Regicide has always been addressed with the most severe punishments. However, in 18th century France, it didn't matter if it was a successful assassination or a failed attempt, as the culprit could still receive the worst of ends. In 1757, Robert-François Damiens' crimes against King Louis XV resulted in hours of public torture and execution, and included a number of creative methods (horses included). So the question must be asked: does the crime fit the punishment?