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The Procession of Life
Ourtaskisdone!Nowletthegrandprocessionmove!
Yetpauseawhile!WehadforgottentheChiefMarshal.
Hark!Thatworld-wideswellofsolemnmusic,withtheclangofamightybellbreakingforththroughitsregulateduproar,announceshisapproach.Hecomes;asevere,sedate,immovable,darkrider,wavinghistruncheonofuniversalsway,ashepassesalongthelengthenedline,onthepalehorseoftheRevelation.ItisDeath!Whoelsecouldassumetheguidanceofaprocessionthatcomprehendsallhumanity?Andifsome,amongthesemanymillions,shoulddeemthemselvesclassedamiss,yetletthemtaketotheirheartsthecomfortabletruththatDeathlevelsusallintoonegreatbrotherhood,andthatanotherstateofbeingwillsurelyrectifythewrongofthis.Thenbreathethywailupontheearth’swailingwind,thoubandofmelancholymusic,madeupofeverysighthatthehumanheart,unsatisfied,hasuttered!Thereisyettriumphinthytones.Andnowwemove!Beggarsintheirrags,andKingstrailingtheregalpurpleinthedust;theWarrior’sgleaminghelmet;thePriestinhissablerobe;thehoaryGrandsire,whohasrunlife’scircleandcomebacktochildhood;theruddySchool-boywithhisgoldencurls,friskingalongthemarch;theArtisan’sstuffjacket;theNoble’sstar-decoratedcoat;—thewholepresentingamotleyspectacle,yetwithaduskygrandeurbroodingoverit
