From Crown to Crown, by the Author of 'The Martyrs of Vienne and Lyons'. (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1885. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... chapter xviii. The court was crowded: all classes, high and low, rich and poor, were represented. The former of these were permitted to sit in places of dignity near Lsetus, who, on entering the building, was enthusiastically cheered: the latter congregated round the entrance, and became exceedingly turbulent during portions of the proceedings. Leonidas had not yet been sent for from prison; but every needful arrangement seemed to have been completed, and it was evident that the examination was soon about to commence. Lsetus, robed in a long purple garment, fringed with a band of gold and white, fastened over his left shoulder, seated himself at one end of the hall. Beside him stood several lictors, with bundles of rods and axes, called fasces--symbols of authority. Below, at tables, which were spread with parchment rolls and writing materials, sat the lawyers, robed in long white vestments, all in earnest conversation one with the other. An open space in the centre of the building was F railed off, towards which spot the eyes of the assembly seemed to be generally directe'd. It was rumoured that the governor had sent for the prisoner, who, not making his appearance, a general conversation again ensued throughout the building. In the meantime Fabricius, who was an intimate friend of Leonidas, awaited his arrival at a low door on the side of the hall; and after remaining a few minutes, his attention was drawn to a rabble-crowd, hooting and yelling, rapidly advancing towards the place of justice. They preceded Leonidas, an old and venerable man, with long white hair and beard, and a tranquil expression of feature, who was closely guarded by about a dozen soldiers, who marched with solemn and slow step towards the spot where Fabricius was standing. Here they sudden...