21 Girondins (beheaded in a record 36 minutes by the efficient Sanson) sang La Marseilles as they mounted the scaffold.
16 Carmelite nuns, condemned for refusing the oath, sang Ave Maria
Georges Jacques Danton, revolutionary leader: 'Show my head to the people. It will be worth it."
Madame Elisabeth, sister to Louis XVI(after the fichu that covered her breast had been torn): "In the name of decency, cover me up!"
Manon Roland, wife of Girondin minister, (to the Statue of Liberty): "Oh Liberty! What crimes are committed in thy name!"
The Girondin Vigee: "We die because the people are asleep, those who sent us here will die when the people awake."
The journalist Carra: "It's inconvenient, dying. I want to see what happens next."
Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, (having stepped on Sanson's foot): "Pardon me, Monsieur."
Louis XVI, King of France: "I hope my death will cement some happiness for the French people."
The poet Chenier (feeling his head): "And yet, there was something in there!"
Madame du Barry, mistress to Louis XV: "No, no. It cant' be. You're not going to let me die!"
The Comte de Sillery, husband of Felicite de Genlis-mistress of the Duc d'Orleans, Girondin politician (who, lame, was having trouble getting up the stairs): "Can't you wait a minute? After all, it is I am who am going to die. You've got plenty of time."
Philipe Egalite, former Duc d'Orleans (when the executioner's assistant wanted to remove his boots):"They'll be much easier to remove afterwards."
General Baron de Biron, former commander of the French Army: "I will soon arrive in the next world---just in time to wish all my friends there a Happy New Year!"
Anarcharsis Clootz German philanthrophist, honorary Citizen of the Republic (executed with Hébertists): "Good people! Don't confuse me with these knaves!"
Jean Sylvain Bailly, astronomer, former mayor of Paris (when someone commented that he was shaking): "Only because I am cold."
