As he could not stand on his mangled limbs, he was pushed out, and fell first on his knees and then on his face.

In this position he remained patiently waiting to be lifted.

He was carried to the top of the steps and laid down, while his sentence was read to him once more, and just as it was finished, his confessor, who had not been allowed to see him for four days, forced a way through the crowd and threw himself into Grandier's arms.

At first tears choked Pere Grillau's voice, but at last he said, "Remember, sir, that our Saviour Jesus Christ ascended to His Father through the agony of the Cross: you are a wise man, do not give way now and lose everything.

I bring you your mother's blessing; she and I never cease to pray that God may have mercy on you and receive you into Paradise." These words seemed to inspire Grandier with new strength; he lifted his head, which pain had bowed, and raising his eyes to heaven, murmured a short prayer.