of the Pantheon), to make some researches; and on the 14th of
September in the same year, after five days spent in removing the
pavement in several places, the remains of Raphael were discovered
in a vault behind the high altar, and certified as his by
indisputable proofs. After being examined, and a cast made from the
skull and [one] from the right hand, the skeleton was exhibited
publicly in a glass case, and multitudes thronged to the church to
look upon it. On the 18th of October, 1833, a second funeral
ceremony took place. The remains were deposited in a pine-wood
coffin, then in a marble sarcophagus, presented by the Pope (Gregory
XVI), and reverently consigned to their former resting-place, in
presence of more than three thousand spectators, including almost
all the artists, the officers of government, and other persons of
the highest rank in Rome."

This event, as will appear in the sequel, is our best precedent for
not permitting a sentimental respect for departed greatness to
interfere with the respectful examination of a great man's remains,
wherever such examination may determine a question to which
"universal history is NOT indifferent."

Toland tells us that Milton's body was, on November 12, 1674,
carried "to the Church of S. Giles, near Cripplegate, where he lies
buried in the Chancel; and where the Piety of his Admirers will
shortly erect a Monument becoming his worth, and the incouragement
of Letters in King William's Reign." {19} It appears that his body
was laid next to that of his father. A plain stone only was placed
over the spot; and this, if Aubrey's account be trustworthy, was
removed in 1679, when the two steps were raised which lead to the
altar. The remains, however, were undisturbed for nearly sixteen