Page:Life in Mexico vol 2.djvu/207

Rh thus accomplished, now also resemble the Creator of the world, (hoy tambien se asememejan al Criador del mundo) in his content, when satisfied with his work.

"The cross which has been worthily placed on your Excellency's breast this day, reflects in such a singular manner upon the hearts of the valiant men of that period, (reflecta de un modo tan singular sobre los corazones de los valientes de aquella época) that their souls are expanded in contemplating it, by the honor which results to them from it.

"May your Excellency be happy one and a thousand times, with such a noble and worthy decoration. Let your Excellency receive in it the sincere congratulations of the garrison of Mexico, which figures in each stone of this cross, like the stars in the firmament."

"This ceremony being concluded, the two rewarded Generals presented themselves on the principal balcony of the palace, in front of which passed the brilliant column of honor; at its head marched the Commandant General, Don Valentin Canalizo; and the brilliancy, neatness and elegance which all the corps of the garrison displayed, is above all praise. When the regiment had passed, a sumptuous entertainment was served in one of the halls of the Minister of War, in which elegance, good taste and propriety rivalled one another; while repeated toasts showed the most sincere joy, united with the most patriotic and fraternal sentiments. Rain having begun to fall at about three in the afternoon, the paseo was on this account not so crowded as might have