His heart failed him.
"Oh, I cannot behold this frightful spectacle!" said he.

"I cannot consent that this woman should die thus!" Milady heard these few words and caught at a shadow of hope.
"d'Artagnan, d'Artagnan!" cried she; "remember that I loved you!" The young man rose and took a step toward her.
But Athos rose likewise, drew his sword, and placed himself in the way.
"If you take one step farther, d'Artagnan," said he, "we shall cross swords together." D'Artagnan sank on his knees and prayed.
"Come," continued Athos, "executioner, do your duty." "Willingly, monseigneur," said the executioner; "for as I am a good Catholic, I firmly believe I am acting justly in performing my functions on this woman." "That's well." Athos made a step toward Milady.
"I pardon you," said he, "the ill you have done me.

I pardon you for my blasted future, my lost honor, my defiled love, and my salvation forever compromised by the despair into which you have cast me.

Die in peace!" Lord de Winter advanced in his turn.
"I pardon you," said he, "for the poisoning of my brother, and the assassination of his Grace, Lord Buckingham.

I pardon you for the death of poor Felton; I pardon you for the attempts upon my own person.