A series of subjects thus arranged cannot be called strictly historical, but partakes of the mystical and devotional character.  The purpose being to excite devout meditation, requires a particular sentiment, frequently distinguished from the merely dramatic and historical treatment in being accompanied by saints, votaries, and circumstances purely ideal; as where the Wise Men bring their offerings, while St. Luke sits in a corner painting the portrait of the Virgin, and St. Dominick kneels in adoration of the Mystery (Mabuse, Munich Gal.);—­and in a hundred other examples.

IV.  TITLES OF THE VIRGIN MARY.

Of the various titles given to the Virgin Mary, and thence to certain effigies and pictures of her, some appear to me very touching, as expressive of the wants, the aspirations, the infirmities and sorrows, which are common to poor suffering humanity, or of those divine attributes from which they hoped to find aid and consolation.  Thus we have—­

Santa Maria “del buon Consilio.”  Our Lady of good Counsel.

S.M. “del Soccorso.”  Our Lady of Succour.  Our Lady of the Forsaken.

S.M. “del buon Core.”  Our Lady of good Heart.

S.M. “della Grazia.”  Our Lady of Grace.

S.M. “di Misericordia.”  Our Lady of Mercy.

S.M.  “Auxilium Afflictorum.”  Help of the Afflicted.

S.M.  “Refugium Peccatorum.”  Refuge of Sinners.

S.M. “del Pianto,” “del Dolore.”  Our Lady of Lamentation, or Sorrow.

S.M.  “Consolatrice,” “della Consolazione,” or “del Conforte.”  Our Lady of Consolation.

S.M. “della Speranza.”  Our Lady of Hope.

Under these and similar titles she is invoked by the afflicted, and often represented with her ample robe outspread and upheld by angels, with votaries and suppliants congregated beneath its folds.  In Spain, Nuestra Senora de la Merced is the patroness of the Order of Mercy; and in this character she often holds in her hand small tablets bearing the badge of the Order. (Legends of the Monastic Orders, 2d edit.)

S.M. “della Liberta,” or “Liberatrice,” Our Lady of Liberty; and S.M. “della Catena,” Our Lady of Fetters.  In this character she is invoked by prisoners and captives.

S.M. “del Parto,” Our Lady of Good Delivery, invoked by women in travail.[1]

[Footnote 1:  Dante alludes to her in this character:—­

  “E per ventura udi ‘Dolce Maria!’
  Dinanzi a noi chiamar cosi nel pianto
  Come fa donna che ’n partorir sia.”—­Purg. c. 20.]

S.M. “del Popolo.”  Our Lady of the People.

S.M. “della Vittoria.”  Our Lady of Victory.

S.M. “della Pace.”  Our Lady of Peace.

S.M. “della Sapienza,” Our Lady of Wisdom; and S.M. “della Perseveranza,” Our Lady of Perseverance. (Sometimes placed in colleges, with a book in her hand, as patroness of students.)