Laures quotes the re-telling of Hosokawa Gracia’s final moments by eyewitnesses as compiled by Father Valentin Carvalho, “When she had finished her prayer, she stepped away from her oratory, courageous and determined, and bade all servans and ladies who were with her to save themselves, since she alone wanted to die as her husband had ordered. The servants refused to leave and insisted on dying with her. For in Japan, it was not only custom and a point of honor in such cases to follow one’s mistress to death, but Gracia’s servants were also attached to her by such great love that they wanted to die with her. Nevertheless, she insisted on her will and all were compelled to leave. When they had gone she knelt down, invoked several times the names of Jesus and Mary and bared her neck with her own hands. Her head was cut off with one single stroke. Then the samurai covered her body with silk cloths, strewed gunpowder on it and set fire to it. Then they retired to the entrance hall, since they believed it was unbecoming for them to die in the same room as their mistress. There they disemboweled themselves and soon they themselves as well as the rich and luxurious palace were reduced to ashes. Only the ladies whom Gracia wanted to save escaped death. Weeping, they hurried to Father Organtino and told him all that happened.”