Even in the smaller cities great efforts were sometimes made
on these occasions. When Duke Borso came in 1453 to Reggio, to receive
the homage of the city, he was met at the gate by a great machine, on
which St. Prospero, the patron saint of the town, appeared to float,
shaded by a baldachin held by angels, while below him was a revolving
disc with eight singing cherubs, two of whom received from the saint
the scepter and keys of the city, which they then delivered to the
Duke, while saints and angels held forth in his praise. A chariot drawn
by concealed horses now advanced, bearing an empty throne, behind which
stood a figure of Justice attended by a genius. At the corners of the
chariot sat four grey-headed lawgivers, encircled by angels with
banners; by its side rode standard-bearers in complete armor. It need
hardly be added that the goddess and the genius did not suffer the Duke
to pass by without an address. A second car, drawn by a unicorn, bore a
Caritas with a burning torch; between the two came the classical
spectacle of a car in the form of a ship, moved by men concealed within
it. The whole procession now advanced before the Duke. In front of the
church of St. Pietro, a halt was again made. The saint, attended by two
angels, descended in an aureole from the facade, placed a wreath of
laurel on the head of the Duke, and then floated back to his former
position.
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