Sayfa 956 / 1118

It was said that on a certain day, a citizen had seen an equipage

with six horses stop in the square of the cathedral. Within it

was a person of a noble and majestic figure, dark complexion,

eyes inflamed, and lips compressed and threatening. The spectator

being invited to enter the carriage, complied. After a short

circuit, it made a halt before the gate of a magnificent palace.

Entering it he beheld mingled scenes of delight and horror,

frightful deserts and smiling gardens, dark caverns and

magnificent saloons. Phantoms were seated in council. They showed

him large boxes of money, telling him he might take as many of

them as he chose, provided he would accept at the same time a

little vase of poison, and consent to employ it against the

citizens. He refused, and in a moment found himself at the place

from which he had been taken. This story, generally believed by

the people, spread all over Italy. An engraving of it was made in

Germany.