The Count of Monte Cristo

Back Forward Menu

"What particulars would your excellency like to hear?"

"Why, the number of persons condemned to suffer, their names, and
description of the death they are to die."

"That happens just lucky, your excellency! Only a few minutes ago they
brought me the tavolettas."

"What are they?"

"Sort of wooden tablets hung up at the corners of streets the evening
before an execution, on which is pasted up a paper containing the names
of the condemned persons, their crimes, and mode of punishment. The
reason for so publicly announcing all this is, that all good and
faithful Catholics may offer up their prayers for the unfortunate
culprits, and, above all, beseech of heaven to grant them a sincere
repentance."