Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/171

Rh go round and drink from every separate jet. Tradition states that our Lord Christ drank on one occasion from one of these pipes, and in order not to miss drinking from the one which quenched his thirst, the pious pilgrims drink from them all. Water drunk from the right one, will, it is believed, give health both to soul and body.

At ten o'clock the grand processions began. A gilded image of the Virgin is carried round the great square in front of the monastery; then follows the priestly array with standards and banners; then come men and women and children, all in order, and walking two-and-two. One beautiful division was composed of young girls dressed in black, walking one-by-one, carrying urns with relics.

To this succeeded High Mass. A letter of introduction from a kind Dr. K., of Zürich, to the present abbot and prince, Henry IV., obtained for me a place in the lofty choir, and afterwards a conversation with the prince and his court; but of that anon.

High mass continued a long time, but its beautiful instrumental and vocal music afforded me enjoyment, as did also its excellent organ. The priests who officiated in the choir, bowed themselves alternately before the altar and the abbot, who was seated on his velvet throne, without apparently taking any part in the service.

After this, the multitude of pilgrims spread themselves about the great square, where a large market was being held, partly for the sale of red ribbon, and pictures of saints, and partly of small printed papers, issued from the printing presses of Einsiedeln. I