The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-05-01

Oh courts ana passages, as we ulu DelOre
alighting. We then assembled long flights
of stone steps, and walked through the
galleries of sculpture, as the reception.
room was adjoining the library. We were
first shown into the ante-room hung with
grim portraits of different ghostly per.
sonages connected with the library in for.
mer times-green curtains were hung in
stead of doors, and in the middle of the
floor was green carpet, bordered by bare
bricks-gilded chairs with crimson cush.
ions were ranged against the wall. After
a while a young Italian priest in long
purple robe drew aside the curtain, and
in the softest and most mellifuous Italian
informed US that the Pope was on his way
through the galleries. Like all "great
bodies" he moved slowly, and after a con-
sistent time, the same smooth, silvery
tongue announced that the Beatissimo
Padre was ready. As we entered his
presence he was quite loud in his welcome
Of All Hail to the United States = We
bowed and curtesied as we approached,
he stood in front of a writing table. The
Consul then gave him our histories, and
finding that one gentleman was an officer
he inquired about the probabilities of war
between Great Britain and the United
States, and the Mcleod affair." and ex>
pressed his own views on the subject, in
which saw he was well acquainted with
the interests of the States. 'We shall
have your Holiness on our side if we have
war, shall we not 2 asked the Consul to
which he replied, 4 will not send my fleet
against you AS he had none, he seemed
TO think he had said something very fun.
ny; and laughed heartily. He then asked
the number of Chairs in the college of
which one of our party was the President,
who had been presented to him when in
Rome.
As had heard he never even lookedt%R
lady, l determined to improve the time in
scrutiny of his person. On dit that the old
gentleman is an excellent judge of wines, &c.
He came to receive US Immediately after din
ner, which was at the Yankee hour of half
past one-it was Lent and we could notjudge
if it was SANDER, but although he may have
signed :" the former pledge" should think
he was by no means teetotaller, and yet
Father Mathew must have his sanction. He
is over seventy years of age, has a short.
thick figure, quite stout, and said to be equity.
He wore red morocco shoes tied with gold
cord and tassals, and a star embroidered in
gold, which is kissed by all devout Catholics,
who PROSTATE themselves before him when
presented. His gown was Of white cashmere,
buttOned very closely down to the feet, a
small cape, cuffs, and little wings on the
sleeves, were lined with white silk. His era
vat, skull cap, and wristbands were extremely
soiled, and he carried a large broirn pocket
handkerchief. His hands aristocratically
small, and large diamond ring sparkled on
the second finger, and if Popes have any van
ity, | should say he possessed degree in its
display. He took from his pocket snuff
box, and filling his capacious nose with the
contents, what was my surprise to have him
turn his gray eyes upon me with most be-
nignant glance which caught me in broad
stare, and asked how long had been in
Rome. This question answered, he inquir-
ed, among other things, how l liked the city,
if had seen 1.-THE stately going' from Santa
Maria, if | were going to remain TO La Semi
ana Santa, (1oly Week,) and hoped would
have fine time for it, that l might receive
''the Pontifcial Blessing"
After we had been an hour in his presence,
he bowed and said "Salutatora Professora,"
and We curtsied and bowed out of the room
backwards. A long line of purpie-robed at
tendants were in waiting, one with his scarlet
hat and cloak, ready to tranport him back to
his apartments.
We all agreed he was pleasant and affable
old gentleman, and by his urbanity removed
all stiffness and embarrassment from the au-
dience. We returned to our hotel well pleas
ed with our visit to Pope Gregory Sixteenth
Pontifex Maximus.