Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-10-27
The Iron Crown.

of PAINTINGS. and the Corso, had become a
little stale TO contemplation and curiosity,
anG | was beginning to enquire OF my IA,
quais de place, whether we had exhausted
all the wonders of Milan.
II Signor should see the Iron Crown, was
his reply and If he will entrust me with a
note, appropriately addressed to his Eccel-
lensa, the Governor, think will be able
to negotiate the matter for him.
The note was written, to which | sub
scribed myself, as was my privilege, ,attache
to one OF the American legations in Eu-
rome, but, had | been the ambassador him.
self, more courteous reply could not have
been elected What were his Excellency's
conceptions of my rank, or my laquals re-
port of me, could never ascertain but the
permission was granted as if the favor were
conferred on the party applied to, accom-
panied with many apologies and regrets
that imperative business prevented this
high functionary from being my escort on
the occasion; and with letter to the arch
bishop of Monza, where the crown is de-
posted, requesting him to afford the dlstin-
guished American, every qualification OF
curiosity he could desire.
Thus fortified we set out, my skilful me-
diator my shrewd laquais. and myself, for
the little town of Monza, about nine miles
from Milan, where is deposited the diadem
that has encircled the brows of Charlemag-
ne, and to which the Dieu me la donne ,gare
qui la iouche, of his great successor, has CIV
en- increase of interest. What period is
embraced in these two epochs; world dis
tinct, in most of its characteristics, from
that which preceded it. From the dawn
of civilization, beginning to reappear after
the long night of ages; the darkness OF bar
baric rule, to the effulgence of the perfect
day, when the Corslcas, in the full conf
dence Of self-sufiicing, and successful abll-
ity, and in cotempt of immemorial form,
repelling the hands which, by custom OF
coronation, were extended to place this in
sigma on his head with all the solemnlty
of religious rite seized it in his own, and
fixed it firmly there, with an exclamation
as applicable to this symbol of sovereignty,
as to the positive Empire his own almost
unaided genius had acquired; unwilling to
admit that even this idle bauble, for such
it must have appeared to him who had Sc
cured the substance it represented, had
been transferred TO his brow by other earth
ly agency than his own. There was much
of the sublime, both in the action, and the
expression; whether the impulse of his
swelling soul at the moment, or of precon-
certed tact in one who knew so well the
avenues to the passions, and applause OF
men.
1t was a proud event in the life of that
self-made, self-sustaining man-the proud
est perhaps of many that had signalized his
extraordinary caEeer; and yet there was
something significant in the tltle-some-
thing admonitory, too in the history of the
iron circle now binding his aspiring head,
testifying to terrible vicissitude in even
royal destiny, that might have suggested, to
less iEordinate ambition, this auspicious
moment as the climax of renown, and
promted to timely and dignifed response,
when unparalleled achievement had made
the soldier of fortune, Emperor of France,
conqueror of Germany,and now seated him
on the throne of the Caesars, with all of Ca-
sar's sway, and more than Cesars tri-
umph.
"Hosii5ns ubique fusis, cnsis, captis."
On presenting my credentials,a at the Ar
chiepiscopal palace, was informed by the
Secretary that his Reverence was too un-
we'll, or, what was the same in effect, per-
haps disinclined to play the host, or cicero
ne in this occasion; but that directions
would be given to have my curiosity graft
fed, at the Cathedral, at four o'clock IN
the afternoon and that he, the Secretary,
would meet me there to do The honors, in
The absence of the chief. The appointed
hour found US approaching the venerable
and time worn edifce, almost co-eval with
the precious relic it enshrined; but we
we're little prepared for the reception that
awaited us.
Rumors of some extraordinary event. that
had occasioned the portals of the Sanctua-
ry to be opened at an unusual season. had
brought together the assembled population
of the village, which divided itself into two
ranks 10 allow me 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 follow
ed forgot which the etiquette of the oc-
casion required-by my delighted valet
Here, however, he and the profane crowd
paused for the barrier, opened to admit
me to the sanctum where priests, in their
robes, the secretary, in dignified courtesy,
and censors flinging oders around, awaited
me; closed upon my gaping attendants, who
stood wondering, in the distance, rather at
the object of this distinction than at the
display of treasures antiquity, sanctity, and
superstition had accumulated.
After much ceremony, the Iron crown
was produced. 1t is composed of single
spike, or nail, said to have been that which
bound the feet of our blessed Saviour 10 the
cross but now bent to circle that about
fits the head. To the outer circumference
of this is affixed broad plate of gold stud
ded with precious stones, which conceals,
when placed on the head, the homely but
venerable material from which this dadem
takes its name, and gives to it appropriate
massiveness and splendor. | was permit
ted to take it into my hands; and, despite
the doubtful tradition to which this ring of
iron owes its peculiar interest, could not
but regard it, for the moment, with the eye
of credulity, or avoid indulging IN reAec-
ton upon the various purposes to which 1t
had been applied. 1t had been an nstru-
ment Of impious martyrdom had bound to
the accursed tree, the worlds ncarnate
Sovereign; and had encircled, with glory,
the temples Of an earthly monarch. 1t had
witnessed God, scofed at as a criminal, and
man, his creature an object of homage, due
only to God. 1t was stained with blood,