The more philosophic, who scorn the luxury of potatoes, and with it the
life that affords no other, meditate how best to get rid of existence;
and this they effect almost ever in one way; viz., by killing their most
obnoxious keeper, and thus earning the guillotine.
It is a frequent scene in the _bagne_, that of an execution. It occurs
every week or fortnight. All the convicts are obliged to attend, for the
purpose of striking them with terror, and working contrition and good
behaviour in them. Alas! it is a huge mistake. For these days are of all
other days of _fete_ to them. Their countenances are marked by universal
joy, and they shout congratulations, not condolences, to their comrade
about to perish. Death to them is indeed an escape. Its ceremony is to
them a marriage feast: and decapitation, what a _black job_ was to Lord
Portsmouth,--the only variety and excitement that could give a spur to
their heavy and painful existence.
Speak as we may against the pains of death, this is worse, not only
physically but morally; for it degrades humanity far lower than is
conceiveable. The French have an idea that they can imitate the American
mode of punishment by solitary confinement. This again will be still
worse than the galleys; since religious consolation can alone redeem or
ameliorate man in this state of durance; and as this makes no part of
the French system, I cannot help thinking the _guillotine_ more
merciful, than either their _bagne_ or their solitary cells.
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