Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. II.djvu/88

98 from Il Trovatore. The procession produced a fine effect when, attended by the many-colored multitude, it ascended the flight of steps to the Capitol. There it paused: the music played for yet a short time a gay, secular air; the standards were lowered, all was at an end, and the people dispersed as hastily and silently as a mass of cloud.

The pictures of the Madonna were carried up the heaven-aspiring steps of Ara Celi, and into the church of the Capuchins, to which they lead. The church was illuminated, and also the image of the Virgin, which stands in the centre of the church. The inscription “Thou art in truth a Virgin and there is no original sin in thee!” was kissed again and again by many men of the lower class, with an earnestness which was affecting to witness, because it was sincere and evinced an ardent and religious feeling. If this were a misguided feeling, it was no fault of theirs, but that of their great guardian, the Pope, who has elevated the earthly, humble woman into a Groddess. It was this day seven years, since Pio Nono, according to an alleged inspiration of the Holy Spirit, declared the Mother of Christ Jesus to be without hereditary or original sin. For the rest, well might the affectionate, fascinating expression in the beautiful pictures of the Madonna awaken sentiments of devotional love in the uneducated, but warm-hearted and sun-kindled children of Italy. It is asserted that the men of Italy almost universally feel a reverence and regard for the Mother, which is elsewhere very rare. It is worthy of observation how quietly ladies may move amongst, and stand here in a popular crowd without being