Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1848-12-21

its palaces. After much deliberation
Napoleon decided 10 accept the alliance
Of Austria. Proposals we're made for M a
ria Louisa, and eagerly accepted. Maria
was then nineteen years Of age, and wa.
most happy to be honored as the bride o
one who had filled the world with his re-
nown. Napoleon was forty-two. Or
the 18th day Of March 1910, apparently
without emotion, she left the palace o.
her father, surrounded by all the pomp
the Austrian monarchy could confer, to
meet her future husband. As the long
train of carriages left Vienna, the people
gazed mournfully upon the scene. Ma
ria Antolnette, the last princess Austria
had furnished for the throne of France
but few years before, had perished mis-
erably upon the scaffold. The populace
were only prevented By the soldiery from
cutting the traces Of the carriages and
preventing the departure. The gorgeous
procession moved on its way towards the
frontiers ofFrance. Napoleon had never
yet seen the bride who was coming to
meet him. She is not beautiful" he
said, as he gazed upon her mirasure,
|" but she is daughter of the Caesars I"
When Maria arrived at the Rhine,
her Austrian attendants leRHher, aud she
was received by the French nation, and
conducted towards Paris with the high
est possible accompaniment OF imperial
splendor. The bells rang their merrcsi
peals Of congfatuiation. The Austr ian
and ui-cCicred flag fcated in friendly
embrace from every tower. Triumphant
arches, illuminated cities, and civil and
military professions greeted her erprogress,
while the horses of her chariot buried
their hoois in beds OF roses, which were
spread over her path. France thea in the
zenith Of its pride and intoxicated with
glory, from the Rhine to the Pyrenees,
resounded with ali the expressions and
demonstrations Of rejoicing. Napoleon
met her near Compeigne. SprInging
from his own carriage, he eagerly leaped
into that of the Empress and entirely re-
gardless Of all the restraints and etiquette
Of the courts, folded her in his embrace
with the most youthful impetuosity. The
postilions were ordered to drive upon
the gallop to the palace Of Compeigne.-
This unexpected ardor was not at all un-
welcome TO Maria, and few hours in
ibe society Of her imperial husband in
vested her with such queeEly case and
that she could hardly be recog-
nized 10y her former attendants. The
maria &c ceremony was celebrated with
the utmost spIendor at ST. Cloud, and
never before or since has Paris resOunded
with such an uproar of rejoicing, as when
Napoleon led his youthful bride into those
apartments Of the Tuileries, from which
Josephine but three months before had
been so cruelty elected. Four Queens
held the bridal train OF Maria Louisa, ard
the ambassadors Of all the courts Of Ed-
rope revolyed around her as their central
Iuminary. But who can tell how dlsmally
these rejoicings fell on the ear Of Jose
phIne, as she sat weeping in her deserted
chamber.
Ia one year from that time, Maria was
placed upon that mysterious couch Of suf-
Iering from which no real wealth or splen-
dor can purchase exemption. Her pains
were long protracted and her anguish
dreadful. The attendant physicians in
he utmost trepidation informed Napoleon
hat the life Of the mother must be sacri-
feed Save the MOTHER" said Napo-
perceiving that they had lost
The presence of their mind in view of the
peril Of so ilustrious patient, he imme-
iiately added, DO as you would with
hc wife Of the humblcst tradesman in
he Rue St. Dennis" The physicians,
returned to their duty, and
he crisis was passed.
The birth of this child was an event
which had been anticipated by all France
with the most sincere interest. IL had
,een previously announced that the can
ION Of the Invincibcs should proclaim
he advent Of the expected heir to the
hrone. lfthe child was princess twen-
y-one guns were to be fired if faprince,
me hundred. AT six o'clock in the morn
ng of the Both of March, 1910, all Paris
vas aroused by the deep booming of these
'eavy guns, reverberatlng over the city
" VI 'HV NSi-
.ome stranger. Every window was on
he alct The slumberers were aroused
rom their pillows, and silence prevailed
IL the streets ofthe busy metropolis, ,as the
ast throngs stood motionless to count
he tidings which those explosions were
into their cars. the heart Of
he great capital ceased to beat, -nd in
III Iier glowing veins the current Of life
TODD still When the twenty-6rst gun
lad been fired, the interest was intense
'eyond all conception. The gunners
elayed for moment the next discharge
nj all Paris stood brea,hIcss in suspense.
The next moment, the guns double load
ID, pealed forth the most welcome an
and from the retirement, aud
rom the entire city one universal roar
{ acclamaiion rose aud blended with
heir thunders. Never was an earthly
nonarch greeted with a more affecting
demonstration Of nations love and hom-
ge. The birth OF the King Of Rome,
ow illustrlous The thoughtful mind
viii pause and muse upon the striking
ontrast furnished by death. Who could
hen have imagined tha, his renowned
,sbo, ,,nulJ ,or,.b ,e,aouox ,t, n al.