When Louis XII of France was consecrated king at Rheims cathedral, he had a list prepared for him of all his enemies, especially those who had been opposed to him when he was only Duke of Orleans. In going through this list, he marked a certain number of those names with a red cross.

Certain lords among his court discovered that they were included in the king’s list of enemies, and their names marked in red! Surely the king was planning to stamp out his enemies, most especially the ones whose names were in red!

Fearing for their lives, they tried to escape from the court. But before they’d gotten far, the king learned about their escape and why they were fleeing. He couldn’t help laughing, and called them all back. The lords had no choice but to return, all the more fearful. What would he do next? Were they too late to escape their king’s punishments?

But Louis spoke quite calmly:

"I am surprised, my lords, at your hasty flight, and the reasons you have for it. I never intended to do you harm. The King of France has nothing to do with the private quarrels of the Duke of Orleans."

The men were relieved that Louis had pardoned their past disputes from his days as a Duke. But he had more yet to say.

"Furthermore, the red cross which I placed at each of your names - very far from exciting me to revenge - moves me instead to mercy. Yes, I am bound to forgive you whatever wrongs you may have done me, as Christ on the cross asked pardon of His Father for those who had crucified Him."