I am very moved by one detail br in the coronation at Vlachernai of John Kantakuzinos br and Irini, daughter of Andronikos Asan. br Because they had only a few precious stones br (our afflicted empire was extremely poor) br they wore artificial ones: numerous pieces of glass, br red, green, or blue. I find br nothing humiliating or undignified br in those little pieces of colored glass. br On the contrary, they seem br a sad protest against br the unjust misfortune of the couple being crowned, br symbols of what they deserved to have, br of what surely it was right that they should have br at their coronation—a Lord John Kantakuzinos, br a Lady Irini, daughter of Andronikos Asan.br br Constantine P.