a
temptation. The diamonds, especially those which compose a cross
surmounting the centre, are of the purest water, and of immense size.
But in the midst of the dazzling and harmonious intricacy of this gem of
all colours, there is a centre of attraction, which took my fancy more
than the rest. Immediately under the centre ball, an immense spherical
emerald, which supports the diamond cross, is a small bird suspended on
a hook within the crown. All the parts of this bird are composed of
white enamel, except the body, around which the wings, legs, neck, and
head, are attached, and which consists of a pearl of an oval form, about
the size of a sparrow's egg. The movement of the statue during a
procession, keeps the bird (hanging from its hook) in constant
agitation, and produces the effect of a living bird enclosed in a cage
of precious stones.[6]

A pair of bracelets, possessing no less magnificence than the crown, but
rather too heavy and bulky to be graceful, are suspended in the same
recess, and worn on the same occasions.

It should not be forgotten, as a proof of the judgment shown in the
choice of ornaments, which, as far as regards the front, consist
principally of diamonds, that the complexion of the Virgin of the
Sagrario, is more than dark--in fact, quite black.[7] The innermost of
the three apartments forming the chapel of the Sagrario is called the
Ochavo, and is the deposit of a collection of relics of all kinds. It is
an octagon, surmounted at an elevation of more than double its diameter
by a dome ornamented with excellent painting. The walls are faced with
the best Spanish marbles. Each of the eight sides contains an open
recess reaching to the first cornice--an elevation of about twenty-five
feet; and in these recesses are contained all the valuable relics
belonging to the cathedral;--a rich display of silver statues,
reliquaries, coffins, chests, and crosses of gold and silver, some
containing jewels of great value. A silver statue of Saint Ferdinand
wearing a golden crown is among the objects most worthy of remark; also
a cross containing a portion of the true cross, presented to the
cathedral by St. Louis. This and several other relics, such as a phial
containing the Virgin's milk, a portion of our Saviour's purple garment,
&c., were presented to the cathedral by St. Louis on his return from the
east, and are here preserved, together with the letter in his own
hand-writing, which accompanied them.