Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-12-17
Death-Bcd Of Prince Albert.

Most Of our readers nro probably fnmil-
lar with the remarkable saying Of Prince
Albert, when upon his dying bed
"I have had wealth, rank, and power.
But if this were all | had, how wretched
should be now.
Rock Of Ages, clen for me,
Let me hide myself In thec.'
1t is not easy to conceive of more bril-.
liant and happy life than was that Of Prince
Albert He was child of ilustrious birth,
and the heir Of what would generally be
considered large wealth. The home Of his
childhood was one of the most imposing Of
those baronial castles which feudal pride
and opulence had reared upon the nights Of
Germany. In his early youth he enjoyed
every privilege of education earth could
give. The best teachers of Europe guided
his mind in all the branches Of knowl-
edge Obsequious attendants anticipated
his wants, as he freely moved amidst the
luxurious surroundings Of the castle. Fa-
miliarity with the most cultivated society
gave him the highest polish Of manners
aud made him familiar with all the Ell.
quette Of courts He was by nature en-.
dowed with fine mind, much amiability oi
character and remarkable beauty Of person
Prince Albert thus early became, il
personal attractions, in mental culture
in 2rincely bearing one Of the most ac
complished gentlemen in Europe Wher
about eighteen years old, be visited the roya
family in England, to which he was nearl.
related. In the gorgeous saloons Of Wind
sor Castle and Of Buckingham Palace h
was an honored guest. Here he was intro
duced to a circle Of society as brilliant anI
refined as has ever been known upon earth
And here be won the love of his cousin
the Princess Victoria the heir to the thron
Of England
The marriage was an event in which no
only all Christendom, but every govern
ment on earth was interested. Ambassa
dors Aocked to London, in honor Of the oc
casiou, from all the principal dynasties c
Africa and Asia. Westminsters gran
cathedral was never before crowded wit
such an assemblage.
All his earthly ambition could desire wa
now attained by Prince Albert. He We
in the enjoyment of wealth unsurpassed i
the visions of romance. He had rau
which placed him on an equality with tt
most illustrious kings. He had powc
such as few mortals ever possessed, and "
without pressure of toll and responsibiit,
An attractive family of sons and daugl
ters grew up around him. lie had no pi
rental anxiety as to provision for their fl
ture. As each child was born, the Britis
parliament voted that child, for the suppol
Of the dignity of the royal family, a
annual income of about one hundred thoJ
sand dollars.
One daughter married the heir apparer
Of the crown Of Prussia. Thus there
opened to her perhaps the highest positic
which a lady can now occupy upon tn
globe-that Of the Empress Of German
The oldest son, heir to the throne Of Gret
Britain, married into the royal family
Denmark. Other brilliant alliances open'
before others of the children.
In the midst Of all this prosperity, in Il
meridian of his days, being but forty-tv
: years of age, sudden disease strikes Prin
+ Albert down, and he lies upon dying be
: The regal couch is draped with an imperi
Q canopy. The spendors of paatial char
ber glitter around the bed. The highe
digntaries Of Church and State are pre-
c ent with their sympathy and homage.
But death is the equalizer of Prince al
peasant. The queen is but woman wee
ing, broken-hearted, over her dying hu
: band. The royal children are hut sons al
daughters sobbing in uncomfortable gri
over their dying father. Prince Albert
: but a man gasping, fainting, sinking
} death-passing from the shadow OF
IS earthly crown to the tribunal of God, wheI
l. like the humbest subject in his realms,
Q must answer for every thought word, a
. deed done in the body. In a moment
cessation from pain, he looked up to t
: weeping ones around him and uttered t
" memorable words:
Is 6 have had wealth, rank, and pow
d But if this were all | had, how wretch
II should be now.
Rock Of Ages cleft for me,
" Let me hide myself in theen