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The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848-1954) (about)
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Cite: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1886621
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Sarah Bernhardt.
Long Procession of Mourners.
PARIS, March 27.
The body of Sarah Bernhardt is lying in state to-day, and a long procession viewed the body, including many notable actors and playwrights. Many pages of the visitors' book were filled with signa- tures. A profusion of flowers was received, mostly roses, these being her favourite flowers. In accordance with Madame Bernhardt's wish, the body is clothed in white satin. The bed is of white lace, strewn with lilies and roses, and on her breast is her cross of the Legion of Honour. It is stated that she carried a rosewood coffin on her world tours, follow- ing on a dream in which she saw herself buried without a coffin at sea.
It is possible that she will be accorded a national funeral, though she wished it to be quiet and simple, and that there should be no valedictory orations at the graveside. Before her death she expressed a desire to be buried on a rocky island on the Brittany coast, where she had a residence, and where she had designed a monument
for her tomb.