But marble, such as he liked, could not
readily be procured: dissensions arose, and the work remained in the
models. The interposition of the Duke of York--the malevolence of the
commissioners--the Puritanic, for I will not call them Protestant,
prejudices of the clergy--and, I must add, the tastelessness of the
nation at large, have all conspired to diminish the interior glory
of St. Paul's, and render it less imposing on the mind than many a
cathedral of less mark and reputation.--George III. saw what was
wanting, and would have endeavoured to supply it; but all his efforts to
overcome the ecclesiastical objections were unavailing. Let us hope that
some of that truly good and English king's descendents may have better
success.--_Family Library_, No. xix.
* * * * *
DEATH OF RICHELIEU.
Richelieu in the meantime had reached his palace in the capital.
Roman despot was never more courted nor more feared; but death was
coming fast to close his triumphant career. A mortal malady wasted him:
yet the cardinal abated nothing of his pride, nor of his vindictiveness.
Pages:
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63