In finishing these words, Corinne and Lord Nelville approached the door of the church.  “Another glance towards this immense sanctuary,” said she to Nelville:  “See how little man appears in presence of religion, even when we are reduced to consider only its material emblem!  See what immobility, what eternity, mortals can give to their works, whilst they themselves pass away so rapidly, and only survive themselves by their genius!  This temple is an image of the infinite, and there is no limit to the sentiments to which it gives birth—­to the ideas which it revives—­to the immense quantity of years which it recalls to our reflection, either of past or future ages; and on quitting its walls we seem to pass from celestial thoughts to worldly interests, from the eternity of religion to the atmosphere of time.”

When they were outside the church Corinne pointed out to Nelville Ovid’s Metamorphoses, which were represented on the gates in basso-relievo.  “We are not scandalised in Rome,” said she to him, “with the images of Paganism when they have been consecrated by the fine arts.  The wonders of genius always make a religious impression on the soul, and we make an offering to the Christian religion of all the masterpieces which other modes of worship have inspired.”  Oswald smiled at this explanation.  “Believe me, my lord,” continued Corinne, “there is much sincerity in the sentiments of nations who possess a very lively imagination.  But to-morrow if you choose I will conduct you to the Capitol.  I have, I hope, many other walks to propose to you.  When they are finished will you go?  Will you—­” She stopped, fearing she had said too much.  “No Corinne,” replied Oswald; “no, I will never renounce that gleam of happiness which my guardian angel, perhaps, causes to shine upon me from the height of heaven.”

FOOTNOTES: 

[7] A Frenchman in the late war, commanded the Castle of St Angelo; the Neapolitan troops summoned him to capitulate; he answered that the fortress should be surrendered when the Angel of Bronze should sheathe his sword.

[8] These facts are to be found in the History of the Italian Republics of the Middle Ages, by M. Simonde, of Geneva.  This history will certainly be considered as an authority; for we perceive, in reading it, that its author is a man of profound sagacity, as conscientious as he is energetic in his manner of relating and describing.

[9]
     “Eine Welt zwar bist du o Rom; doch ohne die Liebe,
     Waere die Welt nicht die Welt, waere denn Rom auch nicht Rom.”

These two verses are from Goethe, the German poet, the philosopher, the man of letters, whose originality and imagination are most remarkable.

[10] The Church of St Peter is said to be one of the chief causes of the Reformation, inasmuch as it cost the Popes so much money that they had recourse to the multiplication of indulgences in order to build it.