fugitive could not cry for vengeance on earth, the great proprietors of the ruined estates brought their wrongs before the throne, which were answered only by a denouncement on all who harboured the fugitives, and a full justification of the acts of the infamous d’Oppède and his associates. But retribution came at last. When Francis, the chivalrous and admired heir of all the gifts of fortune and of nature, lay, in the prime of life, racked with pain, on his death-bed, the recollections of the cruelties he had sanctioned are said to have filled him with remorse; and, anxious to throw the guilt, not on One who could pardon, but on a fellow-sinner, he bade his son bring d’Oppède and his accomplices before the bar of justice.
This famous trial, of which authentic records are still preserved,[1] took place at Paris. All Europe was interested in its issue. Its progress brought to light, and stamped with authenticity, deeds which otherwise would have been hushed until the great day of retribution. The King’s Advocate, Auberg, pleaded during seven consecutive days. His statement, though rare, is still extant, but is said to be so favour able to the Vaudois “that the hearers finished by thinking he was their advocate.” Notwithstanding this tribute to truth, wrung from the honest conviction of an opponent, “to the confusion and astonishment of the court,” the prisoners were acquitted not on the plea that their offences had not been proved, but that they were justifiable under the circumstances of the case. Henry had already liberated the Baron d’Oppède, and the Pope afterwards rewarded him with the highest honours in his gift.
- ↑ Recueil de pieces concernant l’affaire de Cabrières et Mèrindol.—MSS. Bibl. d’Aix.
