Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1853-04-14
The Emperor Charles the Finh.

The readers of Robertson's account of the
Emperor Charles V. will remember many
touching incidents which are narrated as hav.
ing occurred after he had resigned the sceptre
and retired to the cloister. Mr.. Stirling has
recently written the closter life ofthe Empe'
ror, in which he pronounces many OF the Incl
dents related by Robertson to be fictitious
We have not seen Stlrling's book, but the ed
itors of the New York Evening Post who
have enjoyed that pleasure, give the following
account of some Of the points of difference be-
tween Mr. Stirling and DR.. Robertson:
Mr.. Stirling demolishes many of the touch.
ing incidents and moral situations which DR..
Robertson has recorded in his history. The
Doctor prostrates Charles upon the shore
when he lands in Spain to salute the mighty
mother, and utters diatribes against the Span
iards for their neglect ofthe ex-Emperor. he
gives also a moving tale "of the deep affiiction
of Charles at his sons ingratitude,' and the
forced residence at Burgos, for some weeks,
before Philip paid the first moety OF the small
pension which was all the Emperor had re'
served of so many kingdoms" There is not
the slightest foundation for all this. His pro-
gress to his retreat was regal. Provinces and
cities empticd to do him homage. On leav'
ing Burgos he thanked God that he was get
ting beyond the roach Of ceremony.
As to "his table, neat and plain" in his
cloister. according to the Robertsonian theory,
his attendants bear witness that their masters
besetting sin was eddcitas damnosa an inordi-
nate appetite. Eating was qualification he
could not resist, and the supply of bis table
was the main subject Of the correspondence
betw cen the majordomo and the Secretary OF
State. He continued to dine to the last on
rich dishes, and drank heartily of good wine
Robertson's "humble retreat--hardly sufficient
far private eentleman-four out OF the SIX
rooms in the form of iriar's cells, with naked
walls, and all on level with the ground
was wing built expressly for Charles, some
what in the style of an Italian villa. 1t was
two stories, containing eight rooms, connected
with sunny galleries outside, and well warm
ed by fre.places, within. The walls were
hung with plain cloth instead ofarras. HIS
supply of fine linen was very large. lie re-
posed supported by six soft cushions on vel
vet chair with wheels. He had thirteen thou
sand ounces OF gold and sill er plate. "Ihe
meanest utensil Of his bed.chamber was made
ofthat material & it may be suspected from the
homey English Lame imperfectly Castiianiz'
ed. that the article dad been delicate attention
from the enamored Mary" (of Engapd')
DR.. Robertson's pretty story, so often re-
peated that the ex Emperor, on failing to
make any two watches keep time together,
confessed his regret for ever having attempted
to enforce a conformity of religion is also mere
romance. The older Charles grew the stron
ger became his bigotry and his anxie'y-"tha,,
all all lost sheep by tbs help Of Gods dogs and
croziers. might be got safe into' and duly
sheared in, the one true Roman and Apostolic
fold ,:a
ITO Visits" and ..entertaned at his table, &C.
cording to Robertson, are beings who .h ne, nsvs,
existed. Charles never conceded the honor
- dinner ;nvitation but once in his life, and
then only to the great Duke of Alva.
His existence was by no means that pctur'
ed by Robertson, ofa man perfectly disengag'