Thursday, April 16, 2009

Bony Finger

Charlemagne gave these instructions regarding his death. He was to be buried seated in the royal posture of a monarch on a throne. He also stated that the Gospels should be laid on his knees, his sword placed beside him, the imperial crown placed on his head, and the royal mantle on his shoulders. His body remained this way for 180 years.

About 1,000 A.D., Emperor Otho opened the tomb and the skeleton of Charlemagne was found dissolved and dismembered into various hideous postures. The skull still wore the crown, and the bony finger of the skeleton was pointing to this verse of Scripture: "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"