The detachments of the national guards, appointed to take the oath, ranged themselves under each banner, indicative of his place in the amphitheatre.
The music collected into one band, and occupied the side of the platform under the altar, next to the invalids; and the band of drums were placed on the opposite side.
The detachment of cavalry that closed the procession, formed the exterior line, on the side where they entered, opposite to the first detachment.
The altar was after an antique model. The ascent to it was by four stair cases; at each corner was a platform supporting an urn, which exhaled perfumes. On the south front were these verses from Mahomet, under a picture of arts and sciences:
"Les mortals sont egaux, ce ne'st pas leur naissance,
"C'est la seule vertu qui fait leur difference."
"Men are equal: it is not by birth. It is virtue alone that confers distinction."
And these,
"La loi dans tout doit etre universelle,
"Le mortels quels qu'ils soient egaux devant elle."
"The law in all things ought to be universal: Men of all descriptions are equal in its eyes."
On the opposite side were four angels sounding trumpets, with this inscription: