118 MEMOIR OF BR. HARVEY. 



and it is placed in the tomb of the Corsini family in the Church 

 of St. John in the Lateran. This tomb is in a large circular 

 room, placed under a chapel, and dimly lighted by a grating in 

 the roof, which is the floor of the chapel. The sarcophagi of 

 the family stand round, and near the middle of the apartment 

 is this exquisite group in marble. It is shown by the light of a 

 small torch, which has an astonishing effect in heightening the 

 expression. The figures are the Virgin supporting the dead 

 Christ, and the exquisite expression of maternal sorrow thrown 

 into her face and figure is really wonderful and most touching. 

 Had I been alone, I could have wept. The figure of our Lord 

 is admirable, and the way in which the artist has expressed the 

 flesh — torn by the nails in the hands and feet — is what I did 

 not think marble capable of. The face is all that one can fancy 

 of the settling down of agony into a holy serenity. It is in 

 fact such a group as would almost make us tolerate the imagery 

 of the Roman Church, and certainly is one I would give much 

 to have an occasional opportunity of visiting. 



Easter Sunday evening. This morning early we sallied forth 

 to St. Peter's to see High Mass performed by the Pope in person, 

 and to see him give the pontifical blessing. At the upper end 

 of the church a throne was prepared under a fine canopy of 

 crimson velvet and gold trappings, and raised on seven steps 

 covered with rich carpet. This was in the centre, immediately 

 under the eastern window, which contains a transparent 

 image of the Holy Ghost and Glories. On either side were 

 benches for the cardinals and bishops, and at the right hand, 

 near the altar, below the cardinals' benches was another throne, 

 smaller than the preceding, and with fewer steps. The area 

 was enclosed by gentlemen of the body guard in splendid uni- 

 form. Round about stood the profane and faithful vulgar blended 

 together, and among them we. About ten o' clock a sound of 

 martial music was heard, the great doors of the church were 

 thrown open, and the procession entered. First came lesser 

 orders of the clergy in black ; then some in violet and lace, 

 others in scarlet (names unknown) ; the bishops, in silver and 

 gold tissue, with white silk mitres. Then cardinals in silver 

 and gold, very richly embroidered, with train-bearers. After 

 these the officers of the household ; then the cross and seven 

 candle-bearers. Then a long line of officers bearing the Pope's 



