The Sun.
London, England, 1823-09-24 00:00:00

THE LATE POPE PIUS THE SEVENTH.

Yesterday the Roman Catholic Chapel, Moorfields, presented
a scene of unusual interest. It was annotiticed that a Solemn
Dirge and Pontifical High Mais would be performed for the
lamented Pius the Seventh. On this occasion the whole of that
part of the Chapel appropriated for the performance of Divine
Worship was hung with black cloth, and in the eentro of the
Chal was erected a Cenotaph, hung with the same, under
which was supposed to lie the body of the deceased, covered
with a velvet pall, on which lay emblazoned his armorial hear-
trigs, the keys of St. Peter, and a triple crown. The effect
was striking and appropriate. The choir was filled with
Catholic Clergy, many of them of eminent rank in that Com-
munion and at an early hour great numbers of the congre-
gation arrived.—Their admission was regulated by tickets.
Drs. POYNTEU. and Bansisoar were the officiating Prelates.
The Service for the Dead was performed with extraordinary
effect. The Choir was numerous, and the chautiting marked
by powerful harmony and pathos.
This touching effort of sacred song was followed by a solemn
High Mass, offbred up as an intercession at the 'Throne of
Mercy for the eternal happiness of the deceased POPE.
The Requiem Eternam, eternal rest and happiness, suppli-
cated for the Pontiff, seemed to find its echo in the hearts of all
present who were Members of the Church of which he was the
earthly Head I and even those of the spectators who were as-
sembled merely from motives of curiosity, and agreed not in
the doctrines on which much of the ceremony was founded,
seemed yet to be at the moment strongly impressed by its
solemnity.
When the Mass had concluded, Dr. Poynter delivered a fit,
neral oration from the steps of the High Altar. He spoke in
the language of cordial commendation of the private and-public
virtues of the late Pope—eulogised his piety and gentleness,
and dwelt with respectful admiration on his calm yet firm op-
position to the dictates of a conqueror by whom he was held in
captivity. His moderation and mildness on his restoration
formed also a subject of praise. as well as his tolerant dispasi-
tion anti hatred oall persecution for sincere religious opinions.
A tribute of gratitude was also paid by the Rev. Speaker to the
exertions of Louis XVIII. in support of the Roman Catholic
Church.
After the Oration the ceremony of absolution was performed
around die Cenotaph, and was not concluded until atter three
o'clock in the afternoon.
A respectable body of Protestants were present at the core.
mony. Amongst the distinguished foreigners were
The Prince Polignac, the French Ambassador, the Sardinian
Ambassador, Count d'Aglie, the Bavarian A mbassatior, Baron
de Cetto, Baroness Wenner and her daughter,

AltCliEttlf.—The fourth meeting of the Society
of Archers took place at Byckley Lodge, in Needwood Forest,
the residence of G. Sneyd, Esq. on Thursday last. The com-
pany began to assemble soon after two o'clock, when the band
of the Suiffonishire Militia struck up for the archers to re.
pair to their targets, three of which were fixed on the lawn
in front of the mansion. Beautiful and gratifying was it to be.
hold the fair damsels and the youths, all attircd in apprpriate cos.
tume, trip up with grace anti elegance to the destined spot, upon
which the interest of the day so much depended. Nothing was left
undone by the worthy host 4nd hostess to make this one of the
most truly English scenes that could be witnessed. The prizes
were well contested by a numerous company, and were at.•
length adjudged to Miss Sneyd, the daughter of the owner
of the mansion, and Miss Charlotte Sneyd, of Keel, whose
shooting nothing could possibly surpass. At the moment her
bow was elevated all hearts panted, and a death-like silence
prevailed, when no sooner did the arrow fly from the bow than
it struck the centre Of the target, the band immediately
struck up....“ See the Conquering Hero," whilst a shout
burst from the populace. 'Elie fair victor was borne away
by the young archers, decorated with a crown of roses. After
the shooting, the company sat down to an elegant entertain-
ment, and the treat concluded with a ball, which lasted until
morning's dawn.

The.following anecdote would make it appear
that SWIFT was indebted to the ancients for a

very good joke :—A. Greek Poet had presented
Alsourrus with many little compliments, in hope.
of some trifling remuneration. The Emperor, who
found them worth nothing, took no notice of the
poor man, but as he persisted in offering him his
complimentary verses, composed himself an epi-
gram in praise of the Poet ; and when he next
waited on him with his customary panegyric, pre-
sented his own to him with amazing gravity. The
man read it with apparent satisfaction ; then put-
ting his hand Into his pocket, he deliberately
drew out two farthings, and gave them to the
Emperor, saying, s xara rriv rexipil w (rEi32.5-E
' et
rAssoz Eixoy,w)alova as sat E3aev. 44 This is not
equal to the demands of your situation, Sire ; but
if I had more I would give it." Augustus could
not resist this; he burst into it •fit of laughter,
and, as Macrobius says, made the Poet a hand-
some present.
A MtsEn.—Doncaster Races were last week
attended by the Old Miser, as he is termed, Mr. J. Hurst, of
Roliffe, near Wakefield. This eccentric old man, who ap-
pears to be about seventy-seven years of age, has not
missed - the race for the Cup for several years. His car-
riage he made himself, which is composed of rude pieces of
stick tied together, and without springs. It stands very high
and is covered with a piece of patchworkquilt. - Mr: Hurst
being determined not to pay duty fur any thing about his per-
son, lie keeps an otter instead of a dog about his house, and
generally rides out upon a bull instead of a horse. He had on
a dingy, felt, coarse white hat, and his trowsers were- made of
the piece of a woman's gown. He had a sack full of 'apples,
and to those persons whom he recognized as his itcpaintances
he presented one. Mr. Hurst and his vehicle excited a great
deal of curiosity ; and, upon the whole, it is one of the most
eccentric
_performances that can be imagined.
A Mr. BANGLiss, of Birmingham, it is said,
offers by means of a self-acting machine,' which he ,hns con-
structed, to convey the Royal Mail through the kingdom at the
rate of 12 miles per hour.