Historical Description of Westminster Abbey Part 18

16. The feeding of the mult.i.tude.--_Matt._ xiv. 15.

17. The lunatic boy cured.--_Matt._ xvii. 14, &c.

18. Peter, the fish, and Temple tribute.--_Matt._ xvii. 27.

19. The blind man healed.--_Mark_ viii. 25.

20. Lazarus raised.--_John_ xi. 43.

21. The entry into Jerusalem.--_Matt._ xxi. 1.

22. The tribute to Caesar.--_Matt._ xxii. 15 and 21.

23. Little children brought to Christ.--_Mark_ x. 13.

24. The young rich man's question.--_Mark_ x. 17.

25. The widow's son restored.--_Luke_ vii. 11.

26. The agony in the garden.--_Matt._ xxvi. 39.

27. Jesus Christ captive before Pilate.--_Matt._ xxvii. 1, 2, &c.

28. Jesus Christ shown to the people.--_John_ xix. 5.

29. The Crucifixion.--_John_ xix. 25, &c.

30. The Resurrection.--_Matt._ xxviii. 1, &c.

31. Appearance to Mary Magdalen.--_John_ xx. 11.

32. The Ascension.--_Acts_ i. 9, &c.

The decorations which surround this circle are scrolages and ornaments of mosaic work on coloured grounds suited to the rest, among which are also interwoven the following symbols:--

1. I.H.S. at the Nativity.

2. The angel, the symbol of St. Matt.

3. The Paschal Lamb.

4. Cherub's head.

5. The pelican, as symbol of the Church.

6. Cherub's head.

7. The lion, the symbol of St. Mark.

8. The triangle, the symbol of the Trinity.

9. The hart, athirst for the water brooks.

10. The ox, the symbol of St. Luke.

11. Cherub's head.

12. The sacramental cup.

13. Cherub's head.

14. The dove descending.

15. The eagle, the symbol of St. John.

16. [Greek: A.o.]

In the left quatrefoil, at the corner, are the arms of the Abbacy; in the right the arms of the reigning sovereign; in the head of the arches beneath are figures of angels holding scrolls.

The subjects for the twelve lower windows are selected from the Old Testament, and are as follows:--

1. Noah's sacrifice.--_Gen._ viii. 20.

2. Abraham and the angels.--_Gen._ xviii. 1.

3. Jacob's dream.--_Gen._ xxviii. 12.

4. Joseph interpreting Pharoah's dream.--_Gen._ xli. 25.

5. The finding of Moses.--_Ex._ ii. 5.

6. Moses before the burning bush.--_Ex._ iii. 2.

7. Moses striking the rock.--_Ex._ xvii. 5.

8. Moses with the tables of the law.--_Ex._ xx. 20.

9. David chosen from among his brothers, and anointed by Samuel.--_1 Sam._ xvi. 13.

10. Dedication of the Temple by Solomon.--_1 Kings_ viii. 22.

11. Elijah's sacrifice.--_1 Kings_ xviii. 37, &c.

12. Josiah renewing the Covenant.--_2 Kings_ xxii. 3, &c.

Having thus noticed what is usually considered most interesting in the interior, we will take a glance at the exterior. We have already observed that the form of the Abbey is that of a cross, in which you are to consider Henry the Seventh's Chapel has no part. The south side answered exactly to the north in the original plan, by attending to which, you will be able to form a true judgment of the whole. The cloisters on the south side were added for the conveniency of the monks, and the contiguous buildings are of a still later date.

What will princ.i.p.ally engage your attention, in viewing the outside of this building (the new towers excepted), is the magnificent portico leading to the north cross, which, by some, has been styled the _Beautiful_, or _Solomon's Gate_. This portico is Gothic, and extremely beautiful; and over it is a most magnificent window of modern design, admirably executed. The entire height of the north front to the top of the centre pinnacle is one hundred and seventy feet.