At most can we suppose that the architect of Bourges intended by those five doors to figure the five wounds of Christ.

Even then we should be left to wonder why he placed all the wounds in a single line; for that church has no transept, no arms at the end of which the holes in the hands may be symbolized by doors, which is the usual course." "And the cathedral at Antwerp, which has two more aisles ?" "They no doubt typify the seven avenues, the seven gifts of the Paraclete.

This question of number leads me to speak of theological enumeration, a peculiar element which plays a part in the varied subject of symbolism," the Abbe went on.

"The allegorical science of numbers is a very old one.

Saint Isidor of Seville, and Saint Augustine studied it.
Michelet, who talks nonsense as soon as he has to do with a cathedral, is hard on the mediaeval architects for their belief in the meaning of figures.