VISIT TO NAPOLEON'S TOMB. 357 



cypress, is the Tomb. The spot is private property, belonging 

 to the widow lady, Mrs. Talbot, who occupies the cottage, and 

 who furnishes visitors with refreshments. There is a poetic 

 effusion in the " Visitors' Book," alluding to the circumstance 

 last mentioned : — 



" There you will find an excellent cheer, 

 Bread and cheese, and ale and beer ; 

 And while Mrs. T. gives bread and butter. 

 Its my intention never to cut her, - ' 



Gne end of the iron railing round the Tomb is open for the 

 purpose of admitting visitors. The grave remains uncovered, 

 or just as the French left it when they exhumed the body. 



" Napoleon 's gone ! the Island Tomb 

 No more his corpse contains ; 

 A prince and noble ship have come, 

 And taken his remains." 



What remained of the original willows planted by the hand 

 of Madame Bertrand around the Tomb, were carried away by 

 Prince Joinville, as well as the slabs that closed the recess in 

 which the coffin was placed. The Tomb is carried only a few 

 feet above the ground, and is utterly devoid of ornament ; nor 

 does it bear any date, name, or inscription. The location is a 

 very appropriate one, but the tomb itself excites our disgust 

 and indignation, for the inference is, that the enemies of 

 Napoleon sought to gratify their animosity after his death, by 

 insulting his remains, than which nothing can be more despi- 

 cable and unmanly. The slabs taken away by Prince Join- 

 ville formed a part of the -kitchen -hearth of the house at 

 Longwood ! 



Mrs. Talbot resided at the cottage while the Emperor was 

 living, and she informed us that the site of the grave was 



