Note 18 — GOLD, SILVER, AND JEWEL WORK
Reading edition
This marvel is related by the Monk of Silos. A quotation from another of my books is applicable here. “Last year,” I wrote in 1902—(pp. 64, 65 of Toledo and Madrid: Their Records and Romances)—“the young King Alfonso the Thirteenth paid a visit to Oviedo cathedral, and was duly shown the relics and the jewels. Among these latter was the ‘Cross of the Angels.’
“‘Why is it so called?’ inquired the king.
“‘Because,’ replied the bishop of the diocese, ‘it is said that the angels made it to reward King Alfonso the Chaste.’
“‘Well, but,’ insisted the young monarch, ‘what ground is there for thinking so?’
“‘Señor,’ replied the prelate, ‘none whatever. The time for traditions is passing away.’”