174. When was the flag of a republic first set up on American soil?
In 1497, John Cabot discovered North America and set up—together with the standard of England—the banner of his native land, the republic of Venice.
175. What was the “Confederate candle”?
The “Confederate candle” consisted of a long wick coated with wax and resin, and wound on a little wooden frame, at the top of which was nailed a bit of tin. The end of the wick, being passed through a hole in the tin, was lighted and uncoiled as needed.
176. What was the Holy Grail?
According to some legends of the Middle Ages, the Holy Grail was the cup (said to be emerald) used by our Saviour in dispensing the wine at the Last Supper; and according to others, it was the platter on which the Paschal Lamb was served at the last Passover observed by our Lord. By some it was said to have been preserved by Joseph of Arimathea, who received into it the blood which flowed from the Redeemer’s wounds as he hung on the cross. By others it was said to have been brought down from heaven by angels, and committed to the charge of a body of knights, who guarded it on the top of a lofty mountain. This cup, according to the legend, if approached by any but a perfectly pure, chaste, and holy person, would be borne away, and vanish from their sight. This led to the quest of the Holy Grail, which was to be sought on every side by a knight who was perfectly chaste in thought, word, and act. It is to this that some of the later English poets have referred, especially Tennyson in his “Sir Galahad”:
“Sometimes on lonely mountain meres
I find a magic bark;
I leap on board; no helmsman steers;
I float till all is dark.