lliput," 1726).

[Asterism] Probably the dean had the Bible story of Samson and the
Philistines in his thoughts.

=Relics.= The following relics are worthy of note, if for no other reason,
because of the immense number of pilgrims who are drawn to them from all
parts of the world.

1. THE HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN. This is now to be seen at Loreto, a
town on the Adriatic, near Ancona, whither it was miraculously
transported through the air by angels in the year 1294. It had been
originally brought from Nazareth to Dalmatia in 1291, but after
resting there for three years was again lifted up and placed where
it now stands. It is a small brick structure surrounded by a marble
screen designed by Bramante and decorated with carvings and
sculptures by a number of celebrated sculptors. The church in which
the house stands was built over it to protect it shortly after its
arrival.

2. THE HOLY COAT. This is the seamless coat worn by Jesus, and for
which the soldiers drew lots at his crucifixion. It is described by
John alone of the evangelists: "Now the coat was without seam,
woven from the top throughout." John 19, 23. It is preserved at
Treves in the cathedral, and is shown at long intervals to the
faithful, attracting vast crowds of pilgrims from all parts of
Europe and America. It was last shown in 1891. The village of
Argenteuil, near Paris, disputes with Treves the possession of the
true garment, insisting on its own superior claim, but the right of
Treves is generally acknowledged by Catholics.

3. THE HOLY FACE. According to the legend, when Jesus was on His
way to Calvary, one of the women standing by, whose name was
Veronica, seeing Him sinking under the weight of the cross, gave
Him her handkerchief to wipe the sweat from His face. When He
returned it the impression of His face was left upon the cloth, and
remains distinctly to be seen at the present day.

4. THE SAINTE CHAPELLE at Paris, one of the most beautiful Gothic
buildings in Europe, was built as a shrine to contain the fragment
of the true Cross and a thorn from the Crown of Thorns given by
Louis IX. of France (Saint Louis). These relics have since been
transferred to the Treasury of Notre Dame, at Paris. The church at
Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle) also contains a fragment of the true
Cross. In va