spire. The sight of this grand
volume of flames, rising above the town, was indescribable and
tinged the whole sky with its glowing reflection. And the guns
went on thundering and shattering parts of the stone ornaments
which adorned the front and sides of the Cathedral. The whole
roof came down and the fire died out only for want of fuel. The
following morning the ground in the interior was covered with
ruins, and through the holes in the vault of the nave one could
see the blue sky. The beautiful Organ built by Silbermann was
pierced by a shell and the magnificent painted windows were in
great part spoiled. Fortunately the celebrated astronomical Clock
had escaped unhurt.

As the Military Command continued for some time to occupy a post
of observation on the platform, the Cathedral was unfortunately
still longer the aim of German guns which every day surrounded
the building with ruins. On the 4th of September two shells hit
the crown of the Cathedral and hurled the stonemasses to
incredible distances; on the 15th a shot came even into the point
below the Cross, which was bent on one side, and had its
threatened fall only prevented by the iron bars of the lightning
conductor which held it.

After the entrance of the Germans into the reconquered town, the
difficult and dangerous work of restauration of the point of the
spire was begun at once and happily ended a few months after.
They work also constantly to make the other damages disappear,
and in a short time the magnificent house of God will be restored
to all its ancient splendour.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: The Crypta.]

II. DESCRIPTION.

The first aspect of the Cathedral produces on the mind a deep
impression. One is seized with admiration and amazed at the first
view of this noble edifice whose steeple towers up so gracefully
and majestically. No doubt that examined in all its particular
parts, one may also be struck with the disproportion that exists
between them; the nave is not in harmony with the dimensions of
the tower, the chancel and transept still less so: but although
this want of uniformity may lessen the symmetry of the monument,
the impression it at first produces is no less extraordinary. And
besides, have not those different styles a particular interest
for those who study the history of architecture? In the Cathedral
are, as it were, brought together all the styles or orders of
architecture of the middle ages, from the byzan