n the four coffins
containing the several bodies of the royal dead, the leaden covering to
one of which had been pried off by French bayonets in search of
treasures supposed to have been buried with the body. But this
sacrilegious injury to the casket has been carefully repaired. Close at
hand, in a corner of this vault, was seen the metallic coffin which
contains the remains of Prince Miguel of Portugal,--the little fellow
who was thrown from his pony while riding in the streets of Granada and
killed. Had this boy lived to grow to man's estate, he would doubtless
have united and reigned over both Spain and Portugal. The cathedral,
which adjoins the chapel, is one of the glories of Spain, so to speak,
and is a very grand and noble structure, full of superb workmanship, art
treasures in oil paintings, and sculpture; among which are examples from
Alonzo Cano and Torrigiano. The architectural effect of the interior is
harmonious and beautiful, and was the work, or rather design, of Diego
de Siloe, whose father was a famous sculptor, and, if we mistake not,
was the author of that marvelous alabaster tomb at the convent of
Miraflores, in Burgos. This cathedral was finished three hundred and
sixty odd years ago, a year after the death of Ferdinand, who survived
Isabella some twelve years.

In the sacristy we were shown portraits of Philip and Joanna, and, in
one of the chapels, admirable pictures of Ferdinand and Isabella. The
relics in the sacristy are of special interest. Here we saw the golden
crown of Isabella, and, above all in interest, the precious box of pure
gold from which she sold her jewels, to purchase an outfit to enable
Columbus to sail on his first voyage to the new world. The box is
exquisitely engraved, and has a few precious stones inlaid upon it: we
see no such engraving nowadays. It was very heavy, as pure ore always
is, and was some twelve inches long, half as wide, and about five inches
in depth. It was impossible not to feel a thrill of emotion upon taking
in one's hand this sacred relic. We were also shown the state sword of
Ferdinand, and the royal sceptre carried by Isabella. Everything
relating to this "queen of earthly queens" is of vital interest, and
especially so to Americans. It was she whom Bacon described as "an
honor to her sex and the corner-stone of the greatness of Spain." We
were reminded, while looking upon these precious objects belonging to
the king and queen, of the Bridge of Pinos,