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some of them of immense value. About the niche 
hang great numbers of offerings made by the great- 
est princes in the world ; among others, a figure of 
a child in gold, weighing twenty-four pounds, given 
by Louis XIII. of France, on the birth of his son 
Louis XIV., and many others equally valuable. 
Here are kept what they call the Virgin’s gown, 
dishes which she used, the cup out of which 
our Saviour took pap, &c., all in massy silver cup- 
boards. But the most stupendous thing of all is 
the treasury, a large room where most of the of- 
ferings that have been made are disposed in glass 
eases all around; that is, all the choicest of gold 
and jewels, for silver can scarcely find a place. 
There are some most beautiful as well as precious 
things, and many interesting in an historical light ; 
as the fine crown and sceptre of Christina queen of 
Sweden; a gold heartset with diamonds, given by our 
James the Second’s queen, and many others equally 
curious. There are garments forthe priests, covered 
with millions perhaps of pearls and precious stones, 
in embroidery and other forms. Every thing is 
kept in the most exquisite order, and shown freely 
to the public twice a day. One thing which struck 
me extremely was a huge mass of emeralds, each as 
big as the handle of a table-knife, sticking in their 
natural bed; the whole must weigh one hundred 
and fifty pounds; it was given by Philip IV. of 
Spain. Here is a Virgin and Child by Raphael, for 
which they say Lord Spencer offered about 37002. : 
but this church 1s not in want of money, as you will 
easily believe ; their revenues are in proportion to 
