" He then went round to them all, and blessed them each, though
in a somewhat shorter form; and, at last, standing on the top step, in
the front of the whole army, so that every one could see him, he uttered
a general benediction on the people, and a prayer for their success; and
while he did so, boys dressed in surplices made their way through the
crowd, swinging censers filled with burning frankincense, and loading
the air with that peculiar scent, which always fills the mind with
devotional ideas.
As soon as this was over, and the people had risen from their knees,
Cathelineau spoke to them, and told them that the Bishop of Agra had
been especially appointed by their King to watch over and protect their
spiritual interest; that Monseigneur had heard with great grief of the
misfortune which had happened to them the preceding evening, and that
he would now tell them how, with God's assistance, they might hope in
future to avoid such calamities.
The bishop then addressed them, and said:
"My children, I rejoice that Providence has given me the privilege of
seeing so many of you collected here today.
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