Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1852-10-06
The Iron Crown.


The Iron Crown.
The Cathedral, da Scaln, the galleries of paint
ings, and the Corso, had become little stale TO
contemplation and curiosity, and l was beginning
TO enquire of my laguais de place, whether we had
exhausted all the wonders of Milan.
II iSignor should see the Iron Crown was his
reply; and if he will entrust me with a note, ap-
proprately addressed to his EzeelensG, the
nor, think will be able to negotiate the matter
for him.. -gtf +, I.Sll II
The note was written, 10 which subscribed my
self, as was my privilege, attdche TO one OF the
American Legations in Europe, but, had been the
ambassador himself, more courteous reply could
not have been ELECTED. What were his Excellen,
cy's conceptions of my rank, or my lnqua!s' report
OF me, could never ascertain; but the PERMISSION
was granted as if the favor were conferred on the
party applied to, accompanied with many apologies
and regrets that imperative business prevented this
high functionary from being my escorton the occa-
sion; and with letter to the archbishop OF Nlohza,
where the crown is deposited requesting him to at
ford the distinguished American, every qualification
of curiosity he could desire. t.-....
Thus fortified, we set out, my skilful mediator,
my shrewd laquais, and myself, tor the httie town
of Monza, about nine miles from Milan, where IS
deposited the diadem that has enciIcled the brows
of Cha -lenagne, and to Which the Dieu me Ia don
ne, gdre qti III touche, OF his great successor mas
given increase of interest. What PERIOD Is en-
braced in these two epochs; world distinct, IN
most of its characteristics, from that which prece-
ded it. From the dawn of civilization, beginning
to reappear after the long night OF ages the DARK
of barbarc rule, to the chuigcnce oil the per
feet day. when the Corsicas, in the full confidence
of self suflicing, and successful ability and in con-
tempt of immemoral form, repelimg the nanus
which, by custom of coronation, were extended 10
place this insignia his head, with oil the solcm-
nifty of religious rite; stiZed 1t IN his OWL anu hXed
it firmly there, with exclamation rs applicable
to this symbol of sovereignty, as to the positive En-
pire his almost linguidcd genius had acqulred
unwilling TO admit that even this idle baublc, icf
such it must have appeared to him who had secured
the substance it represented, had been transferred
to his brow by other earthly agency than his own
There was mllcof the sublime, both in the acilon,
and the expression; whether the impulse OF ms
swelling soul ut the moment, OF OF prcconcerted
tact in one who knew so well the avenues 10 the
passions, and applause of men.
1t was proud event i'll the life Of that sef-made,
self sustaining mantle proudest perhaps OF many
that had signalized his extraordinary career; and
yet there something significant in the title
something admonitory too, in the history of eiron
circlet now binding his aspiring head, tcsuylng to
terrible vcissitudein even royal destiny t. at might
have suggested to less inordinatc ambition, This
suspicious moment as the Climax oil renown' anu
prompted 10 timely and dignifed repose, when I'M
PARALLEL achievement had made the soldier of for
tune Emperor of France, conqueror OF Germany,
and now seated him on the throne of the Caesars,
with all Of Cesar's sway, and more than CAESARS
triumph.
"Hos,iS,.s ,5ique Jisi-, ensis. capfs."
On presenting my credentials, ct the Archepis-
copal palace, was informed by the Secretary that
his Reverence was too unwell, or, what was the
i'll effect, perhaps dIsnclined 10 play the host,
or eiccone i'll this occasion; but that directions
would be given TO have my curiosity gratifed, at
the Cathedral, at four clock i'll the afternoon and
that he, tine Secretary, would meet me there to do
the honors, in the absence of the chief. The APP
pointed hour found us approaching the venerable
and time worn cdfcc, almost CO. cval with the pre-
cius relic it enshrned; but we were little prepar-
ed for the reception that awaited us.
| , Rumors of some extraordinary event. that had oc-
casoned the portals OF the Sanctuary TO be opened
at an unusual season, had brought together the as
scmbled population of the village, which divided
itself into two ranks to allow Inc TO pass through
them TO the church; along the aisle, and up to the
railing dividing the altar from the secular portion OF
the building; preceded or followed-lf orgct which
the etiquette of the occasion requirel-by my de-
lighted valet. Here, however, he and the profane
crowd paused; for the barrier, opened to admit Inc
to the sancum where priests, i'll their robes, the
secretary, in dignifed courtesy, and cenSors fling
ing odors around, awaited me; closed upon my gap
ing attendants who stood wondering, i'll the dis
lance, rather at the object of this distinction than at
the display OF treasures antiquity sanctity, and SUI
perstition had accumulated.
After much ceremony, the Iron crown was pro-
duced. 1t is composed of single spike, or nail,
saidto have been that which bound tl:c feet of our
blessed Saviour to the cross; but now bent to cir
Gle that about fits the head To the outer circum-
ferance of this is affixed broad plate of gold, stud
ded with precious stones, which conceals, when
placed on the head, the homely but venerable ma
terial from which this diadem takes It's name, ana
gives to it appropriate maSsivcness and splendor.-
was permitted to take il into my hands; and, des-
pite the doubtful tradition to which this ring of iron
owes its peculiar interest," could not but regard IT.
for Il moment, with the eye of credullty, or avoid
| INDUCING in reflection upon the various purposes
| to which it had been applied. 1t hadbeen1an in
strulnent of impious martyrdom; had bound to
the accused tree, the worlds incarnate Sover-
eign; and had encircled, with glory, the temples
| of an earthly monarch 1t had witnessed God,
scofled at criminal, and man, his creature, an
object of homage, due only to God. II was stained
with blood, shed TO redeem world from moral and
eternal death; it was worn as trophy by him who
had poured out the vital fluid, like water, to secure
to an individual the honorS of physical and tempo
raj existence 1t had pierced the feet of Jesus; had
been wrested by the hand of Charlemngne from tile
| last of the long line of Lombard Kings, to be
thrown, an apple of diScord, among succeeding
dynasties, and come, with the accumulated glorieS
and recollections of ages to eliminate on the brow
of Napoleon; behold it nova clustered relic Tor
picty, or curiosity TO wonder at. w No longer an in
cenve 10 ambition, and, at best, but the portion CT
some royal pensonary, incapable of opening path
way to sovereignty for himself. Drawn from its
secluded niche, the trembling monk looks upon 1t
with horror, for it is encrusted with the rust OF sac
rege; the passing stranger with sigh to the glones
that are gone; the nsplrani to fame, with indiiler-
cnce, seeking as he may, wider and nobler recon-
pense OF action and renown than would now ac-
company its possessions for, of Italy, and her hon
ors, it may well be SAID -.-.----
81 ..Non Aonof ia, com 'r,Gno Prinaa."
The Sampler of the Virgin Mary; cliryslalized
tears; memorials of Saints and other maryels pety
had collected, here, as well as elsewhere, had be-
come too familiar, in my travels through Italy, to
engage attention, this object of my visit 10 Monza
had fully occupied; and after expressing my sat
sfaction to the utmost of my ability. and my prop
er sense fthe courteses bestowed on me, with
drew from the church, in the order had enteredit,
and returned 10 Milan, delighted with my excur-
sion; but in vain endeavoring 10 extort from my
companion the means he had employed to rendcrit
SO eclutante, and singular; the more remarkable,
on this occasion had taken no unusual advantage