form and ceremonial, however obsolete for practical purposes, there is observed a minute imitation of what was the rule in the Vatican. As formerly the Borgo, so now the street running towards Porta Pia, is closed by chains, while at the top of the great staircase are met the same turning-boxes that figured at the head of the Scala Reggia. At these wheels Cardinals are now allowed the privilege to hold conversation with visitors,[1] though subject to being overheard by attendant guardians, as also to receive letters under the restriction of their being first perused by these. It is superfluous to add that in spite of the severe penalties launched with the full weight of Pontifical anathema against every violation of the command that an inmate of Conclave should hold no intercourse with the world, and the non-repeal of these Papal enactments, the correspondence between the Cardinals within and their political friends without has
- ↑ No one is permitted access to these wheels—termed le rote nobile—unless provided with a small staff painted green or violet, and bearing some Cardinal's arms, or with a pass-medal from the Camerlengo, or Maggiordomo, or Governatore, or Marshal, or General Auditor of the Apostolic Chamber.
