The New York herald., 1879-07-13

~ "as III complete uufhlless siisc ioi VI" "
low candles at the catafalque, the altar and at
the Emperor's tomb. just outside the sanctu-
empty belonging to three unfortunate and
illustrious worshippers of whom one only-the
weakest-remains. Presently hush an
nounced the entry of the Princess of Wales, in
deep mourning. She was hardly able to con-
ceal her emotion as she was led to q seat at
the epistle side of the altar, where she knelt in
prayer.
ARRIVAL OF THE COFFIN.
Soon the distant strains Of the "Dead March
announced the approach of the cort6ge. A de-
tachment of lancers was leading followed by
the cadets at slow march, who opened ranks on
entering the gate and formed on either side of
the path. The Bishop of Southwark received
superintended the dismounting of the coffin,
giving orders to the officers of artillery who
bore the body within the church. This is an
incident without precedent in the history OF the
British army. The Bishop having sprinkled
the coffin, the choir began in subdued tones to
chant the "De Profundis." The English
princes followed. Then came the tall
form and Napoleonic face of Prince Napoleon,
who evidently tried to look serious. Then was
witnessed one OF the most touching scenes III
the procession. Uhlnann, the Princes Alsatan
valet entered weeping, heading the imperial
household. Then followed Princes Lucien and
Charles, and Roland, the son of the fre-eater,
Pierre, and Prince Murat; then NM. Rouher,
Benedett heading Councillors, Senators and
Deputies of the Empire, with a solitary lady,
Princess Mathilde, in their midst. Then
succeeded a brilliant throng of Brit
ish officers. AS the procession entered
the "De Profundis" was played on the harmo-
mum, gift of the Prince of Wales to the little
church. The singers in the choir consisted of u
few boys from the Cathedral OF st. George and
a solitary singer permanently attached to the
little church. AS the coffin was reverently laid
Wales and the Princess Mathilde sobbing audi
bly,.
SOLEMN SCENE
On one side of the catafalque were ranged
the English princes, one Bonaparte ON the
other, and crowd of officers in glittering uni
form behind. All else was deep, dense black.
The solemn requiem was then commenced to
the plain, plaintive Gregorian chant, "Re-
QUEEN IEternam' 'Kyrie" and ''Dies Ir;e."
Then the Bishop of Southwark intoned the sol
emn preface, 'Vere Dignum" with magnificent
voice. 1t extraordinary sight, the
princes of Protestant England knccling, with
bowed heads so rcverently as the Bishop raised
ing, telling the crowds without of the solemn
ceremonies within. The Baroness dc Caters
daughter, Nine. Lablache, sang the save Maria"
of Saint-Saens. Then, dotng the chasuble and
donning the COPE the Bishop and the attendant
clergy stood at the head of the catafaquc.
Nine. Goddard then intoned the "Miserere.' The
Bishop, walking around the bier, pronouncing the
name of the Prince gave the absolution. The
sobbing of the ladies here broke out afresh.
the ear, each followed by the roll of mufled
drums, the cadets thus rendering tribute to
their warrior comrade. The rite ended, those
who had loved the dead Prince filed past the
coffin, sprinkling holy water, strewing flowers
and whispering prayers. The Princess of Wales
deposited wreath before the bier. She was
then gently led away by her husband.
YOUTH TO YOUTH.
The church was empticd of its sorrowful con-
gregation. Then for long hours a procession
formed of those who desired to take a final look
upon the dead face passed through the aisles
First came u deputation of the young men of
France then of the students of Paris, then the
former students of the Lycce, then deputatons
from the Departments of France the most con-
spcuous being from Corsica. The coffin
was hidden beneath u hill of flow
ers, chiefly vioets. There were many
men present who were the heights of Saar
bruck at the Princes "baptism of fire. others
who had fought at Solferino, and still many
more who had attended the funeral of the En-
peror. Many pluckcd leaves from the church
yard, which they kissed and kept as mcmcntoes
of the English tomb of the Bonapartcs.
The whole final scene was incxprcssibly touch
ing. Amid the solemn thoughts which were in
spircd arose inevitably the question, 'Is the
Impcralst cause dead and buried forever in this
little English country chnrch!" There were
thousands at Chiselhurst today who would have
answered, "No."
MASS CELEBRATED AT THE CHURCH OF THE