 | Lady Layard’s Journal Go to a Date Search the Journal |
|
Previous Entry
|
Following Entry
| |
16 January 1899 — Rome | |
Monday. 16th January [1899]. Got up 7.30. Ersilia Canevaro called for me at 9.30 & took me to the service in the Pantheon for the anniversary of the King Victor Emmanuel’s death. The building was all hung with black & a great catafalque filled up the centre with lighted candles & torches in quantities. We went to the Diplomatic Tribune & I sat with Maria Cozzi in a quiet place. The service began at 10 & as we were close to the altar we could see all well. The music was very bad & badly executed. Three priests in black & silver officiated—& when the Mass was over they went round the catafalque censing it & sprinkling it with holy water. As the real tomb was in another corner it seemed very absurd to be going thro’ such ceremonies over an empty wooden frame work. As I watched it I could not help thanking God that he had permitted me to be born a Protestant. The ceremonies, the place, the whole thing had such a Pagan feeling—one cannot believe in such a religion being acceptable to the Almighty! The King & Q. were not present but their household, & all the officials. The service lasted abt an hour after which Ersilia brought me back to the hotel in her carriage. I lunched at 1 & then at 3.30 Lady Vivian called for me with Violet & took me for a drive. We paid a visit to Mrs Broadwood, Piazza d’Independenza– We went afterwards to Mme de Westenberg’s whose “day” it also was & when there were a great many people. Then to Palazzo Fiano to call on Mme d’Antas whose husband is now Portuguese Ambr to the Pope. She did not know I was in Rome & was surprised & delighted to see me & she sent for M. d’Antas who gave me also a very kind reception. We had been colleagues in Madrid many years ago. Lady Vivian carried me back to dinner with her. She was still very sad having trouble with her children. At 10 she sent me home to my hotel in her carriage & was going to take Violet to a ball. | |
|
Previous Entry
|
Following Entry
| |