He also empties a purse, containing an offering
of 100 _scudi d'oro_, into a silver basin near the crucifix. When the
Pope is about to make the first genuflection, the choir begins to sing
the _improperii_, the sentiments of which, and the chant composed by
Palestrina [92], are admirably adapted to the pathetic ceremony. In
them God enumerates the unparalleled benefits which he lavished upon
the Jews, and the atrocious crimes by which they repaid Him. At the
end of each _improperium_ or reproach, the Trisagion is sung by one
choir in Greek, and in Latin by another "Holy God! Holy strong one!
Holy immortal, have mercy on us"[93]. The Pope then returns to his
throne; he resumes his previous vestments and reads the _improperii_
from the Missal held as usual by an assist. bishop kneeling. The
Cardinal celebrant and all the other members of the sacred college,
after their shoes have been taken off, assisted by the _Ceremonieri_
revere and kiss the crucifix in the same manner as the Pope has done;
and each of them leaves an offering of a _scudo d'oro_ according to
an ancient custom.[94] When they return to their places, their shoes
are put on by their respective _camerieri_, who afterwards leave the
chapel. The patriarchs and bishops assistant and non-assistant and the
generals of religious orders without shoes, and all the other prelates
etc. wearing their shoes, _adore_ and kiss the cross in like manner,
observing the same order as in going to receive palms on the preceding
sunday; and they also make their offerings before the cross.
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