Note 417 — BOOK X[399]
Alexander Teixeira de Mattos translation
Robert François Damiens (1715-1757) made an unsuccessful attempt on the life of King Louis XV. on the 5th of January 1757. He succeeded in stabbing him. The punishment inflicted on Damiens was one of the most serious known in history: his right hand was burnt in a slow fire; his flesh was torn with pincers and burnt with melted lead; resin, wax and oil were poured upon the wounds; and he was torn to pieces by four horses.—T.