The exhibition was greatly improved, according to this promise of the artist.  His subject was chosen with much felicity; it was a representation of the forges of Vulcan under Mount AEtna.  The interior of the mount discovered Vulcan and his Cyclops.  Venus was seen to descend, and demand of her consort armour for AEneas.  Opposite to this was seen the palace of Vulcan, which presented a deep and brilliant perspective.  The labours of the Cyclops produced numberless very happy combinations of artificial fires.  The public with pleasing astonishment beheld the effects of the volcano, so admirably adapted to the nature of these fires.  At another entertainment he gratified the public with a representation of Orpheus and Eurydice in hell; many striking circumstances occasioned a marvellous illusion.  What subjects indeed could be more analogous to this kind of fire?  Such scenical fireworks display more brilliant effects than our stars, wheels, and rockets.

THE BIBLE PROHIBITED AND IMPROVED.

The following are the express words contained in the regulation of the popes to prohibit the use of the Bible.

“As it is manifest, by experience, that if the use of the holy writers is permitted in the vulgar tongue more evil than profit will arise, because of the temerity of man; it is for this reason all Bibles are prohibited (prohibentur Biblia) with all their parts, whether they be printed or written, in whatever vulgar language soever; as also are prohibited all summaries or abridgments of Bibles, or any books of the holy writings, although they should only be historical, and that in whatever Vulgar tongue they may be written.”

It is there also said, “That the reading the Bibles of catholic editors may be permitted to those by whose perusal or power the faith may be spread, and who will not criticise it.  But this permission is not to be granted without an express order of the bishop, or the inquisitor, with the advice of the curate and confessor; and their permission must first be had in writing.  And he who, without permission, presumes to read the holy writings, or to have them in his possession, shall not be absolved of his sins before he first shall have returned the Bible to his bishop.”

A Spanish author says, that if a person should come to his bishop to ask for leave to read the Bible, with the best intention, the bishop should answer him from Matthew, ch. xx. ver. 20, “You know not what you ask.”  And indeed, he observes, the nature of this demand indicates an heretical disposition.

The reading of the Bible was prohibited by Henry VIII., except by those who occupied high offices in the state; a noble lady or gentlewoman might read it in “their garden or orchard,” or other retired places; but men and women in the lower ranks were positively forbidden to read it, or to have it read to them, under the penalty of a month’s imprisonment.