It would be hopeless for you to attempt to save my life." In obedience to his orders, all who were with him, save a German interpreter, fled to the roof and made their escape in the darkness.

The barricade was carried, and a German named Besme, a follower of the Duke of Guise, was the first to rush into the Admiral's room.

Coligny was calmly seated in a chair, and Besme struck him two blows with his sword, while those following despatched him.
Guise was waiting in the courtyard below.

When he heard that the Admiral was killed, he ordered the body to be thrown out of the window.

When he recognized that it was indeed the body of the Admiral, he gave it a brutal kick, while one of his followers cut off the head; and then Guise called upon the soldiers to follow him, saying: "We have begun well.