The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1929-03-01

VI LOUIS THE SIXTEENTH utter
ly had failed in resolution during
the last few troubled years of his
reign, AZ least he met his fate in king
~ fashion-with courtesy for those
beneath him in rank, with compass
sionate and grateful thoughts to those
who served him at the end, with
Christian forgiveness for his Oppres-
sors. Indeed. all his dying thoughts
appeared to be for others rather than
for himself.
Those who attended him during his
final night on earth-Clery, the de-
voted servant, and Father EdgewOrth,
the heroic priest-bore abundant testi-
mony in their memoirs to their royal
masters fortitude and gentleness.
/, Following his condemnation he was
permitted a farewell meeting with his
family. OF this affecting scene Clery
wrote:
AT half past eight the door opened.
The queen came first, leading her son
by the hand; Madame Royale and
Madame Elizabeth followed. They all
threw themselves into the arms of the
king. A melancholy silence prevailed
for some minutes; and it was only
broken by signs and sobs. . I.
The king sat down; the queen was on
his left hand. Madame Elizabeth on
his right, Madame Royale nearly OPP
posite. and the young prince stood be-
tween his legs; all were leaning on
the king, and often pressed him in
their embraces. This scene of sorrow
lasted an hour and three quarters,
during which it was impossible TO
hear anything. Celery was a witness
through the glass in a closed door,
1t could, however, be seen that after
every sentence uttered by the king
the agitation of the queen and prin-
cesses increased. 1t was plain
from their gestures that they received
from himself the first intelligence of
his condemnation.
A Monarch's Last Farewell.
AT a quarter past ten the king rose
first, they all followed. opened the
door. The queen held the king by
his right ARM; their majesties gave
each a hand TO the dauphin. Madame
Royale, on the kings left, had her
arms round his body; and behind her
Madame Elizabeth. on the same side
had taken his arm. They advanced
some steps towards the entry door,
breaking put into the most agonizing
lamentations. I assure you,' said the
king, that l will see you again to-
morrow morning at eight o'clock
You prOmiseT said they all together.
Yes, | promise.'-'Why not at sew
en- o'clock said the queen.-'Weil!
yes, at seven,' replied the king; fare
weIlr He pronounced farewell in so
Impressive a manner that their sobs
were renewed, and Madame Royale
tainted at the feet of the king, round
whom she had chung. | raised her
and assisted Madame Elizabeth to
support her. The king, willing to put
an end to this agOnizing scene. once
more embraced them all most tender
iy and mad the resolution to tear him.
self from their arms. Farewell T!
farewell said he. and went into his
chamber"
After he had become calmer, the
Doomed man repaired TO a turret in
the tower where his confessor, Father
Edgeworth, awaited him. The latter
takes up the narrative:
81 determined to procure the means
of administering the sacrament to his
majesty, at any risk to myself, since
he had been so long deprived OF the
opportunity of receiving it. l should
have brought the elements in secret
with me as we we're obliged to do to
all good Christians, who were de-
tanned in their own houses; but the
strict search it was necessary to sub
nit 10 in coming to the Temple, and
the proclamation which would infallibly
have followed, were motives more
than sufficient to have prevented me-.
There remained no other resource
than for me to say mass in the kings
chamber if | could find the means.
/ proposed it to him. but though he
desired il most ardently, he seemed
afraid of compromising my safety.
81 entreated him to give me his con
sent, promising that | would conduct
myself with prudence and discretion.
He at length yielded"
Consideration for His Valet.
After long delay the commissioners
of the prison granted reluctant con
-. - thz I;nn IN hiS ovtrnmitV
might have the consultations of the re-
Iigion which they had abjured. Fa-
Their Edgeworth, at the risk of his
own life, told them that he was a
clergyman. Eventually 1t was prom
ised that before dawn on the follow
ing morning he might gay a mass and
hear the confession of Louis.