The Irish standard., 1903-08-01

sat Prince NercantOnlO COlOnna, as
sistant to the pontifical throne, with
an empty seat next him, owing to the
fact that Prince Orsini, who held the
same position, had resigned. The body
was sprinkled with holy water, absolu-
tion was given and the foot of Leo
XIII. was kissed for the last time by
Major Domo Cagiano, Master of the
Chamber Bisleti and Count Camille
Pecci. The major domo then covered
the venerable features and hands with
a white silk veil bordered with gold.
Over this the prefect of ceremonies
spread large red silk veil, which
covered the whole person. Fire was
lighted in a braZier and blown by a
bellows, the sparks rising almost to the
ceiling while Monsignor Bartolini read
for twenty minutes the Ora to Brevus,
eulogizing the dead pontiff, and Notary
Poponi, "a years old, read out the bur-
ial record, service which he perform
ed upon the occasion of the deaths of
Pope Gregory XVI and Pope Plus TX.
The monsignors of the basilica, aided
by the noble guard, then laid all that
was mortal of Leo XIII. in cypress
coffin lined with red satin and bearing
on the cover an inlaid cross, the en-
tire sacred college and Prince Colonna
rising to their feet as a last tribute
and sign of respect. When the body
had been carefully put in the coffin it
was entirely concealed with the red
velvet covering which had before been
on the bier. The major domo put beside
the body two silk purses containing
coins of silver and bronze medal
struck during Leos pontifcate. A
eulogy, written in magnificent Latin,
and setting forth the great events of
Pope Leo's life and reign, enclosed in
a metal tube, was also inferred with
the body. When all had been arranged
the supreme prayer was said and the
last benediction given, all present join
ed in. Half-suppressed sobs were
heard on all sides. The second coffin
was of lead and very heavy. On the
cover at the head was cross, just be-
low which was a skull and crossed
bones, while below these were the
arms of the late pope, with the triple
crown, but without the keys, as they
signify victory. At the bottom was
a plate bearing Latin inscription.
This coffin was sealed personally With
the arms of the camerlengo. The ma
jor domo of the chapter of the basilica
lighted a braZier which was used in
soldering the coffin. producing sounds
and sights strange to hear and see in
Il church. These two collins were
closed in a third casket of polished
walnut without decorations. The sad
duties were softcned and smoothed by
the sweetness of the singing of the
choir and the prayers of the clergy.
When the last supreme moment came
the heavy cotfins weighing in all 1892
pounds We're rolled out Of the chapel,
preceded by mace bearers and choirs
singing as they went and followed by
all the cardinals among whom the
bowed figure of Oreglia, the strong up
right Vennutelli brothers. the white
haired Agliarii and the immense, black
browed Svampa We're the most con-
spicuous. Pulleys were attached to
the coffin and soon, to the strains of
the "Benedictus DOminus Deus
Israeli" it was hoisted into the stone
sarcophagus above the door, where it
will remain until the grateful cardin-
ais, created by the late pontiff, shall
erect suitable tomb in the basilica of
st. John Lateran. which was chosen
by the pope himself as his final rest
ing place. Thus was Pope Leo con-
signed to his long rest. Color and life
were given to the whole scene by
gendarmes and palatine and noble
guards. The last named have never
left the remains since the pope died.
Above the cardinals. behind graf
ing. We're the ladies Of the aristocracy
and the family of the pope. The diplo-
matte body was also present, as were