It is the Mass or death." All the events leading up to that fateful night, August 24, 1572, may never be known.

Near the Church of St.Germain d'Auxerrois, which rang out the signal and was mute witness of the horror, has just been erected the statue of the great Coligny, bearing the above date.
The miserable Charles was not quite base enough for the part he had played.

Tormented with memories, haggard with remorse, he felt that he was dying.

His suspicious eyes turned upon his mother, well versed in poisons, as he knew; and, as he also knew, capable of anything.

Was this wasting away the result of a drug?
Mind and body gave way under the strain.