In a previous post I wrote about King Louis XVI, the pious king who unwittingly ushered in the first Republic of France. He purportedly offered that his blood may be able to cement the happiness of the French as he stood at the gallows. After his head rolled, the French citizens dipped handkerchiefs in the pool of blood as a memento of the last king.
Those gruesome handkerchiefs are now long gone but his blood may still be contained within this gourd. Scientists are one genetic test away from confirming the gourd’s authenticity. They already know that the blood is from a unique genetic pool.
The king had an uncommon perspective on his death. He was raised and repeatedly told of his significance. As a king, he was surrounded by constituents the believed him to be the most important man in the world. Yet through his faith he was able to ascertain that his place in the universe was much different - almost insignificant. Understanding that in some small way his execution was a sacrifice for a greater good took a man of remarkable insight that far exceeded those who served him.
As written previously, his reputation was not that of a great ruler but a coward. I content that the blood within this gourd symbolizes a gateway away from tyranny and a step towards democracy. In that way he certainly did cement the happiness of a great many Frenchmen and other free people around the world.
~ü
