But, examining it more closely, Kenyon saw that it was carved in gray alabaster; most skillfully done to the death, with accurate imitation of the teeth, the sutures, the empty eye-caverns, and the fragile little bones of the nose.

This hideous emblem rested on a cushion of white marble, so nicely wrought that you seemed to see the impression of the heavy skull in a silken and downy substance.
Donatello dipped his fingers into the holy-water vase, and crossed himself.

After doing so he trembled.
"I have no right to make the sacred symbol on a sinful breast!" he said.
"On what mortal breast can it be made, then ?" asked the sculptor.

"Is there one that hides no sin ?" "But these blessed emblems make you smile, I fear," resumed the Count, looking askance at his friend.

"You heretics, I know, attempt to pray without even a crucifix to kneel at." "I, at least, whom you call a heretic, reverence that holy symbol," answered Kenyon.