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He was discovered in a wine-shop and brought
before a hastily summoned Court-martial. There his old military courage
seems to have returned to him. He demonstrated by a reference to the
instructions laid down in the Militiaman's Year-book that no mistake in
saluting had been made, that his men had therefore been wrongfully
convicted and illegally executed and that he A FORTIORI, was innocent
of any felonious intent. The Court, while approving his arguments,
condemned him none the less to the indignity of a double decapitation
for the offence of leaving his post without a signed permit from His
Highness.
It was at this point that the Good Duke interposed on his behalf. He
rescinded the decree; in other words, he relented. "Enough of bloodshed
for one day," he was heard to remark, quite simply.
This speech was one of his happiest inspirations. Instantly it echoed
from mouth to mouth; from end to end of his dominions. Enough of
bloodshed for one day! That showed his true heart, the people declared.


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