Smyrna times., 1866-11-28
ISCELLAN NEO US.
Private Life of the Pope of Rome.

The solution of the Italian question is so
closely connected with the life OF the present
Pope that the general interest In every thing
concerning him is greatly increased The pri-
vate lie OF no prince can be more simple, regu-
lar, and unostentatlous than that of Plus the
Ninth. He rises at the peep of day, often in
winter while it is yet dark; and at seven clock,
after be has gone through portion of his bre-
WARY, repairs to the small chapel adjoining his
bedchamber, in order to read mass. When
this service is finished he breakfasts, during
which meal he causes the papers of the day to
be read to him, or converses with Cardinal
Merode, who is always about his person. Soon
after this Cardinal Antonelli, who inhabits q
part OF the upper rooms of the Vatican, makes
his appearance, in order to bring in his reports
concerning the affairs of the internal govern
men: or of foreign politics. At eleven o'clock
commence the audiences. The Pope, in his
long linen vestment, betakes himself to small
saloon, at the extreme end of which is a small
throne, covered by canopy and furnished with
velvet armchair, richly trimmed with gold,
and raised foot above the floor. Near this
chair, in which he seats himself, is a writing
table, covered with memorials and petitions
from every quarter of the globe, awaiting the
Papal decision. During the short pause which
takes place between the single auSiences he
the Cardinals present their contents known to
him.
The afability of the Popes at these levees,
In spite OF the strictness OF etiquette, has be-
come a proverb. Plus the Ninth possesses it
In high degree Persons are admitted sim
gly, or by twos and threes, kneel once at the
door, again in the middle of the room, and
once more directly in front of the throne, whence
the Pope extends his foot to those who desire
to kiss the golden cross embroidered on his slip
per, and where they remain in the same pos
ture until a sign is given them to rise. The
lalty are Immediately released, and the Pope
addresses some kind words to each in his ma
tive tongue, Italian, French, or Spanish, as
the case may be. Germans and the English,
however, must have an interpreter, as he is un.
acquainted with either ofthose languages. The
lower orders OF the clergy are suffered to knee
| for some minutes, and ottentimes have no signs
given to them. Bishops and cardinals, on the
contrary, after they have performed the pre-.
scribed genufexions, and have kissed the Pope
hand, seat themselves upon low stools Single
persons of high rank always kneel as soon al
they are addressed but this is a matter fires
choice, and by no menus obligatory. Cardina
Merode never omits the practice, although be
is the Popes most confidential friend
The Pope rises from his seat to receive prin
the room TO meet kings. and 80 far as the ante
room in order to greet emperors. Ladies les
distinguished than these high dignities, anG
their maids OF honor, are not permitted to en-
ter the Vatican, but receive their audience Ell
ther in the garden or In an adjoining gallery
They are expected to appear in black garments
and black wells, without distinction Of rank o.
age.
1t is interesting to hear the expression O
those who have Just left the audience-chambel
as they pass through the ante-room. He il
an ANGEL" cry his enthusiastic adherents-
And even the opponents of his political system
say: What an amiable mani st. Peter
chair has never held Pope possessed of sucl
attractive qualities as Plus the Ninth" Th
leyee ended, he partakes of simple dinner
which presents strong contrast with the ex
trayaqant luxury 80 prevalent at the papal ia
bic of the Middle Ages. Then comes, as i
. every private house in Rome, the siesta follow
ed by a drive, during which one or two card
mails strive to amuse his Holiness with thei
: conycrsation--no difficult task, as, when fre
from the pressure of political affairs, he is OF
cheerful mood, and listens with pleasure an
!. hearty laughs to anecdotes and the chit-chat Q
s the day. The carriage, which is surrounde
L by the Papal Guards, is stopped outside OF tn
walls of Rome, either in the vicinity of th
!, Pyramid OF Cestius, Monte Pincio, or the Ce
! losseum, the Pope and cardinals leave it tor
3 short walk, and then drive back to Rome
where frugal supper awaits them. The da
o Is closed with game Of billiards, which is Va
A ried by unrestrainsd and cheerful conversatio
: until ten O'Clock, at which hour every light
distinguished In the Vatican.--Hapsr's Weel
k. s# q .r