The judges, either blinded by the same prejudices, or
not daring to oppose the popular torrent, condemned him to suffer the
question. This man, who had bravely served his country in war, and who
had been invested with the highest dignities, was delivered into
the hands of the executioner, and torn in pieces by the most inhuman
torments. Amidst the severe agonies which he endured, he still made
protestations of his innocence, and frequently repeated an ode of
Horace, which contained sentiments suited to his deplorable condition:--
Justum et tenacem propositi virum, etc.[*]
* Which may be thus translated:--
The man whose mind, on virtue bent, Pursues some greatly
good intent, With undiverted aim, Serene beholds the angry
crowd; Nor can their clamors, fierce and loud, His stubborn
honor tame.
Not the proud tyrant's fiercest threat, Nor storms, that
from their dark retreat The lawless surges wake; Not Jove's
dread bolt, that shakes the pole, The firmer purpose of his
soul With all its power can shake.
Should nature's frame in ruins fall, And chaos o'er the
sinking ball Resume primeval sway, His courage chance and
fate defies, Nor feels the wreck of earth and skies Obstruct
its destined way--BLACKLOCKE
The judges, however, condemned him to lose his offices, and to be
banished the commonwealth.
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