It is the unfrocked priest who said the
Mass of the Champ-de-Mars, for the Fete de la Federation; it is
the diplomat who directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the
time of the murder of the Duke d'Enghien; it is the courtier, who,
before he was Grand Chamberlain of Louis XVIII. and Charles X.,
was that of Napoleon. The banner is presented before the vault
only by one end. It is inclined over the opening of the crypt, but
is not cast in, salutes, for the last time, the dead King, then
rises as if to proclaim that the noble banner of France dies not,
and that the royalty sheltered beneath its folds descends not into
the tomb.
The King-at-Arms again cries:--
"Monsieur the Duke d'Uzes, charged with the functions of Grand
Master of France, come and perform your duty." Then the maitres de
l'hotel, the chambellans de l'hotel, and the first maitre de
l'hotel approach the vault, break their batons, cast them in, and
return to their places.
The King-at-Arms summons the persons bearing the insignia of
royalty.
"Monsieur the Duke of Bressac, bring la main de justice.
"Monsieur the Duke of Chevreuse, bring the sceptre.
"Monsieur the Duke of la Tremoille, bring the crown."
These three insignia are taken down into the vault, as were the
flag and the four standards.
Then the Duke d'Uzes, putting the end of the baton of Grand Master
of France within the vault, cries out: "The King is dead!"
The King-at-Arms withdraws three paces, and repeats in a low
voice: "The King is dead! the King is dead! the King is dead!"
Then turning to the assembly he says: "Pray for the repose of his
soul!"
At this moment the clergy and all the assistants throw themselves
upon their knees, pray, and rise again.
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