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end to his existence: and to make himself pass ⟨to⟩ a saint at his death.
For this purpose, three days before his death when he was in the best of health possible, he ⟨requested⟩ the commandant to send to Vienna for confessor; St. Francis having, as he said, ⟨declared⟩ to him that he would die on his birth-day at noon precisely. Though every body laughed ⟨at⟩ his prediction, the Capuchin Friar was sent for.
The day after Trenck had confessed himself, exclaimed, “God be praised! my end ⟨approaches,⟩ my confessor is just dead, and has appeared to ⟨me.⟩ Upon inquiry it was found that the monk ⟨was⟩ really dead. Trenck then begged all the ⟨officers⟩ of the garrison to come to his prison: took (illegible text)tonsure, dressed himself in the habit of a Capuchin Friar; made a public confession and preached an hour, exhorting his audience to think ⟨of⟩ their salvation. He then took leave of them, ⟨knelt⟩ down to say his prayers, fell into a sound sleep, rose and prayed again. Oct. the 4th he looked ⟨at⟩ his watch at eleven o’clock in the morning, ⟨and⟩ cried out, “God be praised, my last hour is ⟨not⟩ far off.” Every body present was much entertained at seeing a man of his character play so ridiculous a comedy. However, it was remarked that his face was pale on the left side. He then ⟨seated⟩ himself beside a table, leaned his head upon ⟨his⟩ hand, and after saying a prayer, continued motionless, with his eyes shut.
In the month of March, 1754, I received ⟨news⟩
