A Last Imperial Funeral
I found this rather affecting.
Otto von Habsburg died last week at age 98. He was the Pretender to the thrones of Austria and Hungary (and many other states) since 1922.
A proponent of European federalism and a devout Catholic, Otto had what was probably the last Imperial funeral to be held in Vienna. But as the coffin, decked in the old Imperial flag bearing the family arms, neared the Capuchin Church of Vienna the doors were shut and locked.
A chamberlain announced him, giving his full Imperial style in pretense.
The monk said, "We know him not."
The chamberlain announced Otto again, giving his academic credentials.
The monk said, "We know him not."
The chamberlain announced Otto, "A mortal and a sinner."
And the doors were opened.
Otto von Habsburg died last week at age 98. He was the Pretender to the thrones of Austria and Hungary (and many other states) since 1922.
A proponent of European federalism and a devout Catholic, Otto had what was probably the last Imperial funeral to be held in Vienna. But as the coffin, decked in the old Imperial flag bearing the family arms, neared the Capuchin Church of Vienna the doors were shut and locked.
A chamberlain announced him, giving his full Imperial style in pretense.
The monk said, "We know him not."
The chamberlain announced Otto again, giving his academic credentials.
The monk said, "We know him not."
The chamberlain announced Otto, "A mortal and a sinner."
And the doors were opened.
posted by Walt at 6:42 AM
2 Comments:
"The chamberlain announced Otto, "A mortal and a sinner."
Yeah, screw that noise, too. Feudal nonsense either from church OR state if you ask me...can go the way of the dodo.
Tho' America is heading back there...with neo-rich corporate asshats getting all gentrified.
Since I feel an irrational need to reply, I shall.
1. It IS a church, after all.
2. The thing I found affecting was that Death is the truest democrat. To quote Henry V, "his majesty laid by, in his nakedness he appears but a man; the violet hath the same savor to him as it doth to me," or something like that.
Take the lesson for what it is.
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