Page:History of the Empress Josephine (2).pdf/11

 HISTORY OF THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE. 11

Like all Cassandras, she was unheeded. Bonaparte had as little of the self-tormenting metaphysics and cold relent- ings of Macbeth, as Josephine of the masculine spirit of his spouse. The clay came which was to realize the dream that had haunted her from her youth. Dr. Memes's picture of her coronation is one of his most fortunate efforts :- " At eleven precisely, the cavalcade moved from the Tuil- leries towards Notre Dame. The imperial carriage, drawn by eight bays, attracted general attention: it had been con- structed for the occasion, in a very ingenious manner, the entire panelling being of glass, a circumstance which accounts for the mistake of their majesties having seated themselves like criminals, with their backs to the horses; but where so many omens and predictions have figured, it is surprising that the fact has been omitted. Josephine was the first to discover this error, which she instantly rectified, by lightly assuming the proper position ; saying at the same time to her companion, Mon ai, unless you prefer riding vis-a-vis, this is your seat,' pointing to the rich cushion on the right- Napoleon, laughing heartily at his blunder, moved to the place indicated. The procession advanced, attended by ten thousand horsemen, the flower of Gallic chivalry,' who de- filed between double lines of infantry, selected from the bravest soldiers, extending about a mile and a half, while more than four hundred thousand spectators filled up every space whence a glance could be obtained. The thunders of innumerable artillery, the acclamations of the assembled multitude, expressed the general enthusiasm ; and, as if to light up the gorgeous spectacle, the sun suddenly broke through the mists which till then lad hung heavily over the city. The cortége stopped at the archiepiscopal palace, whence a temporary covered gallery, hung with the banners of the sixteen cohorts of the 'legion of honour,' conducted into the interior of the cathedral and to the throne. To this latter was an ascent of twenty-two semicircular steps covered with blue cloth, gemmed with golden bees, and crowded with the grand officers of the empire. On the throne, itself hung with crimson velvet, under a canopy of the same, appeared Nape