When prepared for the block, he turned to the spectators and said, with a loud and firm voice, 'My friends, believe not that I am a traitor.

I have lived a good patriot, and such I die.' He then, with his own hands, drew his cap over his eyes, and bidding the executioner 'be quick,' bowed his venerable head to the stroke.
"The populace, from various feelings, some inspired by hatred, some by affection, dipped their handkerchiefs in his blood, or carried away morsels of the blood-stained wood and sand; a few were even found to _sell_ these as relics.

The body and head were laid in a coffin and buried decently, but with little ceremony, at the court church of the Hague.
"The States of Holland rendered to his memory that justice which he had been denied while living, by the words in which they recorded his death.

After stating the time and manner of it, and his long period of service to his country, the resolution concludes, 'a man of great activity, diligence, memory, and conduct; yea, remarkable in every respect.

Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall; and may God be merciful to his soul.'" A very beautiful story is told of Barneveldt's widow.