[205] We should surmise the circular shape to be no less symbolical than the other facts, and to denote the eternity of the church.
[206] F. Mullooly, S. Clement, Pope and Martyr, and his Basilica at Rome.
[207] Cæs. Comm.
[208] Josephus.
[209] “This image of the Druids is of a Moorish color, as are nearly all the others in the church of Chartres. We suppose this to have been done by the Druids and others who followed them, on the presumptive complexion of the oriental people, who are exposed more than we to the heat of the sun; for which reason the Spouse in the Canticle of Canticles says that the sun has discolored her, and that, although she is dark, she does not cease to be beautiful. Nevertheless, Nicephorus, who had seen several pictures of the Virgin taken by S. Luke from life, says that the color of her countenance was σιτοχρόε, or the color of wheat. This seems to mean the brown or chestnut color of wheat when ripe.”
[210] “The Virgin was of middle height.... Her hair bordered on gold, her eyes were bright and sparkling, with the pupils of an olive color; her eyebrows arched, and of a black tinge, very pleasing. Her nose was long, her lips bright red, her face neither round nor sharp, but somewhat long; her hands and fingers equally so. She was in all things modest and grave, speaking but seldom and to the purpose; ready to listen to every one, affable to all, honoring each according to their quality. She used a becoming freedom of speech, without laughter and without perturbation, without being moved to anger. She was exempt from all pride, without lowering her dignity, and without fastidiousness, and showing in all her actions great humility.”
[211] “The church of Chartres is the most ancient in our kingdom, having been founded by prophecy in honor of the glorious Virgin Mother before the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in which the same glorious Virgin was worshipped during her lifetime.”
[212] All’s Well that Ends Well, act ii. sc. iii.
[213] The mention of the name of Montalembert by the writer of the present article gives us the occasion to make an explanation which we think it proper to make, on account of some criticisms that have been called forth by the manner in which we have spoken of him in former articles. The eulogium which we give or permit others to give this illustrious man in our pages by no means implies any approbation of any opinions or acts of his in sympathy with the party known by the sobriquet of “Liberal Catholics.” These were deflections from a course which was in the main orthodox and loyal, and it is not for these deflections that we honor his memory, but for his virtues, merits, and services, and the cordial submission to the authority of the Holy See at the close of life, by which he effaced the memory of his faults.—Ed. C. W.
[214] These facts are chiefly gathered from an article on Hawthorne by Mr. Stoddard; but this anecdote is from a weekly publication, to which we are also indebted for the incident in the life of Edgar A. Poe.