Page:History of The man with the iron mask (1).pdf/6

6 he was supplied with as rich clothes as he desired; but his chief taste in this last particular was for lace, and for linen remarkably fine. He was allowed the use of such books as he desired, and he spent much of his time in reading He also amused himself with playing upon the guitar. He had the liberty of going to mass; but was then strictly forbid to speak or uncover his face: orders were even given to the soldiers to fire upon him if he attempted to do either; and their pieces were always pointed towards him as he passed through the court. When he had occasion to see a surgeon or a physician, he was obliged, under pain of death, constantly to wear his mask. An old physician of the Bastile, who had often attended him when he was indisposed, said that he never saw his face, though he had frequently examined his tongue and different parts of his body; and that he never complained of his confinement, nor let fall any hint by which it might be guessed who he was. He often passed the night in walking up and down his room. This unfortunate prince died on the 19th November 1703, after a short illness; and was interred next day in the burying-place of the parish of St Paul. The expense of his funeral amounted only to 40 livres. The name given him was Marchiali: and even his age, as well as his real name, it seemed of importance to conceal; for, in the register made of his funeral, it was mentioned that he was about 40 years old ; though he had told his apothecary, some time before his death, that he thought he must be 60. Immediately after his death, his apparel, linen, clothes; mattresses, and, in short, every thing that had been used by him,