Page:Pleasant Memories.pdf/264

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THE RETURN OF NAPOLEON.
251

to bring the bones of Bonaparte from St. Helena, said, "Sire, I present you the ashes of the Emperor." And the king answered, "I receive them in the name of the French people."




"An echo never to be heard
    By mortal ears again."


The music of the grand and elaborate requiem, performed at these obsequies, was immediately destroyed, to preclude its repetition on any other occasion.




"A thousand trembling lamps
    The gathered darkness mock."


The Chapel belonging to the Hotel des Invalides, where the bones of Bonaparte reposed in state for a fortnight, was continually visited by hundreds of thousands with unabated curiosity. It was lighted only by small lamps from above, so arranged as to cast a tremulous ray amid the darkness that reigned around, making day and night the same, and heightening the solemnity of the scene. Magnificent hangings of purple velvet, studded with massy golden bees, were tastefully disposed at the entrance, while the banners of Austerlitz, and many other battles, were