The anti-monopolist., 1874-12-03

InC AASueo duu OuICTlcS OF the Tree
thinkers would respond to the trans
ports Of the faithful. To illustrate the
truth of this assertion, we need only
recall the scenes which occurred, last
May "a. when the mob thooght it per-
ceived Plus TX. at one of the windows
Of the Vatican. The alley of the gar
den which the holy father prefers is
one covered with convolvulus, and bor-
dered with fine orange trees. He likes
to sit at its furthest end upon a
wooden bench placed under the
shadow of q weeping willow,
and near fountain popularity known
as the Zitelli. Sometimes he stops
to feed his pigeons, which are contained
in an avairy, and have feathers as white
as his own robe. When the weather is
very warm Plus TX. chooses another
alley equally well shaded with orange
trees, but Of other and thicker growth.
At the end of this grove is miniature
reproduction of the grotto of Lourds,
with statue of the Virgin and the
miraculous fountain. Sometimes he
pursues his walk further into the gar
den amongst the trees and statues; but
he never descends to the lawn, although
his gardener had zealously designed
with box-plant the pApal arms and the
words, Pho Mono, po'ati flee massimao, in
gigantic letters upon its center.
Although he uses a cane, Plus TX,
walks very firmly, although he is some
what bent. He sometimes sits down.
not to rest himself, but to rest, as he
himself says. the legs of some of the old
cardinals, who can scarcely keep pace
with him. The holy father re-enters
the palace with his familiars about the
hour when the "Angelus'' rings, which
he recites aloud, and afterwards says
the ''De Profundis.' Then the special
audiences re-commence until supper
time. The pontifical supper is served
at 9 o'clock Immediately before the
Pope goes to bed, and is, if possible,
more frugal than the dinner. 1t con-
sists of broth and of two boiled pota.
toes, seasoned with salt, and some fruit.
| do not think there are many princes
or ccmmoners who would relish such
plain diet. His holiness goes to bed at
10. always unassisted by his attendants
The linen needed to bind up a
wound he has upon his leg
is, brought to him, and he binds it on
himself. Sometimes during this opera.
tion his valet hears him singing some
hymn il an undertone. Every one
knows that Plus TX. has charming
voice. rich and sonorous. His bed re.
sernbles collegian's, being made OF
iron, without curtains, and has only a
strip of carpet two feet long in front OF
it. In this simple chamber the holy
father takes his well.earned rest. Plus
TX. sleeps as quietly as child.
His health is extraordinary for his
age. Ohce week his doctor and sur
geon come to visit him in order to dis
charge their duty. He lets them feel
his pulse, and when they declare him to
be free from fever he gives them their
congo with q few kind words and
pleasant jokes, such as are natural to
his gentle and valuable character. All
kinds Of trials have fallen upon the au-
gust old mans shoulders without crush
ing him. and without depriving him OF
his natural serehity. The bark OF
Peter is accustomed to encounter
storms, and floats in them as IN its
natural element. If ever you visit the
admirable library Of the Vatican you
will see in one of its showcases little
golden cross, which was found in an an
cient urn buried in the basilica of San
Lorenzo. The cross belonged to Plus
TX. He gave it to the library, and
wrote under it these words, which are a
resume of all his life, and will very
aptly close this little chronicle: Crux
est vita mea. Mors inimica tibi.