o be present on
this occasion. The day appropriated for the reception of the queen had
arrived. The weather was superb; the skies were blue, and the waters
of the channel were calm and placid. The shores and buildings, as far
as the eye could reach, were covered with cavalry, infantry,
artillery, and citizens. Every bosom in this mighty throng was glowing
with enthusiasm. The glittering eagles, the waving banners, the gleam
of polished helmets and cuirasses, the clash of arms, the
soul-stirring music from the martial bands, and the incessant bustle
and activity, presented a spectacle of military splendor which has
seldom been equalled. It was war's most brilliant pageant, without any
aspect of horror. The frigate La Bretagne, on which the banquet was to
take place, was decorated with signals and flags, and most prominent
were the national ensigns of France and England. A triumphal throne
was erected on the deck of the vessel, on which sat Louis Napoleon,
the empress, the officers and great dignitaries of the country,
interspersed with the ladies of honor. Salutes from the surrounding
forts and ships of war announced the arrival of the barge containing
the Queen of England, Prince Albert, and suite. They were received on
board the frigate by Napoleon, amid the salvos of artillery and
strains of martial music. "God save the Queen," and French national
airs, were played by the bands, and the nation's guest was addressed
by Napoleon, who, in proposing Victoria's health, said,--

"Facts prove that hostile passions, aided by a few unfortunate
incidents, did not succeed in altering either the friendship existing
between the two crowns, or the desire of the two nations to remain at
peace. He entertained the sincere hope that if attempts were made to
stir up the resentments and passions of another epoch, they would
break to pieces on common sense. Prince Albert responded, and
expressed the most friendly sentiments on behalf of the queen. He said
she was happy at having an opportunity, by her presence at Cherbourg,
of joining and endeavoring to strengthen as much as possible the bonds
of friendship between the nations--a friendship based on mutual
prosperity; and the blessing of Heaven would not be denied. He
concluded by proposing a toast--The emperor and empress."

The above scene is the one we propose to represent in tableau; and to
give a good effect to the piece, it will be necessary to have thirty
persons. The number can