Post by Ymbert Montgomery on Nov 17, 2020 22:39:56 GMT
The Trial of Claud D'Applaud
January saw the court hear the case of the self proclaimed Emperor of France, Monsieur Claud D'Applaud. To the surprise of some commentators, no charge of treason was brought (sources from the Palace suggest the King sees D'Applaud as "a madman, not a threat") with charges instead brought on the more minor charges of threats to murder and outraging public decency.
Monsieur D'Applaud himself was not at court, having taken sanctuary at a local church, so the case was heard in his absence.
The Prosecuting Advocate was Lancelot l'Angoisseus, speaking on behalf of the Crown. It was noted by veteran legal observers that this was by far the biggest case that Monsieur l'Angoisseus had handled so far in his career. And it is generally agreed he acquainted himself adequately but not impressively. His opening speech was merely a restatement of the charges and a rundown of Monsieur D'Applaud's recent statements that had so outraged public decency.
The Defending Advocate, Phelipot de Croiseus, took a more flamboyant approach, reading out a statement given by Monsieur D'Applaud in what can only be described as a rather mocking voice.
"These accusations, and this trial, are outrageous and I have instructed my personal magistrate to have them dismissed.
If anyone should be on trial then it is those two rogues and swindlers Lagarde and d'Avranches, it is they who should be facing justice for their numerous crimes but, of course, they have used their ill-gotten gains to try and have me arrested and a sham trial arranged through their 'bought' man, this Gaulish Commissioner.
Well, I won't stand for it I tell you, I fail to recognise this Court and, as an Emperor, only the Gods can judge me or, at the very least, the Senators of Rome request me to stand before them to answer any of their concerns. None from Gaul may sit in judgement against me, your laws do not hold sway in Rome.
You accuse me of attempted murder, against the villains I have just referred to?! You should be thanking me for having Lutetia rid of the pair of them, not seeking to punish me. In any case I say I have not attempted murder against them, where is your proof, where is the evidence? Some public exchanges around duelling hardly constitute attempted murder!! Proof of the corruption of this Court! I remind you again that I am Emperor of Rome, if I wish an enemy dead, I merely need to order it done so. There will be no attempted murder, my agents do not fail.
Any day now I expect my Legions to arrive at your city gates, once they do so it will be I who then sit in judgement against you all. You will learn then the folly of opposing an Emperor, you will tremble at my feet and beg for mercy, no doubt seeking to forget the actions you have taken against me. My retribution will be harsh, to set an example to those who would seek to make an enemy of Rome.
Emperor Claudius
Emperor of Imperial Rome"
On the mention of the supposed emperor status of Monsieur D'Applaud some tittering was heard from the public gallery, silenced by a frown from the judge.
"I ask you" said Monsieur de Croiseus, "Is this the statement of a danger to the Crown and to his fellow man? Is this the statement of a man prone to murder? Or is it merely the rantings of an obviously witless imbecile? I put it to you that the only charge Monsieur D'Applaud is guilty of is being a madman and an annoyance". With this he sat down to scattered applause from the public gallery, to which the Judge was much unimpressed..
Feeling the case was getting away from him somewhat Monsieur l'Angoisseus called for the prosecuting witnesses to step forward. And it seems that Monsieur D'Applaud is not popular with the Picardy Musketeers as both witnesses were from that regiment!
The prosecuting advocate sighed quietly, took a sip of water from his glass before placing it back onto the table, and turned to walk back towards the witness box again.
“Monsieur Fitzbraose…” he began once more.
“Lieutenant Colonel!” the witness interrupted him for the third time. The defending advocate unsuccessfully tried to hide a smirk, as his colleague turned towards the presiding judge.
“Your Honour, please would you direct the gentleman on his responsibilities?” he asked pleadingly.
The judge turned towards the recalcitrant witness, looking at him reprovingly. “Monsieur, the duty of a witness is to answer all questions, fully and truthfully. But only when asked are you to say anything. Interrupting an advocate is ill-mannered and wrong!”
The witness frowned. “But Your Honour, it’s important….”
“To you, maybe!” the judge commented repressively. “Here in court, you are merely another commoner. A member of the nobility may have some latitude, but you – just be silent and answer the questions!”
“But how can I….?” began the soldier, before paling as a frown grew on the judge’s face. He clamped his jaw shut, and looked back at the prosecutor.
With a grateful look at the judge, the prosecutor began again. “Monsieur Fitzbraose, are you a Lieutenant Colonel in the Picardy Musketeers?”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you!” began the witness, then winced as the judge brought down his gavel and glared at him. In a more subdued voice, he muttered “Yes!”
“And do you know Claud d’Applaud?”
“Never met the fellow,” he returned. “And from what I know, that’s just as well. Did you know that….?” His answer trailed off at the look the advocate gave him.
“A simple yes or no will suffice, sir,” he said pointedly. “Now, are you aware of the charge of murder against him?”
“Yes – and…” the witness stopped suddenly.
The prosecutor raised an eyebrow theatrically. “And?” he prompted.
“Charges of sedition, treason, and cross-dressing!” Fitzbraose returned. “The Commissioner assured me…”
“Quite!” his questioner interrupted hastily. Turning to the bench, he continued “Your Honour, His Grace the Commissioner is continuing enquiries, and further charges may well be laid on completion. Of course, when the defendant is found guilty today, they will probably be superfluous.”
“Indeed,” the judge returned. “Pray continue.”
Bowing, the prosecutor returned to the witness box. Seeing that the occupant was looking confused, he decided to take things slowly. “So, you ARE aware of the charge of threats to murder, sir?”
“Of course, isn’t everyone?” The witness produced a handkerchief and wiped his face. “Common knowledge in the Mess.”
“But do you have more personal knowledge,” he was prompted gently.
“Well, no,” Fitzbraose returned. “Already told you I haven’t met the feller.”
“I meant, do you have personal knowledge of his plot?” pressed the prosecutor.
“Yes – just the sort of thing you’d expect of someone like that!” He harrumphed loudly. “Not the sort of chap I’d see in the regiment – couldn’t trust him not to run when the cannon balls fly!”
“No – did you hear him say he was going to carry out the murder yourself, sir,” he was asked, his questioner suppressing the urge to roll his eyes.
“Of course not!” Fitzbraose was outraged. “If I had, he wouldn’t still be walking God’s good earth! A plot like that against Baron de Béarne? The man is lucky I was at the Front when I heard, otherwise I’d have saved the King the cost of a trial!” He stopped, then turned to the judge apologetically. “I’m sorry, Your Worship, I didn’t mean to imply that the King was short of money….”
“I’m sure you didn’t,” the judge reassured him, then looked back at the advocate. “I think that was all the questions for the prosecution?” he asked pointedly.
“Yes, Your Worship,” he returned hastily, realising that the judge’s notoriously short fuse had been lit. Hearing this, Fitzbraose stood, then hastily sat again at a glare from the judge.
“Does the defence have any questions?” His Honour asked, adding, “only I notice it is getting near time for luncheon.”
“No, Your Worship,” the defence advocate returned hastily, seeing which way the wind was blowing. “I believe Monsieur – pardon, Lieutenant Colonel – Fitzbraose has already given my client all the evidence he needs.”
The judge smiled for the first time since this witness had been introduced. Turning, he addressed the soldier. “You may stand down.”
Fitzbraose stood, then bowed to the judge. Stepping down from the stand, he walked over to the prosecutor’s table, and made to sit, before being restrained by an usher and directed towards the exit. Faintly his voice could be heard as he was ejected from the courtroom, “I thought at least I’d get to see….”
The judge stared at the prosecutor, and cleared his throat. “I trust the remainder of the evidence will be of a different quality….?” He prodded.
Jumping to his feet, the advocate bowed hastily. “Of course, Your Worship, but I hadn’t expected it to be needed for a little while, and it won’t be available until this afternoon. May I suggest…?”
The gavel banged. “Court adjourned until after luncheon – reconvene at three of the clock!” In an aside to the usher, he continued, “And after that I’ll need TWO bottles….”
After the court was reconvened Sieur D'avranches took to the witness stand and thankfully kept his statement brief, merely stating that in his experience as a military man he felt that D'Applaud was a dangerous fool and needed to be dealt with for the good of France.
The courtroom waited for the Judge to give his verdict.
"I have been convinced by the defence's argument that Monsieur D'Applaud is a fool rather than a murderer". He paused thoughtfully. "But a fool can still be disruptive to the good of Paris. I sentence Monsieur D'Applaud to three months in the asylum in the hope of curing his condition and a fine of 960L".
There was a gasp from the defending advocate.
"Of course" said the Judge smirking. "If he is unable to pay the fine he can always go to the front on his release. Make a man of him and stop all this tomfoolery".
January saw the court hear the case of the self proclaimed Emperor of France, Monsieur Claud D'Applaud. To the surprise of some commentators, no charge of treason was brought (sources from the Palace suggest the King sees D'Applaud as "a madman, not a threat") with charges instead brought on the more minor charges of threats to murder and outraging public decency.
Monsieur D'Applaud himself was not at court, having taken sanctuary at a local church, so the case was heard in his absence.
The Prosecuting Advocate was Lancelot l'Angoisseus, speaking on behalf of the Crown. It was noted by veteran legal observers that this was by far the biggest case that Monsieur l'Angoisseus had handled so far in his career. And it is generally agreed he acquainted himself adequately but not impressively. His opening speech was merely a restatement of the charges and a rundown of Monsieur D'Applaud's recent statements that had so outraged public decency.
The Defending Advocate, Phelipot de Croiseus, took a more flamboyant approach, reading out a statement given by Monsieur D'Applaud in what can only be described as a rather mocking voice.
"These accusations, and this trial, are outrageous and I have instructed my personal magistrate to have them dismissed.
If anyone should be on trial then it is those two rogues and swindlers Lagarde and d'Avranches, it is they who should be facing justice for their numerous crimes but, of course, they have used their ill-gotten gains to try and have me arrested and a sham trial arranged through their 'bought' man, this Gaulish Commissioner.
Well, I won't stand for it I tell you, I fail to recognise this Court and, as an Emperor, only the Gods can judge me or, at the very least, the Senators of Rome request me to stand before them to answer any of their concerns. None from Gaul may sit in judgement against me, your laws do not hold sway in Rome.
You accuse me of attempted murder, against the villains I have just referred to?! You should be thanking me for having Lutetia rid of the pair of them, not seeking to punish me. In any case I say I have not attempted murder against them, where is your proof, where is the evidence? Some public exchanges around duelling hardly constitute attempted murder!! Proof of the corruption of this Court! I remind you again that I am Emperor of Rome, if I wish an enemy dead, I merely need to order it done so. There will be no attempted murder, my agents do not fail.
Any day now I expect my Legions to arrive at your city gates, once they do so it will be I who then sit in judgement against you all. You will learn then the folly of opposing an Emperor, you will tremble at my feet and beg for mercy, no doubt seeking to forget the actions you have taken against me. My retribution will be harsh, to set an example to those who would seek to make an enemy of Rome.
Emperor Claudius
Emperor of Imperial Rome"
On the mention of the supposed emperor status of Monsieur D'Applaud some tittering was heard from the public gallery, silenced by a frown from the judge.
"I ask you" said Monsieur de Croiseus, "Is this the statement of a danger to the Crown and to his fellow man? Is this the statement of a man prone to murder? Or is it merely the rantings of an obviously witless imbecile? I put it to you that the only charge Monsieur D'Applaud is guilty of is being a madman and an annoyance". With this he sat down to scattered applause from the public gallery, to which the Judge was much unimpressed..
Feeling the case was getting away from him somewhat Monsieur l'Angoisseus called for the prosecuting witnesses to step forward. And it seems that Monsieur D'Applaud is not popular with the Picardy Musketeers as both witnesses were from that regiment!
The prosecuting advocate sighed quietly, took a sip of water from his glass before placing it back onto the table, and turned to walk back towards the witness box again.
“Monsieur Fitzbraose…” he began once more.
“Lieutenant Colonel!” the witness interrupted him for the third time. The defending advocate unsuccessfully tried to hide a smirk, as his colleague turned towards the presiding judge.
“Your Honour, please would you direct the gentleman on his responsibilities?” he asked pleadingly.
The judge turned towards the recalcitrant witness, looking at him reprovingly. “Monsieur, the duty of a witness is to answer all questions, fully and truthfully. But only when asked are you to say anything. Interrupting an advocate is ill-mannered and wrong!”
The witness frowned. “But Your Honour, it’s important….”
“To you, maybe!” the judge commented repressively. “Here in court, you are merely another commoner. A member of the nobility may have some latitude, but you – just be silent and answer the questions!”
“But how can I….?” began the soldier, before paling as a frown grew on the judge’s face. He clamped his jaw shut, and looked back at the prosecutor.
With a grateful look at the judge, the prosecutor began again. “Monsieur Fitzbraose, are you a Lieutenant Colonel in the Picardy Musketeers?”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you!” began the witness, then winced as the judge brought down his gavel and glared at him. In a more subdued voice, he muttered “Yes!”
“And do you know Claud d’Applaud?”
“Never met the fellow,” he returned. “And from what I know, that’s just as well. Did you know that….?” His answer trailed off at the look the advocate gave him.
“A simple yes or no will suffice, sir,” he said pointedly. “Now, are you aware of the charge of murder against him?”
“Yes – and…” the witness stopped suddenly.
The prosecutor raised an eyebrow theatrically. “And?” he prompted.
“Charges of sedition, treason, and cross-dressing!” Fitzbraose returned. “The Commissioner assured me…”
“Quite!” his questioner interrupted hastily. Turning to the bench, he continued “Your Honour, His Grace the Commissioner is continuing enquiries, and further charges may well be laid on completion. Of course, when the defendant is found guilty today, they will probably be superfluous.”
“Indeed,” the judge returned. “Pray continue.”
Bowing, the prosecutor returned to the witness box. Seeing that the occupant was looking confused, he decided to take things slowly. “So, you ARE aware of the charge of threats to murder, sir?”
“Of course, isn’t everyone?” The witness produced a handkerchief and wiped his face. “Common knowledge in the Mess.”
“But do you have more personal knowledge,” he was prompted gently.
“Well, no,” Fitzbraose returned. “Already told you I haven’t met the feller.”
“I meant, do you have personal knowledge of his plot?” pressed the prosecutor.
“Yes – just the sort of thing you’d expect of someone like that!” He harrumphed loudly. “Not the sort of chap I’d see in the regiment – couldn’t trust him not to run when the cannon balls fly!”
“No – did you hear him say he was going to carry out the murder yourself, sir,” he was asked, his questioner suppressing the urge to roll his eyes.
“Of course not!” Fitzbraose was outraged. “If I had, he wouldn’t still be walking God’s good earth! A plot like that against Baron de Béarne? The man is lucky I was at the Front when I heard, otherwise I’d have saved the King the cost of a trial!” He stopped, then turned to the judge apologetically. “I’m sorry, Your Worship, I didn’t mean to imply that the King was short of money….”
“I’m sure you didn’t,” the judge reassured him, then looked back at the advocate. “I think that was all the questions for the prosecution?” he asked pointedly.
“Yes, Your Worship,” he returned hastily, realising that the judge’s notoriously short fuse had been lit. Hearing this, Fitzbraose stood, then hastily sat again at a glare from the judge.
“Does the defence have any questions?” His Honour asked, adding, “only I notice it is getting near time for luncheon.”
“No, Your Worship,” the defence advocate returned hastily, seeing which way the wind was blowing. “I believe Monsieur – pardon, Lieutenant Colonel – Fitzbraose has already given my client all the evidence he needs.”
The judge smiled for the first time since this witness had been introduced. Turning, he addressed the soldier. “You may stand down.”
Fitzbraose stood, then bowed to the judge. Stepping down from the stand, he walked over to the prosecutor’s table, and made to sit, before being restrained by an usher and directed towards the exit. Faintly his voice could be heard as he was ejected from the courtroom, “I thought at least I’d get to see….”
The judge stared at the prosecutor, and cleared his throat. “I trust the remainder of the evidence will be of a different quality….?” He prodded.
Jumping to his feet, the advocate bowed hastily. “Of course, Your Worship, but I hadn’t expected it to be needed for a little while, and it won’t be available until this afternoon. May I suggest…?”
The gavel banged. “Court adjourned until after luncheon – reconvene at three of the clock!” In an aside to the usher, he continued, “And after that I’ll need TWO bottles….”
After the court was reconvened Sieur D'avranches took to the witness stand and thankfully kept his statement brief, merely stating that in his experience as a military man he felt that D'Applaud was a dangerous fool and needed to be dealt with for the good of France.
The courtroom waited for the Judge to give his verdict.
"I have been convinced by the defence's argument that Monsieur D'Applaud is a fool rather than a murderer". He paused thoughtfully. "But a fool can still be disruptive to the good of Paris. I sentence Monsieur D'Applaud to three months in the asylum in the hope of curing his condition and a fine of 960L".
There was a gasp from the defending advocate.
"Of course" said the Judge smirking. "If he is unable to pay the fine he can always go to the front on his release. Make a man of him and stop all this tomfoolery".
