The most interesting chapel in Italy is the _Santa Maria
Novella_, in Florence. In this edifice is a famous picture.
On the right-hand side is a female figure with three children
at her knee; she is holding in one hand a little rod, and in
the other a golden apple; and she is pointing to an exceedingly
narrow door.
Yes, the gate of life is narrow, and rod and apple--chastisement and
reward--are necessary incentives urging entrance. (Text.)
(1570)