Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-09-22
From the London Liternry Gazette.
RONAPARTE'S GRAVE.

From the Journal of Gentleman Just returned from
India.
Our touching at St. Helena would have been
an incident devoid Of interest to me, had it mol
been for the opportunity Of viewing the tomb
Of him whose devasting arms spread terror
over the face of Europe. ST. Helena appeared
TO me to be in itself frighful island-a rock
Of desolation-an emblem for the seat OF exile
AN insulated prison-a scene OF all others the
most likely TO break the heart Of one banished
to its abrupt and rugged strand 1t cost me a
world of trouble and fatigue (Which but Tor the
object had in view would have been i'll repaid)
TO mount up the steep, ser. ,entine windlngs and
constant twis,ings and turnings, which relieve
the traveller to a certain degree Ill the almost
perpendicular ascent. On my way passed by
the country house called the Briars, which was
the first habitation of Napoleon on his arrival
in the island, 1t is very sweet spot, when
contrasted with the surrounding horrors Of the
Mace, and owes much Of its attraction 10 wa
terfall which invites TO musing and meditation;
but the haunls Of the living were not the OBJ ects
of my expeditions; and | at length gained the
tomb.
He who looks for the lofty or sublime in this
mansion of the dead, will be wholly disappoinl-
ed: not trophy, not wreath, NJ broken trum-
net nor fallen spear, no glaive nor helmet;-a
nlain slab formed of three Portland hag-stones,
taken for the purpose from the fire place OF the
ex-emneror's kitchen in his new house, is the
only covering on his grave; on this not line,
either descriptive or commemorative, is writ
ten; no name, 10 date, as if he had gone
sAnd like the baseless abrc OF VISION,
Left not a wreck behind.
la NO ant on1
picturesque prevail in high degree. 1t is silt
uated in green valley, well planted with UNI
braeeous trees and beautiful shrubs. Five will
lows droop over the blank tablet, and waving IN
the breeze, throw alternate light and shade on
this unlettered monument, rustllng, at the same
time, in sort of mournful cadence. On the
left side of the grave are peach trees, which
bear fruit; and spring, as bright as crystal,
gliGes on the outside Of the railing which is a
bout the tomb, and itself encompasseo oy
hedge of geraniums. sergeant and a private
are placed here on guard, and have orders 10
prevent people from gathering leaves, ana cut,
ting pieces of the willow trees had ln1ehaea
TO write line, by way of epitaph, with my pen
Gil, on the stone but the thing was impoSSio It
NV attempt was resisted, and had some aliii-
Guilty in obtaining a small piece OF one OF the
trees, but was freely allowed to gather some OF
the peaches and the geranium, the hue OF which
reminded me of the riband of the Legion OF
Honor, founded by the deceased, and elevated by
the blood of SO many battlefield. | now pre-
pared to depart, when an incident OF some inter,
est arrested my steps for awhile. Ayoung and
pretty French lady approached, and was Sc: soon
leaning in pensive attitude over The raillhg
before described, with her eyes IN tears oent
on the grave which it enclosed. She was one
OF party of natives of France who had lanaeo
from ship in the bay, to visit this memoraoie
sepulchre Her companions speedily arrived,
and after look or two persuaded her to quit
the spot to which she seemed almost lmmoV-