The Rebel Lords
AT the trial of the rebel lords, George Selwyn, seeing Bethel's sharp
visage looking wistfully at the prisoners, said, What a shame it is to
turn her face to the prisoners, until they are condemned!
Some women were scolding Selwyn for going to see the execution, and
asked him how he could be such a barbarian to see the head cut off?
Nay, replied he, if that was such a crime, I am sure I have made
amends; for I went to see it sewed on again.
Walpole relates: You know Selwyn never thinks but a la tete
tranchee. On having a tooth drawn, he told the man that he would drop
his handkerchief for the signal.