SAVED HIS LIFE BY POLITENESS.

Evening Post, Volume LX, Issue 102, 27 October 1900, Page 3 (Supplement)

SAVED HIS LIFE BY POLITENESS.

During the Reign of Terror the Comte <de Rochambeau, in company with a host -of aristocrats and others, was condemned to be guillotined. One morning he and a number of the others were taken out of jail to be executed. They were brutally ordered to hurry into the tumbril, tho vehicle used to carry prisoners to the guillotine. Among these prisoners, were several very old men, including the Minister Malesherbes, who stumbled as they were driven into the tumbril. Rochambeau ! himself was nearly seventy years old 1 , but an old soldier, as straight and strong as an oak tree. He was as calm in face of a shameful death as he had always been on the field of battle. In order not to inconvenience his fellow-victims, be Stepped back with a courtly bow and a wave of his hat, and said — "After you, gentlemen." When the others had all got in it was found that there was no room left for Rochambeau, and' his execution had to be deferred. The driver of the tumbril remarked to him— "Never mind, old Marshal* it will be your turn soon." The Marshal de Rochambeau's turn never came. Before he could be execii'ted a new revolution occurred, which ended the Reign of Terror. He dietf full of j years and honours in 1807 under Napoleon. Thus politeness saved a valuable life. ■ I