He begged hard for a pardon, not on account of his life, but for the sake of his reputation.

He earnestly implored permission to serve under the Queen of England, as a private soldier, without pay, on land or sea, for as many years as she should specify, and to be selected for the most dangerous employments, in order that, before he died, he might wipe out the disgrace, which, through his fault, in an hour of weakness, had come upon an ancient and honourable house.

Much interest was made for him--his family connection being powerful--and a general impression prevailing that he had erred through folly rather than deep guilt.

But Leicester beating himself upon the breast--as he was wont when excited--swore that there should be no pardon for such a traitor.
The States of Holland and Zeeland, likewise, were decidedly in favour of a severe example.
Hemart was accordingly led to the scaffold on the 28th June.

He spoke to the people with great calmness, and, in two languages, French and Flemish, declared that he was guiltless of treachery, but that the terror and tears of the women, in an hour of panic, had made a coward of him.