Finding very soon that his hair and beard were burning, he comprehended what had occurred; and called out quickly, "Do not kill him--I forgive him my death!" and turning to the French noblemen present, he added, "Alas! what a faithful servant does his Highness lose in me!" These were his first words, spoken when, as all believed, he had been mortally wounded.

The message of mercy came, however, too late; for two of the gentlemen present, by an irresistible impulse, had run the assassin through with their rapiers.

The halberdiers rushed upon him immediately after wards, so that he fell pierced in thirty-two vital places.

The Prince, supported by his friends, walked to his chamber, where he was put to bed, while the surgeons examined and bandaged the wound.

It was most dangerous in appearance, but a very strange circumstance gave more hope than could otherwise have been entertained.
The flame from the pistol had been so close that it had actually cauterized the wound inflicted by the ball.