e ta!e? He #ai$ (oreo'er thatthe (ar#ha! -a# not acc"#e$ of ha'in& any han$ in the ("r$er# 5"t that hi# #er'ant# -ere #"ppo#e$to 5e &"i!ty?

=ean Gen$ron hi(#e!f $epo#e$ to the !o## of hi# #on an$ he a$$e$ that hi# -a# not the on!y chi!$-hich ha$ 'ani#he$ (y#terio"#!y at Macheco"!? He 2ne- of thirty that ha$ $i#appeare$?

=ean Chipho!on e!$er an$ 6"nior =ean A"5in an$ C!e(ent Dor a!! inha5itant# of the pari#h ofTho(a&e $epo#e$ that they ha$ 2no-n a poor (an of the #a(e pari#h na(e$ Mathe!in Tho(a#

-ho ha$ !o#t hi# #on a&e$ t-e!'e an$ that he ha$ $ie$ of &rief in con#e"ence?

=eanne Ro"en of Macheco"! -ho for nine year# ha$ 5een in a #tate of "ncertainty -hether her


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#on -ere a!i'e or $ea$ $epo#e$ that the chi!$ ha$ 5een carrie$ off -hi!#t 2eepin& #heep? She ha$tho"&ht that he ha$ 5een $e'o"re$ of -o!'e# 5"t t-o -o(en of Macheco"! no- $ecea#e$ ha$#een Gi!!e# $e Si!! approach the !itt!e #hepher$ #pea2 to hi( an$ point to the ca#t!e? Short!y afterthe !a$ ha$ -a!2e$ off in that $irection? The h"#5an$ of =eanne Ro"en -ent to the ch@tea" to in"ireafter hi# #on 5"t co"!$ o5tain no infor(ation? +hen ne)t Gi!!e# $e Si!! appeare$ in the to-n the$i#con#o!ate (other entreate$ hi( to re#tore her chi!$ to her? Gi!!e# rep!ie$ that he 2ne- nothin&

a5o"t hi( a# he ha$ 5een to the 2in& at A(5oi#e?=eanne -i$o- of Ay(ery He$e!in !i'in& at Macheco"! ha$ a!#o !o#t ei&ht year# 5efore a !itt!e

chi!$ a# he ha$ p"r#"e$ #o(e 5"tterf!ie# into the -oo$? At the #a(e ti(e fo"r other chi!$ren ha$5een carrie$ off tho#e of Gen$ron Ro"en an$ Mac Sorin? She #ai$ that the #tory circ"!ate$thro"&h the co"ntry -a# that Gi!!e# $e Si!! #to!e chi!$ren to (a2e the( o'er to the En&!i#h inor$er to o5tain the ran#o( of hi# 5rother -ho -a# a capti'e? 8"t #he a$$e$ that thi# report -a#trace$ to the #er'ant# of Si!! an$ that it -a# propa&ate$ 5y the(?

One of the !a#t chi!$ren to $i#appear -a# that of No3! Ai#e !i'in& in the pari#h of S? Croi)?

A (an fro( Tiffa"&e# ha$ #ai$ to her =eanne He$e!in that for one chi!$ #to!en at Macheco"!there -ere #e'en carrie$ a-ay at Tiffa"&e#?

Mac Sorin confir(e$ the $epo#ition of the -i$o- He$e!in? an$ repeate$ the circ"(#tance#connecte$ -ith the !o## of the chi!$ren of Ch@te!!ier Ro"en Gen$ron an$ Le5ar5ier?

Perrine Ron$ea" ha$ entere$ the ca#t!e -ith the co(pany of =ean La55? She ha$ entere$ a#ta5!e an$ ha$ fo"n$ a heap of a#he# an$ po-$er -hich ha$ a #ic2!y an$ pec"!iar #(e!!? At the

5otto( of a tro"&h #he ha$ fo"n$ a chi!$# #hirt co'ere$ -ith 5!oo$?

Se'era! inha5itant# of the 5o"r& of ,re#nay to -it Perrot Par"etea" =ean Sorea" CatherineDe&rpie Gi!!e# Garnier Perrine %ie!!ar$ Mar&"erite Re$iern Marie Carfin =eanne La"$ai# #ai$that they ha$ hear$ G"i!!a"(e Ha(e!in !a#t Ea#ter !a(entin& the !o## of t-o chi!$ren?

I#a5ea" -ife of G"i!!a"(e Ha(e!in confir(e$ the#e $epo#ition# #a'in& that #he ha$ !o#t the(#e'en year# 5efore? She ha$ at that ti(e fo"r chi!$ren the e!$e#t a&e$ fifteen the yo"n&e#t a&e$#e'en -ent to&ether to Macheco"! to 5"y #o(e 5rea$ 5"t they $i$ not ret"rn? She #at "p for the(a!! ni&ht an$ ne)t (ornin&? She hear$ that another chi!$ ha$ 5een !o#t the #on of Micha"t 8onne! ofS? Cir $e Ret?

G"i!!e(ette -ife of Micha"t 8onne! #ai$ that her #on ha$ 5een carrie$ off -hi!#t &"ar$in& co-#?

G"i!!a"(e Ro$i&o an$ hi# -ife !i'in& at 8o"r&ne"fenRet $epo#e$ that on the e'e of !a#t S?8artho!o(e-# $ay the Sire $o Ret !o$&e$ -ith G"i!!a"(e P!"(et in hi# 'i!!a&e?

Ponto" -ho acco(panie$ the (ar#ha! #a- a !a$ of fifteen na(e$ 8ernar$ Lecanino #er'ant toRo$i&o #tan$in& at the $oor of hi# ho"#e? The !a$ co"!$ not #pea2 ("ch ,rench 5"t on!y 5a#

8reton? Ponto" 5ec2one$ to hi( an$ #po2e to hi( in a !o- tone? That e'enin& at ten oc!oc28ernar$ !eft hi# (a#ter# ho"#e Ro$i&o an$ hi# -ife 5ein& a5#ent? The #er'ant (ai$ -ho #a- hi(&o o"t ca!!e$ to hi( that the #"pper ta5!e -a# not yet c!eare$ 5"t he pai$ no attention to -hat #he#ai$? Ro$i&o annoye$ at the !o## of hi# #er'ant a#2e$ #o(e of the (ar#ha!# (en -hat ha$ 5eco(eof hi(? They rep!ie$ (oc2in&!y that they 2ne- nothin& of the !itt!e 8reton 5"t that he ha$ pro5a5!y

5een #ent to Tiffa"&e# to 5e traine$ a# pa&e to their !or$?

Mar&"erite Sorain the cha(5er(ai$ a!!"$e$ to a5o'e confir(e$ the #tate(ent of Ro$i&oa$$in& that Ponto" ha$ entere$ the ho"#e an$ #po2en -ith 8ernar$? G"i!!a"(e P!"(et an$ -ifeconfir(e$ -hat Ro$i&o an$ Sorain ha$ #ai$?

Tho(a# Ay#e an$ -ife $epo#e$ to the !o## of their #on a&e$ ten -ho ha$ &one to 5e& at the

&ate of the ca#t!e of Macheco"! an$ a !itt!e &ir! ha$ #een hi( $ra-n 5y an offer of (eat into thech@tea"?

=a(ette -ife of E"#tache Dro"et of S? L&er ha$ #ent t-o #on# one a&e$ ten the other #e'en to


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the ca#t!e to o5tain a!(#? They ha$ not 5een #een #ince?

On the n$ Octo5er the co((i##ioner# #at a&ain an$ the char&e# 5eca(e &ra'er an$ the #er'ant#of the (ar#ha! 5eca(e (ore an$ (ore i(p!icate$?

The $i#appearance of thirteen other chi!$ren -a# #"5#tantiate$ "n$er circ"(#tance# thro-intron& #"#picion on the in(ate# of the ca#t!e? I -i!! not &i'e the $etai!# for they ("ch re#e(5!e

tho#e of the for(er $epo#ition#? S"ffice it to #ay that 5efore the co((i##ioner# c!o#e$ the in"iry ahera!$ of the D"2e of 8rittany in ta5ar$ 5!e- three ca!!# on the tr"(pet fro( the #tep# of the to-erof 8o"ffay #"((onin& a!! -ho ha$ a$$itiona! char&e# to 5rin& a&ain#t the Sire $e Ret to pre#entthe(#e!'e# -itho"t $e!ay? A# no fre#h -itne##e# arri'e$ the ca#e -a# con#i$ere$ to 5e (a$e o"tan$ the co((i##ioner# 'i#ite$ the $"2e -ith the infor(ation they ha$ co!!ecte$ in their han$#?

The $"2e he#itate$ !on& a# to the #tep# he #ho"!$ ta2e? Sho"!$ he 6"$&e an$ #entence a 2in#(anthe (o#t po-erf"! of hi# 'a##a!# the 5ra'e#t of hi# captain# a co"nci!!or of the 2in& a (ar#ha! of,rance

+hi!#t #ti!! "n#ett!e$ in hi# (in$ a# to the co"r#e he #ho"!$ p"r#"e he recei'e$ a !etter fro(Gi!!e# $e Ret -hich pro$"ce$ "ite a $ifferent effect fro( that -hich it ha$ 5een inten$e$ to

pro$"ce?9MONSIEUR MY COUSIN AND HONOURED SIRE

9IT i# "ite tr"e that I a( perhap# the (o#t $ete#ta5!e of a!! #inner# ha'in& #inne$ horri5!y a&ainan$ a&ain yet ha'e I ne'er fai!e$ in (y re!i&io"# $"tie#? I ha'e hear$ (any (a##e# 'e#per# ^c?ha'e fa#te$ in Lent an$ on 'i&i!# ha'e confe##e$ (y #in# $ep!orin& the( hearti!y an$ ha'erecei'e$ the 5!oo$ of o"r Lor$ at !ea#t once in the year?

Since I ha'e 5een !an&"i#hin& in pri#on a-aitin& yo"r hono"re$ 6"#tice I ha'e 5eeno'er-he!(e$ -ith inco(para5!e repentance for (y cri(e# -hich I a( rea$y to ac2no-!e$&e an$to e)piate a# i# #"ita5!e?

9+herefore I #"pp!icate yo" M? (y co"#in to &i'e (e !icence to retire into a (ona#tery an$there to !ea$ a &oo$ an$ e)e(p!ary !ife? I care not into -hat (ona#tery I a( #ent 5"t I inten$ thata!! (y &oo$# ^c? #ho"!$ 5e $i#tri5"te$ a(on& the poor -ho are the (e(5er# of =e#"# Chri#t onearth ? ? ? ? A-aitin& yo"r &!orio"# c!e(ency on -hich I re!y I pray Go$ o"r Lor$ to protect yo" an$yo"r 2in&$o(?

He -ho a$$re##e# yo" i# in a!! earth!y h"(i!ity9

9,RIAR GILLESCar(e!ite in intention?9

The $"2e rea$ thi# !etter to Pierre $e !Ho#pita! pre#i$ent of 8rittany an$ to the 8i#hop ofNante# -ho -ere tho#e (o#t re#o!"te in pre##in& on the tria!? They -ere horrifie$ at the tone of thi#$rea$f"! co(("nication an$ a##"re$ the $"2e that the ca#e -a# #o c!ear an$ the #tep# ta2en ha$

5een #o $eci$e$ that it -a# i(po##i5!e for hi( to a!!o- De Ret to e#cape tria! 5y #"ch an i(pio"#$e'ice a# he #"&&e#te$? In the (eanti(e the 5i#hop an$ the &ran$#ene#cha! ha$ #et on foot anin'e#ti&ation at the ca#t!e of Macheco"! an$ ha$ fo"n$ n"(ero"# trace# of h"(an re(ain#? 8"t aco(p!ete e)a(ination co"!$ not 5e (a$e a# the $"2e -a# an)io"# to #creen hi# 2in#(an a# ("ch a#

po##i5!e an$ ref"#e$ to a"thorie one?

The $"2e no- #"((one$ hi# principa! officer# an$ he!$ a co"nci! -ith the(? They "nani(o"#!y#i$e$ -ith the 5i#hop an$ $e !Ho#pita! an$ -hen =ohn #ti!! he#itate$ the 8i#hop of Nante# ro#e an$#ai$: 9Mon#ei&ne"r thi# ca#e i# one for the ch"rch a# ("ch a# for yo"r co"rt to ta2e "p?Con#e"ent!y if yo"r Pre#i$ent of 8rittany $oe# not 5rin& the ca#e into #ec"!ar co"rt 5y the ="$&e

of hea'en an$ earth I -i!! cite the a"thor of the#e e)ecra5!e cri(e# to appear 5efore o"recc!e#ia#tica! tri5"na!?9

The re#o!"tion of the 5i#hop co(pe!!e$ the $"2e to yie!$ an$ it -a# $eci$e$ that the tria! #ho"!$


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65/81

it# 5!"i#h h"e#? 8"t after a fe- (o(ent# hi# feat"re# 5eca(e a&ain #erene -ith a #-eet #(i!erepo#in& "pon the( an$ hi# e)pre##ion re!a)e$ into a 'a&"e an$ ten$er (e!ancho!y?

9Me##ire#9 #ai$ he #a!"tin& hi# 6"$&e# 9I pray yo" to e)pe$ite (y (atter an$ $e#patch a##pee$i!y a# po##i5!e (y "nfort"nate ca#e for I a( pec"!iar!y an)io"# to con#ecrate (y#e!f to the#er'ice of Go$ -ho ha# par$one$ (y &reat #in#? I #ha!! not fai! I a##"re yo" to en$o- #e'era! ofthe ch"rche# in Nante# an$ I #ha!! $i#tri5"te the &reater portion of (y &oo$# a(on& the poor to#ec"re the #a!'ation of (y #o"!?9

9Mon#ei&ne"r9 rep!ie$ &ra'e!y Pierre $e !Ho#pita!: 9It i# a!-ay# -e!! to thin2 of the #a!'ation ofone# #o"! 5"t if yo" p!ea#e thin2 no- that -e are concerne$ -ith the #a!'ation of yo"r 5o$y?9

9I ha'e confe##e$ to the father #"perior of the Car(e!ite#9 rep!ie$ the (ar#ha! -ith tran"i!!ity9an$ thro"&h hi# a5#o!"tion I ha'e 5een a5!e to co(("nicate: I a( therefore &"i!t!e## an$

p"rifie$?9

9Men# 6"#tice i# not in co((on -ith that of Go$ (on#ei&ne"r an$ I cannot te!! yo" -hat -i!!5e yo"r #entence? 8e rea$y to (a2e yo"r $efence an$ !i#ten to the char&e# 5ro"&ht a&ain#t yo"-hich M? !e !ie"tenant $" Proc"re"r $e Nante# -i!! rea$?9

The officer ro#e an$ rea$ the fo!!o-in& paper of char&e# -hich I #ha!! con$en#e:

9Ha'in& hear$ the 5itter co(p!aint# of #e'era! of the inha5itant# of the $ioce#e of Nante# -ho#ena(e# fo!!o- hereinafter here fo!!o- the na(e# of the parent# of the !o#t chi!$ren -e Phi!ippe $oLi'ron !ie"tenant a##e##e"r of Me##ire !e Proc"re"r $e Nante# ha'e in'ite$ an$ $o in'ite the 'eryno5!e an$ 'ery -i#e Me##ire Pierre $e !Ho#pita! Pre#i$ent of 8rittany ^c? to 5rin& to tria! the 'eryhi&h an$ 'ery po-erf"! !or$ Gi!!e# $e La'a! Sire $e Ret Macheco"! In&ran$e an$ other p!ace#Co"nci!!or of hi# Ma6e#ty the /in& an$ Mar#ha! of ,rance:

9,ora#("ch a# the #ai$ Sire $e Ret ha# #eie$ an$ ca"#e$ to 5e #eie$ #e'era! !itt!e chi!$ren noton!y ten or t-enty 5"t thirty forty fifty #i)ty one h"n$re$ t-o h"n$re$ an$ (ore an$ ha#("r$ere$ an$ #!ain the( inh"(an!y an$ then 5"rne$ their 5o$ie# to con'ert the( to a#he#:

9,ora#("ch a# per#e'erin& in e'i! the #ai$ Sire not-ith#tan$in& that the po-er# that 5e areor$aine$ of Go$ an$ that e'ery one #ho"!$ 5e an o5e$ient #"56ect to hi# prince ? ? ? ha# a##a"!te$=ean Leferon #"56ect of the D"2e of 8rittany the #ai$ =ean Leferon 5ein& &"ar$ian of the fortre##of Ma!e(ort in the na(e of Geoffrey Leferon hi# 5rother to -ho( the #ai$ !or$ ha$ (a$e o'er the

po##e##ion of the #ai$ p!ace:

9,ora#("ch a# the #ai$ Sire force$ =ean Leferon to &i'e "p to hi( the #ai$ p!ace an$ (oreo'erretoo2 the !or$#hip of Ma!e(ort in $e#pite of the or$er of the $"2e an$ of 6"#tice:

9,ora#("ch a# the #ai$ Sire arre#te$ Ma#ter =ean Ro"##ea" #er&eant of the $"2e -ho -a# #entto hi( -ith in6"nction# fro( the #ai$ $"2e an$ 5eat hi# (en -ith their o-n #ta'e# a!tho"&h their

per#on# -ere "n$er the protection of hi# &race:9+e conc!"$e that the #ai$ Sire $e Ret ho(ici$e in fact an$ in intent accor$in& to the fir#t

co"nt re5e! an$ fe!on accor$in& to the #econ$ #ho"!$ 5e con$e(ne$ to #"ffer corpora! p"ni#h(entan$ to pay a fine of hi# po##e##ion# in !an$# an$ &oo$# he!$ in fief to the #ai$ no5!e(an an$ thatthe#e #ho"!$ 5e confi#cate$ an$ re(itte$ to the cro-n of 8rittany?9

Thi# re"i#ition -a# e'i$ent!y $ra-n "p -ith the 'ie- of #a'in& the !ife of the Sire $e Ret forthe cri(e of ho(ici$e -a# pre#ente$ -itho"t a&&ra'atin& circ"(#tance# in #"ch a (anner that itco"!$ 5e $enie$ or #he!'e$ -hi!#t the cri(e# of fe!ony an$ re5e!!ion a&ain#t the D"2e of 8rittany-ere 5ro"&ht into e)a&&erate$ pro(inence?

Gi!!e# $e Ret ha$ "n$o"5te$!y 5een fore-arne$ of the co"r#e -hich -a# to 5e p"r#"e$ an$ he-a# prepare$ to $eny tota!!y the char&e# (a$e in the fir#t co"nt?

9Mon#ei&ne"r9 #ai$ Pierre $e !Ho#pita! -ho( the for( of the re"i#ition ha$ 'i#i5!y


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a#toni#he$: 9+hat 6"#tification ha'e yo" to (a2e Ta2e an oath on the Go#pe!# to $ec!are the tr"th?9

9No (e##ire9 an#-ere$ the (ar#ha!? 9The -itne##e# are 5o"n$ to $ec!are -hat they 2no- "ponoath 5"t the acc"#e$ i# ne'er p"t on hi# oath?9

9"ite #o9 rep!ie$ the 6"$&e? 98eca"#e the acc"#e$ (ay 5e p"t on the rac2 an$ con#traine$ to#pea2 the tr"th an p!ea#e yo"?9

Gi!!e# $e Ret t"rne$ pa!e 5it hi# !ip# an$ ca#t a &!ance of (a!i&nant hate at Pierre $e !Ho#pita!then co(po#in& hi# co"ntenance he #po2e -ith an appearance of ca!(:

9Me##ire# I #ha!! not $eny that I 5eha'e$ -ron&f"!!y in the ca#e of =ean Ro"##ea" 5"t ine)c"#e !et (e #ay that the #ai$ Ro"##ea" -a# f"!! of -ine an$ he 5eha'e$ -ith #"ch in$ecor"(to-ar$# (e in the pre#ence of (y #er'ant# that it -a# "ite into!era5!e? Nor -i!! I $eny (y re'en&eon the 5rother# Leferon: =ean ha$ $ec!are$ that the #ai$ Grace of 8rittany ha$ confi#cate$ (yfortre## of Ma!e(ort -hich I ha$ #o!$ to hi( an$ for -hich I ha'e not yet recei'e$ pay(ent an$Geoffrey Leferon ha$ anno"nce$ far an$ -i$e that I -a# a5o"t to 5e e)pe!!e$ 8rittany a# a traitoran$ a re5e!? To p"ni#h the( I reentere$ (y fortre## of Ma!e(ort?A# for the other char&e# I #ha!!#ay nothin& a5o"t the( they are #i(p!y fa!#e an$ ca!"(nio"#?9

9In$ee$ e)c!ai(e$ Pierre $e !Ho#pita! -ho#e 5!oo$ 5oi!e$ -ith in$i&nation a&ain#t the -retch-ho #too$ 5efore hi( -ith #"ch effrontery? 9A!! the#e -itne##e# -ho co(p!ain of ha'in& !o#t theirchi!$ren !ie$ "n$er oath9

9Un$o"5te$!y if they acc"#e (e of ha'in& anythin& to $o -ith their !o##? +hat a( I to 2no-a5o"t the( a( I their 2eeper9

9The an#-er of Cain9 e)c!ai(e$ Pierre $e !Ho#pita! ri#in& fro( hi# #eat in the 'ehe(ence ofhi# e(otion? 9Ho-e'er a# yo" #o!e(n!y $eny the#e char&e# -e ("#t "e#tion Henriet an$Ponto"?9

9Henriet Ponto"9 crie$ the (ar#ha! tre(5!in& 9they acc"#e (e of nothin& #"re!y9

9Not a# yet they ha'e not 5een "e#tione$ 5"t they are a5o"t to 5e 5ro"&ht into co"rt an$ I $onot e)pect that they -i!! !ie in the face of 6"#tice?9

9I $e(an$ that (y #er'ant# 5e not 5ro"&ht for-ar$ a# -itne##e# a&ain#t their (a#ter9 #ai$ the(ar#ha! hi# eye# $i!atin& hi# 5ro- -rin2!in& an$ hi# 5ear$ 5ri#t!in& 5!"e "pon hi# chin: 9a (a#teri# a5o'e the &o##ipin& ta!e# an$ char&e# of hi# #er'ant#?9

9Do yo" thin2 then (e##ire that yo"r #er'ant# -i!! acc"#e yo"9

9I $e(an$ that I a (ar#ha! of ,rance a 5aron of the $"chy #ho"!$ 5e #he!tere$ fro( the #!an$er#of #(a!! fo!2 -ho( I $i#o-n a# (y #er'ant# if they are "ntr"e to their (a#ter?9

9Me##ire I #ee -e ("#t p"t yo" on the rac2 or nothin& -i!! 5e &ot fro( yo"?9

9Ho!a I appea! to hi# &race the D"2e of 8rittany an$ a#2 an a$6o"rn(ent that I (ay ta2e a$'iceon the char&e# 5ro"&ht a&ain#t (e -hich I ha'e $enie$ an$ -hich I $eny #ti!!?9

9+e!! I #ha!! a$6o"rn the ca#e ti!! the 7th of thi# (onth that yo" (ay 5e -e!! prepare$ to (eetthe acc"#ation#?9

On hi# -ay 5ac2 to pri#on the (ar#ha! pa##e$ Henriet an$ Ponto" a# they -ere 5ein& con$"cte$to the co"rt? Henriet preten$e$ not to #ee hi# (a#ter 5"t Ponto" 5"r#t into tear# on (eetin& hi(?The (ar#ha! he!$ o"t hi# han$ an$ Ponto" 2i##e$ it affectionate!y?

9Re(e(5er -hat I ha'e $one for yo" an$ 5e faithf"! #er'ant#9 #ai$ Gi!!e# $e Ret? Henrietrecoi!e$ fro( hi( -ith a #h"$$er an$ the (ar#ha! pa##e$ on?

9I #ha!! #pea29 -hi#pere$ Henriet 9for -e ha'e another (a#ter 5e#i$e o"r poor (a#ter of Retan$ -e #ha!! #oon 5e -ith the hea'en!y one?9


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The pre#i$ent or$ere$ the c!er2 to rea$ a&ain the re"i#ition of the !ie"tenant that the t-opre#"(e$ acco(p!ice# of Gi!!e# $e Ret (i&ht 5e infor(e$ of the char&e# 5ro"&ht a&ain#t their(a#ter? Henriet 5"r#t into tear# tre(5!e$ 'io!ent!y an$ crie$ o"t that he -o"!$ te!! a!!? Ponto"a!ar(e$ trie$ to hin$er hi# co(panion an$ #ai$ that Henriet -a# to"che$ in hi# hea$ an$ that -hathe -a# a5o"t to #ay -o"!$ 5e the ra'in of in#anity?

Si!ence -a# i(po#e$ "pon hi(?

9I -i!! #pea2 o"t9 contin"e$ Henriet an$ yet I $are not #pea2 of the horror# -hich I 2no- ha'eta2en p!ace 5efore that i(a&e of (y Lor$ Chri#t 9an$ he pointe$ tre(5!in&!y to a !ar&e cr"cifi)a5o'e the #eat of the 6"$&e?

9Henriet?9 (oane$ Ponto" #"eein& hi# han$ 9yo" -i!! $e#troy yo"r#e!f a# -e!! a# yo"r(a#ter?9

Pierre $e !Ho#pita! ro#e an$ the fi&"re of o"r Re$ee(er -a# #o!e(n!y 'ei!e$?

Henriet -ho ha$ &reat $iffic"!ty in o'erco(in& hi# a&itation than 5e&an hi# re'e!ation#?

The fo!!o-in& i# the #"5#tance of the(:

On !ea'in& the "ni'er#ity of An&er# he ha$ ta2en the #it"ation of rea$er in the ho"#e of Gi!!e# $eRet? The (ar#ha! too2 a !i2in& to hi( an$ (a$e hi( hi# cha(5er!ain an$ confi$ant?

On the occa#ion of the Sire $e !a S"e 5rother of the Sire $e Ret ta2in& po##e##ion of the ca#t!eof Chantonc Char!e# $e Soenne -ho ha$ arri'e$ at Chantonc a##"re$ Henriet that he ha$ fo"n$in the o"5!iette# of a to-er a n"(5er of $ea$ chi!$ren #o(e hea$!e## other# fri&htf"!!y ("ti!ate$?Henriet then tho"&ht that thi# -a# 5"t a ca!"(ny in'ente$ 5y the Sire $e !a S"e?

8"t -hen #o(e -hi!e after the Sire $e Ret retoo2 the ca#t!e of Chantonc an$ ha$ ce$e$ it tothe D"2e of 8rittany he one e'enin& #"((one$ Henriet Ponto" an$ a certain Petit Ro5in to hi#roo( the t-o !atter -ere a!rea$y $eep in the #ecret# of their (a#ter? 8"t 5efore confi$in& anythin&to Henriet De Ret (a$e hi( ta2e a #o!e(n oath ne'er to re'ea! -hat he -a# a5o"t to te!! hi(? The

oath ta2en the Sire $e Ret a$$re##in& the three #ai$ that on the (orro- an officer of the $"2e-o"!$ ta2e po##e##ion of the ca#t!e in the na(e of the $"2e an$ that it -a# nece##ary 5efore thi#too2 p!ace that a certain -e!! #ho"!$ 5e e(ptie$ of chi!$ren# corp#e# an$ that their 5o$ie# #ho"!$

5e p"t into 5o)e# an$ tran#porte$ to Macheco"!?

Henriet Ponto" an$ Petit Ro5in -ent to&ether f"rni#he$ -ith rope# an$ hoo2# to the to-er-here -ere the corp#e#? They toi!e$ a!! ni&ht in re(o'in& the ha!f$ecaye$ 5o$ie# an$ -ith the(they fi!!e$ three !ar&e ca#e# -hich they #ent 5y a 5oat $o-n the Loire to Macheco"! -here they-ere re$"ce$ to a#he#?

Henriet co"nte$ thirty#i) chi!$ren# hea$# 5"t there -ere (ore 5o$ie# than hea$#? Thi# ni&ht#-or2 he #ai$ 5a$ pro$"ce$ a profo"n$ i(pre##ion on hi# i(a&ination an$ he -a# con#tant!yha"nte$ -ith a 'i#ion of the#e hea$# ro!!in& a# in a &a(e of #2itt!e# an$ c!a#hin& -ith a (o"rnf"!-ai!? Henriet #oon 5e&an to co!!ect chi!$ren for hi# (a#ter an$ -a# pre#ent -hi!#t he (a##acre$the(? They -ere ("r$ere$ in'aria5!y in one roo( at Macheco"!? The (ar#ha! "#e$ to 5athe in their

5!oo$ he -a# fon$ of (a2in& Gi!!e# $o Si!! Ponto" or Henriet tort"re the( an$ he e)perience$inten#e p!ea#"re in #eein& the( in their a&onie#? 8"t hi# &reat pa##ion -a# to -e!ter in their 5!oo$?Hi# #er'ant# -o"!$ #ta5 a chi!$ in the 6"&"!ar 'ein an$ !et the 5!oo$ #"irt o'er hi(? The roo( -a#often #teepe$ in 5!oo$? +hen the horri5!e $ee$ -a# $one an$ the chi!$ -a# $ea$ the (ar#ha!-o"!$ 5e fi!!e$ -ith &rief for -hat he ha$ $one an$ -o"!$ to## -eepin& an$ prayin& on a 5e$ orrecite fer'ent prayer# an$ !itanie# on hi# 2nee# -hi!#t hi# #er'ant# -a#he$ the f!oor an$ 5"rne$ inthe h"&e firep!ace the 5o$ie# of the ("r$ere$ chi!$ren? +ith the 5o$ie# -ere 5"rne$ the c!othe# an$

e'erythin& that ha$ 5e!on&e$ to the !itt!e 'icti(#?An in#"pporta5!e o$o"r fi!!e$ the roo( 5"t the Marcha! $o Ret inha!e$ it -ith $e!i&ht?

Henriet ac2no-!e$&e$ that he ha$ #een forty chi!$ren p"t to $eath in thi# (anner an$ he -a#


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a5!e to &i'e an acco"nt of #e'era! #o that it -a# po##i5!e to i$entify the( -ith the chi!$ren reporte$to 5e !o#t?

9It i# "ite i(po##i5!e9 #ai$ the !ie"tenant -ho ha$ 5een &i'en the c"e to $o a!! that -a#po##i5!e to #a'e the (ar#ha!9It i# i(po##i5!e that 5o$ie# co"!$ 5e 5"rne$ in a cha(5er firep!ace?9

9It -a# $one for a!! that (e##ire9 rep!ie$ Henriet? 9The firep!ace -a# 'ery !ar&e 5oth at the

hote! S"e an$ a!#o at Macheco"! -e pi!e$ "p &reat fa&&ot# an$ !o an$ !ai$ the $ea$ chi!$rena(on& the(? In a fe- ho"r# the operation -a# co(p!ete an$ -e f!"n& the a#he# o"t of the -in$o-into the (oat?9

Henriet re(e(5ere$ the ca#e of the t-o #on# of Ha(e!in he #ai$ that -hi!#t the one chi!$ -a#5ein& tort"re$ the other -a# on it# 2nee# #o55in& an$ prayin& to Go$ ti!! it# o-n t"rn ca(e?

9+hat yo" ha'e #ai$ concernin& the e)ce##e# of Me##ire $e Ret9 e)c!ai(e$ the !ie"tenant $"proc"re"r 9#ee(# to 5e p"re in'ention an$ $e#tit"te of a!! pro5a5i!ity? The &reate#t (on#ter# ofini"ity ne'er co((itte$ #"ch cri(e# e)cept perhap# #o(e C4#ar# of o!$ Ro(e?9

9Me##ire it -a# the act# of the#e C4#ar# that (y Lor$ of Ret $e#ire$ to i(itate? I "#e$ to rea$ tohi( the chronic!e# of S"etoni"# an$ Tacit"# in -hich their cr"e!tie# are recor$e$? He "#e$ to

$e!i&ht in hearin& of the( an$ he #ai$ that it &a'e hi( &reater p!ea#"re to hac2 off a chi!$# hea$than to a##i#t at a 5an"et? So(eti(e# he -o"!$ #eat hi(#e!f on the 5rea#t of a !itt!e one an$ -ith a2nife #e'er the hea$ fro( the 5o$y at a #in&!e 5!o- #o(eti(e# he c"t the throat ha!f thro"&h 'ery&ent!y that the chi!$ (i&ht !an&"i#h an$ he -o"!$ -a#h hi# han$# an$ hi# 5ear$ in it# 5!oo$?So(eti(e# he ha$ a!! the !i(5# choppe$ off at once fro( the tr"n2 at other ti(e# he or$ere$ "# tohan& the infant# ti!! they -ere near!y $ea$ an$ then ta2e the( $o-n an$ c"t their throat#? Ire(e(5er ha'in& 5ro"&ht to hi( three !itt!e &ir!# -ho -ere a#2in& charity at the ca#t!e &ate#? He

5a$e (e c"t their throat# -hi!#t he !oo2e$ on? An$r 8ric2et fo"n$ another !itt!e &ir! cryin& on the#tep# of the ho"#e at %anne# 5eca"#e #he ha$ !o#t her (other? He 5ro"&ht the !itt!e thin&it -a# 5"ta 5a5ein hi# ar(# to (y !or$ an$ it -a# 2i!!e$ 5efore hi(? Ponto" an$ I ha$ to (a2e a-ay -iththe 5o$y? +e thre- it $o-n a pri'y in one of the to-er# 5"t the corp#e ca"&ht on a nai! in the o"ter-a!! #o that it -o"!$ 5e 'i#i5!e to a!! -ho pa##e$? Ponto" -a# !et $o-n 5y a rope an$ he$i#en&a&e$ it -ith &reat $iffic"!ty?9

9Ho- (any chi!$ren $o yo" e#ti(ate that the Sire $e Ret an$ hi# #er'ant# ha'e 2i!!e$9

9The rec2onin& i# !on&? I for (y part confe## to ha'in& 2i!!e$ t-e!'e -ith (y o-n han$ 5y (y(a#ter# or$er# an$ I ha'e 5ro"&ht hi( a5o"t #i)ty? I 2ne- that thin of the 2in$ -ent on 5efore I-a# a$(itte$ to the #ecret for the ca#t!e of Macheco"! ha$ 5een occ"pie$ a #hort -hi!e 5y the Sire$o !a Sa&e? My !or$ reco'ere$ it #pee$i!y for he 2ne- that there -ere (any chi!$ren# corp#e#hi$$en in a hay!oft? There -ere forty there "ite $ry an$ 5!ac2 a# coa! 5eca"#e they ha$ 5eencharre$? One of the -o(en of Ma$a(e $e Ret ca(e 5y chance into the !oft an$ #a- the corp#e#?

Ro&er $e 8ri"e'i!!e -ante$ to 2i!! her 5"t the (archa! -o"!$ not !et hi(?99Ha'e yo" nothin& (ore to $ec!are

9Nothin&? I a#2 Ponto" (y frien$ to corro5orate -hat I ha'e #ai$?9

Thi# $epo#ition #o circ"(#tantia! an$ $etai!e$ pro$"ce$ on the 6"$&e# a profo"n$ i(pre##ion ofhorror? H"(an i(a&ination at thi# ti(e ha$ not penetrate$ #"ch (y#terie# of refine$ cr"e!ty? Se'era!ti(e# a# Henriet #pa2e the pre#i$ent ha$ #ho-n hi# a#toni#h(ent an$ in$i&nation 5y #i&nin&hi(#e!f -ith the cro##? Se'era! ti(e# hi# face ha$ 5eco(e #car!et an$ hi# eye# ha$ fa!!en he ha$

pre##e$ hi# han$ to hi# 5ro- to a##"re hi(#e!f that he -a# not !a5o"rin& "n$er a hi$eo"# $rea(an$ a "i'er of horror ha$ r"n thro"&h hi# -ho!e fra(e?

Ponto" ha$ ta2en no part in the re'e!ation of Henriet 5"t -hen the !atter appea!e$ to hi( herai#e$ hi# hea$ !oo2e$ #a$!y ro"n$ the co"rt an$ #i&he$?

9Etienne Corni!!ant a!ia# Ponto" I co((an$ yo" in the na(e of Go$ an$ of 6"#tice to $ec!are


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-hat yo" 2no-?9

Thi# in6"nction of Pierre $o !Ho#pita! re(aine$ "nre#pon$e$ to an$ Ponto" #ee(e$ to#tren&then hi(#e!f in hi# re#o!"tion not to acc"#e hi# (a#ter?

8"t Henriet f!in&in& hi(#e!f into the ar(# of hi# acco(p!ice i(p!ore$ hi( a# he 'a!"e$ hi##o"! no !on&er to har$en hi# heart to the ca!!# of Go$ 5"t to 5rin& to !i&ht the cri(e# he ha$

co((itte$ a!on& -ith the Sire $o Ret?The !ie"tenant $" proc"re"r -ho hitherto ha$ en$ea'o"re$ to e)ten"ate or $i#cre$it the char&e#

5ro"&ht a&ain#t Gi!!e# $o Ret trie$ a !a#t e)pe$ient to co"nter5a!ance the $a(a&in& confe##ion# ofHenriet an$ to -ithho!$ Ponto" fro( &i'in& -ay?

9Yo" ha'e hear$ (on#ei&ne"r9 #ai$ he to the pre#i$ent 9the atrocitie# -hich ha'e 5eenac2no-!e$&e$ 5y Henriet an$ yo" a# I $o con#i$er the( to 5e p"re in'ention# of the afore#ai$(a$e o"t of 5itter hatre$ an$ en'y -ith the p"rpo#e of r"inin& hi# (a#ter? I therefore $e(an$ thatHenriet #ho"!$ 5e p"t on the rac2 that he (ay 5e 5ro"&ht to &i'e the !ie to hi# for(er #tate(ent#?9

9Yo" for&et9 rep!ie$ $e !Ho#pita! 9that the rac2 i# for tho#e -ho $o notconfe## an$ not fortho#e -ho free!y ac2no-!e$&e their cri(e#? Therefore I or$er the #econ$ acc"#e$ Etienne

Corni!!ant a!ia# Ponto" to 5e p!ace$ on the rac2 if he contin"e# #i!ent? Ponto" -i!! yo" #pea2 or-i!! yo" not9

9Mon#ei&ne"r he -i!! #pea29 e)c!ai(e$ Henriet? Oh Ponto" $ear frien$ re#i#t not Go$ any(ore?9

9+e!! then (e##ei&ne"r#9 #ai$ Ponto" -ith e(otion 9I -i!! #ati#fy yo" I cannot $efen$ (ypoor !or$ a&ain#t the a!!e&ation# of Henriet -ho ha# confe##e$ a!! thro"&h $rea$ of eterna!$a(nation?9

He then f"!!y #"5#tantiate$ a!! the #tate(ent# of the other a$$in& other fact# of the #a(echaracter 2no-n on!y to hi(#e!f?

Not-ith#tan$in& the a'o-a! of Ponto" an$ Henriet the a$6o"rne$ tria! -a# not h"rrie$ on? It-o"!$ ha'e 5een ea#y to ha'e capt"re$ #o(e of the acco(p!ice# of the -retche$ (an 5"t the $"2e-ho -a# infor(e$ of the -ho!e of the procee$in $i$ not -i#h to a"&(ent the #can$a! 5yincrea#in& the n"(5er of the acc"#e$? He e'en for5a$e re#earche# to 5e (a$e in the ca#t!e# an$(an#ion# of the Sire $e Ret fearin& !e#t proof# of fre#h cri(e# (ore (y#terio"# an$ (ore horri5!ethan tho#e a!rea$y $i'"!&e$ #ho"!$ co(e to !i&ht?

The $i#(ay #prea$ thro"&h the co"ntry 5y the re'e!ation# a!rea$y (a$e $e(an$e$ that re!i&ionan$ (ora!ity -hich ha$ 5een #o &ro##!y o"tra&e$ #ho"!$ 5e #pee$i!y a'en&e$? Peop!e -on$ere$ atthe $e!ay in prono"ncin& #entence an$ it -a# !o"$!y proc!ai(e$ in Nante# that the Sire $e Ret -a#rich eno"&h to p"rcha#e hi# !ife? It i# tr"e that Ma$a(e $e Ret #o!icite$ the 2in& an$ the $"2e a&ain

to &i'e par$on to her h"#5an$ 5"t the $"2e co"n#e!!e$ 5y the 5i#hop ref"#e$ to e)ten$ hi#a"thority to interfere -ith the co"r#e of 6"#tice an$ the 2in& after ha'in& #ent one of hi# co"nci!!or#to Nante# to in'e#ti&ate the ca#e $eter(ine$ not to #tir in it?

!HA)TER III#

+AR.!HAL DE RET/#--III# THE SENTEN!E AND EE!UTION#

The a$6o"rne$ Tria!The Mar#ha! Confe##e#The Ca#e han$e$ o'er to the Ecc!e#ia#tica!Tri5"na!Pro(pt #tep# ta2en 5y the 8i#hopThe SentenceRatifie$ 5y the Sec"!ar Co"rtTheE)ec"tion?

ON the


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Car(e!ite ha5it 2ne!t an$ praye$ in #i!ence 5efore the e)a(ination 5e&an? Then he ran hi# eye o'erthe co"rt an$ the #i&ht of the rac2 -in$!a## an$ cor$# (a$e a #!i&ht #h"$$er r"n thro"&h hi(?

9Me##ire Gi!!e# $e La'a!9 5e&an the pre#i$ent 9yo" appear 5efore (e no- for the #econ$ ti(eto an#-er to a certain re"i#ition rea$ 5y M? !e Lie"tenant $" Proc"re"r $e Nante#?9

9I #ha!! an#-er fran2!y (on#ei&ne"r9 #ai$ the pri#oner ca!(!y 95"t I re#er'e the ri&ht of appea!

to the 5eni&n inter'ention of the 'ery 'enerate$ (a6e#ty of the /in& of ,rance of -ho( I a( orha'e 5een cha(5er!ain an$ (ar#ha! a# (ay 5e pro'e$ 5y (y !etter# patent $"!y enre&i#tere$ in thepar!ia(ent at Pari#9

9Thi# i# no affair of the /in& of ,rance9 interr"pte$ Pierre $e !Ho#pita! 9if yo" -erecha(5er!ain an$ (ar#ha! of hi# Ma6e#ty yo" are a!#o 'a##a! of hi# &race the D"2e of 8rittany?9

9I $o not $eny it 5"t on the contrary I tr"#t to hi# Grace of 8rittany to a!!o- (e to retire to acon'ent of Car(e!ite# there to repent (e of (y #in#?9

9That i# a# (ay 5e -i!! yo" confe## or ("#t I #en$ yo" to the rac29

9Tort"re (e not9 e)c!ai(e$ Gi!!e# $e Ret 9I -i!! confe## a!!? Te!! (e fir#t -hat ha'e Henriet

an$ Ponto" #ai$99They ha'e confe##e$? M? !e Lie"tenant $" Proc"re"r #ha!! rea$ yo" their a!!e&ation#?9

9Not #o9 #ai$ the !ie"tenant -ho contin"e$ to #ho- fa'o"r to the acc"#e$ 9I prono"nce the(fa!#e "n!e## Me##ire $e Ret confir(# the( 5y oath -hich Go$ for5i$9

Pierre $e !Ho#pita! (a$e a (otion of an&er to chec2 thi# #can$a!o"# p!ea$in& in fa'o"r of theacc"#e$ an$ then no$$e$ to the c!er2 to rea$ the e'i$ence?

The Sire $o Ret on hearin& that hi# #er'ant# ha$ (a$e #"ch e)p!icit a'o-a!# of their act#re(aine$ (otion!e## a# tho"&h th"n$er#tr"c2? He #a- that it -a# in 'ain for hi( to e"i'ocate an$that he -o"!$ ha'e to confe## a!!?

9+hat ha'e yo" to #ay9 a#2e$ the pre#i$ent -hen the confe##ion# of Henriet an$ Ponto" ha$5een rea$?

9Say -hat 5efit# yo" (y !or$9 interr"pte$ the !ie"tenant $" proc"re"r a# tho"&h to in$icate tothe acc"#e$ the !ine he -a# to ta2e: 9are not the#e a5o(ina5!e !ie# an$ ca!"(nie# tr"(pe$ "p to r"inyo"9

9A!a# no9 rep!ie$ the Sire $o Ret an$ hi# face -a# pa!e a# $eath: 9Henriet an$ Ponto" ha'e#po2en the tr"th? Go$ ha# !oo#ene$ their ton&"e#?9

9My !or$ re!ie'e yo"r#e!f of the 5"r$en of yo"r cri(e# 5y ac2no-!e$&in& the( at once9 #ai$ M?$o !Ho#pita! earne#t!y?

9Me##ire#9 #ai$ the pri#oner after a (o(ent# #i!ence: 9it i# "ite tr"e that I ha'e ro55e$ (other#of their !itt!e one# an$ that I ha'e 2i!!e$ their chi!$ren or ca"#e$ the( to 5e 2i!!e$ either 5y c"ttin&their throat# -ith $a&&er# or 2ni'e# or 5y choppin& off their hea$# -ith c!ea'er# or e!#e I ha'e ha$their #2"!!# 5ro2en 5y ha((er# or #tic2# #o(eti(e# I ha$ their !i(5# he-n off one after another atother ti(e# I ha'e rippe$ the( open that I (i&ht e)a(ine their entrai!# an$ heart# I ha'eocca#iona!!y #tran&!e$ the( or p"t the( to a #!o- $eath an$ -hen the chi!$ren -ere $ea$ I ha$their 5o$ie# 5"rne$ an$ re$"ce$ to a#he#?9

9+hen $i$ yo" 5e&in yo"r e)ecra5!e practice#9 a#2e$ Pierre $e !Ho#pita! #ta&&ere$ 5y thefran2ne## of the#e horri5!e a'o-a!#: 9the e'i! one ("#t ha'e po##e##e$ yo"?9

9It ca(e to (e fro( (y#e!fno $o"5t at the in#ti&ation of the $e'i!: 5"t #ti!! the#e act# of cr"e!ty

affor$e$ (e inco(para5!e $e!i&ht? The $e#ire to co((it the#e atrocitie# ca(e "pon (e ei&ht year#a&o? I !eft co"rt to &o to Chantonc that I (i&ht c!ai( the property of (y &ran$father $ecea#e$? Inthe !i5rary of the ca#t!e I fo"n$ a Latin 5oo2!uetonius I 5e!ie'ef"!! of acco"nt# of the cr"e!tie#


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A 'a#t cro-$ ha$ a##e(5!e$ ro"n$ the &a!!o-# it -a# -ith $iffic"!ty that a -ay -a# (a$e for thecon$e(ne$ -ho ca(e on chantin& theDe pro$undis? The #pectator# of a!! a&e# too2 "p the p#a!(an$ chante$ it -ith the( #o that the #"r&e of the o!$ Gre&orian tone (i&ht ha'e 5een hear$ 5y the$"2e an$ the 5i#hop -ho ha$ #h"t the(#e!'e# "p in the ch@tea" of Nante# $"rin& the ho"r ofe)ec"tion?

After the c!o#e of the p#a!( -hich -a# ter(inate$ 5y the*e1uiem #ternamin#tea$ of theGloria the Sire $e Ret than2e$ tho#e -ho ha$ con$"cte$ hi( an$ then e(5race$ Ponto" an$Henriet 5efore $e!i'erin& hi(#e!f of the fo!!o-in& a$$re## or rather #er(on:

9My 'ery $ear frien$# an$ #er'ant# 5e #tron& an$ co"ra&eo"# a&ain#t the a##a"!t# of the $e'i!an$ fee! &reat $i#p!ea#"re an$ contrition for yo"r i!! $ee$# -itho"t $e#pairin& of Go$# (ercy?8e!ie'e -ith (e that there i# no #in ho-e'er &reat in the -or!$ -hich Go$ in hi# &race an$!o'in& 2in$ne## -i!! not par$on -hen one a#2# it of Hi( -ith contrition of heart? Re(e(5er thatthe Lor$ Go$ i# a!-ay# (ore rea$y to recei'e the #inner than i# the #inner to a#2 of Hi( par$on?Moreo'er !et "# 'ery h"(5!y than2 Hi( for hi# &reat !o'e to "# in !ettin& "# $ie in f"!! po##e##ionof o"r fac"!tie# an$ not c"ttin& "# off #"$$en!y in the (i$#t of o"r (i#$ee$#? Let "# concei'e #"ch a!o'e of Go$ an$ #"ch repentance that -e #ha!! not fear $eath -hich i# on!y a !itt!e pan& -itho"t

-hich -e co"!$ not #ee Go$ in hi# &!ory? 8e#i$e# -e ("#t $e#ire to 5e free$ fro( thi# -or!$ in-hich i# on!y (i#ery that -e (ay &o to e'er!a#tin& &!ory? Let "# re6oice rather for a!tho"&h -eha'e #inne$ &rie'o"#!y here 5e!o- yet -e #ha!! 5e "nite$ in Para$i#e o"r #o"!# 5ein& parte$ fro(o"r 5o$ie# an$ -e #ha!! 5e to&ether for e'er an$ e'er if on!y -e en$"re in o"r pio"# an$hono"ra5!e contrition to o"r !a#t #i&h?9 note1 Then the (ar#ha! -ho -a# to 5e e)ec"te$ fir#t!eft hi# co(panion# an$ p!ace$ hi(#e!f in the han$# of hi# e)ec"tioner#? He too2 off hi# cap 2ne!t2i##e$ a cr"cifi) an$ (a$e a pio"# oration to the cro-$ ("ch in the #ty!e of hi# a$$re## to hi#frien$# Ponto" an$ Henriet?

V1? The ca#e of the Sire $e Ret i# one to (a2e "# #ee the &reat $an&er there i# in tr"#tin& to fee!in in (atter# ofre!i&ion? 9If tho" -i!t enter into !ife 2eep the co((an$(ent#9 #ai$ o"r Lor$? Ho- (any hope to &o to hea'en 5eca"#ethey ha'e pio"# e(otion#X

Then he co((ence$ recitin& the prayer# of the $yin& the e)ec"tioner pa##e$ the cor$ ro"n$ hi#nec2 an$ a$6"#te$ the 2not? He (o"nte$ a ta!! #too! erecte$ at the foot of the &a!!o-# a# a !a#thono"r pai$ to the no5i!ity of the cri(ina!? The pi!e of fire-oo$ -a# !i&hte$ 5efore the e)ec"tioner#ha$ !eft hi(?

Ponto" an$ Henriet -ho -ere #ti!! on their 2nee# rai#e$ their eye# to their (a#ter an$ crie$ tohi( e)ten$in& their ar(#

9At thi# !a#t ho"r (on#ei&ne"r 5e a &oo$ an$ 'a!iant #o!$ier of Go$ an$ re(e(5er the pa##ionof =e#"# Chri#t -hich -ro"&ht o"r re$e(ption? ,are-e!! -e hope #oon to (eet in Para$i#e

The #too! -a# ca#t $o-n an$ the Sire $e Ret $roppe$? The fire roare$ "p the f!a(e# !eape$

a5o"t hi( an$ en'e!ope$ hi( a# 5e #-"n&?S"$$en!y (in&!in& -ith the $eep 5oo(in& of the cathe$ra! 5e!! #-e!!e$ "p the -i!$ "nearth!y

-ai! of theDies ir#?

No #o"n$ a(on& the cro-$ on!y the &ro-! of the fire an$ the #o!e(n #train of the hy(n

Lo the 8oo2 e)act!y -or$e$+herein a!! hath 5een recor$e$Thence #ha!! 6"$&(ent 5e a-ar$e$?

+hen the ="$&e hi# #eat attaineth

An$ each hi$$en $ee$ arrai&nethNothin& "na'en&e$ re(aineth?


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proportion# #too$ th"#: ;1BF no5!e# to F tra$e#(en?

The a'era&e of e)ec"tion for cri(e i# nine a year o"t of a pop"!ation of fo"r an$ a ha!f(i!!ion#5y no (ean# a hi&h fi&"re con#i$erin& the pere(ptory -ay in -hich 6"#tice i# $ea!t forthin that pro'ince? Yet in the (o#t "iet an$ -e!!$i#po#e$ nei&h5o"rhoo$# occa#iona!!y the (o#t#tart!in& atrocitie# are co((itte$ occ"rrin& -hen !ea#t e)pecte$ an$ #o(eti(e# perpetrate$ 5y the'ery per#on -ho i# !ea#t #"#pecte$?

="#t #i)teen year# a&o there happene$ in the circ!e of Torno- in +e#tern Ga!iciathe pro'ince i#$i'i$e$ into nine circ!e#a circ"(#tance -hich -i!! pro5a5!y f"rni#h the &ran$a(e# -ith a #tory fortheir fire#i$e# $"rin& their 5itter Ga!ician -inter# for (any a !on& year?

In the circ!e of Torno- in the !or$#hip of Par2o#t i# a !itt!e ha(!et ca!!e$ Po!o(y6a con#i#tin& ofei&ht ho'e!# an$ a =e-i#h ta'ern? The inha5itant# are (o#t!y -oo$c"tter# he-in& $o-n the fir# ofthe $en#e fore#t in -hich their 'i!!a&e i# #it"ate$ an$ con'eyin& the( to the neare#t -ater $o-n-hich they are f!oate$ to the %i#t"!a? Each tenant pay# no rent for hi# cotta&e an$ pitch of fie!$ 5"ti# 5o"n$ to -or2 a fi)e$ n"(5er of $ay# for hi# !an$!or$: a practice "ni'er#a! in Ga!icia an$ often

pro$"cti'e of ("ch $i#content an$ in6"#tice a# the proprietor e)act# !a5o"r fro( hi# tenant on tho#e$ay# -hen the har'e#t ha# to 5e &ot in or the !an$ i# ( 5e#t con$ition for ti!!a&e an$ 6"#t -hen the

pea#ant -o"!$ &!a$!y 5e en&a&e$ "pon hi# o-n #(a!! p!ot? Money i# #carce in the pro'ince an$ thi#i# accor$in&!y the on!y -ay in -hich the !an$!or$ can 5e #"re of hi# $"e#?

Mo#t of the 'i!!a&er# of Po!o(y6a are (i#era5!y poor 5"t 5y c"!ti'atin& a !itt!e (aie an$2eepin& a fe- fo-!# or a pi& they #crape to&ether #"fficient to #"#tain !ife? D"rin& the #"((er the(en co!!ect re#in fro( the pine# fro( each of -hich once in t-e!'e Year# they #trip a #!ip of 5ar2!ea'in& the re#in to e)"$e an$ tric2!e into a #(a!! earthen-are 6ar at it# root# an$ $"rin& the -intera# a!rea$y #tate$ they fe!! the tree# an$ ro!! the( $o-n to the ri'er?

Po!o(y6a i# not a cheerf"! #potne#te$ a(on& $en#e (a##e# of pine -hich #he$ a &!oo( o'erthe !itt!e ha(!et yet on a fine $ay it i# p!ea#ant eno"&h for the o!$ -o(en to #it at their cotta&e$oor# #centin& that (atch!e## pine fra&rance #-eeter than the 5a!( of the Spice I#!an$# for therei# nothin& c!oyin& in that e)"i#ite an$ e)hi!aratin& o$o"r !i#tenin& to the harp!i2e thri!! of the

5reee in the o!$ &rey treetop# an$ 2nittin& "iet!y at !on& #toc2in -hi!#t their !itt!e&ran$chi!$ren ro(p in the heather an$ t"fte$ fern?

To-ar$# e'enin& too there i# #o(ethin& in$e#cri5a5!y 5ea"tif"! in the fir-oo$? The #"n $i'e#a(on& the tree# an$ paint# their 5o!e# -ith patche# of !"(ino"# #affron or fa!!in& o'er a !e'e!c!earin& &!orifie# it -ith it# oran&e $ye #o 'i#i5!y contra#tin& -ith the 5!"ep"rp!e #ha$o- on the-e#tern ri( of "nrec!ai(e$ fore#t $eep an$ !"#cio"# a# the 5!oo( on a p!"(? The 5ir$# then areha#tenin& to their ne#t# a &erfa!con hi&h o'erhea$ i# 2in$!e$ -ith #"n!i&ht caperin& an$&a(5o!!in& a(on& the 5ranche# the (erry #"irre! #2ip# ho(e for the ni&ht?

The #"n &oe# $o-n 5"t the #2y i# #ti!! #hinin& -ith t-i!i&ht? The -i!$ cat 5e&in# to hi## an$#"a!! in the fore#t the heron to f!ap ha#ti!y 5y the #tor2 on the top of the ta'ern chi(ney to poi#eit#e!f on one !e& for #!eep? To-hoo an o-! 5e&in# to -a2e "p? Har2 the -oo$c"tter# are co(in&ho(e -ith a #on&?

S"ch i# Po!o(y6a in #"((er ti(e an$ ("ch re#e(5!in& it are the ha(!et# #cattere$ a5o"t thefore#t at inter'a!# of a fe- (i!e# in each the p"5!icho"#e 5ein& the (o#t co((o$io"# an$ 5e#t

5"i!t e$ifice the ch"rch -hene'er there i# one not re(ar2a5!e for anythin& 5"t it# 5"!5o"# #teep!e?

Yo" -o"!$ har$!y 5e!ie'e that a(i$#t a!! thi# po'erty a 5e&&ar co"!$ ha'e pic2e$ "p any#"5#i#tence an$ yet a fe- year# a&o S"n$ay after S"n$ay there #at a -hite5ear$e$ 'enera5!e (anat the ch"rch $oor a#2in& a!(#?

Poor peop!e are pro'er5ia!!y co(pa##ionate an$ !i5era! #o that the o!$ (an &enera!!y &ot a fe-copper# an$ often #o(e &oo$ -o(an 5a$e hi( co(e into her cotta&e an$ !et hi( ha'e #o(e foo$?

Occa#iona!!y S-iate2that -a# the 5e&&ar# na(e -ent hi# ro"n$# #e!!in& #(a!! pinch5ec2


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orna(ent# an$ 5ea$# &enera!!y ho-e'er on!y appea!in& to charity?

One S"n$ay after ch"rch a Ma"r an$ hi# -ife in'ite$ the o!$ (an into their h"t an$ &a'e hi( acr"#t of pie an$ #o(e (eat? There -ere #e'era! chi!$ren a5o"t 5"t a !itt!e &ir! of nine or tenattracte$ the o!$ (an# attention 5y her art!e## tric2#?

S-iate2 fe!t in hi# poc2et an$ pro$"ce$ a rin& enc!o#in& a piece of co!o"re$ &!a## #et o'er foi!?

Thi# he pre#ente$ to the chi!$ -ho ran off $e!i&hte$ to #ho- her ac"i#ition to her co(panion#?9I# that !itt!e (ai$ yo"r $a"&hter9 a#2e$ the 5e&&ar?

9No9 an#-ere$ the ho"#e-ife 9#he i# an orphan there -a# a -i$o- in thi# p!ace -ho $ie$!ea'in& the chi!$ an$ I ha'e ta2en char&e of her one (o"th (ore -i!! not (atter ("ch an$ the&oo$ Go$ -i!! 5!e## "#?9

9Ay ay to 5e #"re He -i!! the orphan# an$ father!e## are "n$er Hi# o-n pec"!iar care?9

9She# a &oo$ !itt!e thin& an$ &i'e# no tro"5!e9 o5#er'e$ the -o(an? 9Yo" &o 5ac2 to Po!o(y6atoni&ht I rec2on?9

9I $oah9 e)c!ai(e$ S-iate2 a# the !itt!e &ir! ran "p to hi(? Yo" !i2e the rin& i# it not

5ea"tif"! I fo"n$ it "n$er a 5i& fir to the !eft of the ch"rchyar$there (ay 5e $oen# there? Yo"("#t t"rn ro"n$ three ti(e# 5o- to the (oon an$ #ay Ka5ob then !oo2 a(on& the treeroot# ti!!yo" fin$ one?9

9Co(e a!on&9 #crea(e$ the chi!$ to it# co(ra$e# 9-e -i!! &o an$ !oo2 for rin?9

9Yo" ("#t #ee2 #eparate!y9 #ai$ S-iate2?

The chi!$ren #ca(pere$ off into the -oo$?

9I ha'e $one one &oo$ thin& for yo"9 !a"&he$ the 5e&&ar 9in ri$$in& yo" for a ti(e of the noi#eof tho#e chi!$ren?9

9I a( &!a$ of a !itt!e "iet no- an$ then9 #ai$ the -o(an 9the chi!$ren -i!! not !et the 5a5y#!eep at ti(e# -ith their c!atter? Are yo" &oin&9

9Ye# I ("#t reach Po!o(y6a toni&ht? I a( o!$ an$ 'ery fee5!e an$ poor9he 5e&an to fa!! intohi# c"#to(ary -hine 'ery poor 5"t I than2 an$ pray to Go$ for yo"?9

S-iate2 !eft the cotta&e?

4hat little orphan was never seen again.

The A"#trian Go'ern(ent ha# of !ate year# 5een 'i&oro"#!y a$'ancin& e$"cation a(on& the!o-er or$er# an$ e#ta5!i#hin& #choo!# thro"&ho"t the pro'ince?

The chi!$ren -ere ret"rnin& fro( c!a## one $ay an$ -ere #cattere$ a(on& the tree# #o(e

p"r#"in& a fie!$(o"#e other# co!!ectin& 6"niper5errie# an$ #o(e #a"nterin& -ith their han$# intheir poc2et# -hi#t!in&?

9+here# Peter9 a#2e$ one !itt!e 5oy of another -ho -a# 5e#i$e hi(? 9+e three &o ho(e the#a(e -ay !et "# &o to&ether?9

9Peter9 #ho"te$ the !a$?

9Here I a(9 -a# the an#-er fro( a(on& the tree# 9I!! 5e -ith yo" $irect!y?9

9Oh I #ee hi(9 #ai$ the e!$er 5oy? 9There i# #o(e one ta!2in& to hi(?9

9+here9

9Yon$er a(on& the pine#? Ah they ha'e &one f"rther into the #ha$o- an$ I cannot #ee the( any(ore? I -on$er -ho -a# -ith hi( a (an I thin2?9

The 5oy# -aite$ ti!! they -ere tire$ an$ then they #a"ntere$ ho(e $eter(ine$ to thra#h Peter for


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ha'in& 2ept the( -aitin&?=ut ,eter was never seen again.

So(e ti(e after thi# a #er'ant&ir! 5e!on&in& to a #(a!! #tore 2ept 5y a R"##ian $i#appeare$fro( a 'i!!a&e fi'e (i!e# fro( Po!o(y6a? She ha$ 5een #ent -ith a parce! of &rocery to a cotta&e atno 'ery &reat $i#tance 5"t !yin& apart fro( the (ain c!"#ter of ho'e!# an$ #"rro"n$e$ 5y tree#?

The $ay c!o#e$ in an$ her (a#ter -aite$ her ret"rn an)io"#!y 5"t a# #e'era! ho"r# e!ap#e$

-itho"t any #i&n of her hea##i#te$ 5y the nei&h5o"r#-ent in #earch of her?A #!i&ht po-$erin& of #no- co'ere$ the &ro"n$ an$ her foot#tep# co"!$ 5e trace$ at inter'a!#

-here #he ha$ $i'er&e$ fro( the 5eaten trac2? In that part of the roa$ -here the tree# -ere thic2e#tthere -ere (ar2# of t-o pair of feet !ea'in& the path 5"t o-in& to the $en#ity of the tree# at that#pot an$ to the #!i&htne## of the fa!! of #no- -hich $i$ not reach the #oi! -here #ha$e$ 5y the

pine# the footprint# -ere i((e$iate!y !o#t? 8y the fo!!o-in& (ornin& a hea'y fa!! ha$ o5!iterate$any f"rther trace# -hich $ay!i&ht (i&ht ha'e $i#co'ere$?

4he servant)girl also was never seen again.

D"rin& the -inter of 1*


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("ch &reater than he ha$ repre#ente$ an$ their te#ti(ony i# 5orne o"t 5y the fact that the re(ain#of$ourteen$ifferent cap# an$ #"it# of c!othe# (a!e a# -e!! a# fe(a!e -ere fo"n$ in hi# ho"#e?

The ori&in of thi# horri5!e an$ $epra'e$ ta#te -a# a# fo!!o-# accor$in& to S-iate2# o-nconfe##ion:

In 1*


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e"a!!y re#o!"te not to accept the rich an$ "&!y !a$y he $i$ -hat (o#t father# "n$er #"chcirc"(#tance# are con#traine$ to $o he ac"ie#ce$?

The -e$$in& too2 p!ace -ith &reat po(p an$ cere(ony an$ a happy honey(oon en#"e$ -hich(i&ht ha'e 5een happier 5"t for one !itt!e circ"(#tance -hich !e$ to 'ery #erio"# con#e"ence#?

A5"!Ha##an notice$ that hi# 5ri$e "itte$ the n"ptia! co"ch a# #oon a# #he tho"&ht her h"#5an$

-a# a#!eep an$ $i$ not ret"rn to it ti!! an 5oar 5efore $a-n?,i!!e$ -ith c"rio#ity Ha##an one ni&ht fei&ne$ #!eep an$ #a- hi# -ife ri#e an$ !ea'e the roo( a#

"#"a!? He fo!!o-e$ ca"tio"#!y an$ #a- her enter a ce(etery? 8y the #tra&&!in& (oon5ea(# he5ehe!$ her &o into a to(5 he #teppe$ in after her?

The #cene -ithin -a# horri5!e? A party of &ho"!# -ere a##e(5!e$ -ith the #poi!# of the &ra'e#they ha$ 'io!ate$? an$ -ere fea#tin& on the f!e#h of the !on&5"rie$ corp#e#? Hi# o-n -ife -ho 5ythe -ay ne'er to"che$ #"pper at ho(e p!aye$ no incon#i$era5!e part in the hi$eo"# 5an"et?

A# #oon a# he co"!$ #afe!y e#cape A5"!Ha##an #to!e 5ac2 to hi# 5e$?

He #ai$ nothin& to hi# 5ri$e ti!! ne)t e'enin& -hen #"pper -a# !ai$ an$ #he $ec!ine$ to eat then

he in#i#te$ on her parta2in& an$ -hen #he po#iti'e!y ref"#e$ he e)c!ai(e$ -rathf"!!y9Ye# yo"2eep yo"r appetite for yo"r fea#t -ith the &ho"!#9 Na$i!!a -a# #i!ent #he t"rne$ pa!e an$ tre(5!e$an$ -itho"t a -or$ #o"&ht her 5e$? At (i$ni&ht #he ro#e fe!! on her h"#5an$ -ith her nai!# an$teeth tore hi# throat an$ ha'in& opene$ a 'ein atte(pte$ to #"c2 hi# 5!oo$ 5"t A5"!Ha##an#prin&in& to hi# feet thre- her $o-n an$ -ith a 5!o- 2i!!e$ her? She -a# 5"rie$ ne)t $ay?

Three $ay# after at (i$ni&ht #he reappeare$ attac2e$ her h"#5an$ a&ain an$ a&ain atte(pte$to #"c2 hi# 5!oo$? He f!e$ fro( her an$ on the (orro- opene$ her to(5 5"rne$ her to a#he# an$ca#t the( into the Ti&ri#?

Thi# #tory connect# the &ho"! -ith the 'a(pire? A# -i!! 5e #een 5y a for(er chapter the -ere-o!f an$ the 'a(pire are c!o#e!y re!ate$?

That the ancient# he!$ the #a(e 5e!ief that the -itche# 'io!ate corp#e# i# e'i$ent fro( the thir$epi#o$e in the Golden Assof Ap"!ei"#? I -i!! on!y "ote the -or$# of the crier:

9I pray thee te!! (e9 rep!ie$ I 9of -hat 2in$ are the $"tie# attache$ to thi# f"nera!&"ar$ian#hip9 9D"tie#9 "oth the crier 9-hy 2eep -i$e a-a2e a!! ni&ht -ith thine eye# fi)e$#tea$i!y "pon the corp#e neither -in2in& nor 5!in2in& nor !oo2in& to the ri&ht nor !oo2in& to the!eft either to one #i$e or the other 5e it e'en !itt!e for the -itche# infa(o"# -retche# that they arecan #!ip o"t of their #2in# in an in#tant an$ chan&e the(#e!'e# into the for( of any ani(a! they ha'ea (in$ an$ then they cra-! a!on& #o #!y!y that the eye# of 6"#tice nay the eye# of the #"n hi(#e!fare not 2een eno"&h to percei'e the(? At a!! e'ent# their -ic2e$ $e'ice# are infinite in n"(5er an$'ariety an$ -hether it 5e in the #hape of a 5ir$ or a $o& or a (o"#e or e'en of a co((on ho"#e

f!y that they e)erci#e their $ire incantation# if tho" art not 'i&i!ant in the e)tre(e they -i!! $ecei'ethee one -ay or other an$ o'er-he!( thee -ith #!eep ne'erthe!e## a# re&ar$# the re-ar$ t-i!! 5efro( fo"r to #i) a"rei nor a!tho"&h ti# a peri!o"# #er'ice -i!t tho" recei'e (ore? Nay ho!$ I ha$a!(o#t for&otten to &i'e thee a nece##ary ca"tion? C!ear!y "n$er#tan$ that it the corp#e 5e notre#tore$ to the re!ati'e# entire the $eficient piece# of f!e#h torn off 5y the teeth of the -itche# ("#t

5e rep!ace$ fro( the face of the #!eepy &"ar$ian?9

Here -e ha'e the ren$in& of corp#e# connecte$ -ith chan&e of for(?

Marca##"# re!ate# that after a !on& -ar in Syria $"rin& the ni&ht troop# of !a(ia# fe(a!e e'i!#pirit# appeare$ "pon the fie!$ of 5att!e "nearthin& the ha#ti!y 5"rie$ 5o$ie# of the #o!$ier# an$$e'o"rin& the f!e#h off their 5one#? They -ere p"r#"e$ an$ fire$ "pon an$ #o(e yo"n& (en

#"ccee$e$ in 2i!!in& a con#i$era5!e n"(5er 5"t $"rin& the $ay they ha$ a!! of the( the for(# of-o!'e# or hy4na#? That there i# a fo"n$ation of tr"th in the#e horri5!e #torie# an$ that it i# "ite

po##i5!e for a h"(an 5ein& to 5e po##e##e$ of a $epra'e$ appetite for ren$in& corp#e# i# pro'e$ 5y


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an e)traor$inary ca#e 5ro"&ht 5efore a co"rt(artia! in Pari# #o !ate a# ="!y 1Fth 1*


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8ertran$ $ec!are$ at hi# tria! that -hi!#t he -a# in the ho#pita! he ha$ not fe!t any $e#ire to rene-hi# atte(pt# an$ that he con#i$ere$ hi(#e!f c"re$ of hi# horri5!e propen#itie# for he ha$ #een (en$yin& in the 5e$# aro"n$ hi( an$ no-: 9=e #"i# &"ri car a"6o"r$h"i 6ai pe"r $"n (ort?9

The fit# of e)ha"#tion -hich fo!!o-e$ hi# acce##e# are 'ery re(ar2a5!e a# they preci#e!yre#e(5!e tho#e -hich fo!!o-e$ the 5er#er2ir ra&e# of the North(en an$ the e)pe$ition# of theLycanthropi#t#?

The ca#e of M? 8ertran$ i# in$"5ita5!y (o#t #in&"!ar an$ ano(a!o"# it #carce!y 5ear# thecharacter of in#anity 5"t #ee(# to point rather to a #pecie# of $ia5o!ica! po##e##ion? At fir#t theacce##e# chief!y fo!!o-e$ "pon hi# $rin2in& -ine 5"t after a -hi!e they ca(e "pon hi( -itho"te)citin& ca"#e? The (anner in -hich he ("ti!ate$ the $ea$ -a# $ifferent? So(e he choppe$ -ith the#pa$e other# he tore an$ rippe$ -ith hi# teeth an$ nai!#? So(eti(e# he tore the (o"th open an$ rentthe face 5ac2 to the ear# he opene$ the #to(ach# an$ p"!!e$ off the !i(5#? A!tho"&h he $"& "p the

5o$ie# of #e'era! (en he fe!t no inc!ination to ("ti!ate the( -herea# he $e!i&hte$ in ren$in&fe(a!e corp#e#? He -a# #entence$ to a year# i(pri#on(ent?

!HA)TER VI#A SER+ON ON WERE -WOLVES#

The $i#co"r#e# of Dr? =ohann Gei!erThe Ser(onRe(ar2#?

THE fo!!o-in& c"rio"# #peci(en of a !ate (e$i4'a! #er(on i# ta2en fro( the o!$ Ger(an e$itionof the $i#co"r#e# of Dr? =ohann Gei!er 'on /ey#er#per& a fa(o"# preacher in Stra#5o"r&? The'o!"(e i# entit!e$: 9Die meis? Di# i#t $a# 8>ch 'on $er O(ei##en "n$ $"rch Herr $er />nni& ich$iente &ern? Un$ #a&t 'on Ei&en#chafft $er O(ei##en "n$ &i5t "n$er-ei#"n& 'on $er Unho!$eno$er He)en "n$ 'on Ge#pen#t $er Gei#t "n$ 'on $e( +>ten$en Heer +"n$er5ar!ich?9

Thi# #tran&e #erie# of #er(on# -a# preache$ at Stra#5o"r& in the year 17F* an$ -a# ta2en $o-nan$ -ritten o"t 5y a 5arefoote$ friar =ohann Pa"!i an$ 5y hi( p"5!i#he$ in 171? The $octor $ie$on Mi$Lent S"n$ay 171F? There i# a Latin e$ition of hi# #er(on# 5"t -hether of the #a(e #erie#or not I cannot te!! a# I ha'e 5een "na5!e to o5tain a #i&ht of the 'o!"(e? The Ger(an e$ition i#i!!"#trate$ -ith 5o!$ an$ c!e'er -oo$c"t#? A(on& other there are repre#entation# of the +itche#Sa55ath the +i!$ H"nt#(an an$ a +ere-o!f attac2in& a Man?

The #er(on -a# preache$ on the thir$ S"n$ay in Lent? No te)t i# &i'en 5"t there i# a &enera!reference to the &o#pe! for the $ay? Thi# i# the $i#co"r#e: note1

V1? Hea$e$ th"#:9A( $ritt3 #onta& fa#td occ"!i pre$i&t $ $octor ' $d +er-0!ffenn?9X

9+hat #ha!! -e #ay a5o"t -ere-o!'e# for there are -ere-o!'e# -hich r"n a5o"t the 'i!!a&e#$e'o"rin& (en an$ chi!$ren? A# (en #ay a5o"t the( they r"n a5o"t f"!! &a!!op in6"rin& (en an$are ca!!e$ 5er-0!ff or -er-0!ff? Do yo" a#2 (e if I 2no- a"&ht a5o"t the( I an#-er Ye#? Theyare apparent!y -o!'e# -hich cat (en an$ chi!$ren an$ that happen# on #e'en acco"nt#:

7. -suriem 3unger.8. 9a:iem 'avageness.;. 'ene5tutem Old age.. (ia:olum !he (evil.?. (eum @od.

The fir#t happen# thro"&h h"n&er -hen the -o!'e# fin$ nothin& to eat in the -oo$# they ("#tco(e to peop!e an$ eat (en -hen h"n&er $ri'e# the( to it? Yo" #ee -e!! -hen it i# 'ery co!$ thatthe #ta co(e in #earch of foo$ "p to the 'i!!a&e# an$ the 5ir$# act"a!!y into the $inin&roo( in


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#earch of 'ict"a!#?

9Un$er the #econ$ hea$ -o!'e# eat chi!$ren thro"&h their innate #a'a&ene## 5eca"#e they are#a'a&e an$ that i# propter !oc"( coit"( fer"(? Their #a'a&ene## ari#e# fir#t fro( their con$ition?+o!'e# -hich !i'e in co!$ p!ace# are #(a!!er on that acco"nt an$ (ore #a'a&e than other -o!'e#?Secon$!y their #a'a&ene## $epen$# on the #ea#on they are (ore #a'a&e a5o"t Can$!e(a# than atany other ti(e of the year an$ (en ("#t 5e (ore on their &"ar$ a&ain#t the( then than at otherti(e#? It i# a pro'er5 He -ho #ee2# a -o!f at Can$!e(a# a pea#ant on Shro'e T"e#$ay an$ a

par#on in Lent i# a (an of p!"c2? ? ? ? Thir$!y their #a'a&ene## $epen$# on their ha'in& yo"n&?+hen the -o!'e# ha'e yo"n& they are (ore #a'a&e than -hen they ha'e not? Yo" #ee it #o in a!!

5ea#t#? A -i!$ $"c2 -hen it ha# yo"n& po"!t# yo" #ee -hat an "proar it (a2e#? A cat fi&ht# for it#yo"n& 2itten# the -o!'e# $o $itto?

9Un$er the thir$ hea$ the -o!'e# $o in6"ry on acco"nt of their a&e? +hen a -o!f i# o!$ it i#-ea2 an$ fee5!e in it# !ea# #o it cant ran fa#t eno"&h to catch #ta an$ therefore it ren$# a (an-ho( it can catch ea#ier than a -i!$ ani(a!? It a!#o tear# chi!$ren an$ (en ea#ier than -i!$ ani(a!#

5eca"#e of it# teeth for it# teeth 5rea2 off -hen it i# 'ery o!$ yo" #ee it -e!! in o!$ -o(en: ho- the!a#t teeth -o55!e an$ they ha'e #carce!y a tooth !eft in their hea$# an$ they open their (o"th# for

(en to fee$ the( -ith (a#h an$ #te-e$ #"5#tance#?9Un$er the fo"rth hea$ the in6"ry the -ere-o!'e# $o ari#e# fro( e)perience? It i# #ai$ that

h"(an f!e#h i# far #-eeter than other f!e#h #o -hen a -o!f ha# once ta#te$ h"(an f!e#h he $e#ire#to ta#te it a&ain? So he act# !i2e o!$ toper# -ho -hen they 2no- the 5e#t -ine -i!! not 5e p"t off-ith inferior "a!ity?

9Un$er the fifth hea$ the in6"ry ari#e# fro( i&norance? A $o& -hen it i# (a$ i# a!#oincon#i$erate an$ it 5ite# any (an it $oe# not reco&nie it# o-n !or$: an$ -hat i# a -o!f 5"t a -i!$$o& -hich i# (a$ an$ incon#i$erate #o that it re&ar$# no (an?

9Un$er the #i)th hea$ the in6"ry co(e# of the De'i! -ho tran#for(# hi(#e!f an$ ta2e# on hi(the for( of a -o!f So -rite# %incenti"# in hi# !peculum +istoriale? An$ he ha# ta2en it fro(%a!eri"# Ma)i("# in the P"nic -ar? +hen the Ro(an# fo"&ht a&ain#t the (en of Africa -hen thecaptain !ay a#!eep there ca(e a -o!f an$ $re- hi# #-or$ an$ carrie$ it off? That -a# the De'i! in a-o!f# for(? The !i2e -rite# +i!!ia( of Pari#that a -o!f -i!! 2i!! an$ $e'o"r chi!$ren an$ $o the&reate#t (i#chief? There -a# a (an -ho ha$ the phanta#y that he hi(#e!f -a# a -o!f? An$after-ar$# he -a# fo"n$ !yin& in the -oo$ an$ he -a# $ea$ o"t of #heer h"n&er?

9Un$er the #e'enth hea$ the in6"ry co(e# of Go$# or$inance? ,or Go$ -i!! #o(eti(e# p"ni#hcertain !an$# an$ 'i!!a&e# -ith -o!'e#? So -e rea$ of E!i#hathat -hen E!i#ha -ante$ to &o "p a(o"ntain o"t of =ericho #o(e na"&hty 5oy# (a$e a (oc2 of hi( an$ #ai$ O 5a!$ hea$ #tep "p O&!o##y pate #tep "p +hat happene$ He c"r#e$ the(? Then ca(e t-o 5ear# o"t of the $e#ert an$tore a5o"t fortyt-o of the chi!$ren? That -a# Go$# or$inance? The !i2e -e rea$ of a prophet -ho

-o"!$ #et at na"&ht the co((an$# he ha$ recei'e$ of Go$ for he -a# per#"a$e$ to eat 5rea$ at theho"#e of another? A# he -ent ho(e he ro$e "pon hi# a##? Then ca(e a !ion -hich #!e- hi( an$ !eftthe a## a!one? That -a# Go$# or$inance? Therefore ("#t (an t"rn to Go$ -hen He 5rin -i!$

Documents

S. Baring-Gould - The Book of Were-wolves