Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol. 9.djvu/317

 THE DEATH OF LORD RAGLAN. 287 ' Dr Prendergast at its head, Lady George Paget chap. XIII ' was seated at the foot, Colonel Steele and _L_ ' General Airey on the other side. I stood close ' to the dying hero. As I uttered the words, ' " Peace be to this house and all that dwell in ' " it," all fell on their knees, and I proceeded ' with the solemn order for the visitation of the ' sick. At the close of the heart - searching ' service, I placed my hand upon the forehead ' and commended the departing soul to the ' keeping of God, and scarcely had the last ' word passed my lips when the great man ' went to his rest. Colonel Steele then asked ' me to kneel down and pray that those present ' might be strengthened. I did so, and heavy ' grief sat upon the hearts of all who joined in ' that solemn appeal to Heaven.'( 3 ) Many know, and some envy, the blissful look of content that lights on the face of a soldier when slain by a gunshot wound ; but the toils of a commander are toils of the mind, of the heart. The expression that fastened on Lord Rag- Expression lan's countenance in the moment of death seemed countenance to tell of — not pain but — Care. On the morning that followed, the Com- Generals manders-in-chief of the four Allied armies, and miratnext the Admirals of the fleets, and besides, General chlmter'of Canrobert (the late Trench commander) came up to the English Headquarters, and entered the chamber of death. Of these — all of course men