The Trial of Docteur Bastion Anton De’Ath

[Louis XIV]

The Trial of Docteur Bastion Anton De’Ath on the charge of conspiracy to commit murder will be conducted during the first week of January 1635. The crime is considered Minor and will be heard by the Governor of Paris. The Crown has retained the services of Mssr. Phelipot de Croiseus, esquire, for the prosecution. Father Ymbert Montgomer, as the complainant, is summoned to appear before the court.

Witnesses for the prosecution or defense must be announced in this thread before midnight GMT on Wednesday.

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

To: Gaillart le Saussier
Advocate

Monsieur,

I write to you, at personal cost since the corrupt jailers here demand payment for anything I seek regardless of the rights of a 'prisoner' and I've had to stump up a pile of livres before they would agree to allowing this letter to be despatched to you! It's blatant corruption, of course, but not surprising.

As one of Paris's leading Advocates I wish to employ your services in defending my name against the spurious charges that I am facing. Quite frankly it's a disgrace that a man of my upstanding reputation and status should find himself in this current situation. Naturally it's a 'stitch up', motivated by petty revenge but I shall, under the wise guidance of Grand Duc Bougiedure, say nothing further upon it but one trusts you will soon have the same view once we have met and discussed matters.

Can I ask that you make the necessary arrangements to visit me at the Bastille so we can discuss how best to contest these charges ahead of the forthcoming trial.

Of couse, my good sir, once I am acquited a man of my benevolence will be in prime position to reward those who have given me sterling service and my gratitude will be most beneficial. I'm not sure if you currently have a personal physician but even if you do I'm confident my skills and competence will far exceed what you may currently receive, how does the prospect of free medical care for life strike you?! Free medical care from Paris's Premier Physician as well as future invites to my club, an absolute bonus package in addition to the fee you receive!

So, I look forward to your visit and our day in Court. I will walk free and you will, in addition to the above rewards, doubtless see your own professional standing increase by the public knowledge you've successfully defended the peoples champion.

Sincere regards,

Sieur Bastian Anton De'Ath
Premier (and popular) Physican to the people of Paris
Chevalier of France
Director of the State Lottery
Former Royal Executioner
Family docteur to the Rich and Famous

[Louis XIV]

Sieur Bastion Anton De’Ath
Chevalier de France

Sieur Bastion

Of course I will defend you against the heinous charge that have been leveled against you. Who else would be expected to represent Paris’s Premiere Physician than France’s Superlative Advocate? I have already prepared several briefs and motions to have these charges dismissed and secure your release from the Bastille.

I can sympathize with your outrage at the disgraceful treatment that you have received. The jealousies that infest our city are like the mud that is splatter by coach wheels and covers the innocent citizens, such as yourself, without regard to justice. I myself have, in my time, been wronged by the most villainous slander. It seems that the mediocre cannot abide the glories of those of us with true talent and skill.

I look forward to seeing you acquitted of the charge against you and enjoying a glass or two of wine at your club in a victory toast.

Veni vidi vici,
Gaillart le Saussier, esquire

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

Monsieur le Saussier,

Excellent, truly excellent and I can see that you are a man after my own heart stout fellow.

Sad to hear that you too have been subjected to previous injustice but that will, no doubt, strenghten your resolve to gain my acquital and lay the bedrock for future co-operation between us at both a professional and social level.

As to a 'glass of wine or two' my dear fellow this is me your are dealing with and we're talking champagne not wine and bottles not glasses!

I look forward to our preparations to the Court.

Sieur Bastian