The Second Funeral of Napoleon
Page: 44

been very ill, and is worn down almost by infirmities: but in his
illness he was perpetually asking, "Doctor, shall I live till the
15th? Give me till then, and I die contented." One can't help
believing that the old man's wish is honest, however one may doubt
the piety of another illustrious Marshal, who once carried a candle
before Charles X. in a procession, and has been this morning to
Neuilly to kneel and pray at the foot of Napoleon's coffin. He
might have said his prayers at home, to be sure; but don't let us
ask too much: that kind of reserve is not a Frenchman's
characteristic.

Bang--bang! At about half-past two a dull sound of cannonading was
heard without the church, and signals took place between the
Commandant of the Invalids, of the National Guards, and the big
drum-major. Looking to these troops (the fat Nationals were
shuffling into line again) the two Commandants tittered, as nearly
as I could catch them, the following words--

"HARRUM HUMP!"

At once all the National bayonets were on the present, and the
sabres of the old Invalids up. The big drum-major looked round at
the children, who began very slowly and solemnly on their drums,
Rub-dub-dub--rub-dub-dub--(count two between each)--rub-dub-dub, and
a great procession of priests came down from the altar.

First, there was a tall handsome cross-bearer, bearing a long gold
cross, of which the front was turned towards his grace the
Archbishop. Then came a double row of about sixteen incense-boys,
dressed in white surplices: the first boy, about six years old, the
last with whiskers and of the height of a man. Then followed a
regiment of priests in black tippets and white gowns: they had black
hoods, like the moon when she is at her third quarter, wherewith
those who were bald (many were, and fat too) covered themselves.
All the reverend men held their heads meekly down, and affected to
be reading in their breviaries.

After the Priests came some Bishops of the neighboring districts, in
purple, with crosses sparkling on their episcopal bosoms.

Then came, after more priests, a set of men whom I have never seen