It was composed
of human skulls, on a pedestal of thigh bones, the whole let into the
wall, and secured by a rough kind of stucco.
"Certainly these people have curious ways of exciting devotional
fervor, and keeping death in memory," said Lady Mabel.
"One might suppose them to have remarked the grave-digger, who deals
habitually with the moldering remains of humanity, to be the most
God-fearing of men," said L'Isle; "so they seek to afford to every one
the devotional incentives peculiar to the grave-digger. Yet their
symbols serve rather to familiarize us with material death in this
world, than to remind us of a spiritual life in the world to
come. They often teach no better lesson than 'Eat, drink, and be
merry, for to-morrow we die.'"
"I have been told," said Lady Mabel, "that in spite of these pious
devices, the people have lost much of their devotional ardor and
fullness of faith."
"Not the rustic population," said L'Isle; "the church still retains
full sway over them."
"I cannot say," observed Lady Mabel, as they turned to proceed on
their way, "that the Romish system is very attractive to me. But,
viewing it as a sensuous worship, if ever I become a convert, it will
be through the influence of its music.
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