sire the lords counsellors to speak in their due order.'

'When I heard the sentence read,' said baron Banner, 'I expected a
harder punishment. When, however, I view the question in relation to
the general welfare, it appears to me that the end is attained when the
criminal is deprived of life. It can in no way concern the public
interests whether he be buried under the gallows or not, I consider it
a matter of indifference where he lies.'

'That is also our opinion,' said the three other barons and the counts
Cronhielm and Meierfeld, simultaneously.

'As he has been judged by so learned and discriminating a commission,'
observed count Tessin, 'and as the knighthood and nobility have
approved the sentence, it should be carried into full and complete
effect. Should I advise any clemency, it must be in harmony with those
who have a more minute knowledge of all the individual views presented
by the commission, which are said to be very exact and to comprehend
the particulars of Goertz' crimes. The Italian proverb indeed says:
_Morta la bestia, morto il veneno_--but something is necessary by way
of example, that others may be deterred from meddling with the business
of state--and I know not but it might be well to think of another
expedient, which is often resorted to in other places, viz; the
erection of a monument, which shall inform posterity of his conduct and
his fate, and which may prove a warning to foreigners not to intrude
themselves into this kingdom, exciting its subjects to such violence as
he has instigated. Yet I only throw out these ideas for the gracious
and favorable consideration of your majesty and your excellencies.'

'I still adhere to the opinion I before advanced,' said count Horn;
'and God knows that I am not influenced by any prejudice. But I am
convinced that smaller offences are oftentimes more severely punished.
From affection to my native country must I adhere to the sentence.'

'If we examine the circumstances of this case,' remarked count
Stromberg deliberately, 'we find them very bad. I am therefore
compelled to support the opinion of count Horn.'

'For his pernicious projects,' said count Rhenskioeld, 'Goertz has well
deserved the punishment of death. I suggest however for the gracious
consideration of your majesty, whether mercy should not be extended to
him in consideration of his family.'

'As it appears to me,' said count Gyllenstierna, taking up the
argument, 'the present questio