Page:Life in Mexico vol 1.djvu/126

106 The interior was never finished; yet, even as it stands, it cost the Spanish government three hundred thousand dollars. When we look at its strong military capabilities and commanding position, fortified with salient walls and parapets towards Mexico, and containing on its northern side great moats and subterranean vaults capable of holding a vast supply of provisions, the jealousy of the government and their suspicions that it was a fortress masked as a summer retreat, are accountable enough.

The Vice-Queen Galvez was celebrated for her beauty and goodness, and was universally adored in Mexico. A sister of hers, who still survives, and who paid me a visit the other day, says that her beauty chiefly consisted in the exceeding fairness of her complexion, very few blondes having then been seen in this part of the world.

From the terrace that runs round the Castle, the view forms the most magnificent panorama that can be imagined. The whole valley of Mexico lies stretched out as in a map; the city itself, with its innumerable churches and convents; the two great aqueducts which cross the plain; the avenues of elms and poplars which lead to the city; the villages, lakes and plains which surround it. To the north, the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe—to the south, the villages of San Agustin, San Angel, and Tacubaya, which seem embosomed in trees, and look like an immense garden. And if in the plains below, there are many uncultivated fields and many buildings falling to ruin, yet with its glorious enclosure of lofty mountains, above which tower the two