CHAPTER X.

PILGRIMAGE TO ST. PETER'S.

ALMOST the first place the stranger visits in

Rome is the Cathedral of St. Peter. That huge edifice seems to be the centre of attraction. The art-glories of the Vatican, the memorials of fallen pride that gather in the Roman Forum, the sovereign pontiff himself, are not so remarkable as the grand pile in which the religion of half the civilized world is enshrined.

"To-day we go to St. Peter's," said Walter to his sister, one morning as they were waiting on the steps of the hotel for the gentlemen who were somewhat tardy in making their appear

ance.

"Good; I wonder we have not gone there before."

"I wish father would come."

"I am coming," said Mr. Percy, making his appearance, and soon after Mr. Tenant was on hand.

They walked slowly towards the Cathedral; and as they passed from street to street, the

"Yes, about its origin and history."

"Ah, yes."

"Then you will find me a listener."

"As to the origin of the Cathedral, I can soon tell you all I know. It is supposed to stand on or near the spot where the apostle, for whom it is named, was buried."

"Supposed?"

"Yes; for many have doubted whether Peter ever was at Rome."

"Is there no way of finding out?

"I know of none. All these things are matters of very vague and indefinite tradition."

"Well, what about the erection of the church?"

"It was at first an insignificant little chapel, which had more the appearance of a tomb than a temple. In the time of Constantine, this little structure was removed, and a fine church built. on the spot, which, in its turn, gave place to the magnificent Cathedral."

"Do you know what it cost, and how long it took to finish it?"

"It required more than three centuries to complete it; forty-three popes gave it their time and attention, and when finished, seventy millions of dollars had been expended upon it. It covers between five and six acres, and is kept in repair at an expense of about thirty thousand dollars annually."

Walter," asked Minnie, "how many square feet are there in the number of acres father named?"

"About two hundred and forty thousand square feet, as near as I can calculate."

The young reader will figure it out, and see how near Walter came to it.

The party now approached the edifice, and stood looking upon its noble exterior.

The best idea of the building will be obtained if you imagine an immense circular area enclosed with the finest colonnade in the world, the front open, and the rear filled up by the Cathedral. In this area two fine fountains are ever playing, and between them a column, surmounted by a cross, rises to the height of a hundred feet. The colonnades are formed by two hundred and eighty-four columns, sixty feet high, covered with spacious galleries. These form a magnificent entrance to the church, bending around the visitor as he advances, impressing him with

an idea of strength and dignity. The front of the church is somewhat marred by a façade, which hides the proportions of the building, and but poorly compares with the architectural design of the monstrous dome. Passing between marble figures of Peter and Paul, we enter the church, and pause, almost overpowered with the effect produced. The colossal statues, the vaulted roof, the spacious aisles, the hurrying priests, and the wonderful dome, all produce in the mind a feeling of awful sublimity.

The first emotion of awe being over, our party began to look about. They found the service being performed in different parts of the building, in different dialects; they saw multitudes of men and women walking about or kneeling on the floor; they saw the grand altar, beneath the dome, and heard the music from sounding organs and harmonious choirs.

As they walked about, Walter asked, "What image is that?"

They all looked, and Minnie cried out,"I declare!"

"You do! what do you declare?" asked her father.

"Why, they are kissing it!"

"So they are," said Walter. "What is it, pa?"

"It is a bronze statue that is here reverenced as that of Peter."

"Where did it come from?"

"It was found among the ruins of old Rome, and is supposed to have been an image of Jupiter. One of the popes put it here, and thousands come and offer it their homage."

They walked up to it, and found the great toe of one foot, which was extended, worn down flat.

"What has done that? Minnie asked.

"It has been kissed away."

"Kissed away?" queried Walter, in surprise. "Yes, by pilgrims and devotees." "What simpletons, to kiss a bronze toe!" "Mr. Tenant," said Minnie.

"What, my child?"

"Hold me up."

"What for?"

"I want to kiss that toe."

"Nonsense!" exclaimed Walter.

"When you are with the Romans, do as Romans do!" answered the child.

Mr. Tenant lifted her up, and she kissed the toe; and when she had performed the act, Walter, with a laugh, inquired if she felt any better.

"I don't get," said Walter to his father, "an idea of the vastness of this building."