While the French Minister spoke, it nestled on a gold-edged velvet pillow, waiting for the magical incantation: "John Hume, in the name of the President of the Republic and by virtue of the powers invested in us, we make you Officer of the Legion of Honour." Thereupon, Mr Pierre Moscovici, Minister Delegate for European Affairs, pinned the red-ribboned large gold cross on the lapel of Mr Hume's blue suit, then kissed him on both cheeks. Mrs Pat Hume joined the applause by a hundred ambassadors, MEPs and local Irish and British worthies.
The French Foreign Ministry - all crystal and parquet, brocade and gold leaf - is a long way from the Bogside, which Mr Moscovici described in his speech as "the poor quarters where Catholic victims of the contempt and exploitation of the industrial society were crowded for too long".
The medal was France's homage, Mr Moscovici said, "to one of this century's great militants for peace". France saluted Mr Hume's "battle for justice, for mutual tolerance between the communities of Northern Ireland and [your] decisive role in reaching a peaceful conclusion to a bloody conflict".
Speaking the impeccable French he learned at Maynooth, Mr Hume said his "personal ties with France" increased his happiness at receiving the decoration.
These include his early years as a French teacher, a close friendship with the former President of the EU Commission, Mr Jacques Delors, holidays in France and an appreciation for the Bordeaux vineyards founded by Irish emigrants.
His Legion of Honour signified French sympathy and support for the man in the street in Northern Ireland, Mr Hume said.
