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nsecrated cranium. "'But of all the relics of which we ever read, some Germans who visited Italy in search of these precious mementos received the most remarkable. "'One of these gentlemen, having applied to an ecclesiastic for some memento of Scripture history which he could take back to Germany, was both astonished and delighted by receiving a carefully prepared package, which he was assured contained a veritable leg of the ass on which was made the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when the people strewed palm branches in the way and shouted hosannas. "'He was enjoined to keep the treasure a secret until he reached home, which injunction he scrupulously obeyed. "'Arriving in Germany, he disclosed to his four companions the wonderful relic. They were much surprised, for each had been secretly intrusted with the same remarkable treasure. So it appeared that the ass had _five_ legs, which, of itself, would have been something of a miracle. "'Whether these wiseacres ever visited the Latin kingdom in search of relics again I am not apprised.' "Cologne is full of relics. The people regard them with reverence; they serve the purpose of scriptural object-teaching to them. But they only shock the tourist who has been educated to believe that religion is a spiritual life, and that Christ's kingdom is a spiritual kingdom, and not of this world." * * * * * Several of the stories related by the boys this evening were historical. THE STORY AND LEGEND OF CHARLEMAGNE. Charles the Great, or Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Roman Emperor, was born, probably at Aix-la-Chapelle, in 742. His empire at first embraced the larger part of what is now France and Germany, but it extended under his wars until at last it nearly filled Europe, and he wore the crown of Rome and the West. Napoleon, at the height of his power, governed nearly the whole territory that was once ruled by the mighty Charlemagne. He was one of the greatest and wisest men in the history of the world. He encouraged learning, and opened a school in his palace; he maintained morality and aimed to spread Christianity throughout the world. The Saxons were heathens. They honored a great idol called the Irmansaul. They were opposed to Charlemagne, and constantly threatened his frontiers. Charlemagne invaded their country, overthrew the great image, and after many struggles reduce
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