[231] Fl. Acad.
[232] See Ford’s ‘Handbook of Spain;’ also Goethe’s ‘Theory of Colours,’ translated by Sir C. Eastlake. ‘When a yellow colour is communicated to dull and coarse surfaces, such as common cloth, felt, or the like, on which it does not appear with full energy, the disagreeable effect alluded to is apparent. By a slight and scarcely perceptible change, the beautiful impression of fire and gold is transformed into one not undeserving the epithet foul, and the colour of honour and joy reversed to that of ignominy and aversion. To this impression, the yellow hats of bankrupts, and the yellow circles on the mantles of Jews, may have owed their origin.’ (P. 308.)
[233] Fl. Gal.
[234] Manfrini P., Venice.
[235] Fl. Acad.
[236] In the gallery of Lord Charlemont, Dublin.
[237] MS., No. 7206. Bib. du Roi.
[238] Florence, S. Maria Novella. It is clear that the extravagant legends which refer to Judas Iscariot were the inventions of the middle ages, and are as little countenanced by the writings of the early fathers as by the Gospels. Eusebius says, that ‘Christ gave like gifts to Judas with the other apostles; that once our Saviour had good hopes of him on account of the power of the free will, for Judas was not of such a nature as rendered his salvation impossible; like the other apostles, he might have been instructed by the Son of God, and might have been a sincere and good disciple.’ (Quoted in Lardner, vol. viii. p. 77.) The Mahometans believe that Christ did not die, that he ascended alive into heaven, and that Judas was crucified in his likeness. (Curzon, p. 185.)
[239] The Greek expression, ‘leaning on his bosom, or on his lap,’ is not, I believe, to be taken literally, being used to signify an intimate and affectionate intercourse.
[240] Florence Acad.