The answer mollified him somewhat, though he still looked forwningly at his glass of wine. "Excessive? No. How can you blame the government for confiscating church lands when its citizens are starving, and the most fertile land in France serves only to fatten the richest two percent of the population? No, I cannot agree. The government took the steps necessary to ensure the life of its citizens."
Jacques made an effort to be polite. "I do agree, sir, that one should avoid execution if at all possible. it is generally thought to be very unpleasant."