But my description
seems like knocking off the noses of some of the busts, the fingers and
toes of the statues, the projecting points of the architecture, jumbling
them all up together, and flinging them down upon the page. This gives
no idea of the truth, nor, least of all, can it shadow forth that solemn
whole, mightily combined out of all these minute particulars, and
sanctifying the entire space of ground over which this cathedral-front
flings its shadow, or on which it reflects the sun. A majesty and a
minuteness, neither interfering with the other, each assisting the
other; this is what I love in Gothic architecture. We went in and walked
about; but I mean to go again before sketching the interior in my poor
water-colors.
October 4th.--On looking again at the Palazzo Publico, I see that the
pillared portal which I have spoken of does not cover an entrance to the
palace, but is a chapel, with an altar, and frescos above it. Bouquets
of fresh flowers are on the altar, and a lamp burns, in all the daylight,
before the crucifix.
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