At least six days--far more, if possible--should be devoted to the Louvre
Collections--by far the most important objects to be seen in Paris. Of
these, four should be assigned to the Paintings, and one each to the
Classical and Renaissance Sculpture. If this is impossible, do not try to
see all; see a little thoroughly. Confine yourself, for Painting, to the
Salon Carre and Gallery VII., and for Sculpture to the Classical Gallery
and to the three Western rooms of the Renaissance collection.



The Madeleine and Champs Elysees

By Nathaniel Hawthorne


[Footnote From "French and Italian Note-Books." By special arrangement
with, and by permission of, the publishers of Hawthorne's works, Houghton,
Mifflin Co. Copyright, 1871, 1883, 1899.]



Approaching the Madeleine, we found it a most beautiful church, that might
have been adapted from Heathenism to Catholicism; for on each side there
is a range of magnificent pillars, unequalled, except by those of the
Parthenon. A mourning coach, arrayed in black and silver, was drawn up at
the steps, and the front of the church was hung with black cloth, which
covered the whole entrance. However, seeing the people going in, we
entered along with them. Glorious and gorgeous is the Madeleine. The
entrance to the nave is beneath a most stately arch; and three arches of