Milan Cathedral
Over the triple doorways of the cathedral of Milan there are three inscriptions spanning the splendid arches.
- Over one is carved a beautiful wreath of roses, and underneath it is the legend, “All that which pleases is but for a moment.”
- Over the other is sculptured a cross, and there are the words, “All that which troubles us is but for a moment.”
- But underneath the great central entrance to the main aisle is the inscription, “That only is important which is eternal.”
If we always realize these three truths, we will not let trifles trouble us, not be interested so much in the passing pleasures of the hour. We should live for the permanent and the eternal.
Editor's Note: Takes this with a "grain of salt." It has come to our attention that this may not be accurate, or at least does not seem to be accurate in the current situation of the Cathedral of Milan. This illustration is in print though, and goes back many years (1800's). Given the Cathedral of Milan's long history of construction and its many stages it is possible there is an reasonable explanation. However that explanation is not readily apparent.