Page:History of The man with the iron mask (1).pdf/3



remarkable person existed as a state prisoner in France during the latter part of the 17th century. The circumstances of this person form a historical ænigma, which has occasioned much inquiry and many conjectures. The authenticated particulars concerning the Iron Mask are as follows:-A few months after the death of Cardinal Mazarin, there arrived at the isle of Sainte Marguerite, in the sea of Provence, a young prisoner, whose appearance was peculiarly attracting: his person was above the middle size, and elegantly formed; his mien and deportment were noble, and his manners graceful; and even the sound of his voice had in it something uncommonly interesting. On the road, he constantly wore a mask made with iron springs, to enable him to eat without taking it off. It was at first believed that this mask was made entirely of iron; whence he acquired the title of the Man with the Iron Mask. His attendants had received orders to dispatch him if he attempted to take off his mask, or discover himself. He had been first confined at Pignerol, under the care of the governor M. de St Mars; and upon being sent thence to St Marguerite, he was accompanied thither by the same person, who continued to have the charge of him He was always treated with the utmost respect he was served constantly in pate; and the