The legend of Emmeram's torture describes how he was bound to a ladder, and was hacked to pieces. Later his eyes were taken out and his nose was cut off. Still living, he asked for water. His companion Vitalis answered, "Why do you seek relief, when nothing of you remains but your stubby trunk, undecorated with limbs? I would think you should wish for your death rather than live with such shame." Emmeram answered that one should not attempt to hurry death, rather drag it out, in order to persuade the face of God's mercy through divine intervention. At this Emmeram was beheaded. As proof of Emmeram's innocence, a ladder was lowered to bear him to Heaven. As they carried his body to Aschheim a wondrous light shone from his body.