The terror and alarm
became overpowering for a while, but subsiding
into a more religious feeling crowds of persons
followed with solemn reverence the holy procession
as it passed along, bearing the holy sacrament to
the expiring monarch. At the moment when it was
administered the grand almoner, turning towards
all present, pronounced the following words in
the king's name:--
"'Gentlemen, the weakness of his majesty preventing
him from expressing himself, he has commanded me
to inform you, that although he is responsible to
God alone for his conduct, he yet regrets having
caused any scandal to his people by the irregularities
of his life, that he sincerely repents of his sins,
and, should Providence restore him to health, he
purposes living henceforward in all the virtue and
morality of his youth, in the defence and
maintenance of religion, in preserving a true
faith, and in watching over the best interests
of his people.'
"Yours, madam, etc., etc."
I learned also, through another channel, that (according to
custom) forty hours' prayer had been enjoined in every church in
France to implore the mercy of heaven for the king. I heard too
that the shrine of Saint Genevieve had been displayed for the
veneration of true believers.
I passed a miserable night, dreaming of graves, winding-sheets,
and funeral-torches, from which I only awoke to receive the
morning's despatches.
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